This summer we decided to travel a little differently. In May, rather than fly from from Austin to Dalaman-enduring three flights in a row followed by a two hour drive from the airport-we decided to break up the trip and enjoy ourselves. This year we flew from Austin to Miami, Miami to London, and then London to Dalaman. It was lovely but was more expensive tand complicated han we had anticipated, and I think if we break up the trip moving forward it will be just one stop over. It was such a treat to only ever have one flight though.
Our first trip was Miami and our apartment was right on the Intercoastal. K was mesmerized by the animals. He would sit out on the balcony and wave to the boats as they passed and wtch the iguanas climb the palm trees right to his level. The apartment was across the street from the beach.
Miami was also the start of a new kind of vacation for us. K would wake up early, head out to the balcony on his own, and spend time sketching boats, palm trees, and animals — all while we stayed in bed. This independence was hard-won. Two years at home during the pandemic strengthened our family bond immensely, but it also created a child used to being with us all the time. We’re so proud of his growth and resilience, and deeply grateful for those lovely, slow mornings when he’s happy to make his own breakfast and let us steal an extra hour (or two) of sleep.
