Homeschooling, Running & Biking Adventures
Last weekend we packed up the camper van and headed out for a few days with some friends. It had been a while since our last trip, but the moment we pulled in and set up camp, I remembered why I love it so much—spending all day outdoors. I love our camper van, quirks and all. And … Continue reading The Closest Thing to an Off Switch
We said one last goodbye to the cows, packed up the truck, and made our way to the tiniest airport known to man. We stopped for burgers and a playground pit stop, then hopped on our mini-plane to Denver. All three kids fell asleep on the flight. I sat there looking at their tired little … Continue reading Nebraska Trip: A Vacation Series | Day 8: Goodbye Cows
No big events, just slow living. Chores. Tractor rides. Planting corn. Feeding cows. Throwing rocks. The kind of day where time moves slow enough for you to notice it. We sipped coffee on the porch and just watched the kids blow bubbles and draw with chalk. The oldest walked around the farm like she owned … Continue reading Nebraska Trip: A Vacation Series | Day 7: Farm Day
Shhh—it was grandparent anniversary day! 60 years. SIXTY. My neighbor/sister pulled off a beautiful surprise party for her parents (whom we call grandparents—because love is thicker than blood). The look on their faces when they walked in? Worth every whispered phone call and backroom plan my neighbor had to do for the last few months. … Continue reading Nebraska Trip: A Vacation Series | Day 6: A Second Surprise
Our girl turned 7! (Technically not yet, but we surprised her early.) She woke up to banners, a unicorn cake, and one very special present—earrings. That’s right, it was EARS PIERCING DAY. She was so brave. One earring in and she didn’t even realize it happened. “Wait, what was that part?” she asked, blinking in … Continue reading Nebraska Trip: A Vacation Series | Day 5: Birthday Surprise
So, “roads.” I use that term loosely. These were more like ideas of roads. After a good rain, they turned into slip-and-slide obstacle courses. We woke up to gray skies and goopy trails, but also a good excuse for art projects and extra coffee. We knocked out some morning chores and then broke out the … Continue reading Nebraska Trip: A Vacation Series | Day 4: Sloppy Roads
Our oldest officially caught the farm bug. She fed guineas, checked on gardens, took out the trash like it was her life’s calling, and even harvested some veggies. She was in her element, walking around like she’d been hired on as farmhand-in-chief. It was honestly beautiful to watch—there’s nothing like seeing your child fall in … Continue reading Nebraska Trip: A Vacation Series | Day 3: Farm Chore Day
Planes, trains, and boats—okay, just planes and a boat, but still. Sunday morning, we headed to small town church. It was sweet and simple, and even if the kids missed the lights and theatrics of home, I loved watching them experience something new. There’s something grounding about a room full of people who’ve known each … Continue reading Nebraska Trip: A Vacation Series | Day 2: The Boat
It was just me, the kids, and my two neighbors—who, at this point, I’ve fully adopted as my brother and sister. It's easier than explaining that they're technically just my neighbors. Hubs was off in Kansas racing Unbound (for what I think is his 7th year?), and while he was battling gravel roads and saddle … Continue reading Nebraska Trip: A Vacation Series | Day 1: The Flight
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 … Continue reading Our First Big “theme park” Family Vacation: Nine Days, One Van, Zero Regrets
The last day. We woke up to my mom making breakfast in her van—classic—and my dad playing nature guide, pointing out every woodpecker he could spot to keep our son entertained while we packed up. Honestly, it was the perfect little send-off. We only had about four hours to my parents’ house to pick up … Continue reading Vacation Day 9: The Final Trek Home
Day 8 began with the long drive back home. We decided to take a different route this time, heading back through LA on 101 to make a quick stop at my grandma’s. It was great seeing her and one of my uncles, especially after the loss of my grandfather. The visit was a mix of … Continue reading Vacation Day 8: The Drive Back and UCSB Memories
Day 7 was our clean-up day. After an incredible week, it was time to pack up, check out of the Airbnb, and head to the next stop: the state beach where my parents were camping. The whole vibe of the day was relaxing and slow-paced—a perfect way to wind down after the busy days at … Continue reading Vacation Day 7: Clean Up and Beach Day – A Perfect End to Our Trip
Day 6 took us to the Wild Animal Park, and we were all incredibly excited to be there. It’s one of those places that promises adventure and unique animal encounters. But, I’ll admit, I should’ve planned this a little better. The size of the park was definitely overwhelming for my kids, and while the adults … Continue reading Vacation Day 6: Wild Animal Park – A Beautiful Day, But Maybe a Bit Too Much
Day 5 at LEGOland was magical, with minimal crowds, allowing for quick access to ALL the rides.
Day 4 was a bit of a reset for all of us. Everyone—my parents, in-laws, and neighbors—finally arrived around dinner time. It was a reunion of sorts, as we all gathered at the house to get settled in and catch up. The kids were thrilled to see their grandparents and neighbors, and the excitement in … Continue reading Vacation Day 4: The Arrival & A Much-Needed Reset (Plus a Sweet Surprise!)
Day 3 was the big day—hubby’s race! He got up early and got a ride down to the start with a friend. The kids and I just had a slow morning. Once they were up and fed we loaded up the van and I found a bike path they could ride so I could get … Continue reading Vacation Day 3: Dad’s Big Race & Pool Party Fun
After the hustle and bustle of the long drive, we decided to slow things down a bit. My husband went out for a group ride early in the morning, which gave the kids and I the perfect opportunity to just stay put and enjoy the comforts of our amazing Airbnb. We had originally planned to … Continue reading Vacation Day 2: A Day of Relaxation and Family Time
In December, we planned a trip to LEGOland, coinciding with my husband's bike race. We invited our neighbors and both sets of grandparents, making it our kids first major vacation that wasn't camping related. After a 12-hour drive, we arrived at our Airbnb, which exceeded expectations, and our adventure was just beginning. Day 2 awaits ahead.
Run Teach Bike 