October 29, 2013

High Flying Success Part 2: More Tricks for Flying with a Busy Toddler

Another couple of round trip flights for Bergen (2 years old) have come and gone, and we continue to add tricks and diversions for keeping him busy on the plane.

Given the fact that the little guy earned an “A” on each leg of a recent trip down to California, I thought I’d share what kept him from going bananas. Yes, Slaed (dad) gives Bergen a grade at the end of each flight. Something that Bergen of course pays no attention to and isn’t yet aware of, but it’s fun for us to together assess how he’s performed.

Even for a quick hour and a half flight to San Jose, CA from Seattle we have to stay prepared and pack plenty to keep Bergen occupied while in flight. I like to think his high scores might have to do with some experience with flying as well as some of the toys and entertainment items we packed along for him to keep safely content in his seat.

Many of the standby, tried and true items from Busy Toddler’s Plane Ride Part 1 remain. He still loves to flip through photo albums so for this flight I printed a new batch of recent photos for us to look at and talk through. The stickers, matchbox cars, slow (and frequent) snack time, and courtesy airplane items (like ice, in-flight magazines, brochures) continue to work. However, in order to keep things new and fresh, it’s important to throw even more fun into the mix:

A Toddler-sized Carry-on

We’ve made one big new discovery. We recently purchased a toddler-sized backpack for Bergen, thanks to a birthday gift certificate he received from REI. I thought it would be good for him to start getting used to wearing a backpack for some of our short hikes; giving him a little ownership of his water bottle, snack, maybe a tiny toy or two. When I started preparing for this plane ride, I realized the backpack would now be the perfect place for him to house all his plane goodies.

Bergen loves to wear his backpack. He marched around the airport with it strapped to his back, and would in fact get upset if we tried to take it off! I think he’s very proud that he’s able to carry his own supplies, and it makes the items inside even more special and precious to him (and thus more entertaining). It was also great for the rest of the trip. Since we were attending a family wedding, it was nice to have around as we towed him from event to event.

Plane-Friendly Art Supplies

Much of Bergen’s fun on the plane centered around keeping his little hands busy, and it makes sense that creative art supplies were involved. You can’t exactly craft a full blown work of art in the confines of an airplane, so some more compact (and less messy) items would have to do:

Wikki Stix-Several restaurants in our area give small packs of these crafting sticks, so we often save them for later use. They are a mix of yarn and wax, and we have great fun twisting and bending them into shapes, creatures, and things you can wear! You can of course buy entire packs, and I know from my teaching days, these will stay fun and entertaining for years to come.
Play Dough-All it took was a super-small container of play dough to keep Bergen busy for at least 20 minutes (that’s a long time for him). He loved to pull the dough out, squish it back in, and make snakes and balls on his tray table. It’s also really easy to clean-up as it all just sticks together so nicely. I used this super easy dough recipe a while back and our dough is still going strong!
Plastic-covered Crayons-Bergen is not past the stage of putting everything into his mouth. He still uses this as a way to explore, and with regular crayons, it can get tiring to pull bits and pieces out of his mouth as he “taste-tests”. He also isn’t shy about just breaking the crayon in half before he even has a chance to color with it. So even though, the longer “crayons” with plastic covers are made for older kids, they make coloring with Bergen a whole lot easier, and he actually colors!

Miniature Figures

Just the right size for travel, those mini figures that seem to automatically collect in your house once you have a toddler, are fascinating for Bergen. We have animals, army guys, cowboys, even some disney characters have popped into the mix, and they are great for staging little scenes and doing lots of pretend play. I had Bergen choose several to take along before the trip, and we keep them in an old yogurt container.

Traveled with a toddler? What tips and tricks do you have to share?

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Bayview State Park: Simple Setup, Spectacular Sunset

We just had one of those weekends where we didn’t travel very far from home, but still felt like we were truly getting away.

Skagit Valley is just an hour and a half or so north of Seattle. Its most famous claim-to-fame is the Tulip Festival that takes place every spring. The rural area is also spotted with adorably charming small towns, pastoral view after pastoral view, and its situated where one can take in the water to the west and Cascades to the east, including Mount Baker, all in one spot.

In need of a fall getaway, we made the quick trip to see what staying in a state park cabin, with a toddler, might be like.

Bayview State Park (also in the town of Bayview) is located on Padilla Bay with views of the larger town of Anacortes as well as the San Juan Islands. It’s a small state park made up of mostly cabins, campgrounds and RV spots, but it’s quiet, and it has an incredible beach.

