Staycation with my favorite boys
I probably sound like a broken record, but I’m still fully in the thick of depression when it comes to the reality of shared custody with my boys. It’s a grief that sneaks up at unexpected moments, even as I try to find peace with the new normal.
Still, I’m learning to hold both grief and gratitude—and these days, I’m doing my best to focus on the silver linings.
At the top of that list is intentional parenting. Before my separation, I often felt stuck in survival mode; burnt out, overwhelmed, and barely hanging on. Raising kids is beautiful and rewarding, but it's also exhausting. The constant demands of raising children; especially when you’ve got toddlers and a teen, leaves little time for pause or reflection. My sons are 3, 5, and 15 years old. That means I’m balancing tantrums, potty training, bedtime routines, teenage moods, and high school angst—all at once.
Even with shared custody, I’m still a single, working mom with a full plate. I manage a small team at work and juggle a demanding schedule with high-stakes projects. The days are long and the expectations are high but I genuinely like what I do. And thankfully, my job offers unlimited PTO.
So last week, I gave myself permission to pause.
With the long holiday weekend approaching, I added on a week of vacation. I could sense my boys needed more time with me; and truthfully, I needed more with them too.
My mom’s been helping out this summer, watching the two older boys while my youngest is still in daycare. So I had to ask myself:
Should we travel or stay local with such short notice?
Could I find activities that worked across their three very different age groups?
Should I keep the youngest in daycare for a few of the days, even though I’d still have to pay for it either way?
In the end, I chose a staycation and I’m so glad I did.
Charlotte has so much to offer, and we made the most of every moment. Here’s a peek into our week:
What we did on our summer staycation
🏡 Stayed Home
We kept it simple with movie marathons, cuddles, repotting plants, riding bikes, and playing board games. It reminded me that the best memories aren’t always made in faraway places, sometimes they’re found in your own living room.
My oldest two boys jumping into the Quarry at Carrigan Farms
💦 The Quarry at Carrigan Farms
This was the surprise highlight of the week. My 15-year-old son walked right up and jumped into the water without hesitation and without missing a beat, his 5-year-old brother followed him in. No nerves, no second thoughts, just two big splashes.
Watching him leap because his big brother did, seeing that trust, that admiration, made my heart full. I was so proud of his bravery and sense of adventure. The quarry was perfect for all of us. There were lifeguards, shaded picnic areas, and life jackets available for everyone. When I wanted a quiet moment, my oldest stepped in and kept an eye on his brothers.
🌳 Park + Splashpad Fun at Clarks Creek Community Park
This park was a winner. It had a splash pad, multiple playgrounds, walking trails, basketball and pickleball courts, and even a community garden. It’s a rare spot that works for all ages. I especially appreciated the visibility. It’s designed so you can keep an eye on your kids no matter where they’re playing. We brought our reusable water balloons and ended up making a few new friends in the neighborhood.
👨👩👦👦 Playdates and Family Time
I invited my 15-year-old nephew over to hang with my oldest, and the younger boys got to play with their cousins too. Having everyone paired off with someone their age gave each of them a little dose of freedom, and gave me a small break too.
🛣️ Day Trip to Raleigh – Gipson Play Plaza
We took a spontaneous drive to Raleigh to visit more cousins and explore the newly opened Gipson Play Plaza. It was vibrant, fun, and full of discovery, just like the boys.
A week I’ll always treasure
I can’t express how much love and peace I felt being fully present with my boys.
I also gave myself permission to break my own routine. I stayed up late and slept in; something I never do. I’m usually in bed by 9pm or 10pm and up by 6am, but this time I stayed cozy in bed until 8am or 9am each morning. It was a small luxury that made a big difference.
What I noticed most throughout the week was the bond between my boys. Even with 50/50 custody, they get to be together consistently and have become each other’s anchors in this new normal.
Sure, they bicker like brothers do; but when we’re out and about, they look out for one another. They’re protective, loving, and connected in a way that gives me so much hope.
This staycation reminded me that joy doesn’t need a passport or a big budget. Sometimes, joy is right in your own backyard.
My top recommendations for a Charlotte staycation:
Carrigan Farms Quarry – Safe, fun, and scenic for all ages. Great setup for families, with life jackets, lifeguards, and space to relax or play.
Clarks Creek Community Park – Versatile and family-friendly with something for everyone: splash pad, courts, trails, and a peaceful vibe. Perfect for multi-age play and peace of mind for parents.
