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Boy with sail boat in Paris

Boy with sail boat in Paris

Traveling is Good for Kids

Traveling is fun but it turns out it is also good for you!

Lauren

Always fun to visit U of I! 🧡💙🧡

Always fun to visit U of I! 🧡💙🧡

After 5 people texted us, we had FOMO so we ran to the car in our pjs to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights! Worth it.

After 5 people texted us, we had FOMO so we ran to the car in our pjs to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights! Worth it.

Enjoyed “leaf peeping” in Galena this weekend! 🍁🍂🍃#visitgalena

Enjoyed “leaf peeping” in Galena this weekend! 🍁🍂🍃#visitgalena

Disney Springs - Coca-Cola Rooftop, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, and a little shopping. Everyone loved the Skyliner! We packed a lot of fun into a few days! #disneysprings

Disney Springs - Coca-Cola Rooftop, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, and a little shopping. Everyone loved the Skyliner! We packed a lot of fun into a few days! #disneysprings

Fun character breakfast at Garden Grill. Rode Soarin’, Living with the Land, and Guardians of the Galaxy. World Showcase was packed due to holiday weekend and Food and Wine Festival. We had a few treats then walked on the Boardwalk and rode the Monorail for a little break from the crowds. #epcot

Fun character breakfast at Garden Grill. Rode Soarin’, Living with the Land, and Guardians of the Galaxy. World Showcase was packed due to holiday weekend and Food and Wine Festival. We had a few treats then walked on the Boardwalk and rode the Monorail for a little break from the crowds. #epcot

We hopped over to Hollywood Studios for rides on Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster, and Slinky Dog. Can’t beat a grilled cheese lunch at Woody’s Lunch Box. Tried to soak in every minute of the long lines by playing games, telling jokes, and being silly with my soon to be teenager. 🥹 #disneyhollywoodstudios

We hopped over to Hollywood Studios for rides on Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster, and Slinky Dog. Can’t beat a grilled cheese lunch at Woody’s Lunch Box. Tried to soak in every minute of the long lines by playing games, telling jokes, and being silly with my soon to be teenager. 🥹 #disneyhollywoodstudios

We had a blast at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom! Trick or Treating & Rides -Tron, Small World, Dumbo, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, and Tomorrowland Speedway. We saw a few fireworks as we ran for the buses in the rain. #mickeysnotsoscaryhalloweenparty2025 #magickingdom

We had a blast at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom! Trick or Treating & Rides -Tron, Small World, Dumbo, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, and Tomorrowland Speedway. We saw a few fireworks as we ran for the buses in the rain. #mickeysnotsoscaryhalloweenparty2025 #magickingdom

We loved staying at Coronado Springs! Fantastic pool, greenery, fountains, and lots of fun activities all over the resort. We ate at the market and Maya Grill. The rooms were comfortable with plenty of storage and a great shower with H2O products.

We loved staying at Coronado Springs! Fantastic pool, greenery, fountains, and lots of fun activities all over the resort. We ate at the market and Maya Grill. The rooms were comfortable with plenty of storage and a great shower with H2O products.

We saw Come From Away at The Paramount Theatre tonight. Such a fantastic show with a message of compassion and kindness. 💗 Go see it before October 12th! #comefromaway #paramountaurora

We saw Come From Away at The Paramount Theatre tonight. Such a fantastic show with a message of compassion and kindness. 💗 Go see it before October 12th! #comefromaway #paramountaurora

Another Fair has come and gone in a familiar blur of time spent with family, catching up with old friends, community, music, food, rides, and games. We will sleep well tonight!
🌽🎡🐄🍬🎠

Another Fair has come and gone in a familiar blur of time spent with family, catching up with old friends, community, music, food, rides, and games. We will sleep well tonight!
🌽🎡🐄🍬🎠