You’ll hear much more about our trip, from the food we ate to the hikes and other adventures we got into, but I just love how we started off our weekend.

For one, we were relieved to learn it clearly doesn’t take nearly as long to setup “camp” at a cabin as it does when tents are involved. We also had a better plan: One person works while the other gives full attention to Bergen (2 years old). Then switch. No more thinking we can both set things up and “keep an eye on” the little guy. It just doesn’t work and it’s not worth the time we think we would save.

In what felt like no time, our beds were set, chairs and supplies were out, and food was organized (you’ll see we didn’t need much). And then, we were munching on appetizers, enjoying refreshments, and making our way to witness sunset on the bay.

In addition to rocks, Bergen has now added sticks to his collection habits, so you might imagine he was quite pleased at the selection. He was so content here, just wanting to explore and gather treasure after treasure.

Skagit Valley is also known as an incredible place for bird watchers. Here we had our first of many great blue heron sightings throughout the weekend.

Usually after awhile I’m told to quit it with all the picture taking, but this time, Slaed understood because every time we looked out, the sky had changed, and was showing us something a little different.

Where can YOU get away without traveling too far? Share your favorite destination, even if it’s just down the street!

Come join the conversation! You can keep up to date with each and every post by subscribing to the blog via email. We’d also love to have you join us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

More from Skagit Valley:

Naptime Road Trips: La Conner, WA

October 18, 2013

Our Midwest Beach Vacation: Exploring Point Beach State Forest in Two Rivers, WI

When you hear “Wisconsin”, what’s the first thing you think about?

Cheese, cows, curds, and beer all seem to be classic answers.

How about the beach though?

Does splashing in the waves, boogie boarding, and walking along the shore come to mind?

It most certainly did not for us, but after attending a family wedding in Madison, we were willing to give the coast of Wisconsin a try. In fact, we turned what could have been a short wedding weekend, into a full week mid-west vacation.

From Madison, we made our way north to the small “beach” town of Two Rivers on Lake Michigan. Normally we choose to stay in town and close to the action of restaurants, cafes, and local shops, and while we weren’t far (just 2 miles), this time a comfortable retreat that was closer to the water was more important to us.

Our Midwest Beach Vacation: Exploring Point Beach State Forest in Two Rivers, WI| WildTalesof.com

Happy to support Wisconsin’s state parks system, we chose Point Beach State Forest to be our first spot of exploration, and minus a break for lunch and Bergen’s (2 years old) nap, we made the most of the entry fee and spent the majority of the day here.

First, we decided on a leisurely (though long) walk along the water with Bergen beginning and ending in the backpack carrier. He also started off with regular clothes, changed into his swimming gear when it became evident that we wouldn’t be shy about the water, and was back in his dry clothes as we made our way home.

We nearly had the beach to ourselves and took our time taking in views of the lighthouse, stopping to investigate the differences in the lake shore verses ocean shore, and giving Bergen plenty of time to throw sand and rocks into the water and chase butterflies.

Our Midwest Beach Vacation: Exploring Point Beach State Forest in Two Rivers, WI| WildTalesof.com

After a while, we saw a blue tent set-up in the distance and made the goal of reaching it for our turn around spot. We planned to then take the forest trail back to get a different perspective of the park.

Our Midwest Beach Vacation: Exploring Point Beach State Forest in Two Rivers, WI| WildTalesof.com

As we approached the group at the blue tent, the people were friendly enough, but they were skeptical. Like us, I think they were enjoying their deserted beach time, and weren’t sure about this family of three encroaching on their fun.

Behind them, we started up the walkway, to find the forest trail that would lead us back to the park entrance. Here we ran into even more people, and discovered that we actually were invading these vacationers space! After following the walkway, we found a set of rustic cabins (available to rent from the state park) and quickly realized we needed to get out of their hair before they started thinking were some sort of weird intruders.

A couple of the campers were nice enough to lead us to the trail and we were on our way. Unfortunately, we didn’t last long. Being the spoiled Pacific Northwesterners that we are, it didn’t occur to us to bring the bug spray (that we packed, but left at the rental) along with us. Before stepping foot into the forest, we didn’t even think we’d need it! Isn’t bug spray just something you slap on at night while enjoying some outside time? Not even close.

Our Midwest Beach Vacation: Exploring Point Beach State Forest in Two Rivers, WI| WildTalesof.com

Can you tell Slaed was high tailing it out of there?

