After watching Carson in the morning, I met Ade at Bella Bru in N Natomas for lunch. We sat and talked for a while and stayed long enough to watch a small team of people setting of for a gathering on the patio. The signs went up last. It was a celebration for teachers in Twin Rivers school district (our employer before we retired) sponsored by the local teacher’s union. 
Carson
A little of this:
Then a little crying, a diaper change or two, lots of holding/bouncing/watching television, and a bottle which Carson takes quite well these days. Happy boy! 
Mother’s Day
Breakfast at Thais & Lenin’s.
Avery wanted me to come upstairs to his pet store. I bought a zebra and two foxes. 
Dad and sons, with Carter keeping a watchful eye on everyone:
Then off to Raley Field for a Rivercats game. 
Thank you Greg for inviting me, Beth (Greg’s sister) and Phyllis (Greg’s mom).
The Rivercats are the Triple A team in the Pacific Coast League affiliated with the San Francisco Giants. Raley Field is an exceptional ball park.
These field groomers also perform a little dance routine to the delight of the audience.
A popular place to be on hot days with very long lines. You go inside the cold box and slowly make your beer selection before exiting the other side.
The Rivercats lost to the Las Vegas 51s by a score of 9-1. 
We all had a great time!
Maui – day 7
Our trip is winding down. We did a bit more shopping in Lahaina today and had lunch at Bubba Gump’s.
The view from our table.
We met friends for happy hour at Leilani’s. L-R: Richard, Chris, Linda, Trisha, Phyl, Carol. This is a toast to Beth, who turned 40 today. Biggest wishes from her two moms, Trisha and Phyl. 
Tomorrow morning, we fly home. What a terrific vacation we had!
Maui – day 6
Upcountry today. Views from Alii Kula Lavender Farm:
Seven varieties of lavender,
lots of paths and sitting areas
and many other beautiful flowers and plants.
Jacaranda at peak bloom.
Next stop, Surfing Goat Dairy. Another first for Phyl, she tasted two varieties of goat cheese.
A fantastic lunch at Hali’imaile General Store.
For dessert, Love in a Jar. Oh my!
Our waiter encouraged me to do the following. “You’ll never see any of these people again, go ahead.”
Across the street, a glass-blowing hot shop.
Phyl and I walked in the evening, therefore another sunset picture.
Maui – day 5
In the late afternoon, the bars and restaurants along the Beach Walk are packed, lines for luaus (3 of them in a half-mile stretch) are long, and many waiting for the perfect photo of sunset or the green flash just as the sun dips below the horizon. Today, I wanted to find the end of the Beach Walk but turned around at the 3-mile point in a beach park beyond the long line of hotels. 
A different scene in the early morning. Kayak lessons, snorkelers, SUPers (stand-up paddleboard),
sun-bathers claiming the best chaise
or renting a cabana complete with their own waiter.
There are also many runners, joggers, and walkers who often have to dodge groups of totally unaware people looking at their cell phones.
Later, we explored Lahaina
and had lunch at Longhi’s.
From our table, you could see lots of people stopping in front Bubba Gump’s to take a picture on the bench.
The famous banyan tree.
Phyllis was convinced shave ice was just a snowcone, so why bother. Today she had her first one at Ululani’s (the best on Maui) and loved it.
Maui – day 4
We took an all-day tour today: the road to Hana and beyond.
There were many stops along the way, known best by the tour drivers, like this rainbow eucalyptus.
617 turns and 51 bridges in a 28-mile stretch on a 1 1/2 lane road. When there was no oncoming traffic, our driver Scott moved over to the cliff edge so we could look DOWN. (Me inside my head: “I know I’m safe on this bus. A tour bus has never gone over the side. I know I’m safe.” Repeat. Repeat. Snap that picture!)
On the other side of the road, lots of waterfalls.
We stopped several times at farm stands like Hana Farms, known for their banana bread (not that good, Phyl’s is much better).
The black sand beach in Hana. 
A small cave leading again to the water.
Lunch at a flower farm. While Scott set up our tables and got out the food, we were given the “opportunity” to buy/buy/buy.
Haleakala National Park and the Seven Sacred Pools.
My first successful selfie:
The resting place of Charles Lindbergh.
The end of the Hana Highway, the beginning of the Piilani Highway (highway?). Rougher, narrower, and sometimes a dirt road. Pregnant women and people with bad backs should not do this section.
A view of Haleakala:
In the distance, Kahoolawe, uninhabited since WWII when it became a bombing range for the Navy. This ended in 1990 and the island has been returned to the state government of Hawaii.
After a long bouncy day on the tour bus, we took the beach walk
to Duke’s for dinner.
Maui – day 3
Today, we explored Paia and Kihei.
Paia is said to be a “hippie town.”
Hmmm, how about matching shirts for the husbands? I’m sure Dave and Jerry would cringe at the idea.
Keawalai Congregational Church in Makena was built in 1832.
After a big lunch, I was so ready for a good walk before it got dark. There was a great beach walk with pavers or boards (i.e. no sand), 4-5 miles long, the resorts (and a golf course) on one side, the beach/ocean on the other.
Heading back rather hurriedly before the sun went down. 
Made it just in time.
Maui – day 2
Fresh pineapple for breakfast, expertly prepared by Phyl. Maui Gold pineapples are so delicious!
We went for a Pleasant Holidays orientation at Westin Kaanapali – a beautiful hotel!
Shopping at Whaler’s Village was our next stop, followed by lunch at Leilani’s, and a long relaxing afternoon. Ahh, paradise.
Maui – day 1
The next week will be spent in Hawaii with cousins Phyllis and Carol.
So exciting! Our first stop, just 1.3 miles from the Kahului Airport: Discount Fabric Warehouse. 
The best selection of Hawaiian prints in the Islands.
Our condo is in Kaanapali. 
arletelouise 