Coming home from the first family vacation since becoming a parent, I realized something: I need a vacation from that vacation.
In all seriousness, I have a newfound respect for my mother. Now I understand all the invisible work she did. The planning, the budgeting, the meal prep, the group texts with family about who owes what, keeping the Airbnb clean. A million little things I never thought about during what’s supposed to be a break.
The Best Part
It was all worth it, though.
Watching my boy light up around his older cousin, copying his every move, and doting on his new baby cousin was the highlight.
He danced to live bluegrass, clapped offbeat, and even got a shoutout from the band. We had loud, messy family dinners that turned into wonderful memories.
The Lessons
Every first family trip is a test. You learn what to do and what not to do.
1. Don’t drive 1,200 miles with a toddler.
Madison to Austin with a pit stop in Memphis sounded doable. It wasn’t.
Sixteen months old and strapped into a car seat for hours? No snack or song could fix that. By the end, even my posture was begging for mercy.
2. Make time for your partner.
Money is always tight for this working-class family, and paying for a babysitter felt like a splurge too far. But next time, I’ll carve out a night for just us, even if it means trusting Grandma for a few hours.
3. Let go of the checklist.
Some plans went out the window, and that’s okay. These trips aren’t about crossing things off. They’re about making memories. And in that sense, this one was a win.
The Takeaway
He got scraped up. Bit by a fire ant. Tried to keep up with a six-year-old. I learned patience, flexibility, and that “family vacation” doesn’t mean rest. It means family. But I wouldn’t trade it. Because now I know what to do differently next time, and what’s truly worth the hassle.
“These trips are all about the kids. In that respect, this was a major victory.”
