Motherhood — emily krause

Featured

How to Take Better Family Travel Photos

Sep 27, 2018

Travel, Motherhood

Sep 27, 2018

Travel, Motherhood

Sep 27, 2018

Travel, Motherhood

Tips for Flying with Toddlers and Little Kids without Losing Your Mind

Sep 23, 2018

Motherhood, Travel

Sep 23, 2018

Motherhood, Travel

Sep 23, 2018

Motherhood, Travel

Why You Should Travel with Your Kids Even Though It's Kind of A Pain

Sep 11, 2018

Motherhood, Travel

Sep 11, 2018

Motherhood, Travel

Sep 11, 2018

Motherhood, Travel

10 Tips for Recovering from Long Travel Days

Aug 29, 2018

Motherhood

Aug 29, 2018

Motherhood

Aug 29, 2018

Motherhood

Bento Box and School Lunch Ideas for Kids

Aug 22, 2018

Motherhood

Aug 22, 2018

Motherhood

Aug 22, 2018

Motherhood

What to Wear for Disney World in Summer

Aug 13, 2018

Travel, Motherhood

Aug 13, 2018

Travel, Motherhood

Aug 13, 2018

Travel, Motherhood

how to make a chore chart for little kids

Jul 27, 2018

Motherhood

Jul 27, 2018

Motherhood

Jul 27, 2018

Motherhood

creating my summer capsule wardrobe as a stay-at-home-mom

Jun 15, 2018

Motherhood

Jun 15, 2018

Motherhood

Jun 15, 2018

Motherhood

create a summer bucket list with your kids

Jun 8, 2018

Motherhood

Jun 8, 2018

Motherhood

Jun 8, 2018

Motherhood

what to pack for a beach day with toddlers

Jun 5, 2018

Travel, Motherhood

Jun 5, 2018

Travel, Motherhood

Jun 5, 2018

Travel, Motherhood

how to earn extra cash fast

May 31, 2018

Earn, Motherhood

May 31, 2018

Earn, Motherhood

May 31, 2018

Earn, Motherhood

a little life update

May 23, 2018

Motherhood

May 23, 2018

Motherhood

May 23, 2018

Motherhood

lewis's first year

Apr 30, 2018

Motherhood

Apr 30, 2018

Motherhood

Apr 30, 2018

Motherhood

things I wish I had known before my first C-section (plus some recovery tips)

Apr 21, 2018

Motherhood

Apr 21, 2018

Motherhood

Apr 21, 2018

Motherhood

LILLEbaby Airflow Complete Review (or how I survived my first year as a mom of three)

Apr 5, 2018

Motherhood

Apr 5, 2018

Motherhood

Apr 5, 2018

Motherhood

how to connect with your kids when you hate playing toys

Apr 4, 2018

Motherhood

Apr 4, 2018

Motherhood

Apr 4, 2018

Motherhood

how to break the mommy martyr cycle

Feb 21, 2018

Motherhood

Feb 21, 2018

Motherhood

Feb 21, 2018

Motherhood

best at-home teeth whitening system for busy moms

Feb 15, 2018

Motherhood

Feb 15, 2018

Motherhood

Feb 15, 2018

Motherhood

30 fun things to do while I'm 30 years old

Feb 7, 2018

Motherhood

Feb 7, 2018

Motherhood

Feb 7, 2018

Motherhood

tips for pumping a stash of breastmilk for a night away

Feb 6, 2018

Motherhood

Feb 6, 2018

Motherhood

Feb 6, 2018

Motherhood

the most comfortable travel outfit

Jan 19, 2018

Motherhood

Jan 19, 2018

Motherhood

Jan 19, 2018

Motherhood

things all moms of young kids can relate to

Jan 17, 2018

Motherhood

Jan 17, 2018

Motherhood

Jan 17, 2018

Motherhood

true confessions of a mom and her guilt

Jan 9, 2018

Motherhood

Jan 9, 2018

Motherhood

Jan 9, 2018

Motherhood

finding my momiform

Dec 11, 2017

Motherhood

Dec 11, 2017

Motherhood

Dec 11, 2017

Motherhood

10 outside-the-box gift ideas for little kids (plus some stocking stuffers!)

