Our children's favorite memories aren't exclusively those from the hard-to-reach locations we visit during our full-time travels. Their favorite moments range from walking on glaciers in Alaska to collecting seashells in Florida, soaking in hot springs in Canada to eating at a buffet in Las Vegas. Our kids find magic in the ordinary as much as they do in the extraordinary.

While driving the California coast along Highway 1, immersed in the beauty of our home state, I wondered if it could get any better. We stopped in Big Sur, only for a few hours, to play in a watering hole after filling our bellies at the Big Sur Lodge. That afternoon was magical, and I doubted it could be replicated.

While my husband is the adventurer, I am the cautious observer. I encourage my kids to try things, while understanding their fears and reservations. Sometimes though, you have to push them to try new things without pushing to the point that you'll end up paying beaucoup bucks for therapy sessions. A mighty fine line parents have to walk, huh?