Growing up, I never realized how special family reunions were because we had them fairly frequently, from the whole extended family to just the cousins to a few families here and there if schedules allowed. Bottomline is, we were raised to always make the effort to see family, no matter what. Then, when I met my now husband, he had never been on a family vacation, which seemed ludicrous to me. It simply seemed like it should be a no brainer to get your family together on a regular basis and I couldn’t comprehend when families didn’t partake. Fast forward to when I have my own family and seeing how much work goes into even the smallest family vacation that it makes me understand why it might happen more regularly for some and not for others. 

This past summer, we finally had our big family reunion, of almost 45 people (one family couldn’t make it and another just had their first baby), on my Dad’s side that we had all been talking about for years. Majority of the family lives in Wisconsin so when they asked if my family and I would be okay traveling that far, I said, absolutely because I wanted to give my family an accurate taste of the beautiful state I was born in. My Mom and Dad found the property through a family friend and my Uncle Joe, who also happens to be our family archivist (which if you don’t have one, I highly recommend you get one), and his three boys and their families organized a large portion of the day to day since they are all local. I am not exaggerating when I say they literally thought of absolutely everything. We’re talking, meals were planned out, including my Aunt Jean’s homemade lasagna, who passed away two years ago, so it was a special nod to her. Custom signage upon entry to the property. Custom reunion t-shirts were distributed upon arrival. Custom bingo cards were made highlighting our Vetta family’s Italian and Irish Catholic history. Custom gifts were organized for the bingo winners, from coffee mugs to ornaments to koozies. A family bags or cornhole, whichever way you like to call it, but bags is the Wisconsin way, tournament was put together in no time. Cousins, ranging from ages 1 to almost 12, who had never met before started playing like they’ve known each other for years. It was truly the coolest thing to witness. 

Maybe it’s realizing, almost 12 years in, how hard this whole parenting thing is and how much time and effort goes into keeping your family together. So, it reminded me, that while it may not look like your efforts are being recognized or appreciated at first, they will eventually and if family is a big priority in your life, this is your friendly reminder to continue showing up because future generations will appreciate it and I can personally attest to this. It all hits different now. 

So I’ll admit, now that I’ve lived to tell the story, I had a fun opportunity to fly on a propeller plane on my connection from St. Thomas to St. Kitts on my latest work trip. While it was exhilarating, beautiful and breathtaking all at the same time, I tried to block out the fact that I knew I was going to have to have that experience again on the return flight back. Thankfully, things were busy at work in Nevis that week so I was able to block out my nerves. I even tried to rearrange my flight on the way home to avoid a long layover in St. Thomas but when that did not happen, I had to embrace the fact that I could not avoid it. Little did I know that I would be asked to be a co-pilot so needless to say, any hopes of relaxing, just even a little bit, went right out the window.

I think it’s also important to note that this request was not based on experience of any kind but I’m sure only from a weight distribution aspect. Either way, when approaching the plane, the pilot looked out his window, surveying the 7 passengers and said, “Where’s Maycock? You are going to be my co-pilot.” As I got comfortable in my new role for the next hour, I made sure to remember where my parachute was that the pilot so kindly pointed out. I also had a couple from the group I was with that week for work so I knew there would be no room for error and had to remain on my A game because I was pretty sure they had not yet filled out their post-trip survey, so the pressure was on. Once we were in the air, the only communication the pilot had with me was as we approached some clouds, he looked over and did the shaky hand motion to signal we might be experiencing some turbulence. As we smoothly got passed the clouds (another prayer answered), I looked over at him and got a thumbs up so safely assumed we were in the clear.

I did, however, through the fear, sweat and anxiety, still did manage to enjoy all the stunning islands around us as we pulled into St Thomas. I did make sure and thank the pilot for a great flight and that it was an honor being his co-pilot but was very happy to put that one behind me and hang up my co-pilot hat… for now, at least. 

Lola, our love, it was an absolute honor having you in our lives for the past 15 years. You always taught us that age is just a number, even at 105 years old. You’ve seen it all, the good, the bad and the ugly, made cross-state moves with us, warmly welcomed home 3 babies and fearlessly road shotgun on countless road trips.

You let us all unload on you, whatever was bothering us that day and always had nothing but unconditional love for each of us, no matter what. You gave the best snuggles, was always up for a walk and never turned down a game of fetch. Saying goodbye is the hardest thing we’ve ever had to do but we’re so grateful you held on as long as you did.

We have no doubt you’ll be able to happily run again, go after every tennis ball you see and enjoy all the pup cups your sensitive tummy can handle. We know Sparky and Siena will welcome you with open arms as you cross over that rainbow bridge. You were loved beyond words and we will never forget you and all the incredible memories you gave us. Rest easy now, our pup angel.🩷

Noon-12:30 pick up Noah, get him home to wash hands thoroughly, change clothes, diaper and read him a book before naptime. From 12:30-2, I can grab myself some lunch, get Lola out again, organize any afternoon activity logistics, make sure I haven’t missed any emails or calls from school saying I have a sick child that needs to be picked up early and on a good day, I put dinner on the crockpot by 2 so cooking on low for 3-4 hours will have it ready by 6. 

