If you know me, you know that I really enjoy celebrating Halloween. While I am not a big fan of gore or horror, I enjoy the crisp, cool weather that Autumn brings, the changing colors of the leaves, spooky ghost stories told after dark while roasting smores over a fire, getting bundled up in sweaters and blankets and of course, dressing up in costumes on Halloween night. Maybe it’s the promise of mystery and suspense. Or the societal acceptance of being able to get in touch with my inner child and become someone – or something – that only the imagination can conjure. Or the acceptance of all things strange…

We recently went on a spur-of-the-moment trip to Oahu, Hawaii. We worked in the day time, stayed on Texas time (starting at 4am Hawaii Time), and explored the island after work. Thankfully we had our in-laws to watch our little one – who invited us there in the first place – otherwise we wouldn’t be able to swing it. But I would totally do it again in a heartbeat. See below for some of the things we saw and enjoyed while there if you need any ideas!   Byodo-In Temple Lahaina Beach Waikiki Beach Aloha Stadium Flea Market Island Vintage Shave Ice Maguro Brothers Hawaii – Waikiki Nu’uanu Pali Diamond…

Recently, I won the lottery to see the Synchronous Fireflies display in Rocky Fork State Park in Tennesee. I had been applying to this one and the one in Rocky Mountain State Park for years and I finally won! Unfortunately, my husband was out of town in Europe the week the event would occur and no one else in my family was able to go with me. So I decided to venture out on my own with my toddler – a thought that honestly gave me a sick feeling that I tried to quell with preparations. I had recently traveled with our toddler and my husband on an eight-hour flight…