74 Days Later – Back to School, Back to Us

After 74 long, hot, unforgettable days, school is finally back.
And yes – 74 days is a lot, especially when you’ve grown up in a country where six weeks is the norm. But somehow, this year, the end felt… good.

My son, who usually finds change hard, said something surprising in the last week of break:
“I’m kind of looking forward to school.”
And my daughter? She couldn’t wait to see her friends again – and yes, she did finish her summer reading… on day 74. (I know some of you are smiling right now because you’ve been there, too.)

So much for my dream of being prepared weeks in advance. But real life has its own rhythm – and sometimes, it’s beautiful just as it is.

---

A Journey Through Seven States – and So Much More

This summer, we didn’t just stay home and count down the days.
We hit the road – through Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
Seven states. Countless memories. And a heart full of gratitude.

From winding mountain roads to quiet lakes, historic towns to chocolate factories – it felt like we were collecting little pieces of magic.
It wasn’t just a vacation. It was an adventure. A reset. A chance to see the world through my kids’ eyes again.

And even though we had our picky eater in the backseat (sometimes literally saying “no” to everything new), we found our way – together.

---

Picky Eaters and Packed Snacks – Love in a Lunchbox

Here’s something many don’t realize: traveling with a picky eater is a lesson in patience, flexibility, and love.

Sure, we could’ve just stopped at every fast food chain. But here’s the twist:
Picky eaters don’t necessarily love fast food. In fact, different can feel scary — even if it’s a French fry.
A different oil. A new texture. A burger wrapped the “wrong” way. And suddenly… they’re done.

That’s why I packed snacks from home. Things I knew they loved. Things I trusted.
It wasn’t about being overly controlling — it was about creating little anchors of safety in a new environment.

Yes, we still explored buffets, grocery stores, and tried a few new things.
No, it wasn’t always healthy or balanced.
But it was okay. It was real. And most of all — it was ours.

---

From “Ugh” to “Mmm” – Coming Back Home

After two weeks on the road, something beautiful happened.

We came home, and suddenly, the familiar foods were celebrated.

“Oh Mama, this sandwich bread is so good.”
“Hmmm, I missed these yogurt drinks.”

My picky eater noticed. Not just the taste — but how the food made him feel.
And that, to me, is everything.
Because isn’t that what we want? For our kids to learn, little by little, that food is more than just fuel?

He’s still picky.
We’re still working through it.
But we’re doing it together. And we’re doing it with love.

---

More Than Just a Trip

This road trip gave us so much more than souvenirs and snapshots.

It gave us:
🧡 Moments of laughter in hotel beds
🧡 Deep talks during long drives
🧡 Little grocery-store victories
🧡 And food memories that I know will last

So, here’s my reminder to you, from one parent to another:
Even if it feels messy, even if you’re not doing it perfectly,
you’re doing great.

Bake the muffins. Pack the snacks. Celebrate the one new bite.
Because those tiny steps? They become the big ones.

Happy baking,
Denise……

👋 Wait – Before You Go…

Hey, stop a second…
If you’re also parenting a picky eater, navigating snack time, lunchboxes, or just everyday food stress — you’re not alone.

I’d love to stay connected and keep sharing simple snack inspiration, helpful tips, and honest, behind-the-scenes moments from our own journey. Sometimes it’s the little things that help us feel seen and supported, right?

📌 I share real-life snack ideas and practical insights daily on Instagram and YouTube.

💌 And if you’d like something a little more personal:
My free newsletter brings snack ideas, relatable stories, and real encouragement straight to your inbox – plus a free snack eBooklet to download instantly.

👉 Sign up here and take one small step toward more peace, more joy, and snacks that truly satisfy – for your child and for yourself.

Let’s walk this journey one bite at a time – together. 💛
– Denise