We Took the Kids on Our Anniversary Trip – Here’s What Happened

“Thinking about traveling with kids on your anniversary? Discover how our family getaway turned into the perfect celebration with hardly any drama!”

We Took the Kids on Our Anniversary Trip – Here’s What Happened

Having a routine is good, but let’s be honest – when life becomes a constant loop of work, chores, and parenting, it can start to feel like you’re just going through the motions. My husband and I both work full-time, and this year, life has felt especially repetitive. Sure, we get the standard twenty-something days off for holidays, but I can barely recall what we did with them – they flew by so quickly.

This blog is about the importance of taking time out for your significant other and making time and space to reconnect, even with kids. It’s funny because I always imagined writing something like this after a romantic, toddler-free getaway with my husband and me. But that’s not how this anniversary trip went. The boys came with us, and while it wasn’t the “alone time” we initially hoped for, it still ended up being special for us as a couple.

The Challenge of Balancing Parenthood and Partnership

It’s often said that couples need time away from their kids to really enjoy their relationship. There’s truth to that, before we became parents, it was just the two of us, and kids undeniably change the dynamics of a relationship. Suddenly, you’re adjusting to new routines, splitting attention, and navigating the overwhelming responsibilities of being a parent.

For some, this shift can feel like a wedge. It’s heartbreaking to hear stories of couples who separate soon after having a baby, often when their child is only a few months old. But as parents with kids who have just come out of that really difficult baby phase, we understand that it’s not a lack of love but the sheer weight of expectations and pressure that sometimes leads to a big disconnect within that relationship.

We’ve felt that pressure too, and if you are parents to small children – hang on! Things WILL get better! Love has not left, it just needs to be nourished 🌼which is why getaways, like the one we had for our anniversary trip, are so important.

Even though the kids came along, we found ways to reconnect as a couple. And in a surprising twist, their presence ended up being part of what made the trip so memorable and meaningful.

Leaning on Each Other: A True Partnership

One of the things that stood out during this trip was how much we leaned on each other. It was small things like teamwork on the drive up to the hotel we were staying in. The boys were adamant about watching cartoons, while my husband and I wanted to enjoy some music. Instead of giving in immediately, we teamed up and found a compromise. We let them watch a couple of episodes first, then convinced them to give our playlist a chance. Of course they won because we did not listen to any music until they both fell asleep, but when we did get to play the music, we were laughing, singing along, and stealing quick glances at each other -just like our early days when used to go on dates and go for long drives while he showed me his favourite places.

Later, as the boys drifted off to sleep in the calm of our hotel room, we soaked in a rare moment of stillness. At home, bedtime is often a whirlwind of rushing for goodnights. But here, the ease of how they went to bed and peacefulness gave us a chance to simply sit together and appreciate how far we’ve come as a family. Watching them sleep snug in their bed, we felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude – and love, for the life we’ve built together.

Even dinner, a meal we usually rush through at home, turned into lovely romantic dinner-date (with our two third wheelers). While the boys ate, we had the rare luxury of gazing into each other’s eyes and sharing dessert (a moment that felt like a stolen date night in the middle of a family trip).

And amid the busy days of exploring and playing with the kids, we found small moments to reconnect. A lingering hand squeeze while walking, laughing at something the boys did that they didn’t realise was funny, and looking at the stars through the window. These moments reminded us that romance doesn’t always require even perfect settings. Sometimes, it’s just about choosing each other over and over, even in the chaos of family life.

This teamwork made the holiday feel less like “managing the kids” and more like truly enjoying our time as a family.

It reminded me that we’re not just parents; we’re partners. Handling the chaos together- dividing tasks, sharing laughs, and supporting one another – helped us feel more connected. It wasn’t the quiet candlelit dinners or lazy mornings we might have had on a kid-free trip, but it was real and refreshing.

We also found small pockets of time to focus on each other. After the kids went to bed, we had quiet moments to talk, reminisce, and reflect on the years we’ve shared. In those moments, it didn’t matter that we weren’t alone in a fancy resort. What mattered was that we were together, celebrating us.

Embracing the Imperfect

This trip wasn’t perfect, and that’s okay. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that a romantic getaway has to look a certain way: no kids, no distractions, just endless romance. But life isn’t always picture-perfect, and sometimes, the best moments come when you let go of expectations.

We’re still planning a proper getaway, just the two of us, when the time is right. But until then, I’m grateful for this trip. It reminded me that our relationship isn’t about grand gestures or perfectly planned dates. It’s about navigating the highs and lows of life together, finding joy in the chaos, and cherishing the little moments that make our journey unique.

The Takeaway

If you’re a parent, don’t feel guilty about blending family time with couple time. While having a trip just for the two of you can be amazing, life doesn’t always make that possible. That doesn’t mean you can’t still connect, celebrate, and strengthen your relationship, even with your kids.

Our anniversary trip was a reminder of why we work so hard in the first place: for each other, for our kids, and for the family we’ve built together. It wasn’t what we originally planned, but it turned out to be exactly what we needed.