Hi! I’m Hadia Shahid — an aerospace engineer and a travel-loving stay-at-home mom, wife to an amazing man, and proud mama of two beautiful girls and the voice behind Our Routes and Roots. Life didn’t follow the flight plan I once imagined — and honestly, I’m grateful for that.
From Engineering to Everyday Adventures
After my second daughter was born, I made the choice to focus on being a full-time mom. What started as a personal decision became a season of presence, growth, and reflection.
While I truly enjoyed motherhood, I also felt the pull to create something meaningful — something that blended curiosity, creativity, and purpose. That’s how Our Routes & Roots was born.
Why I Started This Blog
As a family of four, we love to travel — not in the luxury, fly-everywhere style, but the real, practical, family-friendly way. We enjoy:
- Quick hiking day trips to nearby state parks
- Exploring hidden Midwestern gems close to home
- Planning weekend getaways and national park adventures with kids
For us, travel is about connection, discovery, and creating memories, not perfection. I started this blog to share our journey — the wins, the mistakes, the shortcuts, and the simple joys that make family life meaningful.
What You’ll Find on Our Routes & Roots
On this blog, I cover family travel, parenting, and family life, with honest, practical advice for busy parents:
Family Travel
- Family-friendly travel guides
- Travel tips for exploring with kids
- Budget-friendly vacation ideas
- Outdoor adventures like hiking, parks, and road trips
Family Life & Parenting
- Parenting tips for everyday life
- Health, wellness, and lifestyle tips for parents
- Mom life insights and reflections
- Routines and strategies to make parenting easier
- Celebrating family traditions and milestones
- Balancing family, self, and adventure
Home Learning
- Early childhood education tips
- Guides, resources and curriculum to help you in your journey whether you are homeschooling or looking for supplemental homework
Everything here is written with honesty, practicality, and heart — because I know how valuable your time is.
My Philosophy
I believe:
- You don’t need a big budget to make meaningful memories
- Kids don’t need perfect trips — they need present parents
- Travel can be simple, local, and still deeply enriching
- Motherhood doesn’t erase ambition — it reshapes it
This blog is proof that life after career shifts can still be purposeful, creative, and full of adventure.
Let’s Explore Together
Whether you’re a parent looking for easy family travel ideas, a mom navigating life transitions, or someone who loves discovering new places, I’m so glad you’re here.
Welcome to Our Routes & Roots — where we share the places we go and the stories that shape us 🌿
