A countdown to Hawaii: 2 days

Haleakala

Nine times out of ten, when someone says ‘guest list’, you think dinner party.  Let’s say, for an instant, that Haleakala allowed me to create the perfect guest list for a perfect hike…

Haleakala is a special place that vibrates with stories of ancient and modern Hawaiian culture and protects the bond between the land and its people. The park also cares for endangered species, some of which exist nowhere else. Come visit this special place - renew your spirit amid stark volcanic landscapes and sub-tropical rain forest with an unforgettable hike through the backcountry.

Lucky for me, my guest list is already created and already practically perfect in every way.  We have eight bags to pack, eight mouths to feeds, eight accommodations to make…  Before I introduce you…note, that the names are straight out of the baby’s mouth!!

The planning man and spear head on this possible best vacation ever, Daddy Verne!!  His Hawaiian honey (not Hawaiian, but they’ve been so many times, she mine as well be) Mama Marie, batted those pretty doe eyes until there were 6 excited (or almost excited) folks tagging along with her.  Little Man McGough…or baby!  No choice in the matter…but what would a vacation be, if you couldn’t experience it through someone so new to the world.  Papi, a little frightened but a historic buff none-the-less; who wouldn’t dare pass up a chance to see Pearl Harbor.  GG, a mom to all and is eager to see new things and try new things.  Aunt Aaee, free spirited and as lovely as a princess!  Uncle Mommy, my knight-in-shining armor, how could I not want him there.  And I was lucky enough to be invited…

The ninth and tenth, Uncle bubba and Aunt Amanda can’t join us…but we’ll oh-so be thinking of them and we’ll be sure to take LOTS and LOTS of pictures!!  Although ten would have been a more concrete number, eight has turned out beautifully. 

Two days left, and this fantastical guest list will hiking their way to paradise!

Create the perfect guest list for the most perfect dinner party you can imagine.  Let nothing – time, budget, space, or reasonableness – limit you.  On the seating chart, place your grandma next to Elvis.  Include Aristotle alongside your beloved kindergarten teacher.  Add more seats if you wish.  And plan your menu, with, of course, eight courses of dessert.  

– The Happy Book