Nashville: A Long Weekend in Music City

Every few years, my college girlfriends get together and pick a city to explore. So when we were throwing out ideas, Nashville hit the radar. I'm a country music fan, so this was a no-brainer for me. Enter the most fun I have had in a long time. Nashville has a very laid back down …

Being Grateful in the Middle

I have been awfully quiet, mostly because I didn't really know where to start. This 6 month transition has been a roller coaster... some great, some bad and a little bit of everything else. But here we are, settled in and loving our new normal. We made it, and while I have many drafted blog …

My Love Letter to Cartagena

This is my love letter to Cartagena.   This Caribbean town that was never on my radar until it was.  A place I never knew I wanted to visit, let alone live.    To Coffee and Coco Rice, and all the Arepa's in between.  To the many new friendships I have made, who will soon …

Growing Up Expat: Going Home

So here we are.  We have told the kids that we are moving home.  They are both excited, but not entirely sure how this new life at home looks just yet.   It is home, but it will also be a new house, new schools, and new routines. We are sub 30 days and I …

Pack for a Purpose

Have you heard of Pack for a Purpose?  This past weekend, I had to the chance to learn firsthand what their program was all about. From their website, you search out your vacation destination and find a list of non-profits that you can choose to help.  You will then be able to find a list …

Book Review: Misunderstood

I am reading a new book, Misunderstood by Tanya Crossman, a more modern version of the classic Third Culture Kids.  I have bookmarked so many amazing and relevant subjects in this book.   It seems every other page, I am nodding away in agreement. Understanding the unique situation of transitioning in and out of an …

Growing Up Expat: Traveling with an Introvert

I wanted to talk a little bit about traveling with your family for longer than a typical vacation.  Being out of your own space for longer than a week can present its own side effects.  As my children get older, there are different needs that need to be met in order for everyone to have …

Summer Recap: Planes, Trains and Automobiles

On our last leg of our summer, we did the most actual traveling... mini road trips, flights, taxi cabs, trains and more flights.  Our fist stop was Santa Cruz for a very special family wedding. The great thing about a cousin getting married is that it is the perfect excuse to see all of your …

Travel Packing – Send Help

With as much as I travel, I must admit, I am a terrible packer.   I start 3 weeks in advance only to scramble at the last-minute, usually bringing way too much stuff and rifle through my suitcase constantly during my trip looking for what I need.  Of course I always find what I'm looking …

Summer Recap: So Cal

We spent another good chunk of our time in Southern California.  Our other home.   We played on the beach, we ate In 'n Out, had homemade pizza parties, hit the park,  and made some really good summer memories with our family. Having older kids this time around, we are able to bring them both …