Games Peas Play
1. We received about eight board games for Christmas and played them each a half a dozen times this weekend. Any bonds of friendship bragged about last week have since been broken. Badly, badly broken. This led to me playing a game called, “Google Cocktail Names To Decide Which Drink I’m Going to Order First When We Get to Maui.” Odds are 4:1 that it’s a Lava Flow.
2. The point of the game “I Never Forget a Face” is kind of a face-based Memory. We have more fun seeing who can come up with the best names for the characters.
From left to right: “Young President Obama,” “Carrot Top,” and “Steve Martin as one of the Two Wild and Crazy Guys.”
In other words, I win.
3. Frozen blueberries may need to be taken off the breakfast menu. At least when we have to be at church in 20 minutes. Blue teeth seem to distract from the message of “This Little Light of Mine” just a little.
4. Gigi tried to play a game with the Tooth Fairy, wherein she left her tooth from last week under her pillow again last night. She even left a note detailing that any funds received would be used to buy a toy for a less fortunate child. Nice touch. There was nothing but an old tooth under her pillow this morning. Tooth Fairy saw right through that scheme.
5. Lulu has taken note and has started playing a similar game. Hers resulted in Pea Daddy finding my IRA statement under his pillow. Surprise!
6. I played a game wherein I impaled myself on a star tip while frosting Gingerbread Cupcakes with Lemon Cheesecake Icing. Sure it hurt like a…weekend filled with board games, but I got to use an Angry Birds Band-Aid. And eat cupcakes.
In other words, I win.
7. On the way to church, which we’ve missed the last two weekends because of the holidays, Gigi said, “Am I dreaming or are we going to church? Praise God!”
8. At church, our pastor emphasized a point in his sermon by showing us an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond. I said, “Am I dreaming or are we watching TV in church? Praise God!”
8. The girls made up a game called “Blue’s Clues.” In the game, “Blue” leaves bones around the house and “Joe” searches for them, writes down the clues and solves the puzzle. Only Joe’s name for our purposes is “Elizabeth.” Because Joe is a boy, and we’re girls. Duh.
And this “shelf,” “counter” and “drawer” means, “I want a carrot.”
I repeat: duh.
9. The game I’m currently playing is “Try Not to Freak Out About the Weather Forecast for Your Entire Vacation.”
We come home on Tuesday morning.
Good thing I’ve nearly gone pro at “Google Cocktail Names To Decide Which Drink I’m Going to Order First When We Get to Maui.”
In other words, I still win.
sorry about the weather forecast! i had a similar one before we went to New Orleans for X-mas, but lucky for us it wasn’t true! so there’s still hope!
My fingers are crossed. I hear the national weather forecasts for Maui are iffy because they are based on the weather at the airport and not at the resorts. Oh Lord, please let that be true.
We just got back from Maui yesterday! It was so much fun. My daughter is currently writing a letter to the staff at the resort telling them what a good time she had, and of her intention to come back there every January–don’t know where she’s going to come up with the money for that! The forecast called for showers for two of the days we were there, and it didn’t rain a drop (just some scattered dark clouds). Hope you have a great time!
Thank you! I’m glad you had such a fun trip!
Going to Hawaii in ANY weather makes you a winner
Have a great trip!!
We will, thanks! I cannot wait!
You crack me up every time! I love reading about your kiddos and making all the yummy recipes you share! Thank you for posting… You make my day
That’s so sweet. Thank you for reading!
ugh, i’m so jealous and excited for you! although i have to say – i’m a Mai Tai girl all the way! best one there is at the Hyatt pool-side bar.
i wouldn’t say no to a lava flow right about now either.
come to think of it there’s not a lot of booze that i’d turn down these days if i wasn’t preggo…and let’s hope that doesn’t make me sound like an alcoholic
Mmm…Mai Tai. I think that’s drink #2. To be ordered simultaneously with drink #1.
