1. Snorkeling in Grand Turk: A Caribbean Dream Come True

One of the main reasons why we chose this itinerary is because the first stop was Grand Turk in Turks & Caicos. The moment we stepped into those turquoise waters, I knew we’d made the right choice. The island’s western coast offers some of the Caribbean’s most spectacular snorkeling spots. We opted not to sign up for any excursions (we spent that budget on the drink package, hehe) but I brought masks and snorkels with us for this spot. It was incredible. Just off the shore there were tons of fish and sealife. For the kid’s first snorkel experience it was definitely a highlight. And I could not get enough of the water, it was amazing.

2. The Food: A Culinary Journey at Sea

Forget everything you’ve heard about cruise ship food. The Mardi Gras takes dining to another level with over 22 different dining options. We found ourselves rotating between Guy’s Burger Joint (yes, those burgers are as good as everyone says), Shaq’s Big Chicken (the best chicken sandwiches at sea), fresh tacos at Blue Iguana, and Chibang—a fusion of Mexican and Asian cuisines, and complementary for the first visit. The main dining room really surprised us as well with their quality and variety, and the menu on formal night—lobster tail and prime rib—did not disappoint.

3. The Entertainment: Broadway Meets the High Seas

Every night brought something new. From full-scale production shows to comedy clubs that had us laughing until our sides hurt, the entertainment team knows how to keep things fresh. The talent on board was top notch. From Broadway level musicals, to a piano bar that filled up every night, to amazing live music like our personal favorites the Celestial Strings, a group of three talented female artists playing string instruments. And our kids will not stop talking about how funny the Family Feud show was. Our cruise director Rainier knew how to keep the party going.

4. The Free Ice Cream: Sweet Treats 24/7

Of course when I asked the kids what their top 10 best memory from the cruise was, ice cream was high on the list. It might seem silly to list ice cream as a highlight, but hear me out. There’s something magical about having access to unlimited soft-serve ice cream at any hour. Not only were the ice cream machines conveniently located, but the flavors were so delicious and refreshing on a hot day.

5. The Pools: Oases for Every Mood

The Mardi Gras doesn’t just have pools – it has water experiences. The main pool deck buzzes with energy and music, while the adults-only Serenity area offers a peaceful retreat with infinity pools and hot tubs overlooking the ocean. (If you can get the kids in the kids club, or hanging with grandparents, the hot tubs are the hottest in the Serenity area and spacious, too.) Other than the main pool and serenity pools, there were two other pools at the back of the ship, and when sailing or in port the views were amazing.

6. The Ultimate Playground: BOLT and Beyond

Let’s talk about the Ultimate Playground at sea. Keeping the kids entertained with ropes courses, mini golf, multiple slides, a water playground and BOLT—the first roller coaster at sea. At $15 per ride, it’s a little pricey but it’s definitely an exciting ride for adventure seekers. For our family, sitting on the photo opp version was enough. We really loved the mini golf area and played three times during our trip. We are a pretty competitive family!

7. The Bars: Craft Cocktails with Ocean Views

Each bar has its own personality, and there are so many to choose from. The Fortune Teller Bar mixes up mystical concoctions, while the Alchemy Bar’s “pharmacy-themed” cocktails are crafted by mixologists in lab coats. The Havana Bar came alive at night when the live Latin music began and the mojitos started flowing. Our favorite spot became the Brass Magnolia, with deliciously crafted beverages, a beautiful luxury ambiance with a tropical theme that created the perfect evening vibe. After grabbing a drink, we sat in the lounge where we listened to live music every night before dinner. For Happy Hour beverages, I got hooked on the Planter’s Punch, only available at the Watering Hole bar on one of the outdoor prominades.

8. The Room: Our Home Away From Home

We stayed in a standard balcony cabin, but there was nothing standard about it. Smart design made the most of every inch, with plenty of storage space and a comfortable bed that rivaled high-end hotels. The couch turned into bunk beds for the kids, which of course they loved, trading off who got top bunk each night. The balcony became our favorite spot for morning coffee and sunset views.

9. The Views: Nature’s Best Show

Whether sailing through the Caribbean or watching the sunset from our balcony, the views never disappointed. The ship’s design maximizes ocean vistas with floor-to-ceiling windows in public areas and plenty of outdoor spaces to soak in the scenery. While we were docked at the Dominican Republic, we took advantage of the less crowded pool decks and posted up with this amazing view of the island.

10. The Company: Family Makes the Difference

What truly set this cruise apart was the company we shared the experience with. It was a full family affair with both sets of grandparents and my brother and his wife. Cruises are such an amazing experience with a big group because there is something for everyone and easy for everyone to get around. It was such a great memory with the family! And we have to give a shout out to the Mardi Gras crew. From our room steward who knew our names from day one, to the waiters who remembered our favorite drinks, the level of service was exceptional. They turned a great vacation into an unforgettable one.

