Maui no ka 'oi

I just got back from a wonderful trip to Maui.
We took my mom and the kids.
We relaxed on the beach, snorkeled, went on a boat trip to Lanai, and ate way too much.

It was heaven.

Travels

I just got back from a trip to the midwest. Each year my husband's family gets together over the 4th of July holiday in their hometown, Watertown, South Dakota.

I just love it there.

Golfing at Watertown Muni (in the prairie wind!).
Hilltop huddles. Prairie flowers.

Nothing but farms as far as the eye can see.
Family get-together at the lake.
A pilgrimage to Rauville, where the family started out. Topped off with a lovely Lake Kampeska sunset followed by wild and crazy South Dakota fireworks.
Larry moved to California when he was 5, so he wasn't around when all the cousins were growing up. Sitting around the kitchen table with aunts, uncles, and cousins we heard lots, and lots of (mostly hilarious) family stories. The Welchs are warm, wonderful, loving people. I didn't want to leave.