Adventures, Community & the Year We Said Yes to Everything

One thing we really believe in as a family is that experiences are worth investing in. Not just big trips — though we had some of those this year — but also the smaller things. The Saturday outings, the community programs, the groups that give our kids a sense of belonging and purpose.

This past year was a full one, and I want to share some of it because I think there’s real value in talking about how families spend their time together — not just how they eat or what supplements they take. A healthy life is a full life.

Our Sweden adventure

This summer we took the family to Sweden for an extended trip and it was truly one of those experiences that shifts something in you. Sweden is stunning — the light in July is unlike anything in Southern California, and the combination of nature, history, and design everywhere you look makes it a genuinely special place to travel with kids.

We spent time in several parts of the country. Stenungsund, a small coastal town about an hour north of Gothenburg, was one of our favorites — quiet, beautiful, right on the water. From there we made our way to Marstrand, a tiny island town accessible by ferry that feels like it’s completely frozen in time. The historic fortress, the painted wooden buildings, the harbor… it’s the kind of place you don’t want to leave. We stayed at the Marstrands Havshotell and the Grand Hotel, both of which were lovely.

Gothenburg was a highlight for the kids — Liseberg is one of Scandinavia’s best amusement parks and it absolutely delivered. Rides, games, beautiful grounds. Very different in feel from American theme parks — more charming, less chaotic. Highly recommend if you’re ever passing through.

We finished the trip in Stockholm, which is a world-class city in every sense. The Vasa Museum — a 17th century warship that sank on its maiden voyage and was preserved almost perfectly for over 300 years — is one of the most remarkable museums I’ve ever been to. Skansen, the open-air museum and zoo on a hill overlooking the city, was another favorite. Gröna Lund, Stockholm’s amusement park right on the waterfront, rounded out the theme park portion of the trip for the kids. :)

We also got to Fjäderholmarna, a small island just a short boat ride from the city center, and spent time in Gamla Stan (the old town) which is exactly as picturesque as every photo you’ve ever seen of it. Stockholm has incredible food too — we had a memorable dinner at Ulla Winbladh, a classic Swedish restaurant in Djurgården that I’d go back to in a heartbeat.

Traveling to a place like Sweden with your kids — where the culture, language, food, and pace of life are genuinely different — is one of the best things you can do for their sense of the world. Our kids came home with a different perspective. That’s worth more than anything we could have bought them.

Adventures closer to home

Not every adventure requires a transatlantic flight, of course. We’ve had a wonderful time this year with trips and outings much closer to home too.

The Magic Castle in Hollywood is one of those uniquely Los Angeles experiences that never gets old. If you haven’t been, it’s an exclusive magic club in a Victorian mansion where you watch close-up magic over dinner — truly unlike anything else. The kids were mesmerized and honestly so were we.

We spent a wonderful day in San Juan Capistrano — exploring the mission, wandering the old town, trying local food. It’s one of those Southern California spots that feels a world away despite being just a short drive. Newport Beach and Laguna Beach also got some love from us this year — both are beautiful in their own way and great for a quick family reset.

We even made it out to Omaha, Nebraska at one point — which might not be on everyone’s travel radar but the Children’s Museum there was genuinely excellent, and the food scene surprised us. Every place has something to offer if you go in with curiosity.

We also got to Sarasota, Florida for a visit. Beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, great food, a relaxed pace. A lovely change of scenery.

The value of community programs for kids

Alongside all the travel, something we feel just as strongly about is keeping our kids connected to their community and involved in programs that build real character.

Our daughter is in Girl Scouts and I can’t say enough good things about it. It’s one of those programs that looks simple from the outside — badges, cookies, camping — but what it’s really doing is building confidence, leadership, teamwork, and a sense of civic responsibility in girls from a young age. If your daughter isn’t involved yet, I’d really encourage you to look into your local troop.

We’ve also had our kids in Growing Outdoors Development, an outdoor education program that gets them off screens and into nature in a structured, meaningful way. There’s a growing body of research on how important unstructured and nature-based play is for children’s development — attention, creativity, emotional regulation, physical health. This program delivers on all of that.

And we stay involved at White Oak Elementary — school community events, fundraisers, being present. It sounds small but kids notice when their parents show up for their school community. It tells them their world matters.

Why all of this belongs on a wellness blog

I know this blog covers a lot of health topics — supplements, testing, treatments, all of that. But wellness is so much bigger than what you put in your body. It’s the memories you make. The places you take your kids. The communities you invest in. The moments where everyone puts their phones down and just experiences something together.

We try to hold all of it — the medical side and the living side — as equally important. Because what’s the point of optimizing your health if you’re not actually out there living?

Note: The information provided in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.