🔗 Link to Nest at Galena in bio
#visitgalena

🔗 Link to Nest at Galena in bio
#visitgalena

One of our favorite stops to search for treasures on the way to or from Galena. Their new cafe has great coffee, tea, and Italian soda drinks. #visitgalena

One of our favorite stops to search for treasures on the way to or from Galena. Their new cafe has great coffee, tea, and Italian soda drinks. #visitgalena

Trying to soak up these last few days of summer! ☀️ The water was very clear so we saw rocks, fish, and plants. The Buckhill to Galena trip is our favorite one and has become a summer tradition. It takes about 2 1/2 hours and has some fun mini rapids. The staff at Nuts Outdoors is always very helpful. #familytravel #visitgalena

Trying to soak up these last few days of summer! ☀️ The water was very clear so we saw rocks, fish, and plants. The Buckhill to Galena trip is our favorite one and has become a summer tradition. It takes about 2 1/2 hours and has some fun mini rapids. The staff at Nuts Outdoors is always very helpful. #familytravel #visitgalena

Tried a restaurant we haven’t been to in Galena-Sabor Azteca. Good food in a fun atmosphere. Nice options for inside and outside seating. Quesabierria was my favorite! #visitgalena

Tried a restaurant we haven’t been to in Galena-Sabor Azteca. Good food in a fun atmosphere. Nice options for inside and outside seating. Quesabierria was my favorite! #visitgalena

Highlights of food from our 9 night NCL cruise. Comfort food at the buffet, midday snack at a pub, casual sit down, or fine dining with international dishes - NCL has it all!
The crepe station in the Garden Cafe was our favorite!
#cruisenorwegian #norwegiancruiseline #norwegianbreakaway

Highlights of food from our 9 night NCL cruise. Comfort food at the buffet, midday snack at a pub, casual sit down, or fine dining with international dishes - NCL has it all!
The crepe station in the Garden Cafe was our favorite!
#cruisenorwegian #norwegiancruiseline #norwegianbreakaway

Delicious dinner at Fritz and Frites. A mix of French and German dishes in a welcoming atmosphere, with friendly staff, and fantastic food. The baked Brie & Calvados and the Duck a l’orange were our favorites tonight. Definitely one of the best restaurants in Galena! #visitgalena

Delicious dinner at Fritz and Frites. A mix of French and German dishes in a welcoming atmosphere, with friendly staff, and fantastic food. The baked Brie & Calvados and the Duck a l’orange were our favorites tonight. Definitely one of the best restaurants in Galena! #visitgalena

We had a fantastic day at the Palma Nova Beach on the Spanish Balearic Island of Mallorca/Majorica. The water was clear and pale green compared to the more blue water in Ibiza. There were definitely a lot of tourists on the beach but there was plenty of space to spread out and enjoy ourselves.
* We saw a group get scammed by people illegally selling drinks on the beach. Go to one of the many nearby bars or restaurants instead.
#familytravel #majorica #palmademallorca

We had a fantastic day at the Palma Nova Beach on the Spanish Balearic Island of Mallorca/Majorica. The water was clear and pale green compared to the more blue water in Ibiza. There were definitely a lot of tourists on the beach but there was plenty of space to spread out and enjoy ourselves.
* We saw a group get scammed by people illegally selling drinks on the beach. Go to one of the many nearby bars or restaurants instead.
#familytravel #majorica #palmademallorca

We may have felt out of place on the beach, but we enjoyed sightseeing in Ibiza Town. We saw the arched gate (Portal de ses Taules and Plaça d’Armes), town square (Plaça de la Vila), fortified old town (Dalt Vila), and the beautiful harbor views from Castle of Ibiza. Many fun shops and restaurants in this area.
#familytravel #ibizatown

We may have felt out of place on the beach, but we enjoyed sightseeing in Ibiza Town. We saw the arched gate (Portal de ses Taules and Plaça d’Armes), town square (Plaça de la Vila), fortified old town (Dalt Vila), and the beautiful harbor views from Castle of Ibiza. Many fun shops and restaurants in this area.
#familytravel #ibizatown

Turquoise water? Check. Beautiful sand? Check. Did we fit in? Hard no.

