I recently got back from a trip to Maui with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law. It was six days, five nights of relaxation, fun, and glorious sunshine. It’s taking me awhile to get back into the swing of things at home, so I thought I’d reflect a little on my experience. And then maybe I can mentally join the real world again. Maybe.

Here is what I learned while in the Aloha State:

1. Resort life is the best life.
2. Lanai Lemonade is my new favorite drink.
3. Seeing whales up close in the wild is one of the most magical things EVER.
4. Yes, you really can just leave your car–and keys–in front of the hotel without checking into the valet desk every time.
5. Top floor balconies offer the best views…and are slightly terrifying.
6. Nothing makes you feel more luxurious than sitting by a pool and having someone come around to spritz your face with mineral water.
7. Rain shelters come in handy.
8. If you’re going to hike to Twin Falls, bring water shoes. And a towel.
9. I can eat kalua pork morning, noon, and night.
10. Don’t get too close to the ducks or they’ll think you’re friends and try to follow you into your car.
11. If your hands are bandaged (thanks to your children so generously giving you hand foot mouth disease) and you have no voice (thanks to your children passing on their cold), there is no better place to recover than on a lounge chair staring at the Pacific while drinking a mimosa.
12. Room service? Yes, please. No cooking, no cleaning the dishes, and you can eat in your pajamas.
13. Birds don’t discriminate when it comes to where they poop. Pool, dining table–they don’t care.
14. Some people think the Road to Hana is a racetrack. I’m not one of them.
15. The Garden of Eden is as beautiful as its name implies.
16. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law are awesome (okay, I knew that one already).
17. My husband is awesome, too. He did so well holding down the fort while I was gone, that I just may have to go away more often.

Alright, I guess I should finally go unpack.

Mahalo!