2 start to wake up Noah from his nap, grab him a snack and get him in the stroller if we’re walking to pick up at 2:30 

2:45 back home from pick up, girls grab a snack, hear about their day, empty their school folders and see what homework they have and what needs to be done before activities start 

3:30 second pick up of the day as my oldest has rehearsals for her spring musical coming up in May and has both singing and dancing parts 

3-4 if it’s nice outside, kids will usually play outside on the court 

4-5 pull out any clothes required for sports in the evenings like jerseys or shorts and make sure both are clean and if not, put in the dryer with a dryer sheet and hope for the best

5 get dinner on the table for the child who has to leave the soonest 

5:45 during a busy sports season, one child usually gets picked up for their sport at this time

6:45 the second child usually gets picked up for their sport

7 dinner cleaned up and noah is upstairs for bath and bedtime process 

7:30 ideally, when noah goes down for bedtime but depending who needs ride, it can get pushed to 8:30 

8 usually when the first child is home from their activity and might grab a quick bedtime snack depending on how early they ate dinner

9:30 if the oldest has a late practice, this is when theirs can end so they’re home by 9:45 for a quick shower and bedtime and if our dog, Lola, who turned 15 this year hasn’t eaten for the day sometimes we need to hand feed her at this time

10:30pm when the house is finally quiet and my husband I wrap up any last minute things for work, take Lola out for the night and sit down to watch a show or two 

Then, some days, I somehow manage to get to a cousin’s wedding in Florida, for example, arrive on a Thursday, attend the wedding on Friday, fly home Saturday morning and still arrive with a minute to spare to catch my child’s basketball game, get the family home, settled, jump in the shower, grab dinner for the babysitter and head back out for a black-tie Christmas party that evening. I may or may not have still been wearing my wedding makeup from the wedding on Friday but I’ll neither confirm or deny that fun fact. Like I said, never dull but wouldn’t change it for the world.

With how hectic life has been lately, I still prayed so hard for this life and I feel the need to slow down and document it. It’s not to brag about how busy we are or anything like that, because everybody is, it’s that I simply know myself and I know these are exactly the days I will look back on with fondness and miss once they are gone, even though they were overwhelming at the time. The thing I think I like best is that no two days are the same which works well with my personality because the second something starts to feel mundane, I need something to change and parenthood is the epitome of the saying, “never a dull moment.”  This is a morning (afternoon to come) in the life on a random day, mid-week, with 3-, 9- and 11-year-olds: 

6:30 – 7:30am mike is downstairs prepping breakfasts and lunches, and I am upstairs changing noah’s diaper, doing the girls hair (if they want my help that morning, that is which might include curls or straightening or bangs management for my middle child) and getting myself ready for the day

7:40 – after breaking up a few sibling spats and the several reminders to eat vitamins, grab lunches, waters, snacks, homework, coats and strings (aka capri’s violin) and we’re out the door for school drop off 

8:00 – back home to clean up breakfast, get our dog lola out and get noah dressed for school including making sure he has all the things in his backpack (change of clothes, extra diapers/wipes, hats and gloves for these colder months) 

9:00 – back to a quiet house where I take a minute to warm up my now cold coffee and soak up the silence or put on my favorite tunes or play a podcast 

9:30 – take our dog, Lola, on a nice long walk if time allows, catch up on work/school/general emails, run to the grocery if we’re running low, volunteer at school as either a media volunteer, guest reader, yearbook contributor, ice cream science experiment supervisor OR co-lead on t-shirt production for the cast and crew for my daughter’s spring musical show at her school and get in a workout 

10 – on the days I think to schedule it far enough in advance, there is the rare occasion where I will schedule coffee with a friend to catch up on life or if anything along the lines of my health needs to be scheduled like a doctor’s appointment or a work call or an assignment for my continuing education certification on certain days 

11 – when it hits this time, I’m usually scrambling to purge anything I can while the kids are away at school like old clothes we may want to donate, books that can go to another home or toys that are on their last leg

11:30 – leave to go pick up Noah but not before I make a stop at Dunkin for his favorite glazed munchkins

I tend to get caught up in all the tropical destinations when planning a vacation but this summer reminded me how much I love mountains, streams, horses, hikes, national parks and all things adventure-type destinations too.

We stayed at a dude ranch that came highly recommended to us called 320 Guest Ranch. It felt like it had it all. There were no televisions in the cabins, for starters, which might have been my favorite part, stunning Montana scenery, a plethora of outdoor activities, the most beautiful horses I think I’ve ever seen and some of the more delicious meals I’ve ever had.