Top 10 Best Things About Our Carnival Cruise

The Carnival Mardi Gras proves that Carnival has upped its game significantly. This ship represents the best of modern cruising – innovative attractions, excellent dining options, and comfortable accommodations, all while maintaining the fun, casual atmosphere Carnival is known for. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, the Mardi Gras offers something for everyone.

Planning Tips:

• Download the Carnival HUB app before your cruise
• Consider booking a balcony room – the views and fresh aire are totally worth it
• Pack your appetite – the food options are endless
• Don’t miss the sunset sail-away parties – they’re so much fun

Have you sailed on the Mardi Gras or are you planning to? Drop a comment below with your experiences or questions. Here’s to smooth sailing and unforgettable memories!

For other family-friendly travel ideas, check out this round up post of some of our most memorable trips!

The post Top 10 Best Things About Our Carnival Cruise appeared first on Jane Erica.

Location

My birthday and son’s birthday are both in February and since it’s a colder month, we thought skiing would be the perfect birthday present for both of us. When we were thinking through locations, we knew Colorado was the known locale, but as we researched we got majorly overwhelmed. The long weekend trip we wanted to take started to sound a lot less fun with all the travel and the time difference. So we decided to start looking in the Northeast, mostly because of the timezone. We asked around to some family up north, and heard about Jiminy Peak in Massachusetts. When we looked into it, we knew it was the perfect place for us. We flew into the Albany International Airport on a direct flight, and rented a car. The drive was 55 minutes to get to the resort.

The Resort

Jiminy Peak was the perfect ski-in, ski-out resort for beginners. It had everything we needed right there on site. Our room had a small kitchen, so we could cook meals for the family. The ability to ski right up to the front door of our hotel was also incredible, especially for us beginners. We were not very efficient at taking on and off our gear, so I honestly couldn’t imagine having to drive anywhere to ski. There is an amazing restaurant on site as well. One of my favorite aspects was that the ski school, which is on site, also lets you keep the gear for the weekend included in the cost. That was one of our biggest concerns when planning our trip was how we were going to learn and where we were going to rent the gear, but Jiminy Peak made that so easy for us.

First Family Ski Trip Review – The Itinerary

Friday

Since we didn’t have school or work off during this time, we decided to go for a long weekend. But we made the best of it, and it was definitely enough time to do everything we wanted. We flew in on a Thursday afternoon around 4:30pm, and when we arrived, the kids immediately started playing in the snow.

The next morning, it was time for our ski lessons! They fitted us with our skiis (by the way, we did not learn to ski with sticks, which we were all shocked about) and then we were ready to go!

The kids caught on in their lesson so quickly! I was very impressed. It was all that rollerblading at home.

Having the rental car was also really convenient, because we took a trip first thing in the morning to the store to grab some essentials for breakfast and lunch so we didn’t have to eat out every meal.

That night, we decided to check out the restaurant, John Harvard’s, so we didn’t have to cook for dinner, and it was actually really good.

Saturday

Saturday was more skiing, as we got the hang of it. Rylee and I stayed on the bunny slope, but Brett and Reece decided to venture off to the next level slope and loved it. Pretty much after that, it’s all they wanted to do. It was terrifying, but also fun (I guess).

At the resort, they also had night skiing after it shuts down to the public, only for resort guests. We had the entire mountain to ourselves and it was really cool to ski at night. The kids and Brett went on repeat, but after a couple times, I was ready for some après-ski.

That night we had dinner plans at the restaurant onsite to celebrate our birthdays. It was that good we wanted to go back again.

And wanna know what we did after dinner?

More skiing.

Sunday

Sunday we explored the property some more, off the slopes.

The weather started getting really bad sometime between Saturday night and Sunday morning, and they shut everything down due to severe cold. When we finally emerged from the room, even the water in the creek was frozen solid!

After lunch, we ventured off site to a nearby mountain, Bousquet Mountain, for some craft beer and tubing. This was probably my favorite event!

We were early for our tubing res, so we grabbed a brew and sat out on the veranda, watching all the skiers come down the mountain. The sun was out and it was so beautiful for being winter, we could have stayed out there all day.

Tubing was the most fun thing I have ever done. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “But how do you get back up the mountain after?” here’s your answer:

Conveyor belt ramp. It’s like Disney on ice! So much fun.

We had checked out that morning and had the car packed up so we could head straight to the airport after. Our flight was at 6pm, so we got home pretty late that night.

But I have to say, my kids do not stop talking about this trip. They still to this day say it was their favorite vacation and their favorite place to go. If you read through their interviews from the past couple years, that is why Massachusetts is their favorite place to visit.

