Author Archives: familystoke

BC has been saying forever that he wants to take the boys camping. That is something I will never sign up for. I don’t mind the outdoors, but I love being in a cushy bed at night. Recently BC and one of his good friends started formulating a plan to take the boys into theContinueContinue reading “The Boys go Camping”

I’m March of 2024, AJC celebrated turning 11. While we usually organize a big party, now that the boys are getting older, I’m trying to get them to see the value in taking a birthday trip instead of a party. This year the perfect opportunity came up. Our good friends who live in Austin andContinueContinue reading “Keeping it Weird in Austin”

I never planned to take a family trip to Vegas. Our goal was actually to finally take the boys skiing. However, when we started looking at prices in Colorado, California, etc, we knew we had to find other options. Our friends had recommended a small ski resort in Southern Utah, only 3 hours from LasContinueContinue reading “What happens in Vegas”

And just like that… it’s the best time of the year! Nothing makes me happy like spending Christmas with my family and creating tons of magic for the kids. Of course, in this house Christmas starts December 1st. The kids wake up to the house fully decorated and their little buddy, Snowflake has returned. ItContinueContinue reading “Christmas 2023”

We had an epic time in Patagonia, but our Chilean adventures weren’t over. From Patagonia, we flew to Puerto Varas in the Lake region. Our Besties, Mark , Kyla and Sunny have been living in Chile for the past year and were able to meet us. We rented an amazing house right on the waterContinueContinue reading “Chile 2023 (Part 2)”

Some friends are considered chosen family, and when your chosen family moves to Chile- you have to visit! Chile is one of our favorite countries due to the breath taking, raw scenery. BC and I had been to Chile before and return in love every time. This time proved to exceed our previous experiences toContinueContinue reading “Chile 2023 Part 1: Patagonia”

In November, PJC turned 8. He is energetic, loving, mischievous, curious, and intelligent. He is a well loved friend, a thrill seeker, and an budding engineer. His smile is contagious. PJC’s party theme was a no brainer- his one obsession, Minecraft. He had 5 of his besties over for a sleepover. They mined real gems,ContinueContinue reading “8 is Great!”

Buffalo has always been my favorite summer place. Growing up, my parents used to send us to spend our summers with our cousins and grandparents. Years of visiting Niagara Falls, Olcott Beach, Darien Lake amusement park, playing in basements and backyards, going to Bisons games, having bon fires, and so many hot dogs and iceContinueContinue reading “Buffalove Summer 2023”

For our family trip this summer, we decided the kids were finally old enough for Machu Picchu. BC and I went there together 15 years ago, so we knew it was a trip the boys would enjoy. They have learned about the Incas in school, and we wanted to share with them the magic ofContinueContinue reading “Summer Adventures in Peru 2023”

At the end of June, the boys wrapped up their school year. AJC finished 4th grade and PJC completed 1st. AJC’s school year began with a huge challenge when his teacher left and a new one didn’t arrive until February. He regressed in the interim and I feared having to pull him and homeschool himContinueContinue reading “End of the School Year 2023”