Nov 20, 2017

Motherhood

Nov 20, 2017

Motherhood

Nov 20, 2017

Motherhood

holiday game plan

Nov 15, 2017

Motherhood

Nov 15, 2017

Motherhood

Nov 15, 2017

Motherhood

on keeping kids quiet at church + what's in our church quiet bag

Nov 10, 2017

Motherhood

Nov 10, 2017

Motherhood

Nov 10, 2017

Motherhood

what to pack in your hospital bag for a c-section

Apr 13, 2017

Motherhood

Apr 13, 2017

Motherhood

Apr 13, 2017

Motherhood

third trimester must haves

Apr 6, 2017

Motherhood

Apr 6, 2017

Motherhood

Apr 6, 2017

Motherhood

to the disappointed mom preparing for a c-section

Apr 3, 2017

Motherhood

Apr 3, 2017

Motherhood

Apr 3, 2017

Motherhood

emily krause

Hola! I'm Emily Krause, a mom of three who won’t let having little ones stop her from exploring the world! I’m here to help you make travel easier & more accessible for moms!

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

So grateful for this big beautiful Earth to explore 🌎

So grateful for this big beautiful Earth to explore 🌎

Happy Easter! Today we get to celebrate an empty tomb and the reason we have eternal life. He is risen!

Happy Easter! Today we get to celebrate an empty tomb and the reason we have eternal life. He is risen!

Sometimes you don’t have to look very far to find beauty. We started the day with a sunrise on the beach, followed by donuts and coffee, a trip to St. Augustine, and lots of fun family time. Now we’re getting ready for the most joyful church service of the year tomorrow morning! What’s your family up to this Easter weekend?

Sometimes you don’t have to look very far to find beauty. We started the day with a sunrise on the beach, followed by donuts and coffee, a trip to St. Augustine, and lots of fun family time. Now we’re getting ready for the most joyful church service of the year tomorrow morning! What’s your family up to this Easter weekend?

Planning a trip to Disney World is one of the most exciting and stressful events in a parent’s life. Your whole family is thrilled about seeing Mickey and Co, but the bulk of planning naturally falls on one person (often Mom). I’ve picked up so many little tips and tricks for making your Disney trip easier, cheaper, and more magical, and I wanted to share them with you!

Buy Disney gift cards at Target. Because they’re considered entertainment cards instead of gift cards, you can use your Red Card to buy them and get 5% off.

Research photo spots ahead of time. I ALWAYS find that once I’m inside the park it feels like too much of a hassle to stop and figure something out, or even stop and take a picture, unless I’ve planned it out ahead of time. You do NOT want to get home from your trip that you spent hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars on, and find that the only tangible memories you have are some shaky videos on your phone. Get the nice family pictures.

Buy the souvenir popcorn buckets. It’s only $2 to refill them each time, and they are the perfect snack for waiting in line, waiting for a parade to start, or for the kids to munch on in the stroller while you’re walking.

47 more amazing tips on the blog. Link in bio!

Planning a trip to Disney World is one of the most exciting and stressful events in a parent’s life. Your whole family is thrilled about seeing Mickey and Co, but the bulk of planning naturally falls on one person (often Mom). I’ve picked up so many little tips and tricks for making your Disney trip easier, cheaper, and more magical, and I wanted to share them with you! Buy Disney gift cards at Target. Because they’re considered entertainment cards instead of gift cards, you can use your Red Card to buy them and get 5% off. Research photo spots ahead of time. I ALWAYS find that once I’m inside the park it feels like too much of a hassle to stop and figure something out, or even stop and take a picture, unless I’ve planned it out ahead of time. You do NOT want to get home from your trip that you spent hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars on, and find that the only tangible memories you have are some shaky videos on your phone. Get the nice family pictures. Buy the souvenir popcorn buckets. It’s only $2 to refill them each time, and they are the perfect snack for waiting in line, waiting for a parade to start, or for the kids to munch on in the stroller while you’re walking. 47 more amazing tips on the blog. Link in bio!

Are you going on a road trip for the long Easter break weekend? 🖍 Grab some Crayola Color Wonder books and markers for the kids. The markers only color on the special paper and won’t make a mess. 📚 Pick up some audiobooks from the library to play during your drive. 📱 Use the Google Trips app to help you find local restaurants and parks when you stop. iExit app will help you find rest stops, gas stations, coffee, or fast food. The Food Tripping app helps you find healthy food options along your route. 📦 Use large clear plastic bins to pack food and/or miscellaneous items. They stack well and you can easily see what’s in each one. 🚗 Use a 3 drawer storage tower to store snacks, toys, and books for the kids in back. 🛣 Make a stop along the way to play at a park, visit a roadside attraction, or quickly tour a new city. It will help break up the trip.