First Family Ski Trip Review

So I’d say that our first family ski trip was pretty successful. It was stress-free, thanks to Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort and we have a very special place in our hearts for it. We would 100% go back there again to ski. There is still more for us to explore there since we didn’t do many of the slopes, but I think going back to the same place would really help our comfort level and having an even more incredible experience there.

The post Beginner Skiing Made Easy: Our First Family Ski Trip Review appeared first on Jane Erica.

Marriott’s Crystal Shores Marco Island Family Vacation

On our family vacation, we stayed at Marriott’s Crystal Shores. It’s right on the beach and has spacious 2-room villas with full kitchens and comfortable living areas, perfect for families. My parents own a timeshare with Marriott’s Vacation Club and we’ve been vacationing with them every summer for many years. We loved staying at this resort because it has multiple pools, one with a slide that the kids loved, jacuzzis, a private beach, two restaurants, and the activity/recreation calendar was amazing. The property was also a perfect size for giving the kids some more independence and allowing them to do certain things on their own. The location was great as well and was walking distance to several restaurants and shops.

Things to Do in Marco Island on Family Vacation

When your staying at Marriott’s Crystal Shores, there is already so much to do—swimming, poolside trivia, ping pong or cornhole, and dining at Stilts Beachside Bar & Grill while watching the sunset. But if you’re ready for a little adventure off property, there is so much to do. Here’s a list of some must do things on a Marco Island family vacation.

1. Play a Round of Golf

Marco Island is known for its beaches, but it’s also known for its golf courses as well. Take a break from the sand and hit the greens at many golf courses in the area just a short drive off the island in Naples. While we were there we golfed at two executive courses that were about 20 minutes away.

2. Take a Catamaran Boat Tour

The kids always love a good boat ride. And it’s a bonus when dolphins and other wildlife are included. This Catamaran Tour picks you up right on Marco Island beach, steps from your hotel. It also stops at an uninhabited island where you can find beautiful shell treasures to take home with you.

3. Go on a Fishing Charter

One of our favorite traditions (for the boys anyways) is a fishing trip. Whether deep sea fishing or back country fishing, there’s a bunch of options in the area, like Sunshine Tours. It’s always our favorite souvenir when the guys come back—the freshest catch from sea to kitchen.

4. Take a Walk on the Beach and Shell

Getting up early, before everyone else and taking a walk on the beach is one of the most relaxing and otherworldly things. The water is so calm and quiet and if you look closely you can find some of the most beautiful shells right there on the beach.

5. Yoga on the Beach

Start your day with a serene yoga session right on the beach while taking in the stunning ocean views. Our hotel offered classes while we were there, and I highly recommend. Not only was it a beautiful new setting, but it was challenging as well. Many of the hotels in the area offer it, so check their calendars and take advantage. Or you can bring a blanket and your favorite YouTube yoga class and conduct one yourself!

6. Go Shopping

When you need a break from the sun—or the rain—shopping is always a great option. You can visit the Esplanade Shoppes for a variety of boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Across the street from our hotel was also a smaller shopping center, great for souvenirs, or even some gelato at Dolce Mare, a family owned shop with delicious homemade gelato and chocolates.

7. Have a Sunset Happy Hour

And at the end of a long day, filled with adventure, pull up a beach chair, grab a glass of wine, sit the kids down on a beach blanket, play some music, and enjoy the colors of the sky as the sun sets over the horizon.

Make Your Marco Island Family Vacation a Reality

A Marco Island family vacation is the perfect way to create lifelong memories with your loved ones. With its beautiful beaches and endless activities, Marco Island is a destination that has something for everyone.

Looking for packing tips for the family? Check out this post complete with a free downloadable packing list.

One of my other favorite places to vacation with the family is Singer Island. This post explores 6 adventures you can take with the family.

Thanks for reading and enjoy your next beach vacation with the family!

The post Paradise Found at This Marco Island Family Vacation appeared first on Jane Erica.

Hello fellow beach lovers! If you’re anything like me, the thought of packing for a family beach vacation is enough to make you consider just staying home and setting up a sandbox in the backyard. Packing usually takes me a week because I hate the stress of doing last minute and potentially forgetting something. That’s why this post for what to pack for the family for the beach is filled with a few simple hacks and some tried-and-true tips that can make packing for the beach a breeze, even with kids in tow.

Tips for What to Pack for the Family for the Beach

1. The Power of the List: Don’t rely on your sleep-deprived brain to remember everything. Start a master packing list and add things as you remember. Then use it while you’re packing and check it off. Break it down by person (mom, boy, girl) and by category (swimwear, clothes, toiletries, etc.). I’ve got you covered with a free downloadable packing list at the end of this post!

