California Dreaming: The Ultimate U.S. Road Trip (Part I)

A few years ago the kids and I set out for our first major road trip, and we were planning to do it in California. We had ten days to work with, and made a plan to fly into San Francisco and out of San Diego. We would spent a couple days in Sacramento with my cousin and her family, but the rest would be spent driving down the Pacific Coast on Highway 1. I’ll be honest. I had some serious reservations about flying my then 7- and 8-year old across the country for a 10-day road trip…alone. 😳 But in spite of how intimidating it may have felt at the time, I was determined to give them these memories and I’m so glad we did it. Both kids still refer to this trip as their favorite vacation ever.I’m excited to share our itinerary here. Ten days is a lot to cover in one post, so I’ll cover the first four here, and you’ll have to stay tuned for Part 2. So here we go…our 10-day California road trip extravaganza.

TravelKylee ShireyJune 9, 2020Onward & UpdosTravel, Travel with Kids, Family Travel, Family, KidsComment

Our Family's Obsession: 500 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up

The world is full of so many amazing places, natural wonders, history, manmade spectacles, and just simple beauty - I have to see it all! When my kids were born, I knew I wanted to instill that same love for travel in them. While they were still babies, I bought a book called, “500 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up.” This book has become our second Bible. For us, this is what we do. We collect memories and (soon) passport stamps. My kids have an insane appreciation for exploring and learning and experiencing new things. And I love the focused time that traveling together allows us to have.

Travel, Editor's Picks, Most PopularKylee ShireyFebruary 24, 2020500 Places, Travel, Single Mom, Travel with Kids, Family TravelComment

How to Start a Blog: An Introduction to Onward + Updos

The common adage, “sometimes life doesn’t go as planned” has certainly been true for me. (And by “sometimes” I mean a lot of times.) I suspect it’s true for you, too. But as I exit the last year of my 30s, I realize I am leaving this decade much stronger, more resilient and more fearless than 29-year-old me could have ever imagined. Through all the surprises and challenges life has thrown at me, my mindset has always been onward and upward.