We went to Hawaii for Christmas last year and it rained every day- and the only thing it “ruined” was kayaking (dang lightning). Rain is different in Hawaii- it comes and goes and it’s so warm you dry. And the locals go about their business like nothing. It’s weird and awesome.
I’m telling myself that too…but your experience gives me hope. Plus I hear you want clouds to see the amazing sunrise at Haleakala. I definitely want to.
I love Gigi!! That is so sweet!!!
I love her too.
Wow, you win even more than Charlie Sheen
When I went to the beach this summer, I had a similar forecast and we had only one day of rain. Don’t stress!
I feel like Hawaii has rain in the forecast everyday!! I’m sure you’ll get sunshine while you’re there!! I love board games.
Well, then you shall be their latest victim. Be prepared.
Speaking of church I’m praying for your vacation weather! I’m sure it’s a much needed break.
Now I have another reason to look forward to book no. 2- gingerbread cupcakes with lemon cheescake icing?! My mouth’s watering. I love all things gingerbread, especially CLIF bars…er, well, homemade “cliff” bars now, actually
You will LOVE these. They are stellar. Thanks for those prayers!
If it makes you feel better, Oahu has been beautiful lately! I’m sure you’ll have great weather
Oh, fingers crossed!!!
Can I make a vote for a Blue Hawaiian as the first drink? You probably deserve to walk around with blue teeth as retribution. Maui is awesome, no matter what the weather is. And the rented Chrysler Sebring screams “tourist” a little less when the top has to be up. We only rent sedans now when we go to Hawaii. And nothing screams “tourist” more than a super shiny, burgundy Taurus. Yeah, we are that cool.
Ha ha ha! What is a Blue Hawaiian?! I once had an Echo for a rental car. I thought it would be safer to walk in heavy traffic.
I love lava flows, especially when they are delivered by a pool waitress! If you drink enough of them, you won’t even be aware of the weather! Enjoy!!
Aloha Mama Pea,
Emailing you from my vacation in Kailua.
Rained for about 15 minutes this early this morning and is just clearing up from about 10 more minutes of rain late this afternoon. Bright and sunshiny fabulously beautiful in between.
I was sweating the forecast before I arrived also – but it has actually been rather dry here.
With any rain lasting mere minutes.
From my experience so far, the Kona is fabulous until about the sixth cup – then things get a bit jittery.
Jennifer-Anne
Oh my goodness, you MUST go to Lava Java! Please tell me you have. And the Kihei Cafe is awesome too!!! Aloha!
It is Blue Curacao, pineapple juice, and coconut rum. Oh yes.
Echo totally wins! It says Eco Friendly, which says Island Life. I blew out the tire on a Ford Escape in Oahu. The expletives shouted rocked that island for days. Might have even made the news.
BTW, you light up my life mama pea. You always give me a good belly laugh.
You are too sweet. Maybe it’s the blue cocktails lighting up your life?
Thanks for sharing your stories and for reading mine!
Sorry about the weather forecast mama pea
by any chance do you think substituting peanut flour instead of nutritional yeast in your mmm sauce would still turn out delicious?
Thanks
That is an interesting idea! I don’t think it would taste anything like Mmmm Sauce, but I don’t think it would necessarily taste bad either. Do let me know if you try it!
Have a great time in Hawaii! Even if the weather isn’t going to be that great, at least you’ll be in Maui!
Have fun in Hawaii!
We went to Kauai for our honeymoon in March 2009. Not to scare you or anything, but the day we landed a tourist had drowned in a river due to rain flooding, it was COLD and rainy every day we were there, the locals kept apologizing to us about the weather, our luau was almost canceled due to weather, and a local surfer drowned the last day we were there due to high surf/storm. I think we got about 2 hours of good pool time the entire 6 days we were there.
But the drinks sure are nice.
Oh no! That’s awful! I hope our trip is much different than yours. At least we’ll be together. With drinks
Yeah…. we want a do-over! Maybe one day we’ll go when it’s warm.
Enjoy the togetherness… and the drinks.
I just looked at the same forecast – my son (12) is going for 6 days, also coming home Tuesday! – with a friend…lucky boy!