Check my blog for more road trip tips! (Packing, entertaining kids, apps, and snack ideas). Link in bio! Where are you road tripping next?

Are you going on a road trip for the long Easter break weekend? 🖍 Grab some Crayola Color Wonder books and markers for the kids. The markers only color on the special paper and won’t make a mess. 📚 Pick up some audiobooks from the library to play during your drive. 📱 Use the Google Trips app to help you find local restaurants and parks when you stop. iExit app will help you find rest stops, gas stations, coffee, or fast food. The Food Tripping app helps you find healthy food options along your route. 📦 Use large clear plastic bins to pack food and/or miscellaneous items. They stack well and you can easily see what’s in each one. 🚗 Use a 3 drawer storage tower to store snacks, toys, and books for the kids in back. 🛣 Make a stop along the way to play at a park, visit a roadside attraction, or quickly tour a new city. It will help break up the trip. Check my blog for more road trip tips! (Packing, entertaining kids, apps, and snack ideas). Link in bio! Where are you road tripping next?

Hint: kids are much more likely to cooperate for a family photo if you let them hold the remote starter and press the button. ...aaaand the boys still look incredibly disinterested. 😂😂😂

Hint: kids are much more likely to cooperate for a family photo if you let them hold the remote starter and press the button. ...aaaand the boys still look incredibly disinterested. 😂😂😂

Friday Adventures! It’s a little tradition I instituted as a stay-at-home mom. Today it was wandering around our local beach town. Sometimes it’s just going through the drive through at Dunkin. Sometimes it’s trying a new park.

The days and weeks can get long and monotonous when you stay at home and work from home. Your kids can get on your nerves and a sense of ennui sets in.

Friday Adventures are my cure for that creeping dissatisfaction. We discover something new or revisit something we love in our hometown. We break the routine. We remember to have fun!

Do you do something like this? What traditions do you have that break the monotony of staying home?

Friday Adventures! It’s a little tradition I instituted as a stay-at-home mom. Today it was wandering around our local beach town. Sometimes it’s just going through the drive through at Dunkin. Sometimes it’s trying a new park. The days and weeks can get long and monotonous when you stay at home and work from home. Your kids can get on your nerves and a sense of ennui sets in. Friday Adventures are my cure for that creeping dissatisfaction. We discover something new or revisit something we love in our hometown. We break the routine. We remember to have fun! Do you do something like this? What traditions do you have that break the monotony of staying home?

How do you prefer to preserve memories of your travels? I’m a picture and video maniac (if you hadn’t noticed) and keep albums on Google Photos and an external hard drive, then write blog posts, and Instagram the heck out of each trip.

We don’t buy many souvenirs. I let the kids pick out a postcard from each place we visit, and we write about what we did on the back. (I still need to put them into albums). If we do buy something, it’s either consumable (CANDY) or an accessory like scarves, bracelets, or earrings.

What’s the best souvenir you’ve ever purchased? Do you have a cool way to remember your trips? Share below!

How do you prefer to preserve memories of your travels? I’m a picture and video maniac (if you hadn’t noticed) and keep albums on Google Photos and an external hard drive, then write blog posts, and Instagram the heck out of each trip. We don’t buy many souvenirs. I let the kids pick out a postcard from each place we visit, and we write about what we did on the back. (I still need to put them into albums). If we do buy something, it’s either consumable (CANDY) or an accessory like scarves, bracelets, or earrings. What’s the best souvenir you’ve ever purchased? Do you have a cool way to remember your trips? Share below!

You’re not a boring mom because you don’t go to exotic destinations.

You’re no less of a person because you only take a real vacation every 2 years.

I know you dreamed of traveling the world. I know you fantasized about living that boho life, wandering down foreign city streets, maybe even while wearing your baby . It seemed so attainable before you had kids.

And it is attainable, but maybe not right now. Maybe you’re still paying hospital bills from your last baby while trying for another one. Maybe you can barely get through one day with babies and toddlers and preschoolers much less plan and save for a trip to another country.

