The info on this page is based on historical averages and might not reflect current conditions. Check with local authorities for the latest travel advice.
Read moreThe best time to travel domestically in the US is either during spring (late March to late May) or autumn (late September to late October). Since these are the shoulder seasons before and after summer, these months have milder temperatures as well as fewer visitors in the most popular destinations.
From east to west, the US measures 1,665 miles across – and in that range, there are five climate regions. So, the best time to travel domestically in the US really does depend on what specific location you have in mind. If you’re not particular about when you're traveling, then spring and autumn are generally the most pleasant times to travel domestically.
Lasting from mid-March to late May, spring brings warm temperatures and beautiful natural scenery to the national parks, forests, and wetlands of southern states like California, Florida, and Nevada. The northern states and cities take some time to catch up – but when they do, New York, Washington D.C., and Chicago make for popular city getaways. Similarly, fall guarantees pleasant weather and beautiful autumnal landscapes in many parts of the country. So for lovers of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and camping, these shoulder seasons are the perfect time to make the trip.
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Monthly weather and travel tips for United States
After the excitement of Christmas, things are much quieter across the country in January. The northern states in particular can feel bleak with short days and heavy snowfall affecting many regions. So you’ll need to bring your thickest winter coat to stay toasty in cities like Boston and New York, as well as Philadelphia, which hosts its annual Mummers Parade on New Year's Day. Instead of avoiding the snow, embrace it at ski resorts like Park City, Utah and Aspen, Colorado – both famous for their powder skiing and the latter for the Winter X Games competition held at the end of the month.
By contrast, southern states like Florida, Louisiana, and Texas are much warmer with average highs of 60–65°F. Southern California also attracts its fair share of sun seekers in January, mainly to the beaches of Orange County and laid-back San Diego, or the desert landscapes of Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, and Death Valley. But Hawaii is the place to go if you really want to escape the winter blues, with temperatures fixed in the low to mid 70s every day.
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In February, the days are cold and dark across many of the northern states. However, it’s a great time to enjoy cozy mountain resorts and take advantage of discount prices at major destinations like Chicago and Washington D.C. You could time your trip with President's Day or the Superbowl if you don't mind the crowds. Alternatively, head into the wilderness of Wyoming and Montana for wolf-watching safaris and dog-sledding adventures – but be sure to bring your warmest clothes.
In the southwest, travelers flock to the Grand Canyon to see it covered in snow, or further east to New Orleans. There, locals and visitors alike will be gearing up for the legendary parades and masquerade balls of Mardi Gras at the end of the month. It’s much warmer down there during February, so make sure you pack lighter clothing and a colorful costume if you're planning to visit then.
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With the first buds of spring, many Americans—especially those in the south—start thinking about festivals and holidays again. States like Georgia, Tennessee, and California start to warm up around this time, and it’s usually during March when many young travelers descend on Florida for spring break. This is the warmest part of the country, with average highs of about 72°F and more beaches than you can think of.
But the change isn’t quite so obvious further north, where continued snowfall keeps the ski season going strong in states like Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. You’ll need to wear plenty of layers if you’re planning a trip to cities like Boston or New York – two cities who duke it out every year to host the best St. Patrick’s Day parade. At the end of the month, there’s nowhere better than Washington D.C., where hundreds of pink and white cherry blossoms bloom around the capital’s Tidal Basin during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
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In April, the northern states can finally start shaking off the winter chill. Temperatures can climb into the mid-60s and sunny days start rolling in. However, much of the snow is replaced by rain—especially in coastal regions including New England and the Pacific Northwest—so it’s best to come prepared for wet and windy weather.
Down south, it’s road-tripping season. If you’re planning a cross-country drive, April is a great month to see the southern national parks while avoiding the summer crowds. The ones in Utah and Arizona are great options to explore while en route to Las Vegas, Nevada. Sin City isn’t too hot this time of year, and hosts its annual Great Vegas Festival of Beer at the beginning of the month. Other major events taking place in April include California’s Coachella Music Festival, Miami’s Wine and Food Festival, New Orleans’ Jazz & Heritage Festival, and The Boston Marathon. Other holidays this month include Easter Sunday and Earth Day (April 22), which are are celebrated nationwide.
