Family Travel, Outdoor Adventure & Wellness
Family Travel, Outdoor Adventure & Wellness
Published by Make It Better- July 2015
Cortney Fries and her husband Tom on their wedding day. Wedding Photos by Jennifer Girard Photography.
“Love is the biggest predictor of human happiness,” says psychologist Arthur Aron. “More so than wealth or success. Relationship quality is even a bigger predictor of human health than smoking or obesity.”
How do you view your love life? Continue reading “Can 36 Questions Reignite a Relationship?”
Written for Chicago Parent Going Places- Spring 2015
It’s spring in Chicago—time to break out the swimming suits! It might not seem like the ideal season for wet-and-wild fun, but that doesn’t mean splishing and splashing is out of the question. These low-cost and local options—and did we mention indoor?—are just the ticket. My family of four checked them out to give you the inside scoop. Continue reading “8 Indoor Water Parks You Have to Check Out”
Written for Make It Better- March 2015
Adam Kroupa and his wife, Heather, were snuggling on the bed with their newborn son, Joshua. It was their first day home together as a family.
“What do you think he’ll be like when he grows up?” Adam asked Heather.
Heather did not answer. Her eyes were wide, but she did not speak. Adam repeated the question. Heather just looked lost.
“If you don’t respond now,” Adam told her, “I am calling the ambulance.” Heather slumped over. Adam dialed 911. Would he need to raise their child on his own?
Heather was rushed to Central DuPage Hospital. At only 27 years old, she had suffered a stroke. The doctors told Adam she may never get out of bed again.
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, almost 800,000 Americans suffer from a stroke each year. Continue reading “Young Mom Has Stroke Two Weeks After Birth of First Baby”
Written for Chicago Parent magazine- September 2014
Kids change their parents’ lives in countless, often unexpected, ways. While the constant responsibility and endless energy can be exhausting, children can shift your priorities and give you a renewed focus on what’s really important.
That’s what happened for these three parents, who reinvented themselves to do what they love.
Amy Renzulli (pictured above)
Written for Chicago Parent magazine- February 2014
At the check-in of the Sybaris romantic pool suites, I stood in my long black coat. Underneath were yoga pants with fresh baby spit-up.
“My husband will be meeting me here,” I said, trying to sound cool and confident, although this was never something in our 15-year relationship I had imagined doing.
We had courted over long walks, Sunday morning snuggles and quarterly travel plans. But in the “The Diaper Dark Ages,” with a toddler and baby, our exchanges had become a carnival of the Blame Game and the Guilt-o-Whirl. Continue reading “How Sybaris Saved My Marriage”
Written for Chicago Parent Going Places magazine- Summer 2014
Ever watched “Treehouse Masters” on Animal Planet and been envious? I have, so I was thrilled to discover a family-friendly treehouse resort near the gorgeous Shawnee National Forest.
My clan of four recently stayed at Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins in southeastern Illinois. It was a fabulous “glamping” experience, where we got to enjoy the great outdoors without having to rough it. What parent doesn’t love more fun with less preparation?
Enthusiastic and hospitable owners Marty and Elizabeth Canfarelli, previously from the Joliet area, currently offer two fully equipped treehouses and two log cabins. Continue reading “Camping in a Real Tree House in Southern Illinois”