I know, I know. I haven’t been around these parts a lot lately. It’s been just a little… crazy this year. More on that later. I’d rather focus on the fact that I’m currently sitting on my favorite beach on my favorite island watching my favorite people snorkel, build a sand castle, or get buried in the sand by her brother.

Yes, Santa delivered the only thing I really wanted this year. To wake up with my people and see the sun peek out from behind Mauna Kea while the doves cooed and I sipped at my Koko Mocha Coconut Coffee. And thanks to a little Christmas miracle in that the Kimo Bean decided to stay open on Christmas Day, I got what I asked for.

We arrived yesterday afternoon and quickly gathered food and sundries at the old Island Gourmet before hopping over to Tommy Bahamas for dinner. To say it was busy was an understatement. Lots of merry excitement as parents and grandparents toasted the holiday with maitais while kids drank Shirley Temples and snacked on coconut shrimp. If Casey hadn’t been so tired, we would have continued the night walking around the Mauna Lani shops admiring all the lights.

After our relaxing morning watching night turn into day, Mike served us what we are now calling the Konanental Breakfast… dried mango, Mac nuts, papaya, and cheese. Casey, having basically spent the previous day fasting due to extreme excitement about the trip, chowed down further with the Christmas version of cereal: served with chocolate milk. She thought that was super special! We will continue the day at the beach until it’s time to head up to Waimea for dinner at Merriman’s, another little gem of a restaurant on this island.

Merry Christmas and Mele Kalikimaka everyone! I hope your Christmas is merry, bright and full of good cheer (perhaps even a maitai or two!)