Summer vacations as a kid were never grand or elaborate, but they were full of joy, laughter, and the kind of moments that stay with you. Many of our trips included my grandparents and my aunt, turning even the simplest getaway into a full family adventure. One place that became especially meaningful—then and now—is Big Bear, California. I went there as a child, and now I get to return with my own kids, creating new memories in a place that already holds so many old ones.

When I think back, I can still picture our big, loud Italian family arriving with our own pasta, sauce, and even cucuzza. If you’ve ever seen an Italian squash, you know exactly what I mean. It was ridiculous and perfect, and those home‑cooked meals made our vacations feel like home in the best way.

Some moments stand out more than others. One night, my aunt took me night fishing off a pier. We weren’t catching anything and were chatting with another fisherman nearby. Suddenly, we looked down and saw seven fish in our bucket. My aunt joked that it felt like the Bible story of the multiplying fish. The fisherman just grinned, and we realized he had quietly slipped them in for us.

Another memory that still makes me smile is when we went parasailing. My grandmother on my dad’s side wanted to go too, and my other grandmother told her she was too old. Without missing a beat, she replied, “Well, I’m not as old as you are.” We were stunned she was even considering it—it was so out of character for her. She truly would have gone if she had the hand strength to unhook herself, but she didn’t. Still, the moment was unforgettable.

These childhood memories shaped what I hope to give my own children. It doesn’t have to be a grand or elaborate trip. What matters is the time together, the laughter, the stories they’ll retell someday, and the feeling of being surrounded by family. If they look back on their childhood with the same fondness I feel for mine, then I’ve done something right.