This summer, we got to go on a truly amazing adventure. At just 11 weeks old, Lyla went on her very first family vacation. It wasn’t without its challenges, but overall it was an incredible experience—one that we’ll never forget.

Packing Chaos

As first-time parents, the idea of a four-hour car ride with a newborn was… intimidating. So we did what any nervous parents would do: we made a list. Actually, multiple lists.

We logged everything we used in a normal day with Lyla and multiplied it by three. That meant packing:

• An entire 48-pack of formula
  
• All nine bottles, plus the washing accessories
  
• Clothes for the weekend (plus daily backups in case of blowouts)
  
• Somewhere for her to sleep, the baby monitor, her favorite bouncy chair, and a stack of black-and-white toys for tummy time
  

And of course, Mika and I packed our bags too—with “just in case” extras in case Lyla decided to share her messes with us.

By the morning of departure, our car was filled to maximum capacity. Not a single inch of space left. We officially looked like “those parents.”

The Big Drive

With the car packed and a timer set so Lyla wouldn’t be in her seat too long, we hit the road. Honestly? The drive there was smoother than expected. We stopped halfway for a diaper change and a feed, then got back on the road.

By the time we pulled up to the Airbnb, we felt like we’d already accomplished something huge.

Meeting the Family

The house was beautiful and big enough for everyone—including Lyla’s energetic cousins who had been dying to meet her.

For Lyla, it was overwhelming at first. She had never been around that much noise and chaos. But soon, she was being passed from one loving set of arms to another. Everyone wanted a turn holding her, feeding her, and just soaking her in.

The cousins hovered nearby, fascinated. They poked at her tiny hands, watched her wiggle, and whispered about how little she was.

Lyla even got to go on her first dune buggy ride (asleep the whole time, of course) and see Lake Michigan for the very first time.

The Ride Home

By the last day, we were exhausted but grateful. We said our goodbyes, promised to check in, and packed the car once more.

Lyla wasn’t thrilled about getting back in the car seat. She made her objections loud and clear before we even hit the highway. After a quick extra feeding and diaper check, though, she calmed down and went right to sleep.

The rest of the ride mirrored the first—smooth, with one halfway stop to reset, recharge, and get back on the road.

When we finally made it home, all three of us collapsed for a much-needed nap.

Looking Back

I’m so glad we took this trip. Not just for the memories with extended family, but for what it gave us as a little family of three.

Even though Lyla won’t remember it, we’ve noticed how she’s changed since coming home. She’s more vocal, more interactive, almost like she grew up a little over that weekend.

The truth is, these adventures matter—not just for the baby, but for us too. It reminded us that, even in the middle of bottles, diapers, and sleepless nights, life doesn’t have to stop. We can still go, explore, and make memories together.