From Disney To Alaska: Creating Intentional Family Connections
Have you ever noticed how the smallest traditions can grow into the strongest family bonds? Twenty years ago, I started a simple tradition of taking each niece and nephew to Disneyland for their fifth birthday. Now, here I am, fresh off an Alaskan cruise with all seven of them, watching those small seeds of connection bloom into something extraordinary.
When my six nephews and one niece (affectionately known as "the niblings") piled into my podcast studio just hours after returning from that cruise, they were jet-lagged, wobbly from sea legs, and armed with teenage one-word answers. Yet even in their exhaustion, one truth shone through clearly: "Cowans show up for each other."
The Power of Intentional Traditions
Twenty years ago, when I realized I might not have children of my own, I made a decision that would shape our family's future: I would become the world's greatest aunt. (Don't tell my sister I said that.) This wasn't just about being the "fun aunt" who shows up with presents – it was about creating intentional traditions that would build lasting connections.
It started with Disney. When each nibling turns five, they get a special trip to Disneyland with just them and me. Some chose to drive the ten hours, windows down and music blasting. Others preferred to fly. A few invited their Uncle Cam to join for a day. Each trip was uniquely theirs, creating individual bonds within our larger family story.
At thirteen, they get to choose anywhere in the continental United States. From Corbin's Broadway dreams in New York to Gabe's sports extravaganza in Boston, from Asher's cross-country road trip to Kaitlyn's magical Christmas in Manhattan – each adventure reflects their personality while strengthening our connection.
The Whole Story
If you haven’t listened to my whole conversation with the niblings yet, take a listen:
Prefer audio only? Click here to listen on your favorite podcast app.
🎧 Listen to the full episode to discover:
- How a five-year-old's Disneyland tradition connects four generations of our family
- Why letting teenagers wander alone in new cities (with phone tracking!) builds confidence
- The story behind our first all-cousin cruise to Alaska
- How seven different personalities found ways to connect over pancakes, plays, and fireworks
- The promise of future world travels that keeps our family dreaming together
The Power of One Story
Family connections don't happen by accident. They're built through intentional traditions, consistent presence, and the willingness to adapt as family members grow and change. As my niblings shared their memories – from Phin falling asleep in his uncle's shirt during fireworks to Kaitlyn finding her voice as the only girl – I realized that these weren't just vacation stories. They were threads in a larger tapestry of family connection that we're weaving together.
Your Story
Think about your own family traditions. Are they serving their intended purpose of bringing your family closer together? Remember, traditions don't have to be elaborate or expensive – they just need to be consistent and meaningful.
Story Seeds 🌱
Plant these conversation starters and watch your family stories grow.
- For Siblings/Cousins: "What's your earliest memory of us doing something together? Tell me about a time when being with family made you feel brave enough to try something new."
- For Parents/Aunts/Uncles: "When you were growing up, what traditions did our family have that made you feel special? Which ones did you want to pass on to the next generation and why?"
- For Grandparents: "Tell me about your favorite family vacation when you were raising your children. What moments stand out most, and how did that trip bring your family closer together?"
- For Multiple Generations: "What's the most meaningful family tradition we have? Who started it, and how has it evolved over time? What do you hope future generations will understand about our family through this tradition?"
Story Sparks 🔥
Unlock your family's hidden stories with these research techniques.
- Encourage family members to download the Ancestry mobile app and share the family tree with them, giving them CONTRIBUTOR access. Create an album in your family tree called “Travel Memories” and invite them all to upload photos of family trips and tag the people in them. This helps document who was there and builds family connections.
- Search Newspapers.com for travel related items that mention your family members. Many families announced their vacation plans or homecomings in local papers.
- Order a custom chart from Family Chartmasters that shows all of the descendants of your parents or grandparents and order a copy for each of the cousins so they can see how they are connected.
Remember, the goal isn't perfect harmony – it's authentic connection. As Levi pointed out during our chat, sometimes tight quarters breed resentment, but they also breed stories and deeper understanding. Whether you're planning elaborate trips or simple Sunday dinners, the key is showing up consistently for the moments that matter most.
Ready to discover more stories about intentional family connection? Subscribe to Stories That Live In Us wherever you get your podcasts. And if this episode touched your heart, please leave us a rating and review – it helps other family story seekers find us.
© 2025 Crista Cowan. All rights reserved.