Don’t worry, though. Your day is coming. This season won’t last forever. Start saving your pennies in a mason jar. Start a sinking fund for travel. Bookmark places you want to go on Pinterest or Instagram. Soon you’ll emerge from the fog of parenting small children and your urge to GO and DO and EXPLORE will be stronger than your overwhelm.

In the meantime, check out the local donut shop with your kids. Drive a half hour to that state park. Tour the nearest museum or visit the next city over. I promise there’s so much to discover right where you are. Paris and Machu Picchu and Madagascar will still be there in a few years.

Double tap if you’ve got big dreams of traveling with your kids (or future kids)!

You’re not a boring mom because you don’t go to exotic destinations. You’re no less of a person because you only take a real vacation every 2 years. I know you dreamed of traveling the world. I know you fantasized about living that boho life, wandering down foreign city streets, maybe even while wearing your baby . It seemed so attainable before you had kids. And it is attainable, but maybe not right now. Maybe you’re still paying hospital bills from your last baby while trying for another one. Maybe you can barely get through one day with babies and toddlers and preschoolers much less plan and save for a trip to another country. Don’t worry, though. Your day is coming. This season won’t last forever. Start saving your pennies in a mason jar. Start a sinking fund for travel. Bookmark places you want to go on Pinterest or Instagram. Soon you’ll emerge from the fog of parenting small children and your urge to GO and DO and EXPLORE will be stronger than your overwhelm. In the meantime, check out the local donut shop with your kids. Drive a half hour to that state park. Tour the nearest museum or visit the next city over. I promise there’s so much to discover right where you are. Paris and Machu Picchu and Madagascar will still be there in a few years. Double tap if you’ve got big dreams of traveling with your kids (or future kids)!

How can you make travel a regular part of your life if you’re pressed for time or money?

We’ve been loving local day trips and quick weekend getaways. We rely on road trips, visiting friends, Airbnb’s, and the occasional hotel stay.

Our “local” road trip radius for a weekend is about 5 hours, and we’ve been able to discover lots of cool cities this way. What’s a nearby city you’ve explored that surprised you?

How can you make travel a regular part of your life if you’re pressed for time or money? We’ve been loving local day trips and quick weekend getaways. We rely on road trips, visiting friends, Airbnb’s, and the occasional hotel stay. Our “local” road trip radius for a weekend is about 5 hours, and we’ve been able to discover lots of cool cities this way. What’s a nearby city you’ve explored that surprised you?

We didn’t quit our jobs to travel the world. We aren’t on the road full time. Sometimes weeks go by where we don’t leave our hometown.

I just want other families to know that travel is about curiosity, not how many countries you check off your list. It’s about exploring the place you call home just as much as it is about discovering other cultures and customs.

I’ve got all kinds of tips for exploring more with young children on the blog. Grab an afternoon cup of coffee and check out the link in my bio for lots of travel inspiration!

We didn’t quit our jobs to travel the world. We aren’t on the road full time. Sometimes weeks go by where we don’t leave our hometown. I just want other families to know that travel is about curiosity, not how many countries you check off your list. It’s about exploring the place you call home just as much as it is about discovering other cultures and customs. I’ve got all kinds of tips for exploring more with young children on the blog. Grab an afternoon cup of coffee and check out the link in my bio for lots of travel inspiration!

5 FUN THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT ME... 😎 I’m a rebel, baby. According to Gretchen Rubin’s 4 tendencies that is. Basically that means I don’t like being told what to do or when, and I feel VERY constricted when anything is on the schedule. Complete freedom all the time, plz. ✋🏼 I have 5 sisters and no brothers. This was always my go-to “name a fun fact about yourself” for ice breakers. Yes, we are very close. Yes, we make fun of each other all the time. Yes, we fight then never apologize and act like nothing happened after an undetermined amount of time. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I don’t really get the appeal of parades, condiments, college sports (like when people are v fanatical about them), wearing costumes, or watching golf on tv. 🤓 I am, however, a HUGE Harry Potter nerd, and am just now getting into Game of Thrones. I actually really dig the fantasy genre. And magical realism. 🥄If I had to eat one food for the rest of my life, it would for sure be cereal. I will never get sick of it. Top rankings: CTC, Cocoa Krispies, Golden Grahams. Don’t come at me with your healthy cereals. They’re garbage! If I wanted something healthy I wouldn’t be eating cereal.