If the beaches of Ibiza were to award a prize for the most frumpy, awkward, out of place Americans - we would have won by a landslide.

We were rocking rash guards, full coverage swimwear, cover ups, and SPF 70. The confidence of our fellow beachgoers was awe-inspiring as they strutted and sunned. As a former OB nurse, topless swimmers don’t phase me much. I can’t say the same for my travel companions.

We took a taxi from the port to Cala Bassa on the west side of the island. €260 to rent a chair. 😳 We opted to rent an umbrella on the sand for €15.

We’re glad we got to experience a beach day in Ibiza, however we’ll leave it to the celebs from now on. 🏖️
#familytravel

Turquoise water? Check. Beautiful sand? Check. Did we fit in? Hard no.

If the beaches of Ibiza were to award a prize for the most frumpy, awkward, out of place Americans - we would have won by a landslide.

We were rocking rash guards, full coverage swimwear, cover ups, and SPF 70. The confidence of our fellow beachgoers was awe-inspiring as they strutted and sunned. As a former OB nurse, topless swimmers don’t phase me much. I can’t say the same for my travel companions.

We took a taxi from the port to Cala Bassa on the west side of the island. €260 to rent a chair. 😳 We opted to rent an umbrella on the sand for €15.

We’re glad we got to experience a beach day in Ibiza, however we’ll leave it to the celebs from now on. 🏖️
#familytravel

We had amazing Neapolitan-style Pizza at Trattoria Castel Nuovo. Table-side tiramisu was a delicious treat! It was conveniently located near the port. Dan and I agreed it was some of the best pizza we’ve ever had. Caden liked it but said Uncle Lars in Plano, IL is still his favorite! ❤️ 🍕
#familytravel #italiait

We had amazing Neapolitan-style Pizza at Trattoria Castel Nuovo. Table-side tiramisu was a delicious treat! It was conveniently located near the port. Dan and I agreed it was some of the best pizza we’ve ever had. Caden liked it but said Uncle Lars in Plano, IL is still his favorite! ❤️ 🍕
#familytravel #italiait

We walked around in the archeological excavations of Pompeii. It was very interesting to see what has been able to be preserved following the eruption of Vesuvius that devastated this area in 79 AD. The site is much larger than we expected it to be. Our tour also included a brief stop to see how cameos are made and a sample of limoncello.
#Familytravel #italiait #pompeii_parco_archeologico

We walked around in the archeological excavations of Pompeii. It was very interesting to see what has been able to be preserved following the eruption of Vesuvius that devastated this area in 79 AD. The site is much larger than we expected it to be. Our tour also included a brief stop to see how cameos are made and a sample of limoncello.
#Familytravel #italiait #pompeii_parco_archeologico

Naples has a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. As the 3rd largest city in Italy, it has a lot to offer visitors to see, do, and (of course) eat! 🍋#familytravel #italiait

Naples has a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. As the 3rd largest city in Italy, it has a lot to offer visitors to see, do, and (of course) eat! 🍋#familytravel #italiait

Did you know Vatican City is the smallest country in the world? We crossed the bridge from Italy to visit Vatican City. We didn’t see Pope Leo so we did not have the opportunity to discuss the Chicago White Sox with him.
#familytravel

Did you know Vatican City is the smallest country in the world? We crossed the bridge from Italy to visit Vatican City. We didn’t see Pope Leo so we did not have the opportunity to discuss the Chicago White Sox with him.
#familytravel

Rome wasn’t built in a day but we saw a lot of it in one! We did a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour to cover a large area. Highlights included: Circus Maximus (where they used to race chariots), the Colosseum (thanks @thepasinis for the tip on the best photo spot for the Colosseum!), and the Spanish Steps. We made sure to toss a coin into Trevi Fountain to ensure our return someday! #familytravel #italiait #bigbusrome