Nice! He is a lucky boy!
This post made me smile and chuckle because I can relate to just about all of it.
Sadly not Hawaii, but a rainy summer vacation to the Maine coast – but I loved it because we were simply on vacation. You know it will be fine, no matter what, especially now with your drink knowledge expertise.
I can just imagine my daughter saying the statement about going to church…and we also watch random videos during service.
Thank goodness we are not dealing with the tooth fairy…yet, as long at I can keep towels off heads and no fences (I think that was the story).
Finally, those cupcakes are beautiful…oh, and I am also wearing a band-aid on my finger, thanks to my clumsiness in the kitchen tonight – Transformers
I was going to tell you yesterday on Facebook when you were talking about your kids being on top of each other: within about a five minute span I was telling the girls to stop fighting or I’d separate them, and then moments later, I had to tell them to stop kissing each other on the mouth and licking each other. Kids!
Too funny! Have a wonderful vacation! I hope you are taking a computer vacation as well! You deserve it!
The weather forecast are ALWAYS wrong! I am sure that you are going to have an amazing time!! T.v in church is awesome. You must have a great pastor!
We have THREE! So blessed.
What part of Maui are you staying in? They say if you want different weather, just drive a bit and you will find sun
If it is rainy in Lahaina/Kaanapali, it will probably be dry in Kehei/Wailea.
A few years ago, we went to Waikiki over Easter and it POURED the entire 10 days we stayed…and it had been raining a lot prior to when we got there too…so there were signs on the beach that said no swimming as sewage had somehow flowed into the ocean! On our last day there, the sun came out and it was amazing to see how the beach went from empty to PACKED within 3 minutes.
That’s what I read too. We are staying in Kaanapali. Thanks for the encouragement!
Have fun on your trip and I’m convinced that anywhere that has humidity or is tropical, that the weather reports just put up a sun, cloud, and lightning bolt just to ensure that they have all bases covered when the weather can, will, and does switch up on a dime….therefore, it will not be raining your entire trip.
You’ll get a little sprinkle here and there, but I am betting tons of sun and great weather, too
And if not, keep the mai tai’s and pina coladas flowing, right?
Last year it rained the whole time we were there. I hope you get sun and I hope we do as well this year. Hope you have a great time, rain or shine.
Oh no, that’s not what I wanted to hear!
I live on Maui (in Kihei) and the previous comments are very true – weather forecasts are always wrong here! If it’s raining where you are staying, come down to the Kihei / Wailea area and chances are it will be sunny. Hope you and your family enjoy your trip – Maui is amazing. I absolutely love your blog and all of your recipes. I’ve been reading for a while and have your book, too. With all of your delicious recipes, you’ve helped me convert my meat-loving husband to an almost vegetarian. I just started cooking your recipes for him every night and he doesn’t even miss the meat. Thank you!
Thank you, Amy…I was hoping someone over there would chime in! We honeymooned in Wailea but are actually staying in the Kaanapali area this time around. If you have any suggestions for places we should go, I’d love the advice. Pea D is taking a surf lesson and we plan to do the Haleakala sunrise one morning. Maybe some ziplining in Kapalua. Any other must sees? We did the road to Hana the first time around and were planning on skipping it this time. Also if you have any restaurant suggestions, we’d love them! But if you don’t get a chance to respond, no worries. Thank you for your encouragement and thank you for reading!
Choice Health Bar in Lahaina!! It’s vegan and absolutely incredible. The girls are so nice and so cool, the food is amazing. It’s brand new apparently and I came across it by chance when our little family was going for a tour on the Sugar Cane Train (just down the road), we stopped in for a quick bite before our train ride.
You must must go. MUST!
And our weather forecast wasn’t much better at the end of Nov, and the only rain that we had was through the night – so it totally doesn’t count!
Oh good!
Thank you so much–we will DEFINITELY go!
