Just when we thought, it can’t get any better – It has!

We’ve been pretty quiet on the travel blog for the last week or so—and there’s a really good reason for that.

Just when we thought this staycation couldn’t possibly get any better… it did.

When we were planning this 10 Countries in 10 Years adventure, we had a slightly crazy (read: brilliant) idea—to invite our family and friends to join us along the way. I mean, we’ve got a fantastic, large home right on the beach here in Tahiti with plenty of bedrooms. So, no accommodation costs, just book a flight and rock up.

Now, I really thought we wouldn’t get many takers. But to my surprise (and maybe because I covered a few airfare costs as a subtle hint), a bunch of our adult kids decided to join us!

So, for the last two weeks, we’ve had three of our grown-up children—plus husbands, partners, and girlfriends—all sharing our space. Yes, it’s been a little crazy. But honestly? It’s been the highlight of the staycation for me.

We’ve travelled all over the island together, snorkelled the coral in the lagoon out front, swum, sunbaked, had sunset drinks, cooked and eaten together like some kind of tropical-themed reality show—minus the eliminations.

We’ve got lost together, gone on long lunches and dinners together, explored markets and food trucks together, and even watched the State of Origin footy together. (With only one Queenslander in the mix, the post-match gloating was… intense. He dined out on that victory for days.)

We also attempted to get pizzas from a weird 3 minute hot pizza machine in the middle of nowhere. Which turned into a disaster after it only made two of the ten pizzas we ordered (those two were good tho and we were all hungry)

It’s been ridiculously good fun. We’ve laughed, tormented one another (lovingly, of course), helped each other out, and discovered some truly bizarre snacks across the island. We bounced around in the back of a 4WD across the island’s mountains—like an off-brand Jurassic Park—nearly falling out from laughter (and possibly questionable seatbelts).

The next day, we proudly compared bruises and sore muscles like war wounds.

Now, our family is super competitive when it comes to card games. We were introduced to a few new ones—dangerously addictive—and played them in every spare moment between sightseeing, sun roasting, and “finding Nemo.” One couple even brought a game they invented for a test run. It was a hit. With a few tweaks, I’m pretty sure Mattel will be knocking.

But the main event? The “Phase 10 World Championships.” A family tradition we’ve been playing for decades. We even have a trophy. (Though someone suspiciously took it home before the final round. There will be an inquiry.)
Congratulations to Hayley—our 2025 Phase 10 Champion of the World. May your reign be long and controversial.

We were already having so much fun, it didn’t seem possible for things to get better… but somehow, they did.

My eldest daughter got the surprise of her life when her boyfriend took her to a dreamy sunset spot—and got down on one knee. She said a massive “YES” through tears of joy. Most of us were in on the surprise from the beginning—we got the call from her boyfriend back in Australia, and from there, it was a covert operation worthy of a spy film. So many layers of deception we made Cosentino look like an amateur illusionist.

To top it all off, we threw a full-on Polynesian engagement BBQ: head-dresses, leis, Tahitian shirts, sarongs—the works. It was magic. I haven’t had that much fun since… well, last month.

Like any bold idea, this 10-year adventure is a bit of an experiment—especially this first year. But I think it’s fair to say (and unanimously agreed upon by Suz, the kids, their partners, and newly minted fiancés) that it’s already been a massive success.

More than a holiday.
More than an adventure.
More than just sightseeing or even getting engaged.

It’s been about rubbing shoulders—sometimes literally—with our adult kids. It’s about laughing, living, and reminding each other just how deeply loved and appreciated we all are.

Sadly, a few of our kids couldn’t make it this time (we have plenty!), but they are just as loved and missed. The really good news? Everyone wants to come to wherever we are going next year.

Now we just have to work on converting the lone Queenslander to a Blue… and maybe—just maybe—I’ll finally master Phase 10.

For any of you following along. Has this blog inspired you to maybe create your own adventure?

I hope so because it’s far better than I ever imagined and we’re only half way into year one!