I actually cried reading the Taco Bell story. And I can guarantee the kids will remember this for a very long time. Kids don't know some of the most amazing things the world holds but they can learn about the simple things. Sharing a meal, outside in the California summer with foods they've never had. Great pivot and great lesson Nate.
You are such cool parents! I love that for your kids! Im an auntie, so the job is easier (imo)...I recently went to the beach with my niece and nephew (17 and 12) and you are so right: we can do the nice things for sure, but also an afternoon playing "beach soccer", getting in the sea and eating ice cream works wonders. Also, they were on a Harry Potter revisit and we watched The Prisoner of Azkaban together one night ♥️
oh my gosh it's so fun to be the cool aunt!!! I was the first to have kids so I feel like I never got to play this role fully but I hope I get opportunities to do things like this as my nieces and nephews get older.
I recommend GOAT on Netflix for one of your movie nights! My kids loved it and it has a great message about being stronger together and using the talents you have.
I really needed the ice cream essay today. Our only started middle school yesterday and I can see the moments of “why doesn’t ice cream feel the same anymore?” already happening.
One of my top 10 life memories is going to John Adam's house in Braintree, MA with my grandpa and doing the tour there and then afterwards we grabbed lunch somewhere very random and he let me get a Pepsi Blue which was the hot item at the time and he told me I could have his half and also gave me a hard time about what color my stomach was afterwards. But it was a rare afternoon of just me and him and he had kindly taken me to do this house tour when no one else was interested (I had just read David McCullough's John Adams and was fully obsessed with all things JA) and I still treasure that memory decades later. He died 5 or so years after this happened so that makes it all the more special. Anyways - blue soda memories can really stick with you :)
So cool, Kristen! Also, I have read McCulloughs book him (years ago). Very good! He was an interesting guy (and his wife too was a prolific letter writer as I suspect you know!).
One of my favorite books for sure! The HBO series based on it starring Paul Giamatti as John Adams is very well done if you haven't watched it. My oldest daughter is named for Abigail - one of the greats in our history!
I am always a bit stunned when my kids (unintentionally) remind me that they don't *need* the 5-star vacation. They still think staying at a Holiday Inn Express, swimming in the hotel pool, and eating at the continental breakfast is like a night at the Ritz! It really is the little things! We had a similar parking lot party on a recent road trip to DC. Snack tray out, kids running up and down a hill to stretch, and back in the car. Hard to beat that. Glad you've had a good trip :)
I love the stationary Hannah! I make and print our Christmas cards through Canva and have yet to be disappointed. If you want to share your stationary templates, I would love to print my own! :)
As a big Baja blast fan I absolutely loved this story! Thanks for sharing your wisdom! It’s a good reminder in this age of feeling like I always want to compare my life to others and wanting “the best” for my family - you can’t go wrong with simple! Great pivot by all 👍🏼
The Baja blast pass-around 🥹
Lauren I loved that line too!
I actually cried reading the Taco Bell story. And I can guarantee the kids will remember this for a very long time. Kids don't know some of the most amazing things the world holds but they can learn about the simple things. Sharing a meal, outside in the California summer with foods they've never had. Great pivot and great lesson Nate.
Thank you!!
You are such cool parents! I love that for your kids! Im an auntie, so the job is easier (imo)...I recently went to the beach with my niece and nephew (17 and 12) and you are so right: we can do the nice things for sure, but also an afternoon playing "beach soccer", getting in the sea and eating ice cream works wonders. Also, they were on a Harry Potter revisit and we watched The Prisoner of Azkaban together one night ♥️
oh my gosh it's so fun to be the cool aunt!!! I was the first to have kids so I feel like I never got to play this role fully but I hope I get opportunities to do things like this as my nieces and nephews get older.
It really is!!! I love them so! But I also love to give them back to their parents 😅 you'll get to it for sure ♥️
I recommend GOAT on Netflix for one of your movie nights! My kids loved it and it has a great message about being stronger together and using the talents you have.
Olivia -- such a great movie rec!!! We watched it at home before leaving and completely agree with you.
This is all great!!
Kudos Nate—some of my fondest memories came from the travel stops to the McD’s off 81 at the Cburg mall exit 😁
Just admiring you both from afar 👏🏻 (been following Kate before I knew it was THE Strickler I know). Safe travels!
I know that Micky Ds well!
Buggie here! I’m making the summer salad on repeat!! I think we need another pool day to have it again!
you don't have to tell me twice!!
I really needed the ice cream essay today. Our only started middle school yesterday and I can see the moments of “why doesn’t ice cream feel the same anymore?” already happening.
ugh I am so glad it came at the right time. we are seeing it too. sending love.
One of my top 10 life memories is going to John Adam's house in Braintree, MA with my grandpa and doing the tour there and then afterwards we grabbed lunch somewhere very random and he let me get a Pepsi Blue which was the hot item at the time and he told me I could have his half and also gave me a hard time about what color my stomach was afterwards. But it was a rare afternoon of just me and him and he had kindly taken me to do this house tour when no one else was interested (I had just read David McCullough's John Adams and was fully obsessed with all things JA) and I still treasure that memory decades later. He died 5 or so years after this happened so that makes it all the more special. Anyways - blue soda memories can really stick with you :)
So cool, Kristen! Also, I have read McCulloughs book him (years ago). Very good! He was an interesting guy (and his wife too was a prolific letter writer as I suspect you know!).
One of my favorite books for sure! The HBO series based on it starring Paul Giamatti as John Adams is very well done if you haven't watched it. My oldest daughter is named for Abigail - one of the greats in our history!
I am always a bit stunned when my kids (unintentionally) remind me that they don't *need* the 5-star vacation. They still think staying at a Holiday Inn Express, swimming in the hotel pool, and eating at the continental breakfast is like a night at the Ritz! It really is the little things! We had a similar parking lot party on a recent road trip to DC. Snack tray out, kids running up and down a hill to stretch, and back in the car. Hard to beat that. Glad you've had a good trip :)
couldnt agree more with you Ericka! something about a swimming pool hotel and free breakfast is just MAGIC.
I love the stationary Hannah! I make and print our Christmas cards through Canva and have yet to be disappointed. If you want to share your stationary templates, I would love to print my own! :)
As a big Baja blast fan I absolutely loved this story! Thanks for sharing your wisdom! It’s a good reminder in this age of feeling like I always want to compare my life to others and wanting “the best” for my family - you can’t go wrong with simple! Great pivot by all 👍🏼
The piece about the Baja blast being passed around like a whiskey bottle— hilarious and also a great message ❤️ core memories make themselves!
LOVED Nate's section--had me choked up!
Thank you, Emily!