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April showers bring May flowers – or so the saying goes. By now, most of the country will be in full bloom. With daily highs of 64–73°F, it’s also warm enough to explore northern cities like New York, Chicago, and Washington D.C. without worrying about the cold – though you might want to take a light waterproof jacket just in case.
These peak conditions make May a prime time to experience the country’s natural wonders too. Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and Utah’s many national parks are especially great to visit this time of year since the wildlife comes out of hibernation, while California’s Death Valley is in peak condition for amazing views of the Milky Way. The month’s big event is Cinco de Mayo, so try to enjoy the festivities wherever you may be. Then say hello to summer, as you ring in Memorial Day on the last Monday of the month.
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The beginning of June is arguably the sweet spot for domestic travel in the US. For a week or two, the weather is warm and sunny almost everywhere you go, and there aren't too many tourists around yet. It’s a great time to visit national parks such as California’s Yosemite, when the waterfalls are at their most spectacular as the high-altitude snow causes rushing meltwater. Festival season is also in full swing, with major events including Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival (Manchester, Tennessee) and the legendary San Francisco Pride parade taking place.
Further north, temperatures will be a little cooler but still consistently warm – especially in waterfront cities like Cleveland, Providence, and Atlantic City. There’s no shortage of events either. Take Chicago’s Blues Festival—a free, three-day party celebrating blues and jazz—or New York’s aqua-themed Mermaid Parade on Coney Island. But the main attraction is "Summerfest," held each June in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and currently the biggest domestic music festival.
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July is one of the hottest and most crowded months to travel domestically in the US. With schools being out for the summer, American families join tourists at the national parks and beach resorts all over the country – so you’ll need to book your trips well in advance. Temperatures stay comfortably within the high 70s and hit the mid-80s in southwestern cities like Austin, Texas, and Phoenix, Arizona. It’s more humid in the east, but occasional thunderstorms help cool things down.
If you want to get away for Fourth of July, one of the less rainy cities is best so you can still enjoy a barbecue with your family and don't miss the fireworks. July is also great for exploring the otherwise rainy Pacific Northwest, when it's mostly sunny even in cities like Seattle and Portland. The former hosts the Bite of Seattle food festival in July, while the latter goes craft beer-crazy at the Oregon Brewers Festival. Other July highlights include Santa Fe’s Folk Art Festival and Taste of Chicago – the largest food festival in the world.
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Expect sweltering heat in August, with daytime temperatures rarely dropping below the mid-80s in the south. It’s also very humid in some eastern cities and regions, from which the best escape will be your nearest waterfront. But brace yourself – most beaches are packed with city dwellers and families cramming in one final summer vacation before school restarts. However, that also means lower rates and thinner crowds in otherwise crowded destinations like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
The good news is that the US has thousands of miles of glorious coastline to explore, from the shorelines of New England to the beaches of the Carolinas and Southern California’s Pacific Coast. You could also take the opportunity to explore mountainous national parks such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton, both in Wyoming. Another option are the national parks in Alaska, with long and mild days during August. Elsewhere, the Iowa State Fair runs in Des Moines for most of the month, while tennis fans rush to see world pros take to the court at New York’s thrilling US Open.
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September brings calm and cooler temperatures to much of the country, with only the hottest cities in the south featuring daytime temperatures above 86°F. Don't forget that September also marks the start of hurricane season in Florida, so it’s probably best to avoid it then. 9/11 is also in September, which is observed with the Tribute in Light at Ground Zero in New York City.
You'll find festivals all over the country in September. It kicks off with Labor Day, with New York’s Electric Zoo music festival and the Detroit Jazz Festival being two of the most popular ones. California’s wine harvest also occurs in September, while beer and bratwurst lovers celebrate the arrival of Oktoberfest to cities such as Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. But the ultimate party is none other than Burning Man – a 9-day jamboree of electro music, stunning artwork, and community spirit in the middle of Nevada’s Black Rock Desert.
