After half a year in the marina — while I recovered — we are finally back on the water. It felt strange to stay still for so long, but it also gave us something we don’t usually have: time. Time to reflect on our lifestyle, our choices, and what we truly want for our family.
Because let’s be honest: living on a boat sounds dreamy… and yes, it often is.
But it’s definitely not always sunshine and calm seas.
There are days when we think: “Wouldn’t life be so much easier in a house?”
And then there are the moments when we look around and realise: “We’d be crazy to give this up.”
But one thing we knew for sure — if we continued, it wouldn’t be just the four of us anymore.
Because this season at sea starts with a new little crewmember: our puppy Ollie! 🐾⛵️
🧁 Celebrations on Board — Beau Turns Five!
Our return to boat life began with a celebration, because our youngest turned five!
Everything was ready — decorations, gifts, cake… and a little surprise twist.
Because it wasn’t just Beau’s big day — Lewis woke up without a tooth!
So, of course, the day started with a present hunt all over the boat. 🎁🦷
One of the hardest parts of this lifestyle is that the kids can’t celebrate birthdays with family and friends.
And yes, that’s one of the downsides — one that hurts a little every time.
But then again…
how many kids can say they celebrated their birthday in a different country every year?
There’s magic in that too.
🌞 The Outdoor Life — Our Greatest Luxury
If there’s one thing we’ll never take for granted, it’s this:
living outside, every single day.
Warm sunshine.
Fresh sea air.
Kids who move, explore, and learn constantly through life and nature.
And now with Ollie on board, we’re even more active — because a puppy brings adventure, chaos, and a lot of laughs!
🐶 Boat Life With a Dog — A Whole New Adventure
Bringing a dog onto a boat is exciting and fun…
but also a little nerve-racking.
Our tiny sailor can’t really swim yet, so one of us has eyes on him 24/7.
And just like every puppy, Ollie grabs anything he can get his paws on — no item on the boat is safe!
One of the biggest challenges so far?
Teaching him to do his business on a small patch of grass on board. 😂
When we’re on anchor and the sea is too rough to get to shore, or during long passages, he needs to go on the boat.
And that requires practice… lots of it.
Consistency, patience, and determination — for him and for us!
🏖️ Beach Breaks, Mini Hikes & Simple Joys
We try to get Ollie (and ourselves!) on land as much as possible.
A quick walk often turns into a mini adventure…
like that “little hike” we did, which ended up being 4 hours long.
A bit much for our baby sailor, but we made it. 😅
And whenever we need a reset, the beach is always the perfect escape.
That’s another huge blessing of this life — nature is always right outside our door.
⛵️ Why We Almost Stopped Living on a Boat
During our time in the marina, we questioned everything.
We asked ourselves: Should we continue with this life at sea?
Because here’s the honest truth about why we almost stopped:
• There is always boat work.
It never ends. And if you ignore it, the boat will make you pay twice later.
• The kids are homeschooled.
Their entire education depends on me — it takes time, energy, and a lot of responsibility.
• We live in a small space.
We’re always together, and there’s very little room for personal space or alone time. It can get intense.
• The responsibility is huge.
Kay carries the responsibility of safety — weather, navigation, anchoring… there’s no room for mistakes.
I carry the emotional, educational, and daily care for the kids — mom, teacher, friend, support system — 24/7.
• The risks are real.
Accidents, health issues, safety concerns, my fears… and yes, I’m even afraid of water.
It sounds ridiculous, living on it — but it’s true. I deal with that anxiety every day.
So why did we continue?
Because this life gives us things that no house ever could:
✅ We are free — truly free.
✅ We’re independent — almost self-reliant.
✅ We spend real, quality time together as a family.
✅ The kids learn through the world — not only books.
✅ We’re collecting priceless memories that will stay with us forever.
✅ This life is exciting, meaningful, and full of adventure.
🎥 Choosing This Life — And Sharing It
Sharing our journey online makes us vulnerable.
Our choices look different from the norm, and that can make us feel exposed.
But as long as this life makes us happy —
as long as we grow, learn, and feel alive —
we will keep going.
And if our story inspires even one other family to follow their dreams —
then it’s more than worth it.
If you’re new here — welcome aboard. 💙
We share the real moments of boat life: the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
Thanks for being here — it means more than you know.
See you in the next vlog!
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