Loved this piece, and the format. I felt like I was there with you, the seventh family member, the delight of spotting the natural water slides wash over me. I love the way you make meaning from the mundane, without being precious about it, just letting the sentiments lay without having to be overly metastasized. (Wow ok I really needed this this Wednesday morning!!)
I loved every word. How, as always, you put into words what so many of us think again and again. Especially how your husband did not meticulously plan the details of your trip 😂 Isn’t it funny, the trips we take and hope will be a joy and success? I thought my kids would always reminisce about Disney , but no. It’s Maine and Cape Cod…the old-fashioned candy shops, the boat ride, the pool right on the water, and the dead rat in the pool filter. We do our best. Thank you for always sharing and then sharing again ❤️
As it continues to be monetized and professionalized, there just won’t be any breaks (ie for summer) because that would mean untapped revenue and there won’t be many opportunities to just do it for fun while you’re a kid while also doing other kid stuff
I also ask my kids if they want to quit their chosen sport. Inevitably they say they want to play and then the last couple weeks of the season will be endless complaints. Rinse and repeat.
I love the idea of a screen free road trip. We have terrible reception in the mountains at my in-laws’ house and my husband keeps working on the antenna to try to get internet and I like our inability to be online.
This so deeply resonates. I live in New England and traveled to Acadia with my family this summer, so maybe that is part of why your trip lives so vividly in my mind. Whatever the reason, I loved the feeling of being along for the journey. The depth of the experiences you describe has me inspired. Thank you for sharing.
I love the mix of emotions you convey so beautifully here. The plan for a device-free vacay that leads to more time for family but also for the endless loop in your own mind about the earth, your children, and the future. I also love the call back to your own childhood vacation in Maine, and the realization that the actual facts are less important than the grace in remembering that you recount.
I love this idea... my oldest is going into his senior year and I'm starting to feel so aware of how fast it all goes and how much more time we are all spending with our screens than with each other.
Loved this piece, and the format. I felt like I was there with you, the seventh family member, the delight of spotting the natural water slides wash over me. I love the way you make meaning from the mundane, without being precious about it, just letting the sentiments lay without having to be overly metastasized. (Wow ok I really needed this this Wednesday morning!!)
🫂♥️
I always ask my kids if they “rather not play” sports this season. Glad I’m not alone in this.
I loved every word. How, as always, you put into words what so many of us think again and again. Especially how your husband did not meticulously plan the details of your trip 😂 Isn’t it funny, the trips we take and hope will be a joy and success? I thought my kids would always reminisce about Disney , but no. It’s Maine and Cape Cod…the old-fashioned candy shops, the boat ride, the pool right on the water, and the dead rat in the pool filter. We do our best. Thank you for always sharing and then sharing again ❤️
Oh first article I've actually finished in months. You are a good for the soul, dear Kate!
Love this format! Sounds like it was an unforgettable trip.
This was such a gorgeous read 😭 I feel homesick for this trip, even though I didn't experience it!
I feel you, especially on the rage against youth sports. Have you seen/heard about this - https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/09/business/youth-sports-private-equity.html
As it continues to be monetized and professionalized, there just won’t be any breaks (ie for summer) because that would mean untapped revenue and there won’t be many opportunities to just do it for fun while you’re a kid while also doing other kid stuff
I also ask my kids if they want to quit their chosen sport. Inevitably they say they want to play and then the last couple weeks of the season will be endless complaints. Rinse and repeat.
I love the idea of a screen free road trip. We have terrible reception in the mountains at my in-laws’ house and my husband keeps working on the antenna to try to get internet and I like our inability to be online.
I love reading your prose. It’s such a treat to have more space to enjoy your writing. I also love Maine. ❤️
This so deeply resonates. I live in New England and traveled to Acadia with my family this summer, so maybe that is part of why your trip lives so vividly in my mind. Whatever the reason, I loved the feeling of being along for the journey. The depth of the experiences you describe has me inspired. Thank you for sharing.
I love the mix of emotions you convey so beautifully here. The plan for a device-free vacay that leads to more time for family but also for the endless loop in your own mind about the earth, your children, and the future. I also love the call back to your own childhood vacation in Maine, and the realization that the actual facts are less important than the grace in remembering that you recount.
Seriously the youth sports are out of control, the fun is gone and it sure seems like just another money making scheme thought up by adults.
I love this idea... my oldest is going into his senior year and I'm starting to feel so aware of how fast it all goes and how much more time we are all spending with our screens than with each other.
How was that pizza? With the 3 hour wait?
Incredible
The important question. I looked up the menu and I live in the Midwest.