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Temperatures drop in style in October, as golden-red tones wash over the trees across the northern states. It's not too cold though, so you can comfortably explore the forests of New England and look for the viewpoints to admire the kaleidoscopic canopies. Other autumn leaf hotspots include the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, as well as Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.
The southern states cool down but are still a bit warm, so now would be a good time to experience the dazzling lights and sights of Las Vegas. Further south, Fantasy Fest—Key West's answer to Mardi Gras—brings tens of thousands to the subtropical enclave in the ten days before Halloween. And Halloween itself is a big deal no matter where you celebrate it, with Halloween-themed parades taking place in New York, New York, Los Angeles, California, and Salem, Massachusetts.
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Tourist numbers drop off sharply in November, as winter takes hold. Cold winds blow through many of the northern states, bringing plenty of rain and even snowfall to some. Down in Florida, the end of hurricane season triggers the start of a warm but drier period that makes it ideal for visiting the theme parks of Orlando. So what you pack really does depend on which region you visit, since the northern and southern climates are very different this time of year.
November also features Veterans Day on November 11, and Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of the month. Wake up early to catch the Macy’s Day Parade in New York, or stay up late to take advantage of the many Black Friday doorbusters around the country.
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December is a busy month across the country. Not only do the streets of major cities become filled with Christmas shoppers, but it’s also the month that ski season kicks off in the Rockies. Resorts in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Utah are busy with winter sports lovers, determined to make the most of the fresh snowfall. Meanwhile, cities across the east and midwest are illuminated with incredible holiday displays—including European-style markets and ice-skating rinks—leading up to Christmas. You’ll need to bundle up if you're visiting the north in December – and it’s best to book your stays well in advance in order to avoid the highest rates.
Elsewhere, southern destinations like Miami and San Diego are still warm enough so that you can walk around in a t-shirt. Close out the year with a bang—literally—by watching fireworks on New Year's Eve, or the Times Square ball drop if you're determined enough to brave the crowds. December is also the best time of year to see the Aurora Borealis, otherwise known as the northern lights, throughout Alaska.
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Knowing the best time to visit domestically in the US depends on what you’re looking for in a trip. If weather is your main concern, remember that the US contains five distinct climate regions that vary significantly at any given time of the year. However, you'll generally find the best weather around spring and autumn across most of these regions.
The Northeast—home to cities such as New York, Boston, and Philadelphia—is usually around 48°F in spring and 52°F in the fall, with frequent showers across the region. In contrast, the sun-kissed cities of the Southwest like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego bask in temperatures of 53–63°F through both shoulder seasons. Further up the West Coast, Portland and Seattle are cooler and wetter. Late spring temperatures are warmer in Midwest hotspots like Chicago and Columbus but can get chilly in autumn, while Southeastern cities like Miami, Orlando, and New Orleans experience average highs of 66–72°F in both seasons.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | ||
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New York | High | 38°F | 39°F | 47°F | 59°F | 70°F | 78°F | 84°F | 81°F | 76°F | 65°F | 53°F | 48°F |
Low | 26°F | 26°F | 34°F | 45°F | 55°F | 64°F | 71°F | 69°F | 63°F | 54°F | 41°F | 38°F | |
Las Vegas | High | 60°F | 65°F | 73°F | 79°F | 88°F | 101°F | 102°F | 100°F | 95°F | 82°F | 68°F | 56°F |
