We got back from the Netherlands just six days ago, and here I am on yet another plane, this time flying to San Antonio for my niece’s Bas Mitzvah. As hard as it is to travel again, I think this is the first real moment I’ve had to myself in a while, and honestly, it’s kinda glorious.
Our family trips are my favorite thing. I love them. They are so needed. There’s nothing like intentional, focused family time. And while I’m known for saying, “It’s not a vacation, it’s a family trip,” I’ve noticed that as the kids get older, it’s just… different. Little kids are physically exhausting; big kids are emotionally exhausting. Spending two weeks doing everything together is wonderful, but it also requires a lot of patience and grace.
So, as we often discuss, I find myself holding two very real truths: this trip filled my cup in so many ways and… I’m kinda worn out and need a vacation. It didn’t help that I got sick during the last few days of our trip, and the jet lag coming home was brutal—waking up at 3:00 a.m., the kids still on summer break, school shopping. Let’s just say it’s been a hard week. So I am very much appreciating this quiet moment to sit with my thoughts at 37,000 feet.
I already shared a day-by-day recap of what we did in the Netherlands on Instagram, so you can always look back there if you want the details. What brings a smile to my face and what I feel pulled to share here are my favorite moments, the things I’ll cherish and remember from this trip. So here’s my highlight reel, in no particular order:
Canals and water everywhere, with all the wildlife and farm animals that gathered near it: birds, ducks, cows, sheep, and horses.
Staying in a windmill—even without air conditioning, in the middle of a heat wave.
Making challah at the Jewish Museum in Amsterdam.
All the gorgeous cobblestone towns, the lush greenery, and the flowers and gardens outside every house.
Driving around Holland and Belgium for two weeks and really getting to know it.
Cycling (or, in my case, walking the bike) through Giethoorn.
Boating the canals of Amsterdam.
Floating on a wooden raft to cross a pond in the botanical gardens in Brussels.
Constantly wondering if we’re even allowed to drive where we are driving—bike lane? Pedestrian-only? Who knows!
Castles.
Being a passenger (and totally out of control) while Chana Laya steered a bike on the boardwalk in Knokke.
Watching Menny, Chana Laya, and Zeesy figure out a whole new way to do an obstacle course—and not give up. It was so cool to see all the kids on the course help each other, even without speaking the same language, and to watch Chaya guide Chana Laya through some tough zip-lining moments.
Standing on the bridge in Rotterdam while the bells rang and the bridge lifted to let a little sailboat pass.
Not cooking.
Slow mornings—not leaving the house until after 11:00 a.m.
Hearing Chana Laya in the back seat, headphones on, singing along to her 24/6, Kivinu, Thank You Hashem, and Purim songs from Rabbi B.
Coffee in Utrecht.
Shabbos, just us.
Saying yes to orange juice every night at dinner :).
Waking up to the kids paddleboarding in the canal and watching Menny help Chana Laya navigate until she got the hang of it herself.
Being there for Sail Week 2025 and having a front-row seat for the Sail Out.
Spotting all the Israeli flags in Urk and feeling the support from that whole town.
Pulling Chana Laya through the safari in her wagon/throne.
The delicious gluten-free burger I had right after we landed.
Chaim Shaul singing Yiddish Gems at the top of his lungs to stay awake as we drove from the airport to our house while the whole car fell asleep.
The feeling of being in our own little bubble, ending with the best feeling of all: coming home.
I’m a huge believer in stepping away from the routine of life and day-to-day responsibilities even stepping away from our physical homes. If you never leave, you never get that feeling of coming home. I love watching it play out for the kids: coming back, celebrating their space, their room, their bed, the home-cooked meals, and just the whole home environment. It’s so easy to take it all for granted, but leaving helps us appreciate what we have.
It was really fun to share our adventures with you.
Thanks for being here!
Love,
Chavie
once again you have charmed me with your candid glimpse into travelling with everyone .