Plz share a fun fact about yourself or a rebuttal to one of my fun facts! 👇🏼

5 FUN THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT ME... 😎 I’m a rebel, baby. According to Gretchen Rubin’s 4 tendencies that is. Basically that means I don’t like being told what to do or when, and I feel VERY constricted when anything is on the schedule. Complete freedom all the time, plz. ✋🏼 I have 5 sisters and no brothers. This was always my go-to “name a fun fact about yourself” for ice breakers. Yes, we are very close. Yes, we make fun of each other all the time. Yes, we fight then never apologize and act like nothing happened after an undetermined amount of time. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I don’t really get the appeal of parades, condiments, college sports (like when people are v fanatical about them), wearing costumes, or watching golf on tv. 🤓 I am, however, a HUGE Harry Potter nerd, and am just now getting into Game of Thrones. I actually really dig the fantasy genre. And magical realism. 🥄If I had to eat one food for the rest of my life, it would for sure be cereal. I will never get sick of it. Top rankings: CTC, Cocoa Krispies, Golden Grahams. Don’t come at me with your healthy cereals. They’re garbage! If I wanted something healthy I wouldn’t be eating cereal. Plz share a fun fact about yourself or a rebuttal to one of my fun facts! 👇🏼

Took away their Cars toys and tv for a week because I was sick of the fighting and whining. They played so well for about 90% of the day using their imagination. Around 5 pm they turned into feral wild animals. It’s going to be a long week.

Took away their Cars toys and tv for a week because I was sick of the fighting and whining. They played so well for about 90% of the day using their imagination. Around 5 pm they turned into feral wild animals. It’s going to be a long week.

It’s hard to make a big splash when you only have a vertical of about 1/2 an inch.

Considered letting the boys watch movies all day thanks to this rainy weather, but decided to at least spend a few minutes splashing in the puddles with them.

I actually don’t mind a cozy day inside when it’s raining, but definitely prefer the weather when it’s sunny and HOT. What’s your ideal weather day?

It’s hard to make a big splash when you only have a vertical of about 1/2 an inch. Considered letting the boys watch movies all day thanks to this rainy weather, but decided to at least spend a few minutes splashing in the puddles with them. I actually don’t mind a cozy day inside when it’s raining, but definitely prefer the weather when it’s sunny and HOT. What’s your ideal weather day?

When we’re not traveling, my ideal weekend includes nowhere to go and leisurely coffee (as leisurely as it can get with kids), some work time, playing outside, grilling out, church, and family time. I’d say this was just about the perfect weekend! What are you up to this weekend?

When we’re not traveling, my ideal weekend includes nowhere to go and leisurely coffee (as leisurely as it can get with kids), some work time, playing outside, grilling out, church, and family time. I’d say this was just about the perfect weekend! What are you up to this weekend?

Fellow parent, travel with kids is EXHAUSTING. It's hard, and it will TEST your marriage. It will possibly bring you to tears, and it will make you want to lock yourself in your house the moment you get back and never leave again.

So why do people do it? Why do we keep subjecting ourselves to the trials and tribulations of air travel and long road trips with our tiny dictators who leave destruction and lots of crumbs in their wake? Why do we open ourselves up to disrupting routines and sleep schedules?
It's because the reward is so great. The return on our investment is huge. Yes, travel with kids is tough, but the growth you will see in your children and in yourself makes every sleepless night and transportation nightmare totally worth it.

And moments like this, when your world is calm and quiet for only a moment, and you hear tiny giggles coming from a sun-soaked hammock holding 2 of your 3 most precious treasures in life. Those moments make it worth it. What inspires you to keep traveling with your kids, even when it’s a pain?

Fellow parent, travel with kids is EXHAUSTING. It's hard, and it will TEST your marriage. It will possibly bring you to tears, and it will make you want to lock yourself in your house the moment you get back and never leave again. So why do people do it? Why do we keep subjecting ourselves to the trials and tribulations of air travel and long road trips with our tiny dictators who leave destruction and lots of crumbs in their wake? Why do we open ourselves up to disrupting routines and sleep schedules? It's because the reward is so great. The return on our investment is huge. Yes, travel with kids is tough, but the growth you will see in your children and in yourself makes every sleepless night and transportation nightmare totally worth it. And moments like this, when your world is calm and quiet for only a moment, and you hear tiny giggles coming from a sun-soaked hammock holding 2 of your 3 most precious treasures in life. Those moments make it worth it. What inspires you to keep traveling with your kids, even when it’s a pain?