Rome wasn’t built in a day but we saw a lot of it in one! We did a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour to cover a large area. Highlights included: Circus Maximus (where they used to race chariots), the Colosseum (thanks @thepasinis for the tip on the best photo spot for the Colosseum!), and the Spanish Steps. We made sure to toss a coin into Trevi Fountain to ensure our return someday! #familytravel #italiait #bigbusrome

I know I’m a cliche, but that pasta carbonara was the best thing I’ve ever tasted in my life. Absolute perfection! Crunchy bacon with rich, creamy sauce on fresh al dente pasta. The staff at @treinlucina could not have been nicer to us. We really wanted to try the Roman classic- carbonara but it was noon and everyone was still serving breakfast. They let us share an appetizer (amazing burrata!), pasta, and their chocolate dessert in a beautiful cafe setting in Piazza San Lorenza in Lucia. #familytravel #italiait #rome

I know I’m a cliche, but that pasta carbonara was the best thing I’ve ever tasted in my life. Absolute perfection! Crunchy bacon with rich, creamy sauce on fresh al dente pasta. The staff at @treinlucina could not have been nicer to us. We really wanted to try the Roman classic- carbonara but it was noon and everyone was still serving breakfast. They let us share an appetizer (amazing burrata!), pasta, and their chocolate dessert in a beautiful cafe setting in Piazza San Lorenza in Lucia. #familytravel #italiait #rome

Civitavecchia is a costal Italian port town near Rome. We saw the 16th-century fort by Michelangelo. #familytravel #italiait

Civitavecchia is a costal Italian port town near Rome. We saw the 16th-century fort by Michelangelo. #familytravel #italiait

We couldn’t be this close to Pisa and not visit its iconic >650 year old leaning tower. We had fun joining the other hundreds of tourists taking silly selfies. #familytravel #italiait

We couldn’t be this close to Pisa and not visit its iconic >650 year old leaning tower. We had fun joining the other hundreds of tourists taking silly selfies. #familytravel #italiait

We booked a tour from Livorno to Florence through Get Your Guide. Our guide, Arianna, provided us with a map to plan our day. We strolled the streets and enjoyed seeing some major sights such as the Duomo & Giotto Bell Tower, Baptistry, Palazzo Vecchio, and the beyond gorgeous Ponte Vecchio. The city is filled with so many beautiful features - doorknobs, light fixtures, and tiny details in the architecture are all little works of art. #familytravel #italiait #getyourguide

We booked a tour from Livorno to Florence through Get Your Guide. Our guide, Arianna, provided us with a map to plan our day. We strolled the streets and enjoyed seeing some major sights such as the Duomo & Giotto Bell Tower, Baptistry, Palazzo Vecchio, and the beyond gorgeous Ponte Vecchio. The city is filled with so many beautiful features - doorknobs, light fixtures, and tiny details in the architecture are all little works of art. #familytravel #italiait #getyourguide

We wandered the streets in Livorno and saw the “Little Venice” area with canals and boats. The ride from Livorno to Florence provided nice views of the Tuscan countryside and the mountains where Carrara marble is quarried. #familytravel #italiait

We wandered the streets in Livorno and saw the “Little Venice” area with canals and boats. The ride from Livorno to Florence provided nice views of the Tuscan countryside and the mountains where Carrara marble is quarried. #familytravel #italiait

We rode along the route of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix and saw the loop where it turns around. I tried my luck at the opulent, 160 year-old casino. 20€ entry fee but it came with 10€ in games or a glass of wine. I didn’t win, but it was beautiful (no photos inside the casino) and fun to feel like James Bond for a moment. #familytravel #visitmonaco

We rode along the route of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix and saw the loop where it turns around. I tried my luck at the opulent, 160 year-old casino. 20€ entry fee but it came with 10€ in games or a glass of wine. I didn’t win, but it was beautiful (no photos inside the casino) and fun to feel like James Bond for a moment. #familytravel #visitmonaco