Low | 40°F | 45°F | 52°F | 58°F | 66°F | 77°F | 81°F | 80°F | 74°F | 61°F | 47°F | 40°F | |
Orlando | High | 72°F | 74°F | 78°F | 83°F | 86°F | 89°F | 90°F | 90°F | 88°F | 84°F | 77°F | 76°F |
Low | 52°F | 55°F | 58°F | 65°F | 69°F | 73°F | 75°F | 76°F | 74°F | 68°F | 61°F | 59°F | |
Los Angeles | High | 70°F | 69°F | 71°F | 72°F | 74°F | 76°F | 80°F | 83°F | 84°F | 80°F | 74°F | 67°F |
Low | 49°F | 51°F | 54°F | 55°F | 59°F | 62°F | 64°F | 66°F | 67°F | 62°F | 55°F | 50°F | |
Miami | High | 76°F | 77°F | 78°F | 82°F | 84°F | 86°F | 88°F | 89°F | 87°F | 85°F | 80°F | 78°F |
Low | 64°F | 65°F | 67°F | 71°F | 74°F | 77°F | 78°F | 79°F | 78°F | 75°F | 69°F | 68°F | |
San Francisco | High | 57°F | 58°F | 60°F | 60°F | 61°F | 63°F | 64°F | 65°F | 66°F | 67°F | 61°F | 56°F |
Low | 48°F | 50°F | 51°F | 51°F | 53°F | 54°F | 57°F | 58°F | 58°F | 57°F | 54°F | 49°F | |
Weather data provided by Forecast.io
Cost of stay in United States
Want to travel smart? Check here for the cost of stays in the United States for each month.
The best places to visit in United States
Check out some of the most popular cities, places to visit, and things to do in United States!
New York
Popular in December
Sightseeing, City Walks, Shopping
Las Vegas
Popular in August
Entertainment, Nightlife, Gambling
Orlando
Popular in July
Theme Parks, Universal Studios, Disneyland
Los Angeles
Popular in August
Sightseeing, Beach, Universal Studios
Miami
Popular in December
Shopping, Beach, Nightlife
San Francisco
Popular in August
Sightseeing, City Walks, Scenery
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Loved it wished I could have stayed... everyone there just friendly enjoyed the food and shopping
staff was very friendly, and the accommodations far exceeded our expectations
this property was so close to the slave market, and restaurants were very good
A car is really needed as walking is difficult in areas with no sidewalks and busy, narrow roads. Not many restaurants. Some very nice parks and beaches. The food trucks have great food and across the street is a large grocery store with a good selection of takeaway food.
My favorite thing about Las Vegas is the architecture of some of the Strip hotels--especially Paris, Bellagio, and Caesar's Palace.
Food and bar staff were excellent. Very clean! Making of beds was poor.
NY is an acquired taste. I lived there for more than 20 years but this was my first time back in10 years. It was a good visit. Loved the Lincoln Deli
Tucson is a cute little city, and it surprised me. I was there for a wedding, but I really enjoyed the downtown and 4th ave areas. Lots of cute shops and cafes to explore. I didn't realize how much I would need a car when I booked this trip. I ran out of things to do after a couple hours, because anything else walking distance was closed on Mondays, and all other points of interest (like Saguaro or Mt. Lemmon) are not accessible without a car.
This is a very nice suburb of Omaha with plenty of hotels, shopping opportunities and restaurants.
It is a very nice suburb of the Mn Twin Cities. We felt very safe there. The shopping is great and the mall of America is a 10 minutes drive from our hotel. There are many nice restaurants in the area also.
We loved the scenic Mississippi River area where we stayed. There are walkways along the river for strolling and the downtown area has many restaurants, parks and shopping opportunities.
It is a scenic city with many parks and shopping malls.
Enchanting little town with good shopping and fairly good restaurants. It is mostly geared toward students, those visiting them, and those residing in the suburbs. The people of Corvallis are what makes Corvallis, Corvallis (Oregonians too!).
We were at North Myrtle. It is much quieter than Myrtle, yet its just a short drive over to Myrtle where there is lots of shopping, restaurants and other activities.
Chicago was incredible! A weekend is simply not enough to experience all the city has to offer—you really need a week. I took my 16-year-old daughter for her first visit, and she loved every moment. We explored Navy Pier, enjoyed a boat tour, dined on delicious food, and even had a blast at the Flyover, which was one of the highlights of our trip. Chicago never disappoints!
