Finally Getting Back to In-Person

Finally Getting Back to In-Person

We all need community and connection, no matter if we’re introverts or extroverts. I recently listened to a podcast where they shared that contrary to popular belief, introverts struggled with the isolation of the pandemic. Recharging by yourself is one thing, but total isolation is something else entirely. 

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Exploring the Arizona Outdoors and Beyond

arizona outdoors

With travel restrictions putting a big damper on any plans to get away this summer and fall, my family and I turned to the great outdoors of Arizona. There are so many places to explore in our great state–and within driving distance outside the state–that we took advantage of it. From eating outdoors in Flagstaff…

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How to travel abroad with kids

how to travel abroad with kids

If you follow me online, you know that my family recently got back from an epic trip to the UK, France and Spain. All six of us packed up and spent most of the kids’ winter vacation there, something we’d been looking forward to for a long time. We’ve done some travel as a family…

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A Trip to Israel

If you follow me on Facebook (and if you don’t, why the heck not!?), you know that I recently spent two full weeks in Israel. My son Jack had the opportunity to represent the U.S. playing soccer in the 2017 World Maccabiah games (the Jewish Olympics) held in Israel. Jeff and I decided it would…

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The Heat is On – Our Summer Schedule

Ahhh, Summer – school’s out, sun’s out and the pressure is on for parents (well, at least that’s how I feel). Summer in the Ratterman household includes the kids going to various day camps for most of the day, including tennis camp.  This is both fun and builds skills plus teaches sportsmanship, so it’s a…

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Anniversary Adventures in the Big Apple

Our anniversary was a few weeks ago, but our celebration was a trip together (just the two of us) to New York City while my parents stayed with the kids.  Three lovely days to reconnect and make memories together. We got off to a great start, due in part to still being on “west coast…

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Cruising for a Great Spring Break

SS Beachbody Cruise on the Oasis of the Seas Posted by Lee Solon Ratterman on Friday, March 18, 2016 Spring Break is the time for epic adventures! This year the Beachbody Cruise coincided with Spring Break for my youngest 3 kids, so I took a friend and the kids on the cruise and it was fabulous! …

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A Change for the Holidays

This year we’re doing the holidays a bit different. From a cold and chilly Thanksgiving for some of our family to Christmas at Disney World, we’re shaking it up! Thanksgiving in NYC Jeff and Lucy spent Thanksgiving on a daddy-daughter trip in New York City. She had been bugging us for years about going, and…

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Phoneless in Hawaii

While we were in Hawaii on vacation, my iPhone went for a swim. You see, I had it in a pool bag on a lounge chair. A gust of wind came along and—poof. The phone, along with two lounge chairs landed in the nearby pool. Sadly, it never recovered from its adventure. But not for…

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From Boise to Yellowstone and Back

In Less Than 48 Hours! One of the things I love about my job is the ability to work from anywhere!  And, the freedom to take impromptu trips with my family. In June, Jeff and I flew to Boise with Molly and Jack. Jack was in a soccer tournament and the middle two kids were away…

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