We had limited time but enjoyed our visit to the impressive Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. A fantastic blend of history, conservation, aquariums full of interesting aquatic creatures, and stunning views from the rooftop. We even saw axolotls! #familytravel #visitmonaco

We had limited time but enjoyed our visit to the impressive Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. A fantastic blend of history, conservation, aquariums full of interesting aquatic creatures, and stunning views from the rooftop. We even saw axolotls! #familytravel #visitmonaco

Monaco is the 2nd smallest country in the world. They don’t pay taxes or pay for healthcare BUT the cost for real estate is a bit pricey - 1 square meter is between 50,000 - 98,000 Euro ($58,000-$114,000)!
We enjoyed seeing the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, Place du Palais, small streets with shops and restaurants, and Saint-Martin Gardens. There was a statue in the garden of Princess Grace - Grace Kelly, the American actress who married the Prince of Monaco in 1956.
#familytravel #visitmonaco

Monaco is the 2nd smallest country in the world. They don’t pay taxes or pay for healthcare BUT the cost for real estate is a bit pricey - 1 square meter is between 50,000 - 98,000 Euro ($58,000-$114,000)!
We enjoyed seeing the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, Place du Palais, small streets with shops and restaurants, and Saint-Martin Gardens. There was a statue in the garden of Princess Grace - Grace Kelly, the American actress who married the Prince of Monaco in 1956.
#familytravel #visitmonaco

We drove through Cannes, France - On the French Riviera known for its glamorous Film Festival, upscale shopping, and beaches.

We drove through Cannes, France - On the French Riviera known for its glamorous Film Festival, upscale shopping, and beaches.

My new screensaver.

My new screensaver.

We had fun exploring Barcelona and even found a Lego Store. 😁 Our favorite activity was a private Tuk Tuk tour. Our guide, Marco, was knowledgeable, friendly, and a great driver! Highlights:
•Buildings and monuments from World Fairs, expeditions, and the Olympics.
• Several famous works from Antoni Gaudí, including the incredible Sagrada Familia.
• Arenas that used to be used for bull fighting.
• Amazing views of this beautiful city!
#familytravel #visitbarcelona #viator

We had fun exploring Barcelona and even found a Lego Store. 😁 Our favorite activity was a private Tuk Tuk tour. Our guide, Marco, was knowledgeable, friendly, and a great driver! Highlights:
•Buildings and monuments from World Fairs, expeditions, and the Olympics.
• Several famous works from Antoni Gaudí, including the incredible Sagrada Familia.
• Arenas that used to be used for bull fighting.
• Amazing views of this beautiful city!
#familytravel #visitbarcelona #viator

We loved our stay at the Renaissance Fira Barcelona Hotel and would definitely recommend it to others.
• Fantastic location - Easy to get to from airport, close to metro, a little outside of main downtown
• Staff welcoming, friendly, and helpful
• Delicious onsite restaurants
• Clean, comfortable, modern rooms with fun amenities!
#familytravel #visitbarcelona #marriottbonvoy #foratravel

We loved our stay at the Renaissance Fira Barcelona Hotel and would definitely recommend it to others.
• Fantastic location - Easy to get to from airport, close to metro, a little outside of main downtown
• Staff welcoming, friendly, and helpful
• Delicious onsite restaurants
• Clean, comfortable, modern rooms with fun amenities!
#familytravel #visitbarcelona #marriottbonvoy #foratravel

Few things fill my mom heart with as much pride as watching my kid successfully navigate the transportation system in a city we’re visiting for the first time. Lead the way! ❤️🚞🚊🚇#visitbarcelona #familytravel

Few things fill my mom heart with as much pride as watching my kid successfully navigate the transportation system in a city we’re visiting for the first time. Lead the way! ❤️🚞🚊🚇#visitbarcelona #familytravel

