Photography by Lara Robby
It’s been the best of times, and the worst of times—traveling with children, that is.
For all of the amazing sights we’ve seen—the sunrise over the ocean, my 1-year-old meeting her 90-year-old great-grandmother, finding Plymouth Rock—the lasting memories aren’t always from the stunning views or the times when our vacation plans went smoothly (although those are extremely nice!). The stories we’ll tell our grandchildren are the funny anecdotes, happy accidents, and the most unfortunate unfolding of events. The moments that might otherwise get you down are often the most magical.
As a parent, simply getting everyone out the door can sometimes be worth celebrating, so the thought of taking a little time off might seem like an impossible dream. Still, time together as a family is precious, and vacations—even just weekend getaways—can create lasting memories that “feed parents’ memory banks and become an integral part of a shared family narrative,” as social psychologist Susan Newman notes in Psychology Today. How’s that for motivation?
This issue’s cover story should inspire you to embark on your own vacation. Or, if you’d prefer to stay closer to home, consider cooking up some fun under your own roof. Chef Gerard Craft and his two talented daughters provide the perfect recipes—though Craft does admit his imitation of the cornmeal pancakes at Southwest Diner is “never as good” as the real thing. Coincidentally, you can read more about the couple behind those pancakes, in an article about how traditional notions of love and commitment are changing. And as temperatures cool outside, read heartwarming stories about those who are helping other St. Louisans, whether by providing much-needed support to teenage mothers or by sewing capes for children with cancer—gestures that reflect the spirit of the season.
