Adventures of the Cookes

26/04/2026

Planning a trip to Tokyo to see Mount Fuji? Here’s something you need to know!

Mt. Fuji is only visible around 60–80 days per year, and visibility is especially low during spring due to haze and clouds.

If seeing Fuji is on your bucket list:
✔️ Visit in winter (best visibility)
✔️ Go early morning
✔️ Check live visibility cams before heading out

Even without the clear view, Japan completely delivered — but this is your sign to plan strategically if Fuji is a must-see.

16/04/2026

I probably would’ve never stopped to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse live at Disneyland… and I definitely wouldn’t have loved it this much.
But watching Jack dance to it? 🥹
That’s the magic.

Motherhood has a way of slowing you down and letting you experience the world through brand new eyes. The smallest moments feel bigger, sweeter, and somehow more meaningful.

He reminds me to play, to pause, and to enjoy the things I would’ve rushed past before.

13/04/2026

Our ongoing joke in Japan was that all our content would look the same… because Danny copies everything I do. 🙄😂

But honestly, I didn’t expect to be surrounded by so many photography lovers on this trip and I loved stepping into the “teacher” role at times. There’s something really special about paying it forward and helping others learn such a fun, creative craft.

And let’s be real… watching everyone capture the same iconic spots in their own unique way? That never gets old.

07/04/2026

The number of times I have to remind these Californians that their castle is the smallest, but you know what? Most of the time, they don’t care because at least they have a castle. 🏰😒
😭 me in Maryland.

03/04/2026

01/04/2026

Nara Deer Park

Did I know what to expect? Yes.
Did I tell my mom? Absolutely not 😂

Because obviously… I needed that authentic reaction for the reel. And honestly, her reactions? My favorite part every time.

If you’ve been—or plan to go—here’s what tips I gathered:

1. Grab your cookies at the entrance and head to the back ASAP
2. Avoid the males—they will ram you and are more likely to bite
3. Don’t skip the temple nearby (home to the largest wooden Buddha in the world 👀)
4. Don’t keep cookies within easy reach unless you’re ready to share immediately
5. Yes… they’ll eat the paper too 😅
6. Bowing is cute, but they’re not always waiting politely for your turn
7. Break cookies into pieces (trust me)
8. Hands up = “I’m out!” (they actually understand this)
9. You can pet them… just read their vibe
10. And PLEASE record the people you’re with—it’s comedy gold

Extra tip: Watch your step!! The deer p**p is everywhere.

Do you have Nara Deer Park on your list?

01/04/2026

🌸🌸🌸
Sharing some oldies but goodies from my first cherry blossom experience in Washington, D.C. 🌸

Curious what it’s looking like right now!? Are they at peak yet or still coming in?

Also realizing I want to start intentionally finding more blooms when I travel, not just stumbling on them. Different cities, different seasons, all of it.

What’s your go-to spot for flowers? And what should I add to my list next?