Last night we had a lovely “honeymoon”… literally the “Honey Moon” was out (details on the Honey Moon in case you’re wondering - it will still be pretty spectacular tonight. It’s the perigee.) but it was also a feeling of being on honeymoon because we took part in the “Hō’ā i ka lama Lights Out for Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage” event. My sister Melanie posted the challenge on Facebook and I thought it would be a great movement to be a part of. On the flip side I also know that my family could benefit from unplugging from our iPhones (Kaimi), computers (Me) and tablets (Jackson).

 

 

The moon really was spectacular – unfortunately we didn’t witness the optical illusion effect of it being giant near the horizon (Haleakala blocked the moon until about 9pm in our area) BUT we still got some of that effect, especially as it peaked out from behind Haleakala. Truly breathtaking. Jackson learned how to say moon in French – pointing up at “la lune”… it was adorable.

 

 

To prepare for our “lights off” I made dinner early (veggie soup) and we started to eat as the sun set outside. It was fun to get the flashlights and lanterns out – like camping in the house!

 

 

Jackson sat in his booster seat like a big boy and even used a fork. Good boy! Avocado, fish and nori for our little Hawaiian – he knows what he likes! lol

 

 

Key to the whole experience were our “flashlight caps” that grandpa gave us. This way we could at least see where we were going. (Details on where to get one of these magical contraptions below)

 

 

Prior to the “event” we made a list of things we wanted to do as a family when the lights were out. First it was bath time… the sunset view was amazing and Jackson had a blast bathing in the dark. For us, it was great to fully focus on our son. We talked and played and enjoyed each others company.

 

 

Then we decided to make music. Kaimi got the guitar out and we sang a few songs. Jackson was starting to get antsy though. First of all, he likes to be the center of attention (wonder where he got that from? ha ha!). Second, he likes to touch and turn the tuning keys on daddy’s guitar (which is a no-no). He got bored quickly and started saying “George! George!” (as in Curious George). I explained to him that we were not going to turn the TV on, let’s dance and make music! He wasn’t happy… it was dark, he couldn’t see anything and mommy and daddy were singing and not really paying attention to him – needless to say, that didn’t last long. So we decided to go for a moon-lit stroll… one thing you don’t think about when it’s dark is that all of the critters are out!

 

 

While Kaimi got the stroller ready, I took the trash out and was greeted by a black cat’s shining eyes (right as I opened the front door!) and a giant toad right in front of the trash area! It even hopped toward me!! Ewwwwww!! Totally freaked me out.

 

 

This part of the evening was Jackson’s favorite – and ours too. We walked for a good 30 – 45 minutes totally losing track of time. It was cool, the street was deserted, the full moon was shining above and we were together as a family – making memories. Kaimi and I even started talking about the state of education in Hawaii, prisons and drug rehabilitation… it was an ‘Aha!’ moment. When was the last time we just talked? Life is so busy… we rarely slow down to enjoy each others company. This was one of those rare moments. We decided to make it a family tradition. As our family grows and grows up, unplugging every now and then will help to enhance our lives. Moonlit strolls aren’t too shabby either.

 

 

The last activity of the evening was reading books in Jackson’s tent by flashlight. He loved it and the darkness of the room made him calm and focused. It was a really sweet moment. Life’s swell…

 

Flashlight cap!

Okay, so people have asked me where to get the “flashlight cap”…  I found this flashlight cap at Lowe’s several years ago. I love the camouflage and that it has several settings. The cap screamed “grandpa” to me!! We got it for Kaimi’s father for Christmas and it has become his go-to cap for camping, going outside at night, walking the dog and he sometimes even wears it in the house! Here’s the link… just click on the image

(PS- I only share links to products I use all the time and totally believe in!)

 

 

So then Kaimi’s dad got both Kaimi and I flashlight caps the next Christmas! They no longer sold them at Lowe’s so he got us these navy blue caps that still work awesome. Link below.

 

On Amazon they even have them in red – which is a good color to wear especially when out and about at night