I know I’ve been pretty quiet lately, and there are a few good reasons why. First of all, this is August. The lazy days of summer when nobody really works or does anything productive. Right? You guys out there with real jobs? You’re not actually working, right?

Secondly, we’ve had a lot going on lately, including a few weekends away here and there, and most notably, planning an upcoming trip to Poland for Max’s wedding. And we’re taking Nora. We tell everybody this. “And guess what? We’re taking Nora.” Then we wait and see how badly they want to tell us we’re crazy.

Of course, I don’t think we’re crazy, and in fact can’t wait for this little family adventure, which will also include a visit to Prague. I’m loving the idea of this trip because it’s probably not somewhere I’d have gone anytime soon if not for this wedding. Planning is more challenging than I’m used to. All the z’s and consonants in general in every hotel name and restaurant listing. Let’s face it, I’m probably never going to learn Polish.

But that’s the thing. I think getting out of your comfort zone is really important every now and then. Like taking a nine-hour flight with your toddler, who throws violent, violent tantrums when the oatmeal isn’t done as fast as she wants it. Guess what, Nora? No oatmeal on airplanes. But castles in Krakow and pierogies and making new friends in faraway places? Worth it.