My two kids don’t agree on much. They both have different favorite meals and snacks. They love vastly different types of music. Their hobbies are pretty much opposite (even if they both like their devices). So I was surprised they still love going apple picking after all these years. I think we’ve made it to an apple orchard nearly every year we’ve lived in the suburbs (eight years now!), and … [Read more...]
How I, an Elder Millennial, Feel After 3 Days of Riot Fest
I’m home. I didn’t stray too far from home—after all, I do live in the suburbs of Chicago. But I just took what has become my new annual “mini-vacation” (it counts as annual since it’s been two years in a row, right?) I was at Riot Fest, all three days, yes, even when it rained. And while I’m exhausted, as I texted my friends, it was “SO WORTH IT.” From a killer lineup on Friday, with Alkaline … [Read more...]
I Want to Bring ‘Michigan’ Home With Me
I grew up going to Northern Michigan in the summer, and so has my husband. Now, my kids have ‘inherited’ these precious weeks that we spend up north with our families. We spent one week on Lake Michigan; another on Big Glen. Each time we were surrounded by family. Neither week went “according to plan,” but I’ve realized they rarely do any more, especially with so many kids under one roof. With … [Read more...]
How to Throw a Disney-Themed Backyard Picnic
We may not be able to travel to Disney World right now, but we can bring the magical world of Disney to our backyard. Hopefully it will also help cast a spell on meal time too. Because, I don't know about you, but I am tired of answering the question: what's for dinner? That's one reason that I'm moving as many meals as I can from the dining room table to the backyard for a picnic. (This is a … [Read more...]
8 Tips for Taking a Road Trip with Kids
My family and I recently got back from a two-week vacation up in northern Michigan - my happy place! It’s a trip we make often since my family owns a rental home there. While we always have a wonderful time, it’s not a quick road trip by any means: we’re looking at a minimum of 4.5 hours, and that’s if there’s no traffic… or tantrums from the kids along the way. Over the years, I've … [Read more...]