People are friendly , and the beaches are beautiful .
Altamonte Springs is Northeast of the top tourist destinations, so less traffic. The local area has a great mall and many fine restaurants. Hotels location has easy entry to I-4. both the local and express lanes for business travels to Downtown Orlando or Airports.
Branson is a great place to play and be entertained.
Sweet town - Be sure to go to Lunas for coffee/smoothie whatever you fancy - charming downtown
Great house in a perfect location. Dollar General with everything even produce is 100 yards away and the beach is maybe a quarter mile walk.
The Buck's NBA playoff game was tremendous. The Deer Districts was great with reasonable prices food and drinks. Little traffic.
It was a nice place to relax, I come all the time.
Los Alamos has great restaurants in old places with charm and intrigue. it's fun to try new options in great old style/antique even, surroundings.
Friendly and helpful staff. Clean. Dedicated dog walking area. Restaurants in easy walking distance.
Spacious, clean room. Staff was friendly and polite. Breakfast had a lot of variety. Hotel was in a great location for what we needed to do.
Great location and fun activities with the family!
Staff was very pleasant and professional. Clean hotel with large, quiet rooms. Breakfast had a lot of variety. Would definitely stay here again.
Pleasant Stay every year we came in Bradenton for IMG Academy Bradenton motor sports car race weekends many years every time we came in Bradenton we stay at this places at Americas Best value inn Bradenton very clean and comfortable stay convenient location very friendly staff very Helpful many restaurants around in waking distance easy in and out on I-75 I Highly recommended This Places for all the travelers.
There are plenty stores, shops and amusement parks to fill the time of staying there. The beach at the time we stayed had seaweed that could be cleaned overnight or early morning.
North Platte is home to the Buffalo Bill Rodeo-the birthplace of American Rodeo held in June each year. It is also the home to Buffalo Bill Cody's Scouts Rest Ranch, the Golden Spike Observation tower overlooking the world's largest re-classification rail yards
Key Largo retains its old FL charm. It is casual, quiet and relaxing. Great food and friendly people. My favorite restaurants are Mrs.Macks and The Fish House. Amazing sunsets!
Loved the Ark Encounter and will be back. The Creation Museum was only a short 45 minute drive north from there.
The shoreline had nice restaurants and a fabulous view of the lake.
I have been to Mesquite many many times. I think it is a nice city for what I need to go there for nothing more.
Great seafood restaurants and a beautiful beach. Very pleasant place to be
I couldn’t believe the prices at the Speedpark at concord mills and that more people were not taking advantage of it. We enjoyed our time there playing putt putt and were planning on doing other activities but our 4 & 6 year olds were worn out from the water park. We’ll definitely try again when we can. The location was perfect for what we had planned to do.
Incredible nice town and people, will go to Bedford sgain
first time there was pretty good kids lived would luv to go back
Thank goodness for GPS. Arrived at hotel from Denver airport using GPS. Found my way to friend's house using GPS. Used GPS to go from friend's house to hotel and back and forth. Used GPS to get back to Denver airport.
I always enjoy the different restaurants, there are a lot of attractions and, activities for the young and old to enjoy. Always feel safe.
This is my third day, what I have seen so far is Hall of fame, and the music downtown, which is great. The tax is too high for hotels, almost 30% of the price is tax, which is not fair.
Lots of food choices and shopping and of course the beach
this was the second year we’ve stayed here. looking forward to year three. great drive up the mountain
So many good restaurant's and plenty of shopping
Nice town that seems to be holding its own. This was our second visit but didn't get to stay long enough either time to see everything, but its definitely a pleasant place to visit.
It was exciting and something going on all the time. Food options were great. There is something for everyone. We ate at Sloppy Joe's. Food was good. Buoy at the most southern point of Key West....90 miles to Cuba. Beautiful sunset.