2. Cube It Up: Packing cubes, like these, are a game-changer for family trips. They compress your clothes to save space, keep everything organized, and make it easy to find what you need at a glance. Plus, you can separate the kids’ clothes by category (PJs, socks, swimsuits) for stress-free mornings.

3. Snacks are Key: Goldfish, granola bars, fruit – whatever your kiddos love, pack it. A hangry child (or mom) is no fun at the beach. I like to keep them in these waterproof bags, along with a change of clothes.

4. Beach Bag, Ready: Pack your beach bag separately from your other luggage. That way, if your room isn’t ready yet when you arrive, you can still hit the beach or pool right away. Don’t forget a change of clothes, sunscreen, water bottles, and those all-important snacks!

5. Don’t Overdo It: If you’re staying in a timeshare or place with a washer/dryer, take advantage! You can pack lighter, especially for the kids who won’t mind wearing the same favorite shirt every day. You can dry their bathing suits at the end of each day so they are ready for the next. Or even do full loads of laundry to lighten the load.

My Favorite Items and Must-Haves for a Trip to the Beach

Now that you’ve got some tips for how to make packing easy (maybe even fun!) here are a few of my favorite items for what to pack for the family to have a great time at the beach.

Beach Blanket: A big sand-repellent blanket is a must for comfortable lounging. I like to keep part of the blanket in the shade and part in the sun so those of us who want to get a little sun can tan. Look for ones with the corner pockets you can fill with sand so they don’t blow away, like this one. And it comes with a convenient carrying case.

Solar Buddies: Applying sunscreen to a squirming kid is basically impossible. Solar Buddies make it easy—just roll it on. They can even do it themselves!

Corkcicle Cooler Backpack: An easy to carry cooler, that looks stylish too, is a must. We don’t leave the house without our Corkcicle cooler backpack. Pack sandwiches, fruit, cheese and drinks to make the perfect beach picnic.

My Favorite Items and Must-Haves for a Trip to the Beach, Continued

Beach Umbrella: Or two! Because even moms need a little break from the sun. Having a place to retreat from the sun always makes a day at the beach more enjoyable. Especially if you plan to eat there, eating in the shade is a must.

Frost Buddy: There’s a Solar Buddy for the kids, but this one is for the adults. Frost Buddy makes the best universal drink koozie that keeps your beverage cold for hours. And you can switch it up! If you want a regular can first and then a slim can, or even bottle, it fits them all.

Bogg Bag: A waterproof bag at the beach like the Bogg Bag, that you don’t have to worry about is the best. This genius bag is fully washable and carries a lot. And if you get the dividers for it, which are game changers for me, you can keep all your beach gear organized. No more digging for lost sunscreen!

Favorite Hat: A week in the sun can definitely bring the heat, so packing a good hat is key for keeping your face protected. A traditional baseball cap is a great option for playing catch on the beach. I also absolutely love this Wide Brim Straw Panama Hat that adds a stylish touch. It’s great to travel with as it’s flexible and will not lose its shape, and I’ve gotten it completely wet before and it’s still perfect. I highly recommend.

The Downloadable Packing List:

If you are as ready to start packing as I am, download the packing list below with lists for Mom, Boy, Girl and Shared items.

A Week At The Beach: What To Pack For The Family For Stress Free Travel

There you have it! With a little prep, some smart packing, and a whole lot of sunscreen, you’re ready for a stress-free (okay, stress-reduced) beach vacation with the kiddos. Don’t forget to pour yourself a cocktail, sit back, and enjoy those toes in the sand. You’ve earned it!

If you’re looking for more packing help, check out this post for you What to Pack for a Week at the Beach that includes outfit ideas.

The post A Week At The Beach: What To Pack For The Family For Stress Free Travel appeared first on Jane Erica.

It’s that time of year, when the sun hits your skin and it’s a warm, tingling, slightly burning sensation, that draws you to any outdoor body of water and urges you to pack up your suitcases and travel. Spring is here and with the kids off for a week, it’s an opportunity for an adventure. From houses on the beach to houses in the mountains, there are so many spring break family getaway ideas out there and this post is going to list some of my favorites over the past few years. No matter what you are looking for, these ideas are all fantastic family-friendly spring break destinations that the entire family will love.

South Florida Family-Friendly Beach Adventure

Highlights: Vacationing in Singer Island is the laid back, Florida beach vacation that everyone craves. The Marriott Ocean Pointe is in the perfect location and built for families. With two-bedroom suites to fit the entire family, it’s secluded enough to feel like a private getaway, while also just a short drive away from the beautiful Palm Beach and other local attractions. The resort features tons of activities for the kids, and adults alike, including fireside s’mores, dance parties, trivia, ice cream sundae parties, not to mention the kids activity center, where they can take some time indoors away from the sun to play games and arts and crafts.

