Hi, I’m Casey! I’m a parent and part of the PlanetBox team, and I wanted to give you a peek at what life looks like on this side of things.
In this monthly series, I’ll be sharing it all: the real life chaos, the small wins, what made it into the lunch box, and some recommendations on what works for my family.
Traveling With a Kid
A few weeks ago we took a trip to Mexico to visit some dear friends, and it was exactly what we needed. We live in the Pacific Northwest, which I genuinely love, but I grew up in the Southwest, so at my core I’m basically solar-powered. By mid-winter, I start craving sun in a big way.
Traveling as a family is one of my favorite things we do, mostly because it forces all of us, myself included, to practice flexibility. Our kid is a pretty seasoned traveler at this point, but this trip stretched that muscle more than usual.
There were a few moments where I had to gently (and repeatedly) remind her that flexibility is kind of the whole deal when you travel. There was no quick Target run because a swimsuit suddenly felt “too itchy.” There weren’t three breakfast options to choose from, just eggs and fresh local tortillas, Which, to be clear, is objectively amazing… but not always appreciated by a 9-year-old in the moment.
Still, we all adjusted. That’s the magic of it, I think.
The Week After Vacation
Monday: Monday mornings remain undefeated. Kiddo was absolutely convinced I was wrong and it was still the weekend. I eventually got her moving with a strategic offering of whipped cream on a toaster waffle.
Tuesday: In-office day for both of us parents, regular school day for her, and thankfully no after-school activities. I did the usual after-work scramble: wing by my husband’s office to grab him and then head to school pickup. Then home to squeeze in a few last emails from the couch before switching into dinner mode. We made one of our favorites that we call “Medi-Night Dinner”. Basically a board of mediterranean inspired foods with some yummy dips and toasted pita.
Wednesday: Our child’s teacher hosted an evening class for parents to explain “the new math.” I went in slightly skeptical and came out… genuinely impressed! It was actually fun to learn a different way of thinking about math, and it reminded me that I should probably tell teachers “thank you” more often than I do.
Thursday: The morning commute was equal parts chaotic and absurd. We were already running late when kiddo decided it was the perfect moment to start a lanyard (boondoggle, for those who remember). She ran to the car clutching three plastic strings and immediately asked me to get it started for her… while I was driving.
So my husband, who has never made a lanyard in his life, was handed the responsibility. I attempted to verbally coach him through it from the driver’s seat — “no, loop it over… the other one… now kind of weave those together”. It was not a great success and I may have been the only one laughing, but it was funny.
Friday: Yay Friday! It's just me and the kiddo at home this weekend, so we're declaring it a girls weekend. Plans include her current favorite show (Crunch Labs), a trip to the best local art store for more craft supplies (because we clearly don't have enough), and a bookstore run for new graphic novels for her and book club pick for me. Also: pancakes or maybe a Dutch baby for Saturaday morning.
What I Packed This Week
A little while ago, I tried packing a wrap in her lunch, and somewhat miraculously, she loved it! She can be a bit picky, so trying something new always feels like a gamble. I've realized wraps are kind of a loophole (they make it easier to sneak in a wider mix of veggies and protein). Hummus or cheese, spinach, shredded carrots, avocado, leftover chicken... It all somehow works when it's wrapped up.
I’ve also been using our new Voyager lunch box lately, which has been especially helpful for things like applesauce or other slightly “goopy” additions that would normally end up everywhere. It keeps everything in its place, which feels like a small but meaningful win.
Another little system that’s been working: the weekend frittata.
On Sunday mornings I throw together a frittata using whatever vegetables and bits of cheese are lingering in the fridge. It clears out the veggie drawer and gives us an easy breakfast at the same time. There’s almost always one slice left, which I save for Monday’s lunch box. Easy, no thinking required — exactly what Monday mornings call for.
One Honest Takeaway
Learning something new alongside your kid is a surprisingly great way to connect, and to build their confidence. Last weekend, I had the kiddo watch a how-to video on poaching eggs. After she watched it a few times, I asked her to teach me how to do it (full disclosure: I had never successfully poached an egg before). She took the job very seriously. And honestly? It worked! We both learned something, but more importantly, she got to feel like the expert, which she loved.
Something We're Loving
Kiddo got a subscription to Raddish Kids as a gift a while back, and it’s been such a fun surprise each month. She gets a box with a few kid-friendly recipes, a kitchen tool or two, and a patch for her apron. She gets genuinely excited when a new one arrives.
A couple weekends ago, I woke up to find her in the kitchen making vanilla cupcakes completely on her own. And as it turns out Vanilla cupcakes make an excellent pre-breakfast snack!