So grateful for this big beautiful Earth to explore 🌎

Happy Easter! Today we get to celebrate an empty tomb and the reason we have eternal life. He is risen!

Sometimes you don’t have to look very far to find beauty. We started the day with a sunrise on the beach, followed by donuts and coffee, a trip to St. Augustine, and lots of fun family time. Now we’re getting ready for the most joyful church service of the year tomorrow morning! What’s your family up to this Easter weekend?

Planning a trip to Disney World is one of the most exciting and stressful events in a parent’s life. Your whole family is thrilled about seeing Mickey and Co, but the bulk of planning naturally falls on one person (often Mom). I’ve picked up so many little tips and tricks for making your Disney trip easier, cheaper, and more magical, and I wanted to share them with you!

Buy Disney gift cards at Target. Because they’re considered entertainment cards instead of gift cards, you can use your Red Card to buy them and get 5% off.

Research photo spots ahead of time. I ALWAYS find that once I’m inside the park it feels like too much of a hassle to stop and figure something out, or even stop and take a picture, unless I’ve planned it out ahead of time. You do NOT want to get home from your trip that you spent hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars on, and find that the only tangible memories you have are some shaky videos on your phone. Get the nice family pictures.

Buy the souvenir popcorn buckets. It’s only $2 to refill them each time, and they are the perfect snack for waiting in line, waiting for a parade to start, or for the kids to munch on in the stroller while you’re walking.

47 more amazing tips on the blog. Link in bio!

Are you going on a road trip for the long Easter break weekend? 🖍 Grab some Crayola Color Wonder books and markers for the kids. The markers only color on the special paper and won’t make a mess. 📚 Pick up some audiobooks from the library to play during your drive. 📱 Use the Google Trips app to help you find local restaurants and parks when you stop. iExit app will help you find rest stops, gas stations, coffee, or fast food. The Food Tripping app helps you find healthy food options along your route. 📦 Use large clear plastic bins to pack food and/or miscellaneous items. They stack well and you can easily see what’s in each one. 🚗 Use a 3 drawer storage tower to store snacks, toys, and books for the kids in back. 🛣 Make a stop along the way to play at a park, visit a roadside attraction, or quickly tour a new city. It will help break up the trip.

Check my blog for more road trip tips! (Packing, entertaining kids, apps, and snack ideas). Link in bio! Where are you road tripping next?

Hint: kids are much more likely to cooperate for a family photo if you let them hold the remote starter and press the button. ...aaaand the boys still look incredibly disinterested. 😂😂😂

Friday Adventures! It’s a little tradition I instituted as a stay-at-home mom. Today it was wandering around our local beach town. Sometimes it’s just going through the drive through at Dunkin. Sometimes it’s trying a new park.

The days and weeks can get long and monotonous when you stay at home and work from home. Your kids can get on your nerves and a sense of ennui sets in.

Friday Adventures are my cure for that creeping dissatisfaction. We discover something new or revisit something we love in our hometown. We break the routine. We remember to have fun!

Do you do something like this? What traditions do you have that break the monotony of staying home?

How do you prefer to preserve memories of your travels? I’m a picture and video maniac (if you hadn’t noticed) and keep albums on Google Photos and an external hard drive, then write blog posts, and Instagram the heck out of each trip.

We don’t buy many souvenirs. I let the kids pick out a postcard from each place we visit, and we write about what we did on the back. (I still need to put them into albums). If we do buy something, it’s either consumable (CANDY) or an accessory like scarves, bracelets, or earrings.

What’s the best souvenir you’ve ever purchased? Do you have a cool way to remember your trips? Share below!

You’re not a boring mom because you don’t go to exotic destinations.

You’re no less of a person because you only take a real vacation every 2 years.

I know you dreamed of traveling the world. I know you fantasized about living that boho life, wandering down foreign city streets, maybe even while wearing your baby . It seemed so attainable before you had kids.

And it is attainable, but maybe not right now. Maybe you’re still paying hospital bills from your last baby while trying for another one. Maybe you can barely get through one day with babies and toddlers and preschoolers much less plan and save for a trip to another country.