Why we love it: This is a family favorite of ours and we have been going here for years. The property is beautiful and the beach is even more incredible. You don’t really need to leave the property at all as there’s always something to do, but if you’re looking to venture off, there’s so many beautiful and fun places you can go. Check out this post 6 Family Activities To Do In Singer Island, Florida for ideas.

All Inclusive Royal Caribbean Cruise Vacation

Highlights: If it isn’t already obvious by the title of this one, the kids cannot get enough of an all-inclusive vacation. The concept of them asking us for something and us actually saying yes to it because it’s FREE was a bit mind-boggling for them, but they couldn’t get enough. Another virgin strawberry daiquiri? Of course! Not only are there endless food options, but the activities on a cruise are non-stop. and the crystal blue waters of the caribbean are unbeatable. But the best part is, the kids can’t wait to go to the kids club where they can hang out all night, sans parents.

Why we love it: You cannot beat a cruise vacation when it comes to planning. Because, well, there isn’t any! All you need to do is find your perfect match boat, we love Royal Caribbean, and the cruise does the rest. With planned shows, activities, destinations and food already planned for you, you can enjoy the perfect family getaway and not have to worry about a thing.

The Incredible Great Wolf Lodge

Highlights: Never ending entertainment for the kids means a relaxing and fun vacay for the parents. From rock climbing and ropes courses to bowling, a water park and morning yoga, there’s so much to do. When you get there, you can choose which pass you want for the kids and from there it’s a free for all. It might even be hard to complete everything they have on site, but not impossible! One of the coolest things we experienced was the magic. Magic Quest was an incredible, immersive journey like nothing we’ve ever experienced that lasted our entire stay. The kids loved picking out their magic wands and using them throughout the resort to explore and solve problems to complete the quest.

Why we love it: The Great Wolf Lodge keeps the kids entertained for the entirety of the vacation, without even leaving the property. Even walking through the hallways is exciting! There is always something to do, even in the chillier months with the indoor water park and wave pool. The food at the main restaurant was incredible as well and it was an easy and delightful stay that the kids still talk about today. Check out a recap of our stay in this blog post.

Outdoor Family Adventure at the Dillard House

Highlights: There is nothing better than getting outside and away from devices. Which is easy to do at the Dillard House. Located in the mountains of Georgia, internet access is a bit spotty, but definitely not missed with the mountains of adventure all around. Not only are the views amazing, but the experiences are like none other. From fishing to horseback riding, grilling in the outdoors and climbing waterfalls, the kids were whisked away from the ordinary and into a world of adventure.

Why we love it: Every day is adventure when you are at the Dillard house. Not only does it hold a special place in our hearts, due to it being Brett and I’s first ever vacation together, but the location is out of this world beautiful. The location of the Dillard House is great, amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains, with many amenities right on site. And just a short drive away is trout fishing, the city of Helen, a quaint Bavarian themed city with restaurants and shops, and a mountain roller coaster. Check out our family spring break in the mountains in this post.

A Palace on the Emerald Coast

Highlights: Can you imagine a better way to live for a week than in a mansion on the beach with three of your best friends and their families? I know, it’s hard. And a great location for this family friendly beach vacation is Watersound in the panhandle of Florida, known as the Emerald Coast and famous for its pristine beaches. Although not much swimming in the ocean can be done at this time of year (at least for the adults!) it’s the most picturesque setting you can imagine. The house we stayed in was in Watersound, a neighborhood walking distance to the beach, with a pool and mini golf course. It was less than a mile to the famous Seaside where you can venture off for a delicious lunch and some shopping.

Why we love it: Sometimes it’s nice to be around the people you love in a setting that is as dreamy as it gets. And our group loves to eat and drink, so each night featured a delicious dinner cooked by each family. A definite highlight. It was great to have the kids all together so the adults could hang in the hot tub and early morning walks on the beach were a must.

Magical Walt Disney World Staycation

Highlights: You just can’t write a spring break family vacation roundup post and not include a trip to Disney. Since we’re Central Florida residents, a spring break trip to the parks, although expensive, is still a cost savings travel wise for us. In the Spring there’s usually Florida resident passes available, and there is nothing more magical than staying a few nights on-site. With exceptional service and transportation to all the parks, a few nights away at Disney can be the perfect Spring Break adventure.

Why we love it: As much as we try to deny it, there’s something about Disney that brings out the kid in us and makes us want to live in the moment. No matter how old we or the kids get, it’s always a special time to visit the parks and immerse ourselves into the rides or movies we loved as kids. Staying on site is definitely the most convenient if your making a staycation out of it, and our favorite part is coming home from the parks in the middle of the date to enjoy ourselves poolside. This blog post as all my tips for traveling to the parks with little ones.

