I Didn’t Realize We Were Making “The Lasts”
A few weeks ago, when we were packing for another staycation. As usual, I asked, “Did everyone pack their swimsuits?”
Before I could even remind Twinkle about anything, she answered, “Already packed, Mommy.”
Ykaie was busy making sure she had her charger, skincare, and headphones. I just stood there for a second. When did this happen?
There was a time when I packed everything for them. I knew exactly where every extra shirt, snack, medicine, and stuffed toy went. Our luggage was filled with things they might need because, as moms, we’re always preparing for every possible situation.
Now? The girls pack their own bags. And while that definitely makes traveling easier, it also reminds me that they’re growing up much faster than I’d like.
These days, Ykaie is in her college era, while Twinkle is no longer the little girl who needed me every second of the trip. Somehow, our family adventures have grown up too.
Family Trips Feel Different Now
Don’t get me wrong. I still love every family trip. But they’re different now. When the girls were younger, every vacation revolved around playgrounds, kiddie pools, and making sure nobody skipped nap time.
Now our conversations are about where to get coffee, which restaurant has the best food, what series everyone’s watching, or where we should go next.
Sometimes Daddydoodledoo and I just sit back and listen as the girls happily talk to each other. It’s one of my favorite parts of every trip. Because somewhere along the way, our little girls became wonderful travel companions.
I Don’t Pack Their Bags Anymore…
…but I still ask if they packed everything. I probably always will. That’s just part of being a mom. The difference is, I don’t have to secretly sneak extra clothes into their luggage anymore.
They’ve become responsible enough to remember the important things themselves.
Well… Most of the time. There are still moments when someone forgets a charger. Or a toothbrush. Or asks if anyone brought sunscreen after we’ve already checked into the hotel.
Some things never change. And honestly, I hope they never do.
Staycations Have Become Our Favorite Kind of Adventure
One thing our family has discovered over the years is that you don’t always need a plane ticket to make beautiful memories. Some of our favorite weekends have been spent at nearby staycations.
Swimming until sunset. Walking to the nearest coffee shop the next morning. Taking way too many photos because Sis insisted we all match again.
(And she’s usually right.) Those little overnight escapes have become one of our favorite family traditions.
They’re simple. They’re relaxing. And somehow they always leave us with new stories to laugh about.
Coffee Dates Look Different Too
One thing I never expected was how much I’d enjoy having coffee dates with my family. Years ago, cafés were mostly pit stops because the girls wanted cake or hot chocolate.
Now? We’ll spend an hour just sitting together. Sometimes Daddydoodledoo and I chat while the girls scroll through menus, recommend drinks they’ve seen on TikTok, or convince us to try something new.
Those quiet afternoons have become just as memorable as the big vacations. It turns out some of our best family memories happen over coffee and dessert.
They Notice the Little Things Now
One thing I’ve noticed recently is that the girls have started appreciating the same things I do. A beautiful hotel lobby. A peaceful morning. A really good breakfast buffet. The way the sky changes colors before sunset. A cute little café tucked away on a quiet street.
Years ago, they would’ve run straight to the pool. Now they’ll stop and say, “Mommy, ang ganda dito.” And somehow hearing that makes me appreciate those moments even more.
I’m Quietly Collecting Memories
If I’m being honest, I think this is why I say yes to so many little trips. Not because I love hotels. Not because I need another travel photo. But because I know this season won’t last forever.
Ykaie is already navigating college life. Twinkle is growing more independent every day. Before I know it, they’ll have their own schedules, their own adventures, and eventually, families of their own.
So if they ask, “Mommy, can we book another staycation?” The answer will almost always be yes. Because I’m quietly collecting memories while I still can.
People always tell us to enjoy our kids while they’re little. And we should. But no one really talks about how beautiful this stage is too. Watching your children become people you genuinely enjoy spending time with is something special. These days, our family trips are filled with conversations instead of cartoons.
Coffee instead of juice boxes. Late-night kwentuhan instead of bedtime stories.
And honestly… I wouldn’t trade this season for anything.
Looking back, every stage of family travel has been wonderful. Traveling with toddlers taught me patience. Traveling with younger kids taught me to embrace the unexpected.
But traveling with older kids has given me something I never expected. Friendship. These days, it feels less like I’m planning trips for my daughters and more like we’re making memories together.
So whether it’s a weekend staycation, a spontaneous coffee date with Daddydoodledoo, or another family adventure with matching outfits carefully planned by Sis, I’ll keep saying yes.
Because years from now, I know we won’t remember every hotel room or every meal.
We’ll remember the laughter in the car, the inside jokes, the family selfies, and those moments when time seemed to slow down just enough for us to enjoy being together.
And to me, that’s what family travel has always been about.