The mosquitoes literally consumed us. And poor Bergen in the backpack carrier was defenseless. He couldn’t even reach down and swat them away. We were back to the beach in a hurry, which is a shame because I was really looking forward to getting to know more of the woodsy parts of Wisconsin that we had heard so much about.

I guess we should have been more prepared. The girls who helped us get to the path originally must of assumed we were smarter, because they made no mention of the pests. All they said was what a great time we’d have hiking!

A much more pleasant return.

After this experience and even more fun later on in our trip, we are a couple of believers in the Midwest beach! Calm water, soft sand, beautiful views… Just stay clear of the forested areas unless you are well-equipped and ready to defend yourself.

These suckers were certainly not the worst pests we’ve encountered, but bad enough. Where have you run into the worst bugs in your travels?

More from our Midwest Vacation:

September 27, 2013

Olympic National Park’s Big Cedar: Whoops, No Photo.

On our way to Ruby Beach during our camping trip in Olympic National Park last month, we decided to make a quick detour to the “The Big Cedar Tree”. Signs, maps, and guides were steering us over to check out the natural wonder. When we arrived at the parking area, we only need to walk a few steps to find what was indeed quite a large cedar tree.

However, surrounded by the big cedar was also quite a large crowd.

Who wants to fight over a good view of the thing when there’s a whole forest to see? With a quick look, we continued on the trail. It wasn’t a decision we really discussed. As usual, we just let Bergen lead the way.

He must have been in search of a more peaceful, serene experience. When we jutted off the main trail down a little cut off, we found our own “big cedar” to check out in all it’s glory.

And when we made our way back passing the famous big cedar once more, can you believe an even bigger crowd of lookers, climbers and photographers had formed? I’m glad Bergen had his own little plan.

Which U.S. National Park did you explore last? National Public Lands Day is tomorrow: Saturday, September 28, 2013. On this day, and a few other days during the year, entrance fees to all National Parks are waived.

Come join the conversation! You can keep up to date with each and every post by subscribing to the blog via email. We’d also love to have you join us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

Related Posts:

Seattle/Puget Sound Area Readers: Have you entered our Chinook Book Giveaway? Hop on over to the post and get in the running!

September 20, 2013

When You Only Have a Day: The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and Its Falls

We only had one day to visit Yellowstone National Park during our trip to Montana’s Paradise Valley. Deciding how to spend our time was tricky. We knew we would return to the park at some point in the future, but not knowing when we would return left us confused. Should we race around and see everything possible only stopping for a minute or two at a point to take a quick look and snap a few photos, only to jump back in the car and do it all over again somewhere else? Or not see as much, but take the little time we already had and spend time at just a few select points?

You can probably guess that we chose take it easy. With only a day in the park, we were already rushed, and to top it off we had the added pressure of making sure Bergen (22 months) napped at some point during the day. Our first stop was the Mammoth Hot Springs area where, in order keep up with my half marathon training, I got a trail run in while Slaed and Bergen hiked and explored.

After a peaceful drive where Bergen snoozed and Slaed and I took in the sights, we were ready for our next adventure. The drive also gave us some time to make up or minds on what to see,. We decided on the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

We started off taking in the views of upper falls noting what a wet spring the area must have had judging from the amount of water flowing. As you might imagine, the gushing water really made for a full-on sensory experience.

Moving on to another spot along the canyon, we spent some time walking and hiking around Upper Falls. Aside from my trail run experience, this one of my favorite parts of the day. I couldn’t stop looking at the falls, which meant I also couldn’t stop snapping photos from different points on our trek down (and back up) for a closer look.

At this particular viewpoint, we were closer to the action, and were given somewhat of a respite from the crowds. Since it requires a little bit of a hike, not everyone decides to venture this far. Also, just a little ways out from the viewpoint was a huge nest with a small osprey tucked inside!

Maybe we didn’t see it all, but we did see a few things pretty well. I know we’ll be back.

Have you visited a National Park lately? Which National Park did you explore last? National Public Lands Day is coming up on Saturday, September 28, 2013. On this day, and a few other days during the year, entrance fees to all National Parks are waived.

Are you planning to visit a National Park soon? Tell us about your plans in the comments!

Seattle/Puget Sound Area Readers: Have you entered our Chinook Book Giveaway? Hop on over to the post and get in the running!

September 11, 2013

Making our Way to Door County, Wisconsin: Algoma and It’s Murals

When we began planning our trip to Wisconsin, anyone we talked to (who knew anything about Wisconsin) would mention Door County. I’ll admit, I’d never heard of the place. Maybe it’s my East Coast/West Coast bias of just not paying attention to the stuff in the middle.

