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The Perfect Short Hike with Kids
After a long day, we were all a bit worn out. We were standing in the kitchen at home when my wife said, “We should go for a hike.” She didn’t mean it, and I didn’t want to go, but in the moment I decided to call her bluff and fired back, “Okay, let’s go…
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Catalina Getaway: Family Fun on the Island
Regular readers of this blog know that my wife and I love to explore the world with our two young boys, ages 4 and 6. Our most recent adventure took us to Avalon located on the southeastern side of Santa Catalina Island. The trip was planned around celebrating my dad’s 75th birthday, and we were…
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Being Star of the Week: A Rainy Day Adventure
Ever had your weekend hijacked by unexpected plans, but in a good way? Well, that’s kind of what happened this weekend. My kindergartener was the star of the week in his class. Along with getting a certificate, he was also sent home with a stuffed animal named Stary, and a special journal that’s shared with…
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Exploring Shoreline Village with Kids
For parents of my generation, Long Beach conjures thoughts of musical artists like Snoop Dogg and Sublime, hard streets, and the Port of Long Beach. So why should you take your kids to a place that doesn’t seem very kid-friendly? Simply put, Shoreline Village. My wife recently had a work conference in Long Beach, and…
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Why Every Parent Should Take Their Kids on Morro Bay’s Little Miss Magic Harbor Cruise
My wife and I took our three and six-year-old boys, along with my parents to Morro Bay for a fun family boating adventure. Our vessel of choice was the “Little Miss Magic,” a pontoon boat operated by Patriot Sportfishing in scenic Morro Bay. As a parent, it was a great way to introduce my youngsters…
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My 6-Year-Old’s First Ride: Entering the World of Dirt Biking
Are you seeking advice on teaching your kid to ride a motorcycle for the first time? If so, congratulations, thats great news! Experiences are always better than gifts and last week, I found myself in precisely that situation. Despite my own experience with motorcycles, I had to empathize with my six-year-old, envisioning the excitement and,…
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Our Day Out in Elfin Forest: Nature, Family, and Fun
Looking for a fun way to get the kids out of the house for a couple hours? Last weekend, the fam and I decided to ditch the usual routine and head to the nearby Elfin Forest in Los Osos. You know, just a short hike to shake off some of that kid energy. It ended…
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Algarve Adventures: From Portimão to Benagil Caves and Beyond
The Historic Town of Portimão Exploring Marina de Portimão and Cobblestone Streets The final leg of our journey led us to the Algarve region of Portugal, following our explorations in Porto and the coastal charms of Nazaré. Our adventure continued as we immersed ourselves in the historic town of Portimão. Our Airbnb was about a…
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Lisbon: A Journey Through Time, Culture, and Spectacular Views
The captivating city of Lisbon marked the third leg of our exploration through Portugal. Lisbon, or Lisboa in Portuguese, boasts a rich historical tapestry, and our accommodations in the Santa Maria Maior neighborhood, near Rua Augusta, provided us with an excellent base. This vibrant street is situated in the heart of the city, alongside the…
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Riding the Waves of Adventure: Exploring Nazaré’s Coastal Charms and Big Wave Surfing in Portugal
On the second leg of our Portuguese adventure, my wife, our boys, and I bid farewell to the vibrant streets of Porto and embarked on a scenic two-hour drive to the picturesque town of Nazaré. Arriving in Nazaré was nothing short of a highlight, and while the quest for parking had been a recurring challenge…
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From Lisbon to Porto: A Portuguese Family Adventure
Travels in Lisbon, Cascais, and Porto, Portugal, have been an epic adventure, filled with unforgettable experiences and family bonding. It all began when we landed in Lisbon on September 7, marking the commencement of our European escapade with our three and five-year-old boys. The transatlantic flight went surprisingly well, with our young adventurers snoozing through…
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Costa Rica Chronicles: Our Memorable Second Half of the Journey
Setting off on a family adventure in Costa Rica, we were filled with excitement, eager to craft cherished memories while immersing ourselves in the breathtaking landscapes of this Central American paradise. Little did we know that our journey would take an unexpected turn, leading us to make the tough decision to cut our trip short.…
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Week of Firsts and Nostalgic Returns
As I sit here in the same place where I sat over a decade ago at Ritmo Tropical in Mal Pais this morning, I can’t help but feel a little nostalgic. But I’m getting ahead of myself. This week has been a good one; it started with an amazing horseback ride in Samara, where Fletcher,…
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Embracing the Wild: Our Costa Rican Adventure with Bats, Spiders, and Mosquitoes
As we geared up for this exciting escapade, we were embarking on the unknown. Two vacations in Costa Rica had treated us to its beauty, but they had been carefree getaways without the demands of daily life. This time, a three-month stay beckoned us to sink into the rhythm of everyday life here – a…
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Tamarindo to Samara: A Journey of Adventures and Goodbyes
Our time in Tamarindo has been nothing short of extraordinary, and as we prepare to bid farewell to this coastal paradise, we can’t help but reflect on the incredible experiences that we’ve had during our journey. Before venturing to our next destination, Samara, we decided to make the most of our final days in Tamarindo…
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A Comprehensive Guide to Tamarindo, Costa Rica: Unraveling the Pros and Cons for Family Travel
Picture this: a sun-kissed coastal town in Costa Rica, where your family can immerse themselves in stunning sunsets, warm ocean waters, and vibrant culture. That’s exactly what my family of four, including two energetic toddler boys, experienced during our magical month in Tamarindo this July. In this blog, we’ll share our firsthand account of the…
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