Lake Placid: Friendship, Fun, and a Midnight Stomach Bug
In 2018, we packed up the car with snow gear, snacks, and winter layers and headed to Lake Placid for a long weekend with friends who had become like family. The trip promised snow-covered adventures, cozy nights by the fire, and plenty of laughs. It delivered all that—and a few unexpected twists.
From the moment we arrived, the kids were in their element. Snow forts sprang up in the backyard, sledding races became a daily highlight, and the frozen lake turned into their playground. They even attempted to "ice skate" in their boots, which mostly involved falling down and laughing about it. Meanwhile, the adults took turns refereeing snowball fights and sneaking in coffee breaks by the fire.
Evenings were spent around the fire pit, roasting marshmallows, telling stories, and trying to keep chocolate-covered kids from wiping sticky hands on everyone’s coats. The fire crackled, the stars were bright, and for a few minutes, life felt simple.
But as any parent knows, travel with kids isn’t all s’mores and snow angels. Our cozy cabin quickly became a chaotic hub for misplaced gloves, muddy boots, and the occasional meltdown. On the last night, the chaos reached its peak when a stomach bug swept through, taking down two kids in its wake. My friend and I crossed paths in the hallway at 2 a.m., each holding a sick child, and burst out laughing because, really, what else can you do?
What made this trip unforgettable wasn’t the perfect moments—it was the shared experiences. There’s something about navigating the highs and lows of travel with friends that deepens bonds. From tag-teaming dinner prep to cheering on each other’s kids as they conquered sledding hills, it felt like a team effort. And in those moments, I was reminded how much joy there is in shared chaos.
Lessons Learned:
Travel Deepens Friendships: Sharing the highs and lows of a trip creates bonds that last long after the suitcases are unpacked.
Expect the Unexpected: Whether it’s meltdowns or midnight stomach bugs, rolling with the punches makes for the best stories.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Tag-teaming parenting duties with friends turns chaos into camaraderie.
The Outdoors Are Worth It: Even in the freezing cold, kids thrive when they can explore, play, and burn off energy.
Practical Tips for a Family Trip with Friends:
Choose Accommodations Wisely: A cabin with space for the kids to play (and for adults to escape) is key.
Plan Group Meals: Sharing the cooking and cleanup keeps things manageable and fun.
Pack for All Weather: Layers, waterproof gear, and plenty of gloves are a must for winter adventures.
Have a Sick Kit Ready: Snacks, wipes, and over-the-counter meds can save the day (or night).
Be Flexible: Embrace the chaos and enjoy the little moments—even the messy ones.
That trip to Lake Placid may not have been Instagram-perfect, but it was real, it was fun, and it was exactly what we needed. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about avoiding the chaos—it’s about finding joy right in the middle of it.