Door County is located on the northern tip of the Door Peninsula on the northeast side of the state. To the west is Green Bay (the bay, not the city), and to the east is Lake Michigan.

From our hub in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, it would take about an hour to get to what most consider just the gateway of Door County: Sturgeon Bay. With just a day to explore, and a toddler in tow plus a planned date night starting in the early evening, we had to be mindful of our time.

Instead of rushing up to “true door county” we took our time driving up to the peninsula, and decided to stop in the little towns along the way.

Algoma was where we decided to hop out of the car for our morning coffee. On recommendation from our guide book, we wandered into Caffe Tlazo, an Italian inspired eatery featuring delicious coffees and teas. We thought we’d order our typical stand-bys, but were intrigued by the cafe’s selection of what I call “fancy drinks”. Combinations of flavors and concoctions that I’d never heard of before had us studying the menu longer than usual. I finally decided on some sort of peanut butter latte while Slaed went with a beachy sounding mocha drink.

Once hitting the road to explore, we immediately noticed a beautiful mural welcoming us to the town, and showing some of what makes the location special.

Then we continued on and I realized there was not just one mural, but at least 10 works of art showcased throughout their downtown area on the sides of buildings. For a town of just over 3,000 residents, that’s a lot! Some are painted directly on the wall while others are painted and designed elsewhere, and then attached. These murals show important pieces of Algoma’s history, and are now part of the small town’s “claim-to-fame”.

We didn’t get to see every single mural, but we came close, and for the little time we had to see the town (the time it takes to finish one’s coffee), we sure learned a lot about how this place came to be. And speaking of those coffee drinks—what a fun way to change up the routine and treat yourself!-

Have you traveled to or explored a town famous for it’s murals? Tell us about the place in the comments!

August 27, 2013

Sleep for Camping Toddlers

Before our camping trip to Washington’s Olympic National Park earlier this month, we had some concerns with how a few things would work logistically with a toddler in tow.

Ruby Beach: Olympic National Park | WildTalesof.com

We wanted our meals to work well. They didn’t need to be gourmet, but we also wanted to do more than heat up a can of chili.

We also wanted to make sure we packed the right supplies. We didn’t want to bring too much, but we also didn’t want to be lacking in anything.

We wanted to set-up camp in the most efficient way possible. We wondered how we would get everything done while still making sure Bergen was safe, and Norman (the dog) wasn’t running amok or barking his head off.

What weighed most heavily on both of our minds though was sleep: Not so much for ourselves (though that’s great too), but for our soon-to-be 2 year old. Visions of Bergen screaming in the middle of the night waking the entire campground, and worries of him not falling asleep in the first place because of the foreign environment kept us up in the nights leading up to our trip.

To try and ease our minds, we thought logically. He sleeps well at home and he sleeps well when we travel to non-camping destinations. We simply had to do our best to ensure that all his usual sleep routines, comforts and associations were somehow represented in this outdoor situation.

Sleep for your Camping Toddler

Tip: Analyze your child’s sleeping arrangement at home, then plan and figure out how to replicate the set-up at your camp site.

Here’s what worked for our little guy who at home sleeps in his own room (right next to ours) in a crib:

1. Supplies

His usual comfort items: special “lovies” and blanket
Fleece footed pajamas and a fleece sleep sack for extra warmth (temperatures got to 50 degrees F at night)
Battery operated Sound Machine for white noise
Sleeping bag
Go-Crib Adventure Crib
Tent (Kelty 2-person)

2. Set-up

Since Bergen sleeps in his own room at home, we felt that our sleeping situation while camping should be no different. We are lucky to have 2 tents, so we set up both side by side at the campsite. His portable crib fit perfectly in our 2-person Kelty tent.

3. Routine

With modifications respective to our camping situation, we followed Bergen’s normal bedtime routine. After dinner, he gets into his pajamas, we read stories while he drinks a little cup of milk, then we put him in his sleep sack, brush his teeth & say good night. He sees all of these activities as sleep associations, so I feel like he really understood that it was time for bed and time to sleep. It was important for me to go through this routine meticulously in my mind before our trip so that I didn’t forget anything integral to the process!

