Traveling with Family Can Be a Blessing

When I was invited to be a Viewfinder Day speaker at Blogher ’13, I thought about taking my kids and my mom with me. Needless to say, they were very excited about the trip when I mentioned it to them. My daughters and my mom were thrilled. My son was concerned about the long drive. In the end, my kids were all troopers.

While I was attending the conference, my family explored Chicago on their own. They learned how to use the bus system, found their way to the Lincoln Zoo and explored the Navy Pier. I would receive text messages throughout the day telling me where they were. They saw more of Chicago than me and I have visited twice!

Before leaving, my son wanted to see Cloud Gate, or the Bean as it is best known, before we left Chicago to head home. And, he insisted I take a picture of him “holding the Bean.

I am glad I brought my family with me and here is why. When attending a conference as large as BlogHer, one thing I long for is something familiar and comforting. My family is that for me. I was able to come back to my room and see their faces, hear their laughs and feel their hugs. I loved hearing about their adventures or the new places they found to eat. Having them with me in Chicago was a blessing.

They enjoyed the trip and being with me at a conference so much, they are planning to go with me to the next one. Another great thing about having my family with me was they were able to meet my online friends in person. That right there made me so proud and happy.