Working as a freelance writer and editor gives me the freedom to complete tasks from almost any location, whether during a hospital stay for induction, after the children are asleep at night, or from a comfortable hotel room during an assignment.

The arrangement is not always ideal, yet it offers rewarding opportunities and I enjoy sharing these moments with my family whenever feasible.

For a three-day assignment in Palm Springs roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive from our San Diego home, though closer to three-and-a-half hours with necessary stops, the hotel permitted me to travel with my three-month-old, two-and-a-half-year-old, and husband.

This marked the first occasion I brought both children on a work trip and our initial overnight adventure as a family of four.

I felt uncertain about the outcome but looked forward to shared time

The vehicle overflowed with diapers, clothing, carriers, and every other item we anticipated needing for several nights away.

I had returned the previous day from my first solo press trip, while my husband had just finished his own work travel days earlier.

After pausing many professional opportunities following the birth of my first child, I could not afford similar delays with my second.

Although my schedule felt overloaded, I accepted both assignments and welcomed the chance to include my family on the second; I preferred not to separate from them again so quickly.

With both my husband and me traveling frequently, we sought a few nights together as a unit. I anticipated a busy period but underestimated the intensity ahead.

Balancing professional duties with family needs proved difficult

On the opening day I joined other journalists for a multi-course lunch and dessert sampling. During intervals and evenings I hurried back to assist my husband at the hotel.

I remember entering the room that first night to find him carrying the infant in a sling while soothing the toddler; both children had fallen asleep.

We all rested undisturbed through the night. The following day lacked the same smooth flow.

Between scheduled activities I returned briefly to nurse and then departed again.

My husband meanwhile fell behind on his own tasks because caring for two young children left little room for anything else beyond keeping them occupied and exploring the property.

That evening I nursed the baby while comforting the toddler simultaneously so my husband could focus on work. The moment felt briefly empowering.

Once both were settled I joined my husband in the bathroom, the only private space in the open room layout, to avoid disturbing the children.

We spoke quietly beside the shower while sharing leftover cold mashed potatoes from an event. Afterward we tried to handle remaining work on our laptops before collapsing into bed tired, yet the night continued.

The infant stirred repeatedly and the toddler awoke amid the activity. We felt completely spent, and my thoughts turned to the early 8 a.m. date-farm tour awaiting me.

Despite the commotion I would gladly repeat the trip

I enjoyed brief periods of adult time during events without constant supervision of the children, yet each break returned me to family responsibilities at the hotel.

My husband handled most childcare while I attended activities, but the experience created lasting family memories we would not otherwise have made.

Even amid the disorder I shared select moments with my children by bringing back dishes from meals, watching my toddler admire the hotel views, and enjoying breakfast together.

Despite extended hours and late work sessions we incorporated small family interactions into a primarily professional outing. I would choose to do it again without hesitation.