Family-Friendly Spring Break Destinations That Everyone will Love

Planning a family-friendly Spring Break can take a bit of research and planning. It’s an opportunity to try something different and go somewhere new. Once you know what type of vacation you want to go on, make sure there’s plenty for both the parents and the kiddos to enjoy, and bonus if there’s a kids camp for a little date night action. Whatever epic adventure you decide to take your family on, I hope this post inspired you to live it up.

I’d love to hear from you in the comments below about your own family vacation ideas and how they went. Feel free to leave a comment below and share any planning tips you have.

The post Family-Friendly Spring Break Destinations That Everyone will Love appeared first on Jane Erica.

We usually go to South Florida for the 4th, but we finally accepted my cousins’ offer to visit them at the lake and it was unforgettable! The July 4th holiday was about to be changed from beach to lake and we were so excited to spend time with family and experience “Lake Life.” It really was an amazing experience!

Traveling North

Our plan was to drive up the whole way on Sunday morning, but after we did everything we needed to around the house and were all packed up, we were too excited to wait. So we decided to start our vacay early and drive halfway. We found the perfect road-side hotel right between an Olive Garden and a Starbucks. It made the rest of the drive Sunday a breeze.

The Lake House – Day 1

When we arrived at the Lake House, my cousin, Adam, was there to greet us and we started the vacation pretty much right away. It was such a beautiful location on the Lake.

Once the Jet Skies were out, it was time to hit the water! The kid’s had never been on one before and they loved it! We explored the lake, grabbed the boat from the marina, floated in the lake and got acquainted with the house for most of the day.

That night we boated to a nearby restaurant on the water for dinner and watched fireworks on the way home. It was such a beautiful night and a great day 1!

The Lake House – Day 2

The next day, Adam’s wife Trisha and the kids were heading over and Rylee and Reece were so excited to see them. They were finishing up an important swim meet that day and couldn’t make it Sunday, which we were so proud of them for.

After an hour of jet skiing again in the morning, it was time to take the boat out for a little tubing. These kids of mine absolutely love the water. Once they went around a few times, Adam found us a nice little bay to anchor in and then, my favorite thing happened. Jumping off the boat and floating. It was so much fun!

In the afternoon, we headed over to the marina and picked up the rest of the family on a little boat ride. And from then on, the kids pretty much never saw us again. I kid, I kid. But Rylee and her two new besties were pretty much inseparable.

That night, there was a special dinner planned. Make your own sushi! With dumplings to start, my favorite! Even the kids loved it!

The Lake House – Day 3

The next day was the 4th! We chilled in the morning and watched a little bit of Independence Day, which is a household favorite in the Johnston home. And I think we turned my cousins onto it, too. (Sadie you better finish it!)

It was another day on the lake, boating and tubing. Who can beat it! The kids had a blast and it was so much fun to have our families together more than anything.

And of course lots of time in the lake.

We made a fire that night and rode out on the boat to watch the fireworks display, all while the girls were blasting their lungs singing Taylor Swift songs and Katy Perry’s “Firework.” It was hilarious.

The Lake House – Days 4 + 5

There definitely wasn’t a lack of things for the kids to do at the Lake house. The next day the boys went on an RTV ride and the girls went on the jet skies. We also saw Hudson and his friends do some wake boarding and it got Reece interested, but not ready to try it yet.

The girls needed a little break from the water, so we all went into town to do a little shopping, and that was of course a blast. We also picked up my Aunt who was visiting for a bit and it was so nice having her!

Reece wanted to drive all the things, and Adam did not disappoint. He was in heaven.

We ended the night with s’mores and one last box of fireworks to celebrate the holiday.

The Lake House – Day 6

On the last day at the Lake House, we tried to jam in all the things we didn’t get to do yet. I did a little paddle boarding in the morning. And Reece got a chance to try knee boarding. He picked it up right away and didn’t want to leave after discovering that. Of course on the last day! (Well, there is always next time, since Rylee has already asked to come to the lake house for her Birthday next year. Ha!)

It was our last day at the lake house, but that didn’t mean our adventure was over. Trish and Adam had invited us back to their home near Atlanta for dinner and a Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay show. It was really interesting and fun, and the dinner was amazing. The Iberian Pig, a Spanish tapas restaurant with food too good, it went before I could snap a photo.

We had breakfast before we left with the family and had to say our goodbyes to hit the road for the long trip back. It was so hard to say goodbye!