Good plan to skip the road to Hana. It’s really only worth it if you can stay a night or two in Hana because it’s such a long drive (especially with the kids!) Haleakala sunrise can be beautiful but just depends on the cloud cover. Unfortunately there’s no way to know if it’s going to be clear up there so you just have to chance it and hope for the best. Stop at the Kula Lodge for breakfast on the way back down. I’ve never done the ziplining but it has a really good reputation and is quite popular.
– they have a fantastic vegetarian menu available.
One thing to consider is a whale watch. It’s humpback whale season right now and they are everywhere! You will most likely have some good sightings from the beach, but getting out on a boat is definitely worth it. Several boats offer multiple trips daily out of Lahaina Harbor. Pacific Whale Foundation is pretty reasonably priced. Morning trips are usually calmer because the wind can pick up in the afternoon, making the water really choppy and rough.
If it does rain, you can always do the Maui Ocean Center (aquarium). The girls would probably like it, I take my 2-year-old there all the time.
Most of the restaurants are over priced and do not have a great selection of vegetarian / vegan options. However I do have a few suggestions. Hula Grill (right on Kaanapali Beach) is great for lunch. Mala in Lahaina is another one of my favorites. The Farmer’s Market in Honokawai has a smoothie and juice bar along with local fruits, baked goods, etc. Aina Gourmet Market is another good local market. There’s always Tommy Bahama’s if you make it over to Wailea at all
We have had HUGE surf lately and if it continues, it might be worth a drive to Paia on the North Shore to see the surf. Paia also has some of the best food options on the island. Mana Foods is kind of like Whole Foods (but better) with an amazing hot bar and salad bar. There’s also Flat Bread, which has organic pizzas.
Hope this helps, I could go on and on so feel free to email me if you have any questions. Enjoy your trip!!
Oh my goodness, thank you so much! We actually are going just the two of us (what?!?) but this is so very helpful. Pea D has been dying to go to Hula Grill, so that will probably be our first stop
Just the two of you?! Ooh la lava flow! (<– best cocktail of life, truth)
I just wanted to chime in and second the whale watch idea. I haven't been to Hawaii in years, but I did a whale watch last time and it was so memorable. Whales right under the boat and everything. Plus watching them breach every day right from our hotel room. I think my eyes popped out of my head the 1st time I saw that.
Now if only I could tell you where I had that amazing coconut candy. Some shack off the side of the road, no joke, but it's been 10+ years and I'm still dreaming of it!
Thank you for chiming in! I will definitely look for both whales and coconut candy.
Just remembered a couple of more things! If you’re hungry on the way to Kaanapali from the airport, stop by Down to Earth (you’ll drive past it headed out of Kahului). It has an amazing hot bar and it’s all vegetarian / vegan. Also a great place to stock up on snacks. There’s a Whole Foods in Kahului too and while I LOVE Whole Foods, Down to Earth has a much better hot bar. It’s crazy expensive but one of my favorite places to eat on the entire island!
And I forgot to mention make sure you bring warm clothes & blankets for the sunrise trip to Haleakala. It is very cold up there first thing in the morning. My husband works up there and it is averaging in the 40′s right now but can get down to the 30′s. It gets much warmer during the day but early mornings are chilly.
Thank you! We are going to be getting in right around dinnertime so I know we will be starving. I really appreciate the tip on Down to Earth. I’m bringing yoga pants and a hoodie for the sunrise, so I hope that’s warm enough. Thank you again for all your help!
PS I just sent this to Pea D and of course he honed in on Tommy Bahama part. Thanks a lot.
As a former cocktail waitress in Hawaii, I’ll offer my unsolicited, “expert” opinion – first a Mai Tai (it has bonus booze to get things rolling) then a Lava Flow. And then another Mai Tai. Also, if it does rain, I predict you will hear at least six service industry people referring to the showers as “liquid sunshine” when talking to tourists. Have a blast!
Ha ha…thank you so much for the sound advice
Oh poo poo on that weather forecast. Of course you come home on Tuesday morning. Hopefully it’s wrong and hopefully you win at having the best cocktails EVERY day while you’re there.