Don’t worry, though. Your day is coming. This season won’t last forever. Start saving your pennies in a mason jar. Start a sinking fund for travel. Bookmark places you want to go on Pinterest or Instagram. Soon you’ll emerge from the fog of parenting small children and your urge to GO and DO and EXPLORE will be stronger than your overwhelm.

In the meantime, check out the local donut shop with your kids. Drive a half hour to that state park. Tour the nearest museum or visit the next city over. I promise there’s so much to discover right where you are. Paris and Machu Picchu and Madagascar will still be there in a few years.

Double tap if you’ve got big dreams of traveling with your kids (or future kids)!

How can you make travel a regular part of your life if you’re pressed for time or money?

We’ve been loving local day trips and quick weekend getaways. We rely on road trips, visiting friends, Airbnb’s, and the occasional hotel stay.

Our “local” road trip radius for a weekend is about 5 hours, and we’ve been able to discover lots of cool cities this way. What’s a nearby city you’ve explored that surprised you?

We didn’t quit our jobs to travel the world. We aren’t on the road full time. Sometimes weeks go by where we don’t leave our hometown.

I just want other families to know that travel is about curiosity, not how many countries you check off your list. It’s about exploring the place you call home just as much as it is about discovering other cultures and customs.

I’ve got all kinds of tips for exploring more with young children on the blog. Grab an afternoon cup of coffee and check out the link in my bio for lots of travel inspiration!

5 FUN THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT ME... 😎 I’m a rebel, baby. According to Gretchen Rubin’s 4 tendencies that is. Basically that means I don’t like being told what to do or when, and I feel VERY constricted when anything is on the schedule. Complete freedom all the time, plz. ✋🏼 I have 5 sisters and no brothers. This was always my go-to “name a fun fact about yourself” for ice breakers. Yes, we are very close. Yes, we make fun of each other all the time. Yes, we fight then never apologize and act like nothing happened after an undetermined amount of time. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I don’t really get the appeal of parades, condiments, college sports (like when people are v fanatical about them), wearing costumes, or watching golf on tv. 🤓 I am, however, a HUGE Harry Potter nerd, and am just now getting into Game of Thrones. I actually really dig the fantasy genre. And magical realism. 🥄If I had to eat one food for the rest of my life, it would for sure be cereal. I will never get sick of it. Top rankings: CTC, Cocoa Krispies, Golden Grahams. Don’t come at me with your healthy cereals. They’re garbage! If I wanted something healthy I wouldn’t be eating cereal.

Plz share a fun fact about yourself or a rebuttal to one of my fun facts! 👇🏼

Took away their Cars toys and tv for a week because I was sick of the fighting and whining. They played so well for about 90% of the day using their imagination. Around 5 pm they turned into feral wild animals. It’s going to be a long week.

It’s hard to make a big splash when you only have a vertical of about 1/2 an inch.

Considered letting the boys watch movies all day thanks to this rainy weather, but decided to at least spend a few minutes splashing in the puddles with them.

I actually don’t mind a cozy day inside when it’s raining, but definitely prefer the weather when it’s sunny and HOT. What’s your ideal weather day?

When we’re not traveling, my ideal weekend includes nowhere to go and leisurely coffee (as leisurely as it can get with kids), some work time, playing outside, grilling out, church, and family time. I’d say this was just about the perfect weekend! What are you up to this weekend?

Fellow parent, travel with kids is EXHAUSTING. It's hard, and it will TEST your marriage. It will possibly bring you to tears, and it will make you want to lock yourself in your house the moment you get back and never leave again.

So why do people do it? Why do we keep subjecting ourselves to the trials and tribulations of air travel and long road trips with our tiny dictators who leave destruction and lots of crumbs in their wake? Why do we open ourselves up to disrupting routines and sleep schedules?
It's because the reward is so great. The return on our investment is huge. Yes, travel with kids is tough, but the growth you will see in your children and in yourself makes every sleepless night and transportation nightmare totally worth it.

And moments like this, when your world is calm and quiet for only a moment, and you hear tiny giggles coming from a sun-soaked hammock holding 2 of your 3 most precious treasures in life. Those moments make it worth it. What inspires you to keep traveling with your kids, even when it’s a pain?

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