This vacation was so much fun and the location was beautiful. But there was nothing better than seeing family, seeing the kids bond and spending time together. It made us realize how much we miss each other and love hanging out and we are already thinking and planning the next time we can see them. I hope it’s soon! (Hint: Adam + Trisha, let’s plan it soon! )

The post Family Summer Vacation at Lake Sinclair appeared first on Jane Erica.

Friday

My brother (Uncle Wiggy) and Ariana came into town for the weekend and arrived on Friday night in time for dinner. My parents came over and we chatted and caught up for a few hours. It was so nice to catch up!

Saturday

On Saturday, we planned to cookout at the pool at my parent’s house. We made marinated chicken and veggies on the grill that came out amazing, along with hotdogs and burgers. It was such a beautiful day, a little on the chillier side with the breeze which was surprising, but so nice!

Sunday

Sunday was the main event and we had plans to go to Typhoon Lagoon for the day! I have not been there in over 10 years and even longer with my whole family. It was so much fun to see the kids go on all the slides, and the park was open until 8pm. The weather was so amazing we didn’t want to leave so we pretty much stayed from open to close!

My parents also treated us to private chairs and umbrellas in an area right in front of the wave pool.

It wasn’t full so it felt super private like a special VIP area. Having the shade readily available and enough chairs for everyone also made it such a nice and stress-free experience.

We had also planned ahead and packed a cooler with drinks, snacks and Subway sandwiches, which I would highly recommend. Especially with the kids, it was nice to sit down and have lunch right away rather than having to hunt down food, because they become hungry in an instant and that is never fun.

Staying later in the day was great because we were able to hit up a bunch of slides with no line at all which was super fun. It was such a fun day!

We didn’t get home until close to 9pm that night and we were all so tired, so we ate dinner and went right to bed.

Monday

Monday came way too fast and it was time for Will and Ariana to go. But not before a traditional brunch. We always like to try a new brunch place in town before they leave and this time it did not disappoint. We went to The Hampton Social in Pointe Orlando, and it was so pretty inside. The food and drinks were amazing also. The kids shared a breakfast plate with eggs, bacon, hashbrowns and pancakes and devoured it. Which is always a great sign! Plus they have some beautiful photo op areas!

I did not want Ari and Will to leave! But we are excited to see them soon for Father’s Day, Brett’s birthday and Mom’s birthday all coming up in June.

I hope you all had a great weekend!

The post Memorial Day Weekend Recap appeared first on Jane Erica.

Old Navy is having such a great sale on spring and summer outfits. I picked some favorites and paired them together for boys, girls, women and men.

The price point is so good and the outfits are super cute! Here is a compilation of Spring Break Outfits for the Whole Family. Check it out!

Spring Break Outfits for Boys

Shop Spring Break Outfits for Boys

Spring Break Outfits for Girls

The girls bathing suits are so adorable! I love the new style with the sleeves. Extra sun protection, and it’s such a cute style.

Shop Spring Break Outfits for Girls

Spring Break Outfits for Women

I love the colors of the women’s spring break items. The coverup is also sheer, which is so cute over a white bathing suit.

Shop Spring Break Outfits for Women

Spring Break Outfits for Men

Brett is already a huge fan of Old Navy, because the way the fit him. If you know him, he pretty much wears this exact list of items. He can always use a little refresh though, like the tropical bathing suit!

Shop Spring Break Outfits for Men

Check out some similar posts!

Memorial Day Weekend Outfit Ideas

What to Pack for a Week at the Beach

Family Spring Break Vacation at Great Wolf Lodge

The post Spring Break Outfits for the Whole Family appeared first on Jane Erica.

It was so nice to see family and have the long weekend with the kids out of school to enjoy the trip down there.

We got in Friday night and my brother cooked an amazing dinner for us and some old friends we’d had for years. They drove down from my hometown Wellington to visit and it was so nice to see them! (No pictures from this night, I must have been tired from the drive!)

My brother’s house is right on an intercoastal waterway, and the pool overlooks the water. I didn’t want to leave the pool because the view, and the boats were amazing to watch sail by.

Saturday was spent by the pool pretty much all day, with small breaks by the kids to play my brother’s VR and xbox, of course!

That night we had early dinner plans to meet my Aunt, Uncle and cousin, Liz, for dinner in Delray. It was poppin’ on a Saturday night! Crazy busy but exciting! Luckily I made a reservation at Gary Rack’s Farmhouse earlier in the week for all of us. They had a great Happy Hour going with specials on drinks and apps. It was really nice!

There was a candy store just around the corner and Aunt Sandy made sure the kids had a nice budget to go shopping. It was actually so much fun, I ended up taking a bag home myself.

After that we parted ways and went back home, but they were coming to visit us in the morning, so it wasn’t a sad goodbye.

