It started with a Christmas promise: a trip to LEGOland and the Wild Animal Park (okay, Safari Park—but I’ll always call it the Wild Animal Park). We decided to wrap it around my husband’s big bike race, the Belgium Waffle Ride—yes, there were waffles, no, it wasn’t in Belgium—and turn it into a full-blown family vacation. Something we’ve never really done before. Usually, it’s camping trips or visiting family. This time we rented an Airbnb, invited both sets of grandparents and even brought the neighbors along. It was ambitious, but it worked.
The Highlights
From waking up before the sun to hit the road, to seeing my daughter’s proud little face when she surprised me with a birthday cake she’d been secretly planning for months—this trip had all the highs and just enough chaos to keep it real.
LEGOland was the standout. We picked the perfect off-season weekday—seriously, we’re keeping that week a secret forever—and had the park practically to ourselves. This is homeschool magic in action. No crowds, no rushing. Just fun.
The Safari Park, though stunning, was a bit much for our crew at this stage. I think the San Diego Zoo might’ve been a better fit, but even still—elephants, a platypus, and a dropped AirTag on the safari made it a day to remember.
A visit to UCSB, where my husband and I both went to undergrad (though we didn’t meet until grad school), added a sweet layer of nostalgia. Seeing the kids swimming in my grandma’s pool brought back a flood of childhood memories.
Camping at the beach with my parents on the final stretch was grounding. Our youngest fell in love with the ocean—so much that he was begging to go back at 2 AM. And while cosleeping in a Sprinter van pop-top still has its challenges, it’s amazing how quickly you find a rhythm on the road.
What I Learned on This Trip:
- My kids are more resilient than I give them credit for.
- My husband is a top-tier snack coordinator and co-pilot.
- My daughter is officially old enough to plan a surprise, keep a secret, and melt my heart.
- You can drive 10+ hours with three kids and actually enjoy it.
- Laundry isn’t the enemy if you pack like a champion.
- Seeing a platypus in real life is as weird and cool as it sounds.
- Sometimes, the best part of a vacation is just laying in a hammock, watching your kids play.
We came home exhausted but deeply happy. It wasn’t just a trip—it was a memory-maker. And while I’m not rushing to book another 12-hour drive tomorrow, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
Thank you to my family, my parents, the in laws, and my incredible neighbors for making this trip a success.
Run Teach Bike 