Our First Repeat Vacation — in Maui!

When given a choice of destinations earlier this summer, the kids unanimously shot down offerings like Disneyland, and opted instead for Maui.  They even asked to stay in the same resort as our first trip there a few years ago, when we went with Brandon's brother Ryan and his family.  Turns out everyone had such a blast the first time around, we had to go back for seconds.  And so, Maui 2016 was born!

As usual, we packed our stay there with activities aplenty, while still allowing more than enough relaxing beach time.  We drove the surprisingly miserable Road to Hana in reverse, starting from the dry side of the mountain, not knowing that doing so was like gambling with our lives.  We hiked the spectacular Pipiwai Trail within Haleakala National Park, went ziplining again (this time, Calvin was big enough to join in the fun), and signed up for a snorkeling cruise.  Malcolm fished, and though he didn't catch anything, the kids did find a number of geckos, crabs, and other critters.  And amazingly, Stephanie and Brandon even indulged in a lovely dinner sans children.

But mostly, as always, we simply enjoyed each other's company.  Maui has become a special place for us, and we'll surely be back again before long.

The Tuckers in Europe, the Final Chapter

It's been more than a year since Brandon posted Part III of our European adventure, so any excuse other than sheer laziness simply won't do.  He offers his humble apologies.

To wrap up our tour of the Continent (well, a handful of countries there, at any rate), we dipped into the Netherlands and took the kids to easily one of the world's best theme parks — Efteling.  Built in 1952 (and updated and added onto ever since), the park predates Disneyland by three years, and is twice the size.  Full of classic fairy tale characters and themes, plus the usual host of modern rollercoasters, Efteling is every bit as beautiful and well designed as a Disney park, but without so many of the commercial trappings.

They also have a marvelous hotel, with several themed rooms.  Since this was our big and final surprise for the kids before heading back to Paris and on to home, we splurged and booked the Gilded Suite, complete with games, interactive furniture, hidden treats, and a secret bank vault door.

Naturally, we all had a blast, and the kids agreed Efteling was the highlight of the whole trip.  When it was over, we made our way by train back to Paris, pulling into the very same station (Gare du Nord) where we began our adventure.  After a night in a centuries-old apartment-turned private home (available through Airbnb), we left Paris in the predawn hours, backpacking down eerily silent streets to a Metro station.  Another layover in Iceland's Keflavik Airport, and we were grudgingly on our way home.

It's hard to say exactly when our next overseas trip will be, but we're determined to make it (and many more besides).  Whether east Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Central America, back to Europe, northern Africa, or any one of a number of other destinations, we'll get there sooner or later.

Interior of Efteling's famous pancake restaurant, with musical, moving decorations












In keeping with the fantasy theme, we watched a live show, with incredible special effects and horsemanship








Efteling's Gilded Room (with kids' room in background)

A Star Wars-themed crêperie in Paris



The loft from our final night in Paris