4. Flexibility

While we were very serious with our planning, we also went into the whole sleeping situation with an open mind. Bergen usually goes to bed around 7:30 pm, but on the first night we were worried that he might not feel like it was truly time to sleep until it was dark (he has blackout curtains at home). Instead of being strict, we waited until about 9pm to ease some of that worry. For the second night, since he went without a nap that day he was more than ready to go down before the sun. I also knew that he wouldn’t wake up at his usual time, and expected an earlier wake up.

We hoped for the best, but knew that one of us might need to go in to comfort and reassure him. In the end, he was a champion sleeper! We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome with him falling asleep easily at bedtime, and giving us a reasonable wake-up call at 7:00 am. Our only sleep hiccup was that we missed his sleep window for an afternoon nap on our first full day at camp. We merely waited too long, and it was too late for him to get to sleep. It turned out alright though because it made it that much more easy to get him to bed that night!

Sleep for the Camping Toddler | WildTalesof.com

Have you gone camping with children? What was the sleep set-up like? How did it go?

More of our camping adventures:

August 26, 2013

An Ice Cream Cone Fit for Lunch: UW Madison’s Babcock Hall Dairy Store

For better or worse, we are long past the stage of withholding certain sweets and treats from Bergen’s (2 years old) diet. Given our affection toward ice cream (among other indulgences), it would be difficult to keep it away from him. What would we say? “This is only for grown-ups?” or “You wouldn’t like it?”

For a little guy who is willing to try nearly everything under the sun in terms of food, we just wouldn’t be able to put this one past him. So, we don’t even try. It’s not to the point where Bergen gets his very own cone, but he does his fair share of licks from ours.

In planning our recent trip to Wisconsin, a first time visit for both Bergen and I, we had a few expectations. One of those expectations was good ice cream. I should also mention that Slaed and I made a goal of consuming at least one ice cream per day, more than one was even better. After all, Wisconsin is the dairy state, and naturally claims to be the best at whipping up creamy confections.

On our first full day in Wisconsin, we wanted to go big. As we began walking down Madison’s State Street and into the campus of the University of Wisconsin, we decided Babcock Hall Dairy Store was a necessary stop on our college tour. After already logging over 3 miles on foot with the heat of the day getting to it’s peak, when we arrived all I wanted to do was order and get down to the business of enjoying my ice cream.

I knew better though and first took the time to learn a little bit about the their method. First, we followed cow prints up and down a few hallways and stairs before arriving at the observation deck. Here we got to view some of the machinery used in the ice cream making process. Not a lot was happening during the time of our visit, but it was still fun to think about the huge amounts of ice cream produced here. The plant was build in 1951 and is the oldest dairy building at a university in the country. Along with ice cream, cheese and milk are also produced and bottled.

After our brief lesson, it was time to get serious. Time to choose our flavors. With so many good choices, I began to worry that I might not be able to decide, but then I noticed my old standby: Chocolate Peanut Butter. Slaed went with a favorite flavor combination of his: Orange Custard Chocolate Chip. Needless to say, Bergen sampled tastes from each our cones though lucky for me, I think he preferred the orange custard.

The students who dish out the scoops here are quite generous. The cones you see us devouring are both single scoops, but by the looks of them, you’d think we ordered something much bigger. Going along with the size of the cones we received, the ice cream itself is also quite filling. I’m not one to veer off from my 3 meal-a-day schedule (with snacks also thrown in for good measure), but even after the 3 mile walk back to our apartment rental, lunch was still the furthest thing from my mind. It wasn’t until dinner later on that day that I actually realized I didn’t eat lunch that afternoon!

Where do you like to fill-up on ice cream? We’d love for you to share your best spot in the comments below!

Info to Know:

Babcock Hall Dairy Store is located at the University of Wisconsin in Madison:
- 1605 Linden Drive
  Madison, WI 53703
- Hours: M-F 7:30 am-5:30 pm, Saturday 11am-4pm, Football Saturday 10am-5:30pm
If you have a group of 10 or more, you can pre-schedule a short guided tour of the ice cream, cheese & milk bottling process.
The dairy store is more than just ice cream. Breakfast and lunch is also available, and they claim to have the best coffee on campus!

August 18, 2013

Camping: It’s Hard Work! Why We Love it and Would Even Extend our Trips

There’s just something about camping that connects me to a place more than just staying in a hotel or rental home.

Yes, the differences are pretty obvious: Outside vs. Inside, Cooking on a barbecue or fire vs. Just eating out. The cost savings is also quite significant. What I love most though is being surrounded by and experiencing the nature that we seek out so much in our travels. We never have to leave it either.

At the same time though, all those positives come with a heck of a lot of work. Hard work without kids involved; even harder with a toddler in tow.

