Mele Kalikimaka

"Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say,
on a bright, Hawaiian Christmas dayyyy!"

Aloha! The week before Christmas, the entire Snyder clan packed up and flew to Maui! {I never realized how far Hawaii is from the East Coast... but all that flight time was so worth it!} It was such an awesome week filled with: family time, beaches and sun, fresh fruit shaved ice with sweet cream (x25), Christmas trees mixed with palm trees, beach slam ball, exploring grand hotels, legit hula lessons (my fave!), family pictures, Maui Tacos, the most entertaining magic show date night (for the adults), boogie boarding, snorkeling, pool games, late night hot tub time with my honey, and so much more! Thank you Mom and Dad Snyder for making this trip happen!! We'll never forget it!

[Below] The Snyder fam! From left to right...

Nate (Spencer's bro) & Wendy fam (+1)

Eric & Stacy (Spencer's sis) fam (+5)

Mom and Dad Snyder

Danny (Spencer's bro) & Brynn fam (+3) [just added #4!]

Spencer and Meg (+Kobe dog [not pictured]) ;)

  

Spencer and I took an afternoon to explore the Grand Wailea! WOW!

My family stayed there a couple times when I was younger, so it was fun to see it again!

Recognize this guy? Jason Sudeikis! Ran into him at Maui Tacos!

We had legit family hula lessons! So so so much fun!! I was in heaven. Love all my chicas.

The adult siblings went on a date to the most entertaining magic show in Lahaina!

Danny and Brynn were chosen to sit down in front and participate. It was hilarious.

Spencer and I decided to stay a few extra days after the rest of the family flew home.

It was so nice to relax and spend time together! We spent most of our time at the beach or pool!

Spending part of the Christmas season in Maui was a dream.
This was such a fun and memorable family trip!
Until next time, Hawaii. Aloha!!

Give Thanks in the Outer Banks

For Thanksgiving, we [Spencer, Kobe & I] road tripped a few hours down to the OBX (Outer Banks, North Carolina) with our good friends Dave, Abi [& Jax]. It was SO fun! If you haven't been to the OBX, put it on top of your list. Right now. The OBX is a 200-mile long stretch of narrow islands off the coast of North Carolina. It's famous for its gorgeous beaches, multiple lighthouses, beach homes on stilts, the location of the Wright brothers' first flight, and the shipwreck "Graveyard of the Atlantic". It is such a neat and relaxing destination. Man, it's awesome to live so close to so many awesome places.

[Below] We literally found a drive-thru gas station. Hilarious.

First thing, camp fire with s'mores on the beach.

Our hotel the first night in Hatteras.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Bodie Island Lighthouse

[Below] So, I was playing in the water thinking it was real cute...

...then...

...this happened. A big wave came up and surprised me from behind. So funny!

My waterproof boots were filled to the brim with water.

Second night: 'Inn at Corolla Light' in Corolla [my favorite area of the OBX].

We LOVE this place! Since it was off season, they opened the large suite specially for us!

The innkeepers fed us a very delicious Thanksgiving meal! So grateful for these amazing friends!

We lost the coin toss for the king size bed...

View from our room

Currituck Lighthouse

It was the cutest thing. Dave loves to show Abi new experiences. 

He found out she had never flown a kite... and it became his mission.

I love this little pup so, so, so much.

This was such a FUN adventure.

Such an awesome memory with awesome friends!