No trip to Hawaii - regardless of the island - is without a few encounters with local wildlife. Some of the animals run rampant, some are protected, some are even endangered. They're nearly all charming. Here are some of the animals I saw in a week on Kauai. I didn't have to go out of my way for any of them. Cats Cats! They are everywhere! In fact, they've made the invasive species list. Keep Reading >>
Polynesian Cultural Center, an Oahu Must See
I don't care how long you're on the island of Oahu. Even if you only have one day, even if you only have time for one stop. Make sure you visit the Polynesian Cultural Center. In the interest of full disclosure, I worked at PCC a very long time ago. Also, while they did offer me a discounted press pass, I secured my admission tickets elsewhere. However, despite having worked at the PCC I Keep Reading >>
Iolani Palace, keeping the past alive
It was really important to me that my children learn something of the history and culture of Hawaii and not just the beauty of the 50th State. When my husband and I lived there I felt particularly annoyed at those who came to soak up the sun while missing completely the reality of the place. You miss so much depth and history and culture and real living when you stay at a fancy resort and do Keep Reading >>
Proof of Mum Resolutions
Let me tell you a story from our trip to Hawaii in November. While at the Polynesian Cultural Center I met up with a friend from high school and her family. Two days prior to that meet up we didn't even know the other was going to be on vacation at the same time, let alone at the same spot on the same island at the same time. But that is not the most amazing part! At the end of the luau at the end Keep Reading >>
It’s the Holiday Season at Gaylord National
It is now officially less than one month until Christmas. Can you believe it? Every year since moving to the DC area we have made it a family tradition to experience ICE! at Gaylord National....and this year was no different! ICE! is created by 35 artisans from Harbin, China by hand-carving more than 2 million pounds of ice. This month's theme for ICE! is A Keep Reading >>
Rockwell Roosevelt & the Four Freedoms
More relevant than ever. It was a coincidence that we saw this new exhibit on Election Day. However I can't think of a better way to have spent the day. Enduring Ideals: Rockwell, Roosevelt & the Four Freedoms recently opened at The Henry Ford. I didn't go for any blog purposes, and I didn't take any photos, but since exiting the exhibit I can't stop thinking about it. Keep Reading >>
Taste Testing Fall
"What's your favourite cider mill?" is as common an opener in Michigan as college students asking each other their majors. Fall in Michigan means one thing above all else: cider mills. For so many years if our family was going to visit my inlaws we tried to coincide our trip with cider mill season. (It's generally Labor Day weekend to Thanksgiving, although each cider mill varies Keep Reading >>
Tour Amazon – A Very Fulfilling Experience
You probably already know that I love taking my kids on field trips. A couple of years ago a friend of mine toured an Amazon Fulfillment Center with her children. Immediately I knew: I needed this in my life. (Many people feel that way about things, I feel that way about experiences.) At that time the nearest AFC tour was in Indiana. Too far! How was that even possible? DFW seems like such a hub Keep Reading >>
Tips for Traveling with Children
It can be a lot of fun to travel with happy and healthy kids. When they are uncomfortable, bored or sick, however, it's a different story. That's why it's essential to plan ahead for your next family vacation to be prepared for all of the things life throws at moms. Here are 5 tips to keep in mind. The first thing to do is make sure you choose child-friendly accommodations. Many hotels and Keep Reading >>
A Day in Dallas To Remember
There are very few days that come together perfectly, especially when it comes to adventuring with children. We had one such day recently, in Dallas. Even the weather cooperated: instead of the blistering temperatures of the week earlier it was something milder (still hot, mind you, but better.) The skies were clear and the sun shining but not blinding, and we had clear views as the prairies Keep Reading >>