Charming town near Lake Geneva, quaint restaurants
Third time here and loved it. Worth coming down here. Would love to come every year. If you love hiking or walking with your dogs its well worth the trip.
Perfect place to have a vacation. Beautiful white sand beaches and emerald oceans. Shopping is out of this world. Weather is perfect. Multitude of restaurants that will meet your culinary needs.
I love Ocean City. The boardwalk has much to offer. Rides for all age groups, games, an abundance of mini-golf, shopping, and many choices in food options. It’s family friendly with a nice beach. The drawback is having to pay for access to the beach which can be costly for a large family. Most hotels do offer free tags if you stay there.
Gardena is quiet and has a lot of food, shopping and entertainment options
We enjoyed our stay, room was clean, everything worked, the floor we stayed on was very quiet. Staff was friendly. Was definitely stay there again.
The downtown area is filled with small businesses making it lovely to walk down the main street. Many fun and beautiful metal sculptures along the sidewalks and buildings. Arrived too late in the day to explore many of the shops.
felt safe. Beautiful foothills scenic city. Friendly people. Plenty of good places to dine. West Knoxville is a great area
A lot nicer than I realized. The skyline was beautiful, the people were nice. We went to Bricktown which was a lot of fun and had a lot of different activities and experiences for people. I would recommend again, especially to Texans who arent too far away for a small get-away.
This was our 2nd year visiting during Autumn Leaves Festival and it was so fun!!
The traffic is a bit much but I was there for a football game at NRG Stadium. I love Houston
Amazing scenery everywhere. Close to Arches National Park. All timed entry slots taken so we entered before 7:00 AM which gave us good early morning sunlight. Close enough to do that.
Parks, interesting old homes, clean . The Old Louisville Tavern was great for casual dining
very nice town, very friendly people, not a jerk anywhere
We were there for the BEAT tour at the Majestic Theatre (which was phenomenal). We've really enjoyed downtown Dallas on three separate occasions (mid-August, Late september, & late October). Right now it's our preferred city in Texas (over Austin & Houston). San Antonio doesn't even count, it's more of a northern Mexican city...
Great place to stay, friendly and environmentally focused.
Loved the vibe, the energy and the people i was experiencing it with
nice beach have been here many times. historic downtown is very nice and go to light house, its a great tour. see the winery, chocolate. factory for the tour and great eats. everyone has to see this landmark at least once. we have been there many times and great for holiday lights
Emeryville is a unique area that is close to San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland. It offers ample places to stay and many things to entertain like Bay Street, Public Market, and IKEA.
Just as good as a Marriot. I loved the spaciousness of this room and it it was like it was just remodeled. Clean and neat as a pin. We had a room that had two beds a sofa coffee table a little area with desk and refrigerator area. A small vanity area and open closet area outside bathroom. The most spacious room I have had in quite some time. Really a great room and great value. Did n't have time to eat so couldn't rate the food.
Love the Denver Center for the Performing Arts! It's one of the best in the nation for seeing Broadway shows, plays, orchestral events, operas, and ballet.
The roads and highways were well maintained and easy to navigate. Great breakfast places to select from, especially like Broken Egg. Nice area in San Marco and the board walk on JAX Beach.
There isn't much going on late in the season (early November), but it sits on the Susquehanna River, so plenty to do earlier in the year, especially if you like to fish. There were a couple of good restaurants along the highway. Good comfort food places.
Road way coming into town there’s strip malls with name brand store like Nike, Pendleton, Safeway. Turning left or right onto Broadway, will take you right into downtown, where there’s plenty of shops,& good restaurants!
The Made-To-Order breakfast included with the room accommodations was great. The meal was made quickly and the dining area kept extremely clean and tidy.
So much to do here! Food is incredible, shopping is top notch and of course the mountains are so beautiful with small towns, local art and trails to explore. The people are open and friendly and the culture is easy going and accepting. I am planning to relocate here in the near future.
Seeing the Happiness on my Grandkids faces makes it all worth it.
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