Our Little Explorers
Learning, Bonding, and Preparing for the Big Road Trip
As a family, we thrive on outdoor adventure, and there's no better time to soak up the fresh air and explore nature than right before our month-long road trip from Manitoba to BC. With three little ones in tow, every moment spent outdoors feels like a chance to bond, learn, and prepare for the journey ahead. From hiking and biking to simply taking in the sights of the woods, these last few days are all about building memories that will last us throughout the trip.
Outdoor Adventures and Learning Along the Way
Hiking, running, walking, and biking are just a few of the outdoor activities we love to do together. One of my favorite things is watching my girls explore the woods, discovering new plants, and learning about the life that surrounds us. We often play “eye-spy,” which is not only a fun game but also a way to stay aware of our surroundings and learn about the wildlife around us. Whether it’s identifying trees, animals, or simply watching a bird soar across the sky, every outing has been an opportunity to teach my kids about nature and the world beyond our front door.
Involving the Kids in the Journey Prep
As we prepare for the big road trip, we make sure our girls are involved in every step of the process. They help pack their clothes and pick out the toys for the car. We talk about the importance of each item we pack—warm clothes for colder climates, soft toys for comfort and car safety—and make sure they understand why we’re bringing what we are. We also take the time to explain the trip in detail: what the travel days will look like, the activities we’ll do along the way, and why we’re so excited for the adventure ahead. I love seeing their faces light up as they get more and more excited, especially as they understand the journey they’re about to take.
What I Hope My Kids Will Learn on This Trip
One of my biggest hopes for this trip is that my children learn to embrace change and new experiences. I want them to feel excited about visiting new places—even if they might feel shy at first. This road trip will be a great opportunity to help them trust their Apa (dad) and know that, no matter where we go, we will always be there to keep them safe. It's important to me that they learn to be open to new things and feel the security of our family’s support.
The Military Family Perspective: Cherishing Every Moment
As a military family, we are fortunate to have long stretches of time where we can travel together. However, these long vacations usually come after times when my husband has been away for long periods of time—sometimes for months. This is why we cherish every moment of family time we get. We’re acutely aware of how fleeting these moments can be, and it drives us to make the most of the time we do have. Our focus is on spending quality time together—doing things that matter and with the people who matter. There’s no room for wasting time on things that aren’t meaningful, and every trip we take is an opportunity to make memories and build a stronger bond as a family.
Special Moments of Bonding Before the Big Trip
One of the highlights of these last few days of outdoor bonding was seeing my eldest daughter, Arbela, help her Apa take down the tarp and learn how to tie knots. Watching the two of them work together was such a special moment. It was beautiful to see them sharing an experience that brought them closer, and I felt so proud of the bond they’re building. It’s moments like these that make me grateful for the time we have together and remind me of how important it is to slow down and appreciate the little things.
Top Tips for Traveling with Kids on a Road Trip
As we prepare for the road ahead, I thought I’d share a few tips for fellow families planning their own adventures:
Keep your kids informed: Talk to them about the trip in advance. Let them know what to expect each day—what activities you’ll do, how long you’ll be in the car, and what’s coming next. The more they know, the more they can look forward to the adventure ahead.
Don’t watch the clock: Traveling with young kids is unpredictable. Don’t be afraid to stop often to stretch, grab a snack, or simply take in the scenery. The journey is just as important as the destination, and stopping frequently will make for a much more pleasant trip for everyone.
Teach as you go: Every road trip can be a learning experience. We like to introduce a “lesson” of the day—whether it’s learning directions, playing a game of eye-spy with landmarks or animals, or even talking about where we are and what we’re passing. It keeps everyone engaged and makes the trip educational.
What I Hope My Kids Take Away from This Trip
Finally, I hope this trip teaches my kids that they are capable of doing hard things. Life will throw challenges their way, and I want them to know that their Apa and I will always be here to support them. We want them to grow up with strong self-esteem, a sense of adventure, and a deep understanding of the importance of family.
