I spent New Years in...

That’s right, folks. I’ve been in Hawaii!!!

It was a work trip for hubs; actually, it still is a work trip for him. I left him there – he’ll be home on the 12th. Who could let their husband set foot in HI for the first time in his life and not be with him?? Not me. My aunt and cousin stayed at our house with the kids until Wednesday, and then my awesome friend, Debbie, came to get them for the rest of the week. If it weren’t for them, mama would’ve missed out on a great trip.

We left on Sunday, the 30th. It was a l-o-n-g day of flying…from TN, to Minneapolis, to Seattle, and finally, to Honolulu. By the time we got to Hawaii and checked into our room, I had been awake for 24 hours and was in terrible need of some serious shut-eye.

By the way, I vote the airport as one of the best people-watching places in the world. Watching folks running to catch a flight is free entertainment. I entertained worried some folks along the way, I'm certain of it.

We had the 31st and 1st to ourselves…then hubs would have to share his time with work. We tried to maximize our time and our dollars…we did what we could. Dinner shows, tours, luaus, cruises…all expensive. We splurged a few times to do things we’ve never done, but a few things that we enjoyed the most didn't cost a dime. Some things I would loved to have done, but couldn’t are: visit volcanoes and waterfalls (different islands), spend more time at the beach (too many clouds, rain) and go to a luau (our schedule didn’t permit, & the recommended luau was sold out New Year’s Eve and closed on the 1st.) I doubt that Hawaii could ever be a family vacation spot for us; if the majority of this trip hadn't been covered by Donald's job, it wouldn't have been possible for this single-income couple.

Before my journey home, I would’ve said the whole trip was fabulous…but coming home proved to be stressful, tearful and exhausting. I am super glad to actually be home and getting ready to sleep in my own bed…not trying to catch a wink in an airport terminal or on a plane. More on that later...

I will take you through each day of our trip in my next few posts. I have pictures to share that I hope you’ll enjoy.

Stay tuned…

Happy New Year!!