Every winter our family makes the pilgrimage to the vast playground of western Colorado. Since we live in New England, an area brimming with ski slopes, people always ask us why we bother to go west. In a nutshell... Big sky, big mountains and in the winter BIG snow. Not to mention unobstructed family time that is becoming rare. But when the reality hits of paying for airfare, ski equipment, rental car, lift tickets, food, … [Continue reading...]
Our family was reunited with spring last weekend in Charlottesville, VA as we went on a quick trip to visit my brother and his family. I love Charlottesville! If you have not been there, you should go. Home to the University of Virginia, Charlottesville is vibrant cultural hub and the region's hilly, lush landscape is reminiscent of European countrysides. Long overdue family time happily took center stage for our trip so all of our explorations … [Continue reading...]
Although I was raised in New England there are still a lot of spots in the region that I haven't visited. Since moving back here from Texas a few years ago I made a vow that we'd take our kids to do more and see more in our area. New England is beautiful! It's an outdoor adventure park! It has cows, maple syrup and apples! Mountains, oceans, rivers, forests! I love every ounce of New England's charm and character. Sadly, I admit that we … [Continue reading...]
"You just kind of drive through it. Push on the gas." He was so calm. My jaw clenched, left eyebrow frowned and good ol' right eyebrow raised high in an arch of stubborn New England skepticism. My future husband smirked at my reaction. Although his lilting Texas drawl was bursting with trust, the sheer craziness of "just driving through" a 4' tall, 10' wide gate made of solid steel bars, was anchoring my right foot. We weren't going … [Continue reading...]
"Maybe we should just go get dinner instead..." I sighed watching an endless line snake around the Louvre's famed glass pyramid. The kids shuffled their feet, exhausted after a long, hot day absorbing a city that overwhelmed their young senses. Tourists clattered. The sounds of a distant cello echoed from underneath a stone entry. Cigarette smoke carried laughter through the air. Feeling depleted, I felt my enthusiasm wane. I just wanted … [Continue reading...]
Let me preface this by saying the road to hell is paved with the best of intentions. Our family is really excited for our holiday break this week and I really want to take our kids on a super fun adventure of spontaneous outings. But in this case we can translate spontaneous into "I've planned nothing" and adventure into, "Guess where we're going? The grocery store!" I wish I had some tricks up my sleeve... sigh. However, since I do try to … [Continue reading...]
Winter's snow is an unavoidable evil blessing in New England. You know it's coming, but only Mother Nature (and the Farmer's Almanac) knows when it will arrive. This year, we were fortunate enough to have two beautiful, fluff producing storms just 1.5 weeks before the holiday. A White Christmas for 2013 indeed. Happy Holidays! … [Continue reading...]
Summer break is still weeks away and your family has already said "adios!" to copious amounts of cash for airline tickets, accommodations, kid's camps and new summer threads. You're wondering what will be left in the bank by the time you're ready to go. Fear not fellow travelers! Money can take a backseat for these fun, fabulous and free family outings. You can still get the most out of your summer and enjoy meaningful family experiences … [Continue reading...]
When our kids started kindergarten many moons ago, they were asked to bring in a Monarch caterpillar for their first day. We searched and searched. And searched. And searched more, wandering through overgrown fields and frantically turning over the leaves of milkweed plants that the caterpillars eat. But no luck. As a parent, I kind of felt like a failure. "Sorry kids, I know it's your first day of full-time school and all, but we can't hand … [Continue reading...]
Buzzing mopeds, the exotic scent of incense and hookahs, fierce color, and leathered gypsies offering sprigs of rosemary... We've finally arrived in Granada. And it's incrediblel! Our family who is travel weary and coming off of a nasty stomach bug, immediately snaps back to life. We're so grateful to enter this vibrant, boisterous place of mixed culture and wild history - both of which play leading roles in shaping the electrifying city known … [Continue reading...]
