"as my children grow older and taller, I cherish the moments when memories wash up on the shore like shells on the sand; precious glimpses of younger versions of my boys frolicking through waves and building sandcastles that will wash away with the tide." Lovely reflection, Laura!
I love what you said about how you believe there’s room for both! I like to chill but I also love to go places. We have a friend we visit whose home is kind of like a vacation spot to us; we know what to expect when we go there and with our constantly changing lives, that familiarity feels so good.
Beautiful photos! And thank you for the footnotes. When I read about your dad's goal, I immediately wondered if it came true. So grateful to read that it did :)
Thanks, Fay! It was incredibly special that he was able to complete that goal at the end of his life and I’ll always cherish the memories of getting to see that dream come true for him!
Yes to making room for both! I also love it when I explore somewhere new and choose to visit the same shop or restaurant more than once, making it feel more like "my" place. I'm thankful 2025 holds a mix of new-to-me travel spots as well as our annual beach vacation. Can't wait to explore Nashville with you! And you must take my parents up on their offer to host your family for a DC trip!
Yes, it’s so great when you can find your place, even when traveling! Can’t wait to explore Nashville together, and I do have a kindergartener who is desperate for me to take him on a trip.. maybe we should go stay with your parents!!
Thanks, Kendra! I think the familiarity can make traveling with little kids easier, but I’m definitely starting to dream of more adventures now that mine are a little older and travel doesn’t require playing Tetris with pack and plays and strollers and all the things!!
"as my children grow older and taller, I cherish the moments when memories wash up on the shore like shells on the sand; precious glimpses of younger versions of my boys frolicking through waves and building sandcastles that will wash away with the tide." Lovely reflection, Laura!
Thanks, Erin!
I love what you said about how you believe there’s room for both! I like to chill but I also love to go places. We have a friend we visit whose home is kind of like a vacation spot to us; we know what to expect when we go there and with our constantly changing lives, that familiarity feels so good.
Thanks, Joy! Yes, I think it’s so wonderful to be able to experience both sides of the coin—change and familiarity!
Beautiful photos! And thank you for the footnotes. When I read about your dad's goal, I immediately wondered if it came true. So grateful to read that it did :)
Thanks, Fay! It was incredibly special that he was able to complete that goal at the end of his life and I’ll always cherish the memories of getting to see that dream come true for him!
Love this read. Thank you for adding your Dad accomplished his 50 state goal before his passing. Now I am ready for a vacation!
Thanks, Christina!
I love the distinction, and it’s a big one. My husband and I discuss “vacation” versus “trip” when we’re planning!
Yes, that is a very important distinction! And if little kids are involved, it’s pretty much always a trip!
Yes to making room for both! I also love it when I explore somewhere new and choose to visit the same shop or restaurant more than once, making it feel more like "my" place. I'm thankful 2025 holds a mix of new-to-me travel spots as well as our annual beach vacation. Can't wait to explore Nashville with you! And you must take my parents up on their offer to host your family for a DC trip!
Yes, it’s so great when you can find your place, even when traveling! Can’t wait to explore Nashville together, and I do have a kindergartener who is desperate for me to take him on a trip.. maybe we should go stay with your parents!!
Love this! We are currently a “vacation means going to the same place every year” family, but I hope to branch out to both!
Thanks, Kendra! I think the familiarity can make traveling with little kids easier, but I’m definitely starting to dream of more adventures now that mine are a little older and travel doesn’t require playing Tetris with pack and plays and strollers and all the things!!