How did we get here?
Our family’s love for adventure, especially in National Parks, began in 2020. While the world was shut down for COVID, Garrett and I continued to work as essential workers – a pediatrician and a general surgeon. While both of us were dedicated to our patients, the stress took a toll on us. The fear of what we might bring home to our kids, or if we would get to go home to our kids, hit us hard. By fall of 2020, we needed a break to step away from the world. We needed to reconnect with what mattered most: each other and our children.
With travel still limited, we decided seeing the fall colors in New England with a stop at Acadia would be a perfect get away. Little did we know, we planted a seed for future adventures. That trip really was perfect in every way. We came home feeling renewed and hopeful.
Why National Parks?
As time went on, we took a few other vacations, but kept reminiscing about how great Acadia was. Garrett had traveled around the Western US as a kid, but I really hadn’t traveled much. Our different experiences fueled our desire to show our kids what the world had to offer. This is when the goal of seeing all of the National Parks was born.
Our Goals
Starting out this adventure was rocky. We’ve learned A LOT of things along the way. Like just how many miles can our kids hike, what it’s like to not have a plan for the day, and where exactly can you find good information about these Parks, particularly when we were newbies.
Our goals here are to:
- Inspire you! If we can do it, so can you!
- Support you! We want to help you plan your own adventures with whoever you call family with practical advice and shared experiences.
As busy professionals, our vacation goals are to unplug, reconnect with each other, and enjoy nature. We love exploring the famous sites and uncovering hidden gems, while leaving plenty of time to sit back and enjoy. Our favorite hikes are when you cross paths with just a few other hikers.
Like I said, Acadia National Park started it all. Our favorite destinations continue to evolve, but our highlights include Isle Royale and Big Bend. Each Park offers unique experiences – whether it’s braving a ferry and testing our arm strength canoeing to little islands or driving all the way from Kentucky to West Texas to sleep in a stargazer dome and finding a beautiful waterfall oasis in the middle of the desert. We enjoy finding unique places to stay (although you won’t find us in a traditional tent just yet), support the local towns, and find our own little slice of Heaven in each park.
How can we help you?
Along the way, we will provide:
- Family friendly guides – you can tame them down or spice them up!
- Itineraries and tips – make planning family adventures easier.
- Recommendations – tried and true gear, accommodations, and fun places to eat along a few other surprises splashed in!
You’ll also get to know us better throughout this blog. Our home base is Henderson, Kentucky. We grew up in small towns in Kansas and cherish that our kids get to grow up similarly while still exploring the rest of this beautiful world. When we’re not hiking, you can find us at soccer games, piano lessons, and dance recitals, watching Hudson and Lillian grow up way too fast.
We can’t wait for you to join us on this crazy adventure! We hope to help you create your own! Feel free to reach out, ask us questions, and follow along on social media as we Wander More Together.
Where We Have Been
Our family has explored 24 national parks across the U.S., from the glittering waterfalls of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the dramatic landscapes of White Sands National Park. Each trip has been a blend of adventure, education, and unforgettable memories. Our passion for national parks runs deep, and we’re excited to share not just our stories but also the practical advice and insider tips that make every trip extraordinary. Whether you’re planning your first park visit or looking for fresh inspiration, we’re here to guide you, backed by years of knowledge and a love for the great outdoors.
Our Upcoming Adventures
As we prepare for these trips, we’re excited to bring you along for the journey—offering expert tips, practical advice, and plenty of inspiration to help you make your own national park adventures unforgettable. Stay tuned for updates as we uncover new trails, experiences, and memories!
Travel Resources
Check out our favorite Travel Resources
We only recommend those we have tried ourselves!