Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

How to take the trip

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I’m pretty much always thinking about my next trip! Be it a weekend getaway or a family vacation, I’ve always got ideas of where I want to go next. The rest of my family always has suggestions too. Yes, take the (next) trip!

I was in my 40s when I came to terms with the fact beach vacations aren’t my favorite. I like so many things about a beach vacation: tropical weather, sunshine, seafood, and the views and sounds of the ocean. While I do love vacations that include water, I especially love vacations that allow me to see various spots and sights on the same trip – think road trip or cruise!

Where to go?

The destinations are endless, but I’d start with this question. Consider how long you want to be gone, how you’re going to get there, where you’ll stay, and what activities come with a certain destination. 

Here are some of our past trips that are definitely worth sharing: 

West road trips

Northward

Tropical locations

Who can help?

I love planning trips, but I also love having help plan them! Here are some great resources I recommend:

What to take with you?

Obviously, what’s in your suitcase depends on where you’re going, but here are some things I love to have along the way, regardless of where I am.

  • Line-a-day journal – Document everyday life whether you’re at home or on the road.
  • Reusable shopping bags – I like these because they squish up, making them easy to pack. They are great for hauling around snacks, dirty clothes, or anything else!
  • Capital One Venture credit card – This is a great card to use for travel expenses because the rewards points are good and allow you to “erase” travel purchases. You can also book hotels and other travel reservations directly through the Capital One website and get special deals. When we signed up for TSA Pre-Check, the fee was reimbursed when we used this card. (Also, sign up for TSA Pre-Check if you’re ever going to fly!)
  • Crossbody bag – I have loved this Lululemon one for a while, but I found an even better and cheaper one on Amazon. Truly, hooray for liking the off-brand one better! 
  • Bigger sling bag – I also like traveling with my Kavu sling bag. It can hold quite a few things and is easy to carry while on the go. 

Where do you want to go next? What are you taking with you?

Eight is great!

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Happy birthday, Rachel! 

You’re a light wherever you go! And you like to go! You’re always making friends, asking about our next adventure, wanting to know what’s next, and talking if you’re not singing. You’re the joy our family needed in 2015 and you continue to be the one who makes us laugh and love better than we did before we knew you. 

You may be six and eight years younger than your brother and sister, but you sure think you can do anything they do! Of course, that’s the source of frustration sometimes – when you go to bed earlier than them, when we tell you no but them yes, and when you think their friends are your friends. 

You are girly! You love accessories, sparkles, and pink. You want to wear make-up, high heels, and twirly dresses. Yet you also love to be outside making messes and getting dirty. You’re creative and adventurous – and you’d like to do it all while looking good. 

As a second-grader, you were excited to try cross country at school. You go from hating to loving it at any given moment. You’ve gotten so much better after the practices and races. Now you can run the one-mile race in less than 10 minutes. You’re also playing soccer. Plus you’re interested in cheerleading, learning to play drums, and possibly playing basketball. I like that you’re willing to try new things. We’ll have to see what’s next! 

You wanted us all to act out The Little Mermaid at your birthday party on Friday night, but you did get your dad to dress up like King Triton. Y’all are quite the pair! So funny! We had (most of) the girls from your class over for the “dive in,” which means y’all swam and watched The Little Mermaid. You’re always ready for a party – so celebrating you is easy, my girl. 

You ask a million questions, know the words to thousands of songs, have so many ideas, and still try to sneak into my bed at night. You say I’m the best snuggler in this family. I’ll take it – and your hugs and love, although the middle of the night will never be my favorite time. 

Happy birthday to the girl who loves loudly! I know God has big plans for you. I’m thankful I get a front-row seat to your life. 

Love, Mom

*****

Look back on Rachel’s past birthdays:  One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Learn more about her adoption story in “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family.”

A few of my favorite things

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Bombas socks – I know, they’re kind of expensive. But I love how the ankle socks feel on my feet and in my shoes. 

This braided band for my Apple Watch – I asked my 16-year-old daughter to find me a watch band that was comfortable and dried easily. This is what she came up with, and I love it. In fact, I’m going to order another color or two soon. 

Crossbody bag – I have loved this Lululemon one for a while, but I found an even better and cheaper one on Amazon. Truly, hooray for liking the off-brand one better!

ESV scripture journals – I used to carry my Bible to church and fill the margins with notes. Both during our main church service and the Sunday school class I attend, we go through books of the Bible, so I bought the books we were in and now fill the notebooks with notes. There are whole journaling pages plus wide margins. Marking up scripture is the best way for me to learn, so this is the perfect notebook for me to carry with me to church. 

Crunch Labs – Ben gets excited each month when these boxes show up on our porch. It’s a great subscription box for my teenager who loves to build things. Plus the whole family likes Mark Rober’s videos that go along with the projects. 

Created for Communion – I know, maybe it’s weird to put my own book on here. But I’m really happy with how it turned out, thanks to Market Refined Media. I love the friendship bracelet on the cover and used throughout. The journaling prompts were originally planned, but I love having them incorporated. I rewrote my introduction during the editing process and am so pleased with it now. Studying the biblical friendships and then writing about them took me back to my journalism days, and it was really just such a fun process. (Plus there is some fun, free stuff on my website to celebrate!)

Walmart delivery – I was working this morning when the groceries I ordered last night showed up on my porch. I am a paying member of Walmart+ and don’t regret it. Plus you get other perks, like free, quick shipping on items not available in the local store. (Save $20 if you sign up through this link!)