Shawn and I have always enjoyed taking our children to parks and being outdoors. We began exercising together as a family when our children were very young. We walk or bike together almost daily, depending on the weather. It has been a positive experience for us as a family ~ both physically and mentally ~ through the years.

In 2016, we took our 5 kids to the Smokey Mountains for a few days on our way to Charleston, South Carolina. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed exploring a few sections of the park. We continued to travel through the years to various locations, but not to any more national parks. Then, in 2024, we visited Shenandoah National Park on our way to Washington D.C. We hiked to the top of Hawksbill Mountain (the highest peak), and the view was stunning of the blue ridge mountains. We could see for miles. It was such an amazing experience, and we longed to see more. A few months later we took a trip to Glacier National Park and Yellowstone. It was the most beautiful place that we had ever visited. We began planning our travels around seeing more national parks. Each park truly offers a unique experience. Our national park tour has given us the opportunity to see the beautiful landscape of our country.

Our family trips are more than just vacations—they’re lessons in history, and opportunity to unplug + reconnect with each other. By choosing to explore nature, hike and climb mountains together, my hope is that we are igniting a passion for discovery and adventure that will endure in our children for years to come.