Emily Simpson Gets Real About Taking Her Kids on Vacation “Alone” Without Shane
The RHOC mom admits the four-day cruise wasn’t easy, but the memories they created were “well worth it.”
Emily Simpson is not only a loving and dedicated mom, she’s also an incredibly brave one.
The Real Housewives of Orange County cast member embarked on a family vacation this week with her young daughter, Annabelle, as well as her twin sons, Luke and Keller. Emily reflected on the getaway via Instagram on Thursday, August 10, confirming it was a mommy-and-kids trip that didn’t include her husband, Shane Simpson.
Emily Simpson goes on a four-day cruise with her kids
“I wanted to take the kids on a Mom and me trip before heading back to school next week, so I decided on a four day cruise with [Royal Caribbean],” she wrote in an Instagram post. “We boarded the Navigator of the Seas on Monday, and are currently sailing back to a port in Los Angeles as I write this…”
Emily, who shares her young children with fellow attorney Shane, said she and the family traveled to Catalina Island in Southern California before visiting Ensenada, Mexico. She posted a series of photos and videos from the vacation, which included a day of zip-lining and bridge obstacle courses.
“Today we spent hours at the zip line park in Ensenada,” she continued. “Annabelle did it all (there were multiple zip lines and multiple bridges). Keller was scared at first but joined in later, and Luke was very adventurous for the first time ever and I was so proud of him! Four days was the perfect amount of time for us!”
Emily admits vacationing without Shane wasn’t easy
Emily confessed that vacationing as a solo parent wasn’t always smooth sailing. Although she didn’t provide details, the OC mom revealed there were several moments during the trip when she became overwhelmed — so much so that she had to contact Shane for some support. But despite the difficulties, Emily insisted the getaway “was well worth it.”
“I have to admit, parenting three kids on a vacation alone isn’t easy but the memories we made and fun we had was well worth it! (Tbh there were tears too and I called Shane a few times complaining),” she wrote.
Emily and Shane’s Different Parenting Styles
Emily and Shane tied the knot in 2009 and welcomed their first child, Annabelle, about four years later. The couple’s family life has been regularly featured on RHOC Season 17, exploring Emily’s new “momager” role as well as her parenting disagreements with Shane. Emily addressed the latter topic on Season 17 Episode 9, which aired on August 2, after she and her family took a trip to a pumpkin patch.
“Some of the biggest issues Shane and I have in our marriage is our parenting styles,” she said in an interview. “As a mother, I am not perfect and I mess up. The problem with our parenting styles is that Shane likes to check me in front of the kids.”
In a separate confessional, Shane said he has more patience as a parent and likes to think of himself as a “fun dad.” Emily admitted to her lack of patience, but said she’s committed to making the most out of family events.
“Shane grew up differently. I mean, he grew up in a solid home with a mom and dad, so maybe he doesn’t understand why it’s a big deal to me,” she said. “I’m trying to do better for my children. I’m trying to give them a family, a structure, safety.”
