Seeing all the Halloween and fall decorations in stores this afternoon reminded me of a trip I took to the Beaches in Turks and Caicos last fall. The crisp, cool autumns were just beginning here in Springfield, Missouri when I found out I got to be one of the lucky people to go and check out this fantastic island resort.

As we flew over the island and into the white sandy beaches of the Turks and Caicos islands, I could just feel the cold, grayness of a Missouri fall slipping away. Only minutes away was our resort; our water-sliding, surf-simulating, white and sandy, deliciously all inclusive resort.

For the next few days I was in absolute heaven. The kiddos played their hearts out all day and then danced the night away in the Sesame Street parade, while the adults enjoyed a drink on the patio of the dance club with new friends at White Party, before dancing our night away as well.

I came back relaxed and refreshed. Ready to face another cold Midwestern winter.