Enjoy a cozy, comfortable stay at The Ozarker Lodge

(BRANSON, MISSOURI) — As a family of four, we’re always looking for fun, enjoyable places to stay that have plenty of things to do on-site. If you’re familiar with Branson, Missouri, then you know there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities to do. The Branson Landing, The Boardwalk, and Silver Dollar City all might come toContinue reading “Enjoy a cozy, comfortable stay at The Ozarker Lodge”

Discover Limerick Pass: The perfect way to explore Limerick’s rich history

(LIMERICK, IRELAND) — The Sheehan family recently ventured out on a 10-day journey across Ireland, experiencing the beauty of the country and learning more about our Irish roots. Our trip was anchored in County Limerick, Ireland. This is the home of our Sheehan ancestors, specifically in Limerick City and Newcastle West. Throughout our adventure, IContinue reading “Discover Limerick Pass: The perfect way to explore Limerick’s rich history”

5 steps to getting your child’s US Passport

(UNITED STATES) — Getting a passport for your child is easier than most people think, but there are a few important steps to follow. Here’s the process from start to finish. Step 1: Fill Out the Passport Application (Form DS-11) Start by completing Form DS-11, the official application for a U.S. passport. You can fillContinue reading “5 steps to getting your child’s US Passport”

Our favorite Springfield, Missouri stops as a family of four

(SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI) — Both Rachel and I’s college town, Springfield is a very special place to us. Many of our friends and family members live there to this day, and we enjoy seeing them when we go. We visit multiple times a year (twice so far in 2026!), and each time we visit new places,Continue reading “Our favorite Springfield, Missouri stops as a family of four”

Explore a Magical Castle in Missouri!

(ST. MARY, MISSOURI) — When you hear that you can stay in a castle, you might think of European countries like Ireland, Italy, Germany or France. Well I’m here to tell you there’s a beautiful castle in Southeast Missouri (Ste. Genevieve County) – near the Illinois border. Twin Turret Farm & Castle is a stunningContinue reading “Explore a Magical Castle in Missouri!”

Illinois Winery Blog: Kite Hill Vineyards!

(CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS) — It’s been quite some time since we’ve done an Illinois winery blog! Happy to bring this back as part of our travels through Southern Illinois, specifically Carbondale, home of Southern Illinois University. We visited Kite Hill Vineyards, part of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. It was a beautiful mid-October day, with clearContinue reading “Illinois Winery Blog: Kite Hill Vineyards!”

7 places to add to your Southern Illinois itinerary

(CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS) — For the second year in a row, my wife Rachel and I made a mid-October trip down to Southern Illinois for a kids-free getaway. We’re very blessed and grateful to be able to spend quality time like this together, especially on our anniversary (October 16), but additionally thankful for the support theContinue reading “7 places to add to your Southern Illinois itinerary”

Enjoy a magical, comfortable stay at an affordable price near Disney World

(LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA) — It’s no secret that a trip to Walt Disney World® in Orlando, Florida can cost a pretty penny. You have the cost of park tickets, dining, transportation (both to get to Orlando, and once you’re there), Lightning Lanes, and then of course, lodging. My family and I just got backContinue reading “Enjoy a magical, comfortable stay at an affordable price near Disney World”

11 things to add to your Champaign-Urbana travel planner!

(CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, ILLINOIS) — We enjoyed a beautiful Labor Day weekend visiting new places, seeing amazing sights and experiencing wonderful things. The weather was absolutely perfect, so that was a huge plus! The general area we visited is commonly referred to as Champaign-Urbana, the home of the University of Illinois. But in our journey, we adventuredContinue reading “11 things to add to your Champaign-Urbana travel planner!”