Family Memories That Last a Lifetime

When I think back on our family vacations over the years, what stands out most isn’t the “big” moments, it’s the feeling of being together. Slowing down. Laughing more. Letting go of routines.

In the early years, when the kids were little, we kept things simple and close to home. Summers in New England sometimes meant renting a small camp on a lake - nothing fancy, just a place where mornings started with coffee on the dock and days were filled with swimming and sandy feet. It was easy, familiar, and exactly what we needed in that season of life.

We also found ourselves returning again and again to Anna Maria Island - a place that, for us, checked every box with young kids. Walkable streets, a pool just steps away, the beach always within reach, and of course ice cream never far behind. Those trips were less about seeing everything and more about soaking in the rhythm of the days - morning beach walks, afternoon swims, and days that somehow always ended with sticky hands and big smiles.

As the kids have grown, our travels have expanded. We’ve been lucky enough to spend time out West visiting family around Seattle and Portland, explored the charm of Savannah, relaxed along the coast in Hilton Head Island, wandered through the history of St. Augustine, and ventured to the wonderful island of Puerto Rico. Most recently, we leaned all the way into the excitement with a trip to Universal Orlando Resort, tackling all parks and making memories in a completely different, high-energy way.

And while those bigger trips have been incredible, this year we’re intentionally taking it back to something simpler again - a vacation house rental in southern Florida. A pool, bikes, maybe some dolphins if we’re lucky, and definitely plenty of ice cream. Nothing over planned. Nothing rushed. Just time together.

Because that’s really what these vacations are all about.

It’s not about checking destinations off a list or chasing the most adventurous itinerary. It’s about creating the opportunity to connect, to laugh, to be a little silly, and to experience something new together, even if that “new” is just a different beach or a new favorite ice cream spot.

This summer will also look a little different for us in the best way. We’ve recently become the proud owners of a 24’ RV, and we’re excited to spend weekends exploring New England, especially in those late summer and fall months when the weather is just about perfect. Short trips, campfires, lake swims, crisp mornings...all the simple things that mean the most to us.

Our vacations may not always be big adventures, but they are always intentional. And over time, those intentional choices - time together, shared experiences, laughter, and even the quiet in-between moments - are what turn into the memories that last a lifetime.