Fun lunch at El Glop. Their Bravas El Glop are fried potatoes topped with bravas sauce and aioli. The seafood paella had amazing flavor and the sweet melon with salty ham was delicious. We loved every bite!
#familytravel #visitbarcelona

Fun lunch at El Glop. Their Bravas El Glop are fried potatoes topped with bravas sauce and aioli. The seafood paella had amazing flavor and the sweet melon with salty ham was delicious. We loved every bite!
#familytravel #visitbarcelona

#laboqueriabarcelona #familytravel #visitbarcelona

#laboqueriabarcelona #familytravel #visitbarcelona

#visitbarcelona #familytravel #parkguell

#visitbarcelona #familytravel #parkguell

Kinda fun to watch fireworks from home this year! 🎆🎇

Kinda fun to watch fireworks from home this year! 🎆🎇

Went to the farm to swim. Realized my Mom has created her own botanical garden out here! 🌸
See if you can guess which item was not curated by Mom. 🤭🦩

Went to the farm to swim. Realized my Mom has created her own botanical garden out here! 🌸
See if you can guess which item was not curated by Mom. 🤭🦩

I have a new respect for people who camp. 🏕️ Tent companies should totally give you a new, larger, zippered bag to get the tent back into.

I have a new respect for people who camp. 🏕️ Tent companies should totally give you a new, larger, zippered bag to get the tent back into.

We stepped a bit out of our norm and attended the Blue Ox Music Festival in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. 3 nights of music with friends. No itinerary, cell service, or flushing toilets. We braved a few thunderstorms in our tiny tent. It was a muddy, free-spirited, good time! 🎶🪕🏕️ #blueoxmusicfestival

We stepped a bit out of our norm and attended the Blue Ox Music Festival in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. 3 nights of music with friends. No itinerary, cell service, or flushing toilets. We braved a few thunderstorms in our tiny tent. It was a muddy, free-spirited, good time! 🎶🪕🏕️ #blueoxmusicfestival

Sometimes things don’t go as planned but we still had a fun summer evening together. We’ll try again next year, go a little later, and bring chairs! 😁

Sometimes things don’t go as planned but we still had a fun summer evening together. We’ll try again next year, go a little later, and bring chairs! 😁

When Dan is behind the wheel we have “see what we see” trips where we wander, without an itinerary, and stop and get out when we see something that looks fun. Here are a few of our favorites that are just a short drive from Galena. #familytravel #visitgalena #enjoyillinois #gravityhillwi

When Dan is behind the wheel we have “see what we see” trips where we wander, without an itinerary, and stop and get out when we see something that looks fun. Here are a few of our favorites that are just a short drive from Galena. #familytravel #visitgalena #enjoyillinois #gravityhillwi

Frank O’Dowds Irish Pub is one of our favorites in Galena. Consistently delicious food - made from scratch, warm/casual atmosphere, friendly service, and music most weekends. #visitgalena

Frank O’Dowds Irish Pub is one of our favorites in Galena. Consistently delicious food - made from scratch, warm/casual atmosphere, friendly service, and music most weekends. #visitgalena

There is something for everyone in downtown Galena! We love the come-as-you-are welcoming vibe and variety of shops and restaurants. Park at one end and spend the day wandering from one end to the other and back.
Message me for more info about staying at our home away from home!

There is something for everyone in downtown Galena! We love the come-as-you-are welcoming vibe and variety of shops and restaurants. Park at one end and spend the day wandering from one end to the other and back.
Message me for more info about staying at our home away from home!

Galena is our happy place and we think you’ll love it too! Here are some of our favorite things to do in the Territory. Message me for more info on staying at our home away from home. #familytravel #galenaterritory #visitgalena

Galena is our happy place and we think you’ll love it too! Here are some of our favorite things to do in the Territory. Message me for more info on staying at our home away from home. #familytravel #galenaterritory #visitgalena

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