That small, seemingly insignificant decision to take a budget flight through London instead of flying direct to Cyprus? It cost us hundreds more than we planned and taught us a valuable lesson about family travel logistics. But that's the beauty of this journey we're on—the unexpected detours often bring the most profound realizations.

When we finally arrived at our Cyprus villa, nicknamed "Serenity," it lived up to its name. After the whirlwind pace of Morocco, this spacious three-bedroom haven with its pool and mountain views became the perfect place to catch our breath. The kids explored freely without neighbors to disturb, we established morning walks with Liam on our backs, and for the first time in months, we had space to simply be.

Cyprus brought so many pivotal moments for our family. There was the near-disastrous hike to Adonis Baths where we learned the power of maternal instinct when a taxi driver's wife insisted he rescue "those babies" from walking back in the dark. There was Alex's first experience driving on the left side of the road, with all of us chanting "left, left, left" at every turn. And there was the magical moment watching our daughter with special needs fearlessly glide across an ice skating rink, showing us how our own limiting beliefs often hold us back from attempting new things.

But perhaps most significantly, Cyprus became the backdrop for important relationship transformations. My sister Catherine made the decision to end her travels with us, and we welcomed Aaliyah as our nanny, shifting our family dynamic. Alex and I used a Valentine's weekend retreat to reconnect deeply, creating family values and vision boards that would guide us forward. I made the conscious choice to focus on what I loved about my husband rather than what frustrated me, and it transformed our relationship in ways I never imagined possible.

Looking back now, we couldn't have known that this peaceful month in Cyprus was preparing us for the greatest challenge we would ever face. These moments of connection, these lessons in adaptation and presence, were forming the foundation we would soon desperately need. If our journey has taught us anything, it's that the real adventure happens in the spaces between our plans—in the messy, beautiful reality of a family learning to live awake together.

Join us next episode as we share Liam's story—from his birth through the synchronicities that led to his passing. Your story matters too, and we'd love to hear how our journey intersects with yours.

Step into the shifting sands of Morocco through the eyes of a family discovering its vibrant landscapes, ancient cultures, and most importantly—themselves. From the blue-washed streets of Chefchaoun, where street performers sing your name for small coins, to the majestic Atlas Mountains with their wild monkeys and Berber cave dwellings, this episode captures the full spectrum of Moroccan wonders.

The heart of their journey unfolds in the Sahara Desert, where camel rides lead to picnics where bread is baked directly in the sand, and children race up and down towering dunes with sandboards as the sun sets dramatically over an otherworldly landscape. Through each adventure, watch as their toddler Liam—whose presence now carries poignant significance—experiences these magnificent surroundings with unexpected joy.

Beyond the breathtaking scenery, this episode delivers profound insights about recognizing when you're already living your dream while still chasing it. As Alex reflects atop a thousand-foot sand dune: "We had this vision of traveling the world... and somehow we're finding reasons to be miserable even though we're right here doing it." Their story reminds us that success isn't always what we're pursuing—it's often what we're already living, if only we'd slow down enough to notice.

Whether you're planning your own Moroccan adventure, traveling with children, or simply seeking perspective on appreciating the journey, you'll find resonance in this honest, sometimes challenging, but ultimately exhilarating family expedition. The episode closes with a tantalizing promise of future Sahara journeys they plan to host for others, inviting you to consider your own desert dreams.

Morocco called to us for years before we finally answered. When the opportunity arose to fly from Portugal to North Africa with our children, we knew it was time. What we didn't know was how significant this journey would become in our family's story, especially for our youngest son, Liam.

Our adventure began with a four-day stopover in Lisbon, where we finally visited the mystical gardens and castles of Sintra. The winding staircases, underground tunnels, and ancient structures seemed to transport us to another time—children climbing stone walls, discovering hidden caves, and standing atop the Moorish Castle with views stretching to the horizon. Looking back now, with Liam no longer physically with us, we recognize this wasn't just another tourist destination but a place his soul needed to experience.

It was in Lisbon too where we purchased those little barefoot shoes for him. Though he wasn't even walking yet, the pure joy on his face when we put them on his feet made the decision for us. Those shoes now sit prominently on his shrine—a reminder of moments that carried more significance than we could have known at the time.

Morocco surprised us with its rhythms and possibilities. What began as a plan to stay primarily in Tangier evolved into a fast-travel adventure across the country when we discovered their excellent, affordable train system. The vibrant nightlife of Tangier's parks—filled with families and children long after dark—showed us yet another culture where slowing down and prioritizing connection takes precedence over schedules and productivity.

Our travels also included celebrating our 12th wedding anniversary with an overnight stay in Tetouan—rare time alone that provided precious moments with Liam when it was just the three of us. Meanwhile, we navigated the complexities of traveling with extended family while contemplating bringing on an 18-year-old we'd met in Portugal to help with the children.

This podcast isn't about dispensing travel advice or showcasing highlight reels. It's about honoring the messy, beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking journey of a family learning to live fully awake—even through profound loss. If you're walking your own path through grief, growth, parenting, or simply the wild unknown, we hope these honest conversations create a space where you feel less alone.