We recently returned from a whirlwind trip to Europe. 12 days. Six countries. Six kids.

It was awesome!

Before, during and after the trip people told us we were crazy for embarking on such an adventure. The kids are too young to remember it! Not much of a vacation with all those kids! You guys are nuts.

With so many kids, I don’t think there is ever a “perfect” time to take a trip. By the time the twins are old enough to remember a trip like this, Evie will be in college. But, our lives do not completely revolve around the kids:  I wanted to go to Europe. Now. Not in 10 years when I’m 10 years older. But now. Thankyouverymuch.

The twins won’t remember driving through the Swiss Alps, but I will, and my memories are important, too. I will forever remember Mack laughing with a French kid on a Parisian playground because he didn’t understand a word the kid was saying. And I’ll never forget Evie freaking out as we zig-zagged up a terrifying one-lane Austrian mountain road in our little rental car. And my mind will hold onto the memory of Vivian’s pretend “spell book” in Switzerland – it captured her imagination for two full days. And how could I ever forget Ben’s delight on every ride at Legoland Deutschland? Or an Italian restaurant full of people singing happy birthday to the twins in a small village on Lake Como?

Was it “hard” taking six kids around the globe to another continent? Not really. Not any harder than our normal day-to-day life. If anything, it was slightly easier because all the typical distractions and annoyances (screens especially) were removed so we kinda had a blank slate to work from.

I realize we are really fortunate to take a big trip like this, but travel of all sorts is good for a family. Getting away from the normal routine – be it 50 or 5000 miles, two days or two weeks – reminds us of the value of family. We had only each other to rely on – no friends, family, babysitters, neighbors – and this reliance strengthens bonds and creates real unity.

I can’t wait for our next trip!