I am in Maui now! Its beautiful! I got worried too a week or so before hand because it said rain, but as time got closer the rain forecast went away. I am sure those showers will turn into sun forecast anytime now
And may I suggest, a refreshing mojito always does the trick while sitting on the beach! YUM
Phew! Thank you for the optimistic outlook and drink suggestion. Aloha!
Don’t worry about the weather!! That’s what the forecast said for me on Friday and since I got to Kauai on Saturday it hasn’t rained at all
Oh that’s so good to hear. Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Exactly! Who needs sun when you’ve got cocktails? No one, that’s who. Except maybe kids, because drunk under-tens are generally even more distracting during renditions of “This Little Light of Mine” than under-tens with blue teeth.
Ha! Nicely played.
I bet the weather will change before you get there! I hope you and your family have a wonderful trip.
MaMa Pea….You. Crack. Me. Up!
Hawaii, how wonderful! When I was there MANY years ago, it rained every day and then you get the rainbow. I’m not kidding! It’s beautiful rain or shine so just enjoy yourself. Travel Safe!
I almost want rain in the forecast because it always changes by the date!
You can still swim with dolphins in the rain, right?
I know that weather forecast doesn’t sound so great, but I’m envious anyway because you’re going to MAUI!! I’ve never been there but would love a holiday of any sort where the temperatures are warm and it’s not snowing. I bet you’ll still have a great time (especially with all the cocktails you’ll be having!!)
I am so looking forward to the warmth as well (and not just the warmth provided by cocktails).
YOU win NO matter what because I will be freezing in Pittsburgh and YOU will be in Maui! : p
Im excited for you and Pea Daddy to get away, just keep the man away from Tommy Bahama’s, lol!
<3 Happy Monday!
I think the only one on the island is in Wailea. I have NO intention of going there.
The forecast was very similar when we went to Maui and Kauai. We were told it typically rains somewhere on the island everyday, so not to worry if there’s rain in the forecast. We only had a few passing showers during our 10 day stay. Have an amazing trip!
That is good news! Thank you!
Don’t freak about the weather! It was the exact same story when I went back in November and it was true that it rained most days but for literally 5-10 minutes and then the sun appeared and it was gorgeous the rest of the day! I think the weather people there just like to under promise and over deliver there which is good, right??!!
Ahh…thank you. That makes me feel much better.
FYI – and not something you want to deal with pre-vacation…. I’ve been having difficulty accessing your site from my RSS feed link. That little circle keeps twirling and twirling. Usually a refresh solves it, but today I had to sneak in the back door – or was that the front door? I’m not sure as that twirling circle made me a bit dizzy. Maybe it’s just me, but I haven’t had problems accessing any other RSS feed links except yours. Now forget about this little problem and have a wonderful time in Maui – and lots of sunshine! Can’t wait to hear all about it.
Do you subscribe via email or Google reader? Could you let me know if you have trouble today? Thanks!
I think of Hawaii with rain like this: I’d prefer to see Ryan Reynold’s shirtless, but if my only option is seeing him with his shirt on, well, I’d take it. Same with Hawaii and rain.
Enjoy your vacation and cocktails!
Oh – and I’m pretty sure the face on the top row, second from the right is a young Justin Timberlake, you know, before he tamed his curls.
What a lovely analogy. I’m going to Google Ryan Reynolds shirtless just to make sure I have a good grasp of it. Oh and thanks for the new name for a square in our game! Young JT it is!
Wooooooooooow. Pretty sure that game is played by Arizona police… teaching your kids to racial profile much?
I’m not sure I understand what you are getting at.
I have literally never taken a vacation that didn’t have a forcecast like that. And thankfully, it has never actually proven to be accurate. Have fun!
Thank you!
Just came back from Maui December 18th and our forecast looked the same while we were there. I’m pleased to report that we only had one rain day. Rain comes and goes quickly there. Don’t stress!
YES! Thank you, Shannon!
