From volunteering with sloths to dodging falling iguanas and handling a pit viper with a shovel, our month in Costa Rica during the pandemic was anything but ordinary. It redefined gratitude, travel, and how we connect with the world around us.

What started as a ski trip to Tahoe and sightseeing in San Francisco turned into the calm before the storm. From bunny hills to big-city sights, we bonded, dreamed big, and embraced every moment—unaware of how the world was about to change.

From hauling strollers up ancient steps to sharing limoncello after bedtime hikes, our 2019 trip to Italy proved that travel can turn friends into family. It was chaotic, delicious, and filled with memories that we’ll cherish forever.

Our trip to France was more than a family vacation—it was a journey through my mom’s past and a chance to see the country through her eyes. From walking her old neighborhood streets to volunteering at a local church, it was a meaningful mix of nostalgia, connection, and, of course, a few baguette battles.

Our Lake Placid trip was the perfect mix of snow forts, sledding, and midnight stomach bug chaos. With friends-turned-family by our side, we turned meltdowns into memories and chaos into camaraderie. Because nothing bonds you like tag-teaming toddler cleanups at 2 a.m.

Our spontaneous family trip to Barcelona was equal parts chaos and magic. From nightclubs under our Airbnb to chasing kids through medieval courtyards, it wasn’t the vacation we planned—but it became one of our most unforgettable adventures.

Trading snow for sand sounded like a dream—until I found myself navigating Florida grocery stores and SPF debates. But those winters away taught me that "home" isn’t about a zip code—it’s about sunsets, seagulls, and learning to embrace the chaos (even when your kid eats sand).

Flying to Paris with two small kids and a stroller the size of a small car was ambitious, to say the least. But from carousel rides to playground connections that needed no words, our week in the City of Light reminded me that travel with kids is messy, magical, and full of surprises. Spoiler: the stroller didn’t survive, but we did.

Planning the "perfect" Disney World trip turned into a lesson in letting go. From spreadsheets to ducks, here’s how I discovered the real magic of slowing down and embracing the unexpected with my kids.

My first flight as a mom was a whirlwind of overpacking, overthinking, and unexpected kindness. From navigating security with a stroller, car seat, and way too many diapers to discovering the resilience of my baby and the generosity of strangers, this trip taught me invaluable lessons about parenting and travel. Read on for the story, the lessons I learned, and practical tips for your first flight with a little one.