Update #1: My car has been brought into the 2020s
I HAVE CARPLAY (which more importantly means I can put Google Maps up on a screen instead of trying to use it on my phone). I feel like we *just* missed the Carplay era with our 2017 Highlander purchase (right before G was born) and every time we rent a car, I’m like hmmm . . . this really is much better.
Josh did attempt to DIY it with a kit, but it turns out my stereo was the wrong brand (Pioneer vs Panasonic, who knew) and he ultimately decided to let the pros take over. I’m super happy!!
(This car is slated to become A’s car in ~2 yrs, too . . . and we figured this change would be safer for her eventual driving as well.)
Update #2: I finished Season 2 of Euphoria. I didn’t read much in March and the clear reason is that I watched a lot of TV instead. I am not upset about this, though! I don’t think books are inherently “better” and I really did enjoy this series. I thought S1 was a little better than S2, but both still good. (ALSO very sad that not one but two cast members have died way too young.) Added up, I watched 11 hour-long episodes over the month, plus 2 of The Pitt (we are a couple weeks behind).
(Note: Euphoria is very violent, dark, drugs/addiction, lots of sexual themes, graphic nudity, etc. It is not for everyone! I watched it alone; Josh had already seen it as he tends to watch things after I go to sleep. We may watch S3 together though.)
Update #3: Yesterday we booked our annual Big Sky trip for next winter (!). This year, we nearly missed the boat on lodging (and ended up with not-quite-the-room-layout-we-like), so I was determined to book right at April 1st when I anticipated them opening things up for the next season. BUT THEN I checked yesterday and booking had already started (and options were disappearing fast). SNEAKY (no email was sent) but I’m glad I checked!
I’m working (on call) the week of Christmas, so for the first time we’re going the week after. I don’t think we’ve rung in a new year NOT at home for a long time; historically, Josh has been on call and we’ve done something low key. I am super happy that everyone is excited to go back (this will be year #5) because I definitely am.
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My daughter turned FIFTEEN today and I was like this time next year she WILL BE ABLE TO DRIVE. Somehow I am gobsmacked we’re so close to that stage. And you’re getting close to that milestone of parenting, too. Eeks. It’s a bit terrifying, but also so exciting (especially when I read about Kae’s boys being able to get themselves everywhere).
We have Carplay in our SUV and it is a first for me and I am obsessed. Love, love, love. It’s also the first time I have a backup camera and I’m also obsessed with that. AND A HEATED STEERING WHEEL which is perhaps the best feature of all. Basically, I now want all the bells and whistles 🙂
I already had teh backup camera – let’s just say I NEED ONE. I LOVE IT. But was missing the CarPlay! So happy to have it.
AND OMG 1 year!!! 15!!!! (Tell her to listen to the Taylor Swift “15” song on repeat 🙂 )
hi! long time reader 🙂 I love that you and your family have found a place like Big Sky that everyone enjoys and you want to keep going back too. I’m trying to get the courage to try a family ski trip for the first time (we are also a bunch of floridians over here LOL). I remember you once did a post like “ski trips for beginners” and I cannot for the life of me find it. Do you know what I’m talking about?! I would love to re-read it. Thanks!
ooh I will search! The only thing is that – well, we’ve only done skiing ONE WAY, so I don’t feel like much of an expert on other places or staying off base. I did used to have a ski gear post! It’s here: https://theshubox.com/ski-trip-recommendations. We totally wear all of the stuff still (except for kids who have grown out of original outfits!). Now considering buying ski boots etc as we are 5 years in.
That was it!! Thank you!:)
Sarah this is so exciting that you have your big sky lodging SET! I was wondering about your experience there—our family is going to Bozeman for 5 days this summer and I’ve been thinking of 2 days at big sky + 2 days at Yellowstone (with the fifth day being our arrival and getting settled in, etc)…would it be okay to email you with questions based on your experience at the resort?? We’ve never been to Montana and I’m hoping to make the most of it!!
absolutely!!! Any time!!! We really want to go sometime during summer too BUT since we tend to repeat the winters we haven’t gotten to it yet. So many places and limited time (and $)!
What did you decide to get? We’re only about 6 months behind you on the driving schedule – eek! Our current cars are fine for people from the 1900s, but we definitely want something with more safety features for teen drivers.
oh we did not get a car!!! Just the CarPlay installed into the Highlander – it’s like a little screen by Alpine (not sure if that’s a local place or a chain). DEFINITELY updates the driving experience though!