Sorry about the weather forecast! I know how you feel. My husband and I are recently married and we decided before we really start saving money for adult things such as a house and kids- we’d take one last vacation for a while. So in October we took a trip to the Keys. It rained the entire week and there was even flooding that the locals “hadn’t seen in years!”. It was still fun but I would have really loved some more sunshine!
Oh no, that is my fear. But maybe our trip will end differently?
I hope so!
I would say this post was “winning”
Boo for the bad weather though – hopefully it’s somewhat of a false prediction!
Hawaii will be amazing no matter what
Check out this weather forecast: http://www.hawaiiweathertoday.com/maui.php,
It is MUCH better. I think they throw in those “isolated showers” in Hawaii so you know when its time to go in for your nap. Have a great trip!
Oooh, thank you! This helps so much!
Just to let you know that I made your Noodle Salad with Peanut Mmmm Sauce last night and it totally ROCKED! My whole family loved it so I’m adding it to the other tried and true Mama Pea recipes that will be part of our family favorites!! THanks!
Wonderful! I’m so glad you enjoyed!
I have heard it can rain a lot in Hawaii. I had a friend who moved there from Seattle then decided to move to Portland because there was less rain. But other people love Hawaii, I just think nowhere is perfect. Have a great trip!
Yes, it’s got to be less rain than here
Those cupcakes look amazing! I can’t wait to buy your new book and make them… then I WIN!
I had to laugh when the tooth fairy saw through the “money scam”. My cousin lost his first tooth this past week. In his stomach. Poor kid swallowed his first lost tooth. =)
Have a great vacation!
Has nobody ever told you that it rains daily in Hawaii? It’s still sunny
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for your weather!! The weathermen (and women) never get it right anyway…
Lava flows are my favorite! <3
Okay…seriously? That line from Gigi on the way to church actually made me laugh out loud. Your kids sound like such characters! I love it.
Hawaii sounds wonderful right now – at least you’d be trading a one kind of rain for another kind – Portland IS pretty brutal for that. Hawaii? Sun showers, you’ve got the beach, rainbows, SUN…Here’s hoping for good weather! Thanks for sharing with us!
I love Hawaii, but the closest I’ve gotten in the last few years was Roy’s restaurants (which I highly recommend while you’re in Hawaii. We’re lucky enough to have 2 by my house). My favorite drink when I was in Honolulu last was fresh pineapple juice, passion fruit rum, and and coconut rum. It goes down far too easy to be safe.
Angry Birds bandages? What happened to the pickle-shaped ones?!
I’m still on a Gingerbread kick so the cupcakes look amazing. Recipe soon?
Hope the weather cooperates for your vacation! The forecast is probably way off!
Recipe in spring 2012
Have a great time in Maui. I hope the weather starts to look up!
Wow, that weather forecast looks exactly like our’s here in Oregon except for the temperature. Still, you’re going to Maui. Even rain can’t ruin the most beautiful spot in the world. Have a great trip! Can’t wait to see all the awesome pics. I hear there’s a Tommy Bahama on the island, but don’t worry– my lips are sealed. Sorry Pea Daddy
Check your Maui forecast again – what a difference a day makes! Looks good now!
Yay, I know, right? All y’alls prayers worked!
Omg I’m SO excited for you and your husband to vacation in Maui! Have the absolute best time!!
We will. Thank you!
Can’t wait to try these for my daughter. Where do you find anthem gum? I can’t find it anywhere.
You can find xanthan gum at specialty health food stores or Whole Foods. Most decent ones have at least the Bob’s Red Mill brand.
Hi MamaPea! I love your recipes SO much!!!! These cupcakes look fabulous! Is the recipe somewhere on the site? Or maybe I should check your fab cookbook? They look like the perfect special Tuesday night treat!
Thanks!
They’ll be in the next book–Spring 2013!
OH NO! While I am THRILLED that there will be another book … that is a VERY long time to wait for these delicious little cupcakes
OH that happened to us 2 years ago on our vacation. It was as cold at South Padre Island as it was at our house in Minnesota. Pissed, pissed, PISSED!