A young boy in a grey t-shirt and grey shorts looks into a pretend mailbox. He is participating in an activity at the National Postal Museum, a free kid friendly activity in Washington DC.

National Postal Museum Kids Edition: Top Tips for a Family-Friendly Visit

Washington, D.C. is known for its impressive lineup of museums, many of which are located on or near the National Mall. But if you venture just a bit off the beaten path, you’ll discover one of my absolute favorite hidden gems: the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. This museum offers a hands-on, kid-friendly experience that your…

A baby is pushed down a dirt street in Kinshasa, Congo. On the left, there is a pile of trash and a tire. In the distance are many cars and taxis. A daily walk is part of life here as a lonely stay at home mom in a foreign country. It's been a challenging and isolating job.

Why Being a Lonely Stay at Home Mom in a Foreign Country is the Hardest Job

Living abroad can sound like a dream, and I know I idealized it for many years before we made this move. The highs are what you’d imagine- immersing yourself in a new culture, meeting incredible people, learning a new language, and exploring new places. But for stay-at-home parents, especially those with young children, the experience…

Image of a family in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. It is two parents, the mom wearing a baby and an older child and father.

The Best Baby Carriers for Traveling: I’ve Tried 11 Carriers So You Don’t Have To

Traveling with little ones is always an adventure, but having the right baby carrier can make all the difference. After years of traveling with kids, I’ve tried many (too many?!) baby carriers and I’m here to share all the best (and worst) ones with you. For my first child, I bought seven different baby carriers…

An art installation of a metal face insect of a red metal box stands tall, next to the Congolese flag. This is at Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa, an art school in the DRC. There are trees and greenery in the background of this cloudy day.

Inside Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa: A Celebration of Creativity

Kinshasa, the busy capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is known for its dynamic culture & rich history. Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa is an important part of Congolese arts & culture and is known for teaching local artists. When I had the chance to take a tour of the Académie des Beaux-Arts de…

A burned out car is on the side of the road in Kinshasa, DRC. It is next to a tall blue metal fence and a person walks by with a basket of food on their head. This encapsulates the realities of Kinshasa poverty

Kinshasa Poverty: Bearing Witness to the City’s Struggles and Strengths

I’ve been struggling emotionally lately, as living in Kinshasa, Congo has been truly mind boggling. For moments, I’ll forget I’m living in one of the world’s poorest countries and then I’ll step outside to see the most dire poverty I’ve ever witnessed. I saw an IG post that said, “I am not sure my tiny…

A young boy sits next to a woman at the National Museum of the American Indian. They watch a singer and drummer perform.

Why the National Museum of the American Indian is One of the Best Kid Friendly Museums in DC

Washington DC is packed with incredible museums, but the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) stands out as one of the best kid friendly museums in DC. It is a unique and enriching experience for museum goers of all ages, and especially for families with young children. With its stunning architecture, hands-on play…

A young boy looks up a rainbow art installation at the Renwick Gallery in Washington DC. There are many colors in a wavy art installation on the ceiling. This Smithsonian museum is a great one to visit with kids.

Renwick Gallery with Kids: A Washington DC Hidden Gem

Washington DC, offers a wealth of cultural and artistic experiences and the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum stands out as a hidden gem for families. Located just steps from the White House, this small yet captivating museum specializes in contemporary craft and decorative arts. It is smaller in size than many of…

A young boy in a long sleeve black shirt points at a display of rainbow colored gems and minerals at the Natural History Museum in DC. This is a great stop for kid friendly Washington DC trips

Smithsonian Natural History Museum With Young Kids: What To See And What To Skip

As a parent living in the DMV, I’ve had the privilege (and sometimes the challenge!) of exploring the Smithsonian Natural History Museum with young kids many times. There’s so much to see in DC and at this museum that it can feel overwhelming, especially when you may only have a few hours to explore. But…

A young boy walking on the grassy lawn near the Washington Monument on a bright, sunny day, with American flags encircling the base. Perfectly captures a family vacation in Washington, D.C., with the iconic obelisk towering against a clear blue sky.

Ultimate Guide to Exploring Washington DC with Kids

Washington DC is one of the most family-friendly cities in the United States. Visiting Washington DC with kids should be at the top of your travel list as it is rich with history, filled with incredible restaurants, and kid-friendly activities and museums. Did I mention all the Smithsonian museums are free? I lived in the…

Many seagulls swarm the beach looking for crumbs. A young boy stands beneath the seagulls at sunset on the beach. This is at Colonial Beach, a short drive from northern va.

A Family-Friendly Colonial Beach Day Trip

Nestled along the Potomac River in Virginia’s Northern Neck region, Colonial Beach is a charming town perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. With its scenic beach, quaint downtown, charming golf carts everywhere, and proximity to outdoor adventures, a Colonial Beach day trip offers something for everyone. While our family was living in Northern…