Listen this week as Jesse and I share an unscripted update on our family's recent travels and the start of the new school year! We talk about some of the changes to our kids' school schedules, with David now attending the afternoon preschool program instead of the morning which has worked out really nicely as it better suits his natural sleep and wake cycle.

We then reflect on our recent fun trips - first, my visit to Orlando to attend a business retreat where I experienced the thrills of the Volcano Bay water park and the serene beauty of Discovery Cove. At Discovery Cove, the highlight was definitely swimming with dolphins, an experience that left a deep impression and even had me briefly considering a career change! Then, following the Orlando trip, our whole family spent a week at the lake with extended family, enjoying activities like boating, tubing, and water skiing. Jesse and I note that this was absolutely our best lake trip yet, with even the younger kids fully embracing and delighting in the water activities!

Throughout this update, we highlight the importance of making time for play and new experiences, which we personally find so rejuvenating for the soul, especially amidst the busyness of daily life. I would love for you to share your own experiences with water parks, swimming with dolphins, and/or family lake trips!

In This Episode

[0:35] - This unscripted update includes school changes and a surprising, career-shifting sea creature encounter!

[3:01] - Hear how David thrives in his structured public school program, although his schedule now differs from Micah’s.

[6:06] - I reveal how adjustments to school routines have eased mornings, giving me calmer drop-offs and some brief quiet at home.

[9:48] - I describe a refreshing Orlando trip with my coach’s group, including visits to two water parks.

[12:29] - Volcano Bay proved thrilling for adults and teens, though its tap-in ride system created long waits.

[15:21] - Hear how Discovery Cove felt like a tropical resort with all-inclusive food, relaxation, wildlife, and immersive water experiences!

[18:28] - I explain how above water felt like a resort, but underwater was pure ocean adventure with stingrays.

[21:15] - Hear how our dolphin encounter lasted longer because our obedient dolphin contrasted with misbehaving ones nearby.

[24:45] - Jesse compares dolphin interactions to African safaris, where animals perceive groups as single entities.

[25:22] - I share how I unexpectedly rode a dolphin’s strength, sparking thoughts about becoming a trainer myself!

[28:46] - The dolphin swim reminded me of the joy and soul-refreshment found in play.

[31:05] - After Discovery Cove, I joined the family at the lake, cherishing togetherness across all ages!

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Crystal Paine

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