Shamu vs. Chamu

So finally the long awaited family vacation was here. We were so much looking forward to bringing Chamu to Hawaii for the first time and to meet Gonggong and Popo for the first time! I had been so busy with year end stuff at work and sometimes don't even remember that I was carrying little Chamu with me.
After three flights and nearly twenty hours, we finally got to Maui. Weather was pleasant with sea breeze and sunshine. We got to the house and was greeted by all of our family (all 10 of them!). We were tired but were very excited to see everyone, especially mom and dad whom I haven't seen since the wedding.
We had planned a lot of activities for the family. First day we went to North Maui where we had to drive through treacherous winding road in rain. Then we had planned a whalewatching trip. Winter is the season where humback whales travel from Alaska to Hawaii to mate and to give birth to little ones so they can be spotted throughout the bay of Maui and Lanai. Chamu was certainly very excited to see the creatures that look like Shamu... We saw a lot of tails diving but didn't get to see any breach in the air but it was already amazing enough that we were so close to one of the largest mammals on earth.
We traveled up the Hana Highway where we were greeted by rain and pondering waterfalls, giant lava tubes and rainforests. We went on a sailing trip to Molokini crater where Chamu got a taste of water for 30 seconds before Mami gave up and turned back for a tanning session aboard instead. Dadu, on the other hand, was able to capture many pictures of sea turtles by terrorizing them.
We even managed to wake up 2 am in the morning to head up to the highest point on Maui to see the breathtaking sunrising. The next few days, we took it easy and enjoyed homecooked meals at home. Jorge and Suli were trying hard to catch someting fishing but the fish just wouldn't bite. We hung out, played cards, played Nintendo DS and Carcasonne board game. No pressure and just fun fun fun.

Chamu started to kick little by little. My belly grew at least 2 inches over the week. Every night I would lie on the bed, thinking about about how much fun we had as a big family and how loved little Chamu will be when he becomes the newest member of this family. Popo, Gonggong, uncles and aunties all are waiting to see this little boy. Chamu will be a big boy just like all the little Shamus borne to the bay of Maui....