In this deeply emotional episode of Chaos and Carry Ons, Stephanie shares the unforgettable story of the phone call that changed everything — Mateo’s birth and adoption journey. From a surprise adoption match during COVID to a frantic trip to Houston, a NICU meeting, and navigating a historic ice storm with a newborn on the way, this is a story filled with faith, chaos, and unexpected joy. Part one of this two-part series dives into the emotional moments, travel challenges, and heart-expanding experience of becoming a family through adoption. If you love real, raw motherhood stories, adoption journeys, and meaningful life moments, this episode will stay with you long after it ends.

In this Valentine’s Day episode of Chaos & Carry-Ons, we’re talking about real love—the kind that survives long travel days, airport stress, kids, and vacation chaos. From early marriage expectations to what love looks like after 10+ years, we break down how travel reveals the most honest side of marriage.

We share hilarious stories about packing styles, forgotten passports, travel stress, parenting on vacation, and the not-so-romantic moments that actually mean the most. Plus, our husbands join the conversation to revisit early trips, chaotic honeymoon memories, and one unforgettable travel moment that happened less than 24 hours after getting married.

If you’ve ever wondered how marriage, parenting, and travel collide—or why travel becomes a love language over time—this episode is for you. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a trip, a date night, or just surviving the day, come laugh with us through the chaos.

Looking for the perfect Arizona anniversary trip or a romantic getaway with a little adventure? This episode of Chaos & Carry-Ons takes you inside Shelby and Jordan’s unforgettable trip to Phoenix and Sedona, Arizona. The girls talk hiking Devil’s Bridge, exploring Sedona’s red rock scenery, finding incredible local food and coffee shops, visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross, and deciding how much time to spend in Sedona vs. Phoenix.

Things really take a turn during a sunrise hot air balloon ride that proves not all travel moments go according to plan—but those are usually the best stories. Whether you’re planning a kid-free trip, building your Arizona itinerary, or just love travel stories filled with romance, laughter, and chaos, this episode is for you.

Planning a Disney vacation in 2026 and wondering if the Disney Dining Plan is actually worth it? In this episode of Chaos & Carry Ons, we break down everything you need to know about the Disney Dining Plan 2026, including what’s included, how credits work, and which families benefit the most.

We cover the differences between Quick-Service vs. Table-Service dining plans, explain one-credit vs. two-credit restaurants, and share real-world tips on maximizing value—especially when traveling with babies, toddlers, and kids. Plus, we talk snacks (because Disney snacks deserve their own segment), budgeting tips, and common mistakes that can cost you both money and time.

Whether you’re a first-time Disney family or a seasoned park pro, this episode will help you decide if the Disney Dining Plan fits your travel style and how to use it like a pro in 2026.

Is taking a baby to Disney World magical… or completely unhinged? 🍼🏰

In this honest and heartwarming chit-chat episode of Chaos & Carry Ons, Shelby and Stephanie break down what it’s really like to travel to Walt Disney World with babies and toddlers; diapers, strollers, bottles, nap schedules, and all.

From newborns to walking toddlers, they share firsthand experiences taking their babies to Disney, including the pros and cons, best parks for little ones, baby-approved rides, stroller tips, Baby Care Centers, and how to survive Disney days without burning everyone out. If you’ve ever wondered whether babies enjoy Disney, which rides they can actually go on, or how Disney compares with a baby versus a toddler, this episode is your real-life survival guide.

Plus, Shelby celebrates a full-circle moment as her Disney baby Taylee joins the show for a special birthday chit-chat; talking favorite parks, rides, and what she loves most about traveling now that she’s grown.

Whether you’re planning your first Disney trip with a baby, traveling with toddlers, or just love Disney parenting content, this episode is packed with practical tips, honest expectations, and lots of heart.

Welcome to one of the first Mondays of 2026, and the perfect time to reintroduce ourselves. ✨

In this episode of Chaos & Carry Ons, Shelby and Stephanie sit down for a relaxed, conversational “get to know us” chat. We’re sharing fun facts, behind-the-scenes stories, travel preferences, and how this podcast came to be; without the formal, scripted introductions.

Whether you’re brand new to the podcast or you’ve been listening since season one, this episode gives you a deeper look into who we are, how we travel, what we’ve learned along the way, and what you can expect from Chaos & Carry Ons in 2026.

We talk about:

• How Chaos & Carry Ons started and how it’s evolved
• Our travel styles, favorite experiences, and biggest lessons
• Life outside the podcast and what this season looks like for us
• The energy, goals, and topics we’re bringing into the new year

If you love honest conversations, real-life travel talk, and a little chaos mixed in with your carry-ons, then you’re in the right place.

🎧 New episodes drop every Monday.

✈️ May your flights be on time and your luggage never lost, but if it's not, that’s where the fun begins.

What’s it really like to run a race through Disney parks before the sun comes up? 🏃‍♀️✨ This week on Chaos & Carry Ons, Shelby and Stephanie are joined by their friend Jenny, a seasoned runDisney runner, to break down the magic, the chaos, and the early morning wake-up calls that come with Disney race weekends.

Jenny shares her firsthand experience running multiple runDisney races, from course vibes and character stops to training expectations, cost, medals, merch, and whether it’s actually fun, or just looks good on Instagram.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• What time runners really wake up
• Whether you have to be a “runner” to do runDisney
• If stopping for character photos is worth it
• Or if the medals live up to the hype

This episode is for you. With race season kicking off in January, we’re diving into everything you need to know before lacing up, or cheering from the sidelines.

Whether you’re a Disney adult, a casual runner, or just run for the snacks, this chit-chat episode is packed with honest insights, laughs, and a little Disney magic.

It’s our first video episode uploaded to Spotify; so get ready to see the expressions behind the answers! To celebrate Derek and Stephanie’s 20th anniversary, Shelby and Jordan host a fun “Not-So-Newlywed Game” where the couples quiz each other with questions about favorite things, quirks, and memories. Laughter, surprises, and maybe a few wrong answers guaranteed.