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
A little life update on what we’re reading, what bedtime looks like with three kids, and how we’re settling back into our rhythm after a much-needed break (and a finished kitchen remodel!).
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
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
I knew the remodel would be disruptive. I knew we’d basically lose access to our upstairs — the main living area and our bedroom. I knew it would be dusty and loud and a lot of work. I designed the whole kitchen and bathrooms myself, so even before construction started, it was a mental marathon. … Continue reading How We’re Adjusting Homeschooling During a Remodel
Growing up, my mom had a sign in our bathroom that said, 'Our home is clean enough to be healthy and messy enough to be happy.' That phrase has stuck with me, and it’s a pretty good description of what I’m aiming for now. I would love to embrace more of a minimalist lifestyle, but … Continue reading Our Attempt at Minimalism
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
Day 5 at LEGOland was magical, with minimal crowds, allowing for quick access to ALL the rides.
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.
Discussing the challenges of training for a marathon while homeschooling three children, emphasizing the importance of planning and flexibility. Mornings and afternoons are opportunities for workouts, often interrupted by family life. This integration of fitness and family teaches kids about persistence and strength, showcasing that life doesn’t need to be perfect to be fulfilling.
Reflecting on our homeschooling journey, transitioning from a rigid structure to a focus on connection and curiosity. Initially striving for perfection, we learned that spontaneity, relationships, and mastery are more valuable than adherence to a schedule. Homeschooling has evolved into a lifestyle prioritizing wonder, rest, and lifelong learning.
Homeschooling has allowed our family to align our learning with the seasons, highlighting nature as our primary curriculum. Spring brings discovery, summer emphasizes immersion in play, fall craves structure, and winter invites stillness. This approach fosters curiosity and connection, demonstrating that learning often occurs in unstructured, everyday moments, embracing the world's rhythms.
Every April, we load up the bikes, kids, and snacks (so many snacks) and head to our favorite event of the year: the Sea Otter Classic. It’s where our cycling story continues, where we got engaged (sort of), and now it’s become a family tradition we look forward to every spring. From racing memories to wrangling three kids solo through a bike expo, this post is full of stories, tips, gear favorites, and heart.
So I did it…I signed up for my second marathon. I’m mentally ready but still not physically ready. Let’s see if I can get there while solo parenting the majority of the time, facing a house remodel, homeschooling three kids, and everything in between.
Transcribed by mommy during bedtime. Hi. Welcome to bugs corner. Today I found a slug! It was on a sunflower, a flower that mom had thrown off the deck from her flower vase. The slug needs soil to survive. My sister and I, we knew that a slug needed soil so we put rocks and … Continue reading Bug’s Diary #1
Run Teach Bike 