The next morning we decided to head out for a bit for an early breakfast. We went to this place called Sylvian’s Cafe. It’s a small little diner style restaurant, and the food was amazing! I wish I took a picture of the quiche I got (which came with a mimosa!) I’ll definitely miss that place! The rest of the day was spent again by the pool. I had a chance to read a little while the kids played in the pool before everyone got there.

It was so much fun hanging with everyone, and Will grilled out another amazing meal for us.

They stayed until it got dark, which was amazing! We had such an amazing weekend with family, and we’re so thankful to my brother Will who hosted us and chef’d for us!

Such a funl long weekend!

The post President’s Day Family Weekend Recap appeared first on Jane Erica.

We took the kids on a quick weekend road trip to the coast as an end of summer adventure. It was a one-night stay in the city, but we made the best of every minute. Here’s what a family weekend in St. Augustine looks like.

We hit the road early on Saturday morning and checked in at the Casa Monica Resort & Spa. This resort, established in 1888 and restored in 1999, is recognized by the Historic Hotels of America as one of the Most Haunted Hotels and is located in the heart of St. Augustine.

What to do on a Family Weekend in St. Augustine

It’s in the perfect location to experience everything, and the ease of being able to walk everywhere, especially with the kids, is the best way to explore. The Old Town Trolly Tour is also a really popular option to explore further and get an even deeper history of the area. Because we already knew what we wanted to see, everything was so close and we decided against it for this trip.

Once we arrived, we took a short walked along the water to the Castillo de San Marcos.

We explored for a while (in the heat!) until the cannon firing demonstration which was very cool.

There was a nice sea breeze though so that was a plus.

Afterwards, we were ready to cool down and find a lunch spot. We were meeting with my good friend, Loreyn, and her family who live close by.

Exploring St. George Street

The best options to grab a bite are located on the famous St. George Street. We put our names in at Prohibition Kitchen while we walked around a bit more. Then, we discovered an indoor mall with the iciest air flow and followed it like zombies. To our delight, Barefoot Bill’s greeted us at the end of the hallway and we grabbed a drink while we waited.

PK was a great spot, with a really cool vibe and great food. The kids had fun with the best kids menu activities I’ve ever seen. We decided to keep it light with apps, since we had early dinner plans.

Some of our other top contenders for lunch that were all in walking distance of the fort were:

• Meehan’s Irish Pub
• Burrito Works
• Harry’s Seafood

It’s so hard to go somewhere for only a day, because we don’t get to eat that much! And that is one of my favorite parts.

All Hands on Deck, Maties!

After lunch, we went to the Pirate & Treasure Museum, which has been on my bucket list for this year. I’ve always thought that pirate stories were the most intriguing, so this was just as exciting for me as it was for the kids.

There were some very cool experiences throughout and so many rare artifacts. The kids had fun on the scavenger hunt, searching little secret drawers for all the items. And we of course let them pick out a “treasure” from the gift shop before leaving.

Afterwards, the guys found a great spot, called Pierre’s Pub, with fans and live music, while Loreyn and I found the kids some sweets.

There were so many ice cream shops along the main street. But we stopped by these two locations to get our sweet on:

• The Hyppo Gourmet Popsicles
• Le Macaron

Earlier in the day when we were looking for a spot for lunch, we put our name in at River and Fort, a new steak and seafood restaurant right outside the Castillo on the water. It worked out perfectly to get back for dinner since they only take walk-ins and the wait was super long.

It was a really pretty place and the food was really great as well.

After dinner, we went back to the hotel and let the kids chill for a bit. It was so much fun seeing our friends!

After our rest, I still wanted to explore the city a bit after dark. We headed back out to St. George Stree and came across some great live music at Colonial Oak Music Park. And when the kids were no longer capable of standing, we went back to the hotel to settle in for the night.

Sunday

On Sunday morning, we made our way over to Blue Hen Café, a place on my must try list. It was a 12 minute walk from the hotel—a bit long for the kids, but we made it, alright. It was in the opposite direction of where we were on Saturday, so it was fun to do more exploring.

There was—of course—an hour long wait when we got there, but we put our names in anyways. We needed our coffee so we headed back to the hotel to grab Starbucks. It ended up working out great, because we walked to the Flagler College on the way back. It’s a historical landmark and the kids really enjoyed it too!

There is still so much we want to see, but this was a short trip. We would love to take a tour of the school next time. It was definitely hot enough for the pool or beach, which we didn’t make it to either.

Ancient City Brewery, the Distillery and Ice Plant Bar were missed because we had to drive home after breakfast, but are definitely still on the must see list. It was a great family adventure in St. Augustine and an experience both adults and kids will remember.

The post St. Augustine Family Adventure: A Weekend In The Oldest City appeared first on Jane Erica.