It almost feels like a few months have passed since we went on a family trip to my all-time favorite country, Portugal. In actuality it’s been over a year, which makes me realize how much time has passed and how much our lives have changed. I love thinking about this vacation in particular, not just because it was our first family vaca, but because we had so many special moments of bonding and only did things that we really enjoyed.

I particularly remember waking up to this distinct and earthy fragrance in the air, bronzing in a rooftop cabana while enjoying marvelous views of the city skyline of Lisbon. I remember the extensive walks through the tight alleys while noticing the combination of Old and New that seem to dominate this city. The fancy meals in exquisite restaurants. The refreshing waves of the Atlantic Ocean splashing against our bodies and realizing that we were far, far away from home (somewhere in the middle of planet earth/nowhere). The memory of looking up to the pink sunset sky and finding the leaves of palm trees dancing in the wind and shimmering in the most beautiful and vivid colors. The naps on the beach and collecting this eclectic mix of shells right after and realizing how talented and diverse mother nature is. The yacht trips along the Mediterranean Coast and those spectacular views of the northern peak of Africa.