I’ve visited the Maui Ocean Center many times on my trips to Maui. Everytime I go, I see and experience something new and exciting.
The video above gives a brief explanation on animal life in the oceans around Maui. Just in case you can’t snorkel or dive to see these animals first hand, this video will give you a ringside seat without getting wet or having to put on sunscreen. Relax and enjoy fun facts on the following: Hammer Head Sharks,Frogfish,Tiger Sharks,Parrot Fish, White Tip Reef Sharks, Moray Eels,Grey Reef Sharks and Black Tip Reef Sharks.
My kids really enjoyed their visits, I’m sure yours will too.
Our family visit at the Walt Disney Family Museum at the Presido in San Francisco was a very pleasant surprise. It was perfectly set up for educating the fans about the life and accomplishments of Walt Disney.
The curators of the museum limit the number of people entering at one time, so you don’t get that walking down Disneyland Main Street on Christmas Day feeling. The guests are taken on a journey starting with Disney’s youth and ending with his untimely death at 65. We are informed through photos, letters, recordings, artifacts, displays and film. I personally find his early years of the most interest. These are the years that really shape the engine of the individual. The stories can be delightful tales or harsh realities, or as in the case with Disney (like most people), both. Either way these experiences are the social DNA that produces the fruits of the individual.
The museum continues chronicling the ups and downs (mostly ups) of his many accomplishments and challenges. I was exhausted just reading about them, let alone what it must have been like doing them. Looking at who the museum visitors were was just as fascinating. I heard many foreign languages, I saw people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. I even saw a Goth kid admiring the exhibit (I think Minnie wore black lipstick). His art truly transcended all barriers.
I don’t recommend the museum for the very young. It is more of an educational experience than an entertainment experience (no rides…darn it!).
It amazes me that the world is still so enamored with Walt Disney. I’m surprised planet earth has not sprouted Mickey ears. Actually, I don’t think anyone would mind… (maybe Donald).
It’s a snowy day in Boulder today so my first thoughts (after the morning cup of Joe) are is there any way to skip work go directly to the airport and hop a plane to Maui. The answer, “No, pineapple head and get back to Planet Gotta Make a Living (and No Palm Trees for you!).” Well, maybe just looking at some old photos can help with the Maui joneses (great diversion,…I recommend it). As I look back at the photos I realize that the reason I enjoyed it so much was because it was such a great family experience.
There is so much for the family to do, snorkeling (swallowing salt water…yumm), body surfing (more salt water), hiking (Are wild boars around during the day?), tennis( that ball was “ IN,” you cannot be serious!) and generally soaking in the Aloha spirit. People talk about this and there really is an Aloha Spirit and once you experience it, you can never forget it. It’s really a number of things… the tropical weather, the aroma of the flowers, the gorgeous scenery and the wild life. But obviously the most important part is the people. The best way I can describe Hawaiians is gentle, warm and generally very “sweet”.
Our family has enjoyed the benefits of visits to the islands and except for the occasional screaming to stop for Shave Ice, everything has been amazing. My Hawaii book was inspired by these visits and it was a labor of love to write.
The son of a friend of mine has come up with a very sweet idea, Cinnamon Roll Day. Inspired, to say the least! Who can’t get behind occupying not only 99% but 100% of a cinnamon roll. Celebrating pastry is a fresh idea whose time has come (why didn’t I think of this?…well, I’m just not that creative). I see this idea rising to the national conscience (Cinnamon Roll, a nation turns its lonely lips to you). Why, because it’s scientifically impossible to think negative thoughts while eating a Cinnamon Roll (try it) and as my research confirms, it apparently can lead to good health. Sweden, one of the world’s healthiest countries, also celebrates National Cinnamon Bun Day (Kanelbullens Dag, celebrated on October 4th). Maybe there is something to this idea. Having at least one day where our collective endorphins surge can’t be all bad. But why only one day a year for Cinnamon Rolls? How about a breakfast pastry day of the month? We know we want one!
Thanks Ben, we need more forward thinking (and delicious) ideas like these, keep them coming. Check out this video from 9 News to get all the tasty details. Celebrate Colorado Cinnamon Roll Day on January 8!
NEW from Jibber Jabbers! Your toddler has an attitude…why shouldn’t his/her t-shirts? Check out these tees and tell us whether they sound like your little guy or gal in the comments below. We had toddlers once upon a time; we know they are cute, cuddly and have wills of steel! We are planning a tee giveaway soon – details later – but we’ll be judging who has the tot with the most attitude!
Your toddler has attitude! Buy him a tee that reflects his sentiments. “I may be small, but I’m still the man!” tells the world he is a force to be reckoned with! Simple 100% cotton, royal blue crew-neck tee with one-color screened graphic.
Your little diva may be small, but she sure has attitude! “My finger may be small, but I can still wrap my daddy around it” lets everyone know who’s really in charge! Simple 100% cotton, bright pink crew-neck tee with one-color screened graphic.
Warning! Warning! Toddler on the loose! You know what I’m talking about. Run for your lives and be sure to get your toddler this tee. Your friends and family really need a heads-UP! Simple 100% cotton, red crew-neck tee with one-color screened graphic.
Your toddler knows when to appeal to a higher authority. “Don’t make me call Grandma” puts everyone on notice – don’t mess with me, I have GRANDMA on my side! Simple 100% cotton, light yellow crew-neck tee with one-color screened graphic.
I visited the GoPro site and saw some amazing action footage. Athletes and thrill seekers rocking the planet.
While watching the video I thought why not document the adventurous life of babies, toddlers and kids the same way. For example, attach the camera to the helmet of a kid learning to ride a bike. This could make a very hysterical and historical keepsake (You Tube? College Fund?). I’m sure you can think of tons of ideas. In case you need a starter, here are some more of mine. Attach GoPro to a grocery cart with baby on board. Capturing the “oohs and ahs” from baby lovers would be a kick to see. How about trike cam, slide cam, visit Grandma cam, bath cam or chase the dog cam.
I know the kids would get a kick out of seeing their moments of maturing from a unique angle. What are your ideas?
The Nakalele Blowhole is a site we visit often on our trips to Maui. The drive there is as much fun as the short hike to the blowhole. As you can see it’s very popular. It’s one of the suggested stops along the spectacular west Maui highway. Obviously Grandma is enjoying the ocean spray as well. She put on SPF 70 so no worries there.
Speaking of Grandma, It looks like she might be edging a little close the the edge. I guess that makes sense, she’s always lived on the edge anyway. As you can see, she’s literally Rocking Maui which is the only way to go.
Colorado and all the amazingly active Grandmas who enjoy the mountains inspired the book “My Grandma Could do Anything in the Rocky Mountains.”
I know the book says “but she could!”, there are many Grandmas were the caption should be “but she does!” The baby boomers are the new grandparents and they are redefining the stereotype. This is what happens when a demographic refuses to grow old. Peter Pan for the guys and if Peter had a sister (maybe Patty Pan) for the girls.
That’s OK, why not? As the famous philosopher Schlitz once said “you only go around once in life”. So let’s really “Go Around!”. Let’s ski those Black Diamonds, let’s hike those Fourteeners, let’s hang glide over valleys (well, maybe not that) but you get the idea. I should start another series titles “My Grandma Does These Things and you Can Too…Punk!” (or Punkette). Sorry, that was a bit harsh. But hey, you gotta be tough in this world if you want to play with the Big Grannies.
Toddler…Be Afraid Tee
My finger may be small Toddler Tee
Still the MAN Toddler tee
Grandma Four Book Pack