Adventures with Sarah and Al

One of our favorite things is when family comes to visit. We get to spend time with people we love while sharing the place and routines we’ve grown to love here. So, when Al's parents booked their flights, we were so excited. We started planning activities and asking our boys what they wanted to do with their grandma and PopPop.  Things started to look a little more dreary when a simple cold escalated into three weeks (and counting) of lingering sickness. It got even worse when, a day into their trip, Al was struck with a stomach bug.  I wanted to be the perfect host. Instead, I was sick, exhausted, and trying to enjoy family through a fog of congestion and survival mode. I expected the week to be memorable because of what we did together. I didn’t expect it to be meaningful because of what it taught us about rest, grace, and letting ourselves be cared for. It helped me learn that  sometimes the most meaningful moments come when life forces us to release perfection, pract...

Some of the hardest struggles children (and adults) will encounter are the ones they cannot see. Mental health challenges, trauma, neurodivergence, grief—so much of human pain is invisible. One of the most powerful ways we can teach empathy early is through the stories we read. That is the inspiration behind this month’s recommendations: stories that foster empathy and understanding. I heard that April was stress awareness month... for me, it was stress month. There were so many great things, but it was also peppered with being sick for almost the entire month, job applications, and just the business of our wonderful lives. I had to take a step back and some big breaths... so no book recs, just breaths. Sometimes that's all you need.  That being said, this month is mental health awareness month. This is a month that really hits home for me.  Why Empathy Matters This month always reminds me why empathy is something I want to teach intentionally in our home. My brother’s traumat...

Planning a trip to Puerto Rico with kids? Here’s exactly how we spent one week exploring beaches, waterfalls, and local favorites—without burning out with a balance of adventure and rest. My parents came to visit for a week and it was a blast. We tried to keep our tempo more relaxed while still showing off some of the reasons we absolutely love living here. We integrated working, science presentations for my oldest, and soccer practice and games.  This is a real, tested 7-day Puerto Rico itinerary for families with young kids and grandparents—designed to be flexible, low-stress, and full of adventure. We stayed within 45 of San Juan. You'll have to double check with my parents, but we had a blast!  Day 1: Day 1 is a recovery day. We played all morning and tried to let Nana and Papa Joe sleep in. We also got some groceries and packed for the playa. Then we were off to... La Posita de Pinones This is one of our favorite spots for a relaxing beach day—especially with kids. The re...

I've been enjoying very slowly reading Roxane Gay's Bad Feminist . One line really hit me, especially as a parent and someone leaning into my own feminist journey,  “I am a bad feminist. I do not always live up to my ideals.” My feminist journey is imperfect, just like our story time. Some nights I’m learning alongside my kids as much as they’re learning from the books we read. This month, I’m highlighting stories written by women or about women who inspire. The books we choose, the voices we elevate, and the conversations we have with our children — these are ways I try to bring my ideals into our living room adventures. These books are part of our family library already, shaping how my boys see bravery, curiosity, and kindness — and they’re adventures we love taking together. Why These Stories Matter Lately we’ve been trying to talk with our boys about current events. I feel like I'm stressed and a little unable to handle what is going on and fitting the world into the un...

This post is all about how adventure and travel can help raise brave kids -- which is something we need more of in this crazy world.  That day at Charco Azul reminded me why raising brave kids isn’t about lectures — it’s about adventure, discomfort, and learning through travel. Bravery Isn’t Taught—It’s Practiced To celebrate the new year, we went on an adventurous hike in Vega Baja: Charco Azul. It's not very long, but it involves some swimming through a river. With a two year old and an almost four year old, that can be rather daunting.  Safe chance to practice bravery Our two year old, E, enjoyed hiking and demanded breaks when he was scared. Then came the part where he and I had to swim across the river. We had life jackets and were using our lillebaby carrier. We have done other hikes similar to this. They were safe, but it was scary.  Before we followed H and Al across the water, he and I talked about what being brave means. Sometimes being brave means trying somet...