Part of me thinks I was maybe even once a wrangler in a past life with how insanely fascinated I was with how all 65 horses would clock out at 5 p.m. to go out into the sheer wilderness of the mountains overnight and then the wranglers would get up at 4 a.m. to gather each and every one of them to clock back in at the ranch at 7 a.m. sharp. It was simply an experience we will never forget and as far as I can tell, neither will my kids.

This glam moment is brought to you by one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever attended, thrown by one of my favorite families. I used to babysit for their four children decades ago when my parents made me go out and put mother’s helper flyers in mailboxes around our neighborhood when I was 11 or 12 and looking back, I’m so glad they gave me a shot! One of their daughters got married this year and as a family I look up to so incredibly much and try to emulate, I knew I simply could not miss it.

I looked high and low for a dress that wasn’t too casual and not overly formal but also not obnoxiously floral because in Spring I naturally gravitate towards florals. The bride is insanely creative and the invitations gave off a somewhat feminine floral, secret garden, effortlessly chic vibe so I also knew I wanted to lean into the overall theme or at least try.

It was definitely a night to remember including special performances from the grandfather who dedicated he and his wife’s song to the bride and groom, since his wife is currently in hospice care and could not be there, another performance from the grooms new family members with his new wife surprising him and getting up to play the bass guitar and lastly, another performance by the brides three nephews who did their own little song. Basically, I’d like to have whatever parent handbook they’ve been using, which I realize does not exist but I would even be open to getting a copy of the cliffs notes. 

I’ve always thought it was funny how music and certain songs could take you back to a certain age, event, memory and this past month in particular reminded me of just that. To start, my oldest was in her school’s production of their mini rock n roll revival show and lots of those songs were from when I was young, which I realize dates me but probably also comes as no surprise (i.e., lucky by Britney Spears, trouble by Pink, complicated by Avril Lavigne). So now when my kids ask to play them in the car, the songs will take me back to both places. Another song from her show was from the artist Queen who always takes me back to my volleyball days when my best friend’s mom and coach would always play “We Are The Champions” to get us pumped up for the games but now the kids ask for “Don’t Stop Me Now” that was performed in the show which will be an equally found memory now.

My middle started piano lessons and it immediately took me back to when I used to play as a girl and even reminded me of the song “Tale As Old As Time” from Beauty and the Beast that I believe I played in a piano concert one year. Not to mention, her passion for piano sprung from her favorite artist, Taylor Swift, and how she loved watching her play it. At our mother/daughter dance party this Spring, she broke away from her friends and came up to ask me if I’d dance with her to the song, “Lover” and it just absolutely warmed my heart. It will be a memory I’ll always associate with this song from now on.

My youngest took to the song “Danger Zone” very quickly when I played Top Gun before we headed to see the Blue Angels Show. He now asks for the “plane song” when we get in the car. The movie always reminds me of my wedding because our first dance was to “Take My Breath Away” so now I’ll look back fondly on both of these memories! The “highway song” is also on constant request from Noah because his favorite movie is Cars on Disney and they use Rascal Flatts’ version on the movie but yet another song that was played at our wedding! Little did we know the actual ride our life, marriage, parenthood was going go take us on. There’s nothing like getting to make more memories like these with my kids through all things music and I can’t wait to hear which ones bring them back to their childhood one day. 🙂

So, it’s no secret that I love to travel, experience new things and new places but there’s something extra special when it’s all five of us experiencing something together for the very first time and that’s exactly what NYC at the holidays was for our family of five. It has always been on my bucket list to get there in the month of December, especially since we are currently only a few hours away on the east coast so Mike surprised me a couple weeks before we went. Let me just say, it was spectacular. Crowded but spectacular.

Naturally, I had a list of everywhere we were hoping to hit and in about 24 hours no less but we all pounded the pavement when we got there, walked our tails off, went to bed late, woke up early and had the best time in the process. We were able to get to the Rockefeller tree, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Radio City, 5th Avenue storefronts, Times Square, Magnolia Bakery for their famous banana pudding, FAO Schwarz, The Today Show, Central Park and couldn’t leave without an NYC hot dog. It still feels like we didn’t even scratch the surface and all that city has to offer so hoping to get back to check out the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and 911 memorial, all of which Mike and I have seen but something we want the kids to experience as well.

Fun fact: Capri’s first show ever was Frozen on Broadway at the St. James Theatre when she was two!

When my mom mentioned she was thinking about getting Noah a polar express train to put around our Christmas tree, my boy mom heart grew even bigger, if that’s possible, but I couldn’t think of a better gift for him and at this sweet tender age of 2. It was then that I knew this holiday season would be centered around all things trains and I made it my mission to find a few spots around town that would accomplish that goal.

Looking back, I’d say it was an absolute success and my eyes and ears are already open to finding an actual polar express train ride for the 2024 holiday season.

There truly is nothing like seeing your toddlers eyes light up in pure joy but especially around Christmas time when everything is extra magical! Even more special was he made his older sister’s eyes sparkle extra bright (and Mike and mine, if I’m being honest!) too sharing in that excitement with him.