The work starts well before we pull up to the campsite too. Meal planning, packing lists, organizing supplies, then figuring out how to fit all the gear, food, and supplies in the car.

Next comes a road trip. Fun? Yes, but there’s some stress involved with navigating (to an extent), and in our case keeping a nearly 2-year old from completing losing it during the drive.

Upon arrival at the campground, it’s bitter sweet. On one hand, we’ve arrived at a beautiful destination.

On the other hand, we have work looming over us: The chore of setting up tents, tarps, and chairs, then organizing the food, starting a fire, and eventually preparing and cooking that food so deserving bellies can become full. We can’t get too comfortable though because clean-up, dish washing and putting it all away is just around the corner.

It’s funny, given all this hard work you’d think we’d just throw in the towel and resolve to stay in a cabin next time. That’s not out of the question, but what we’re really actually considering is extending the camping trip by a night or two!

2 nights is just too short. It’s too soon to pack up and go when really, we feel like we just arrived, and just started feeling relaxed and connected to our environment. For all the labor involved, it only seems fair that we get to reap some of the benefits of life outdoors for a longer period of time.

What’s your ideal length of time for a camping trip? 3 nights? 1 week? No camping at all? Tell us all about your choice in the comments!

August 8, 2013

Outdoor Gear on a Budget: 5 Ways for Families to Save

Now that we’re really in the thick of summer here in Seattle, I got gear on my mind. I’m especially thinking about all the supplies we need for our adventures with our camping trip to the Olympic Peninsula coming up quickly. We’re not exactly minimalists when it comes to camping, and we also don’t go overboard with supplies, but the essentials for us like a good tent, backpack carrier for Bergen (nearly 2 years old), sleeping bags, and even things like boots and the right clothes are all important for us to be comfortable and have a successful trip.

As we go through mental lists, actual written-on-paper lists, and our basement to prepare, I thought I’d share the ways we acquired all this gear in the first place. Many items, if we want something of quality, come with a hefty price tag, and we’ve found a few ways to work around the steep cost. At the same time there are other items that are not as necessary, but nice to have. We love finding ways to save on those fun or comfort items too.

1. Make a Wish List.

We try to plan and anticipate the big ticket items we might need or want in advance. We keep track of these items, make lists, and then when the opportunity arises, we might tell family and friends. When birthdays, Christmas and other celebrations come around, we are prepared, and can tell people exactly what we have in mind (if they ask!). If the item is too much for even one gift giver to handle, we might even ask for a contribution toward the purchase, or hint toward a group effort.

2. Buy Used.

You know that wish list? It also comes in handy when we are out and about. When shopping, I tend to get overwhelmed and lose focus, but if I have a goal in mind, especially when shopping thrift stores, I’m more successful and don’t make the mistake of overbuying or buy things we don’t really need.

Goodwill, thrift stores, garage & yard sales, craigslist, and our local parent network are all great resources for us to find quality used gear. We’ve even been lucky to find items that people have only used a handful of times, so it’s practically new, but half the cost (or less). It’s at these types of places, where we also purchase things that are more of a fun item, but not completely necessary. The other day, we were at a local children’s consignment store looking for shoes for Bergen. While we didn’t find shoes, we did come across a great camping chair for him! Was it completely necessary? No, but for $5, it’ll be a fun item to have for our trip.

3. Deep Discount Sites.

Sites that hold “flash sales” or a deal-of-the-day can also come in handy when you have gear that you need in mind. Items are offered at deep discounts and if you pay attention and are able to act quickly, you can take advantage There’s some work involved because you have to sift through all that you don’t need or want, but in the name of saving money, it’s worth the effort. For gear, I just discovered a handy resource at http://www.theclymb.com/ . I get an email notification each morning of the daily deals offered, and can quickly decide if there is anything worthwhile for me to purchase. At the moment, I’m on the lookout for hiking gear that Bergen will need as he gets older and is doing more and more actual hiking on his own. Shoes and a backpack fit for a toddler are two things on my mind.

4. Wait for it.

We love hitting sales, and it’s often at the end of the season or just completely off the season that we find the best deals. Sure, it’s not as fun because we might not be able to wear or use the gear right away, but again, it’s a small price to pay for saving money. It’s even helpful for smaller ticket items that can add up. Take shoes for example. I hate paying full price for foot wear that Bergen will only wear for a short time since he grows so fast. This year we snagged a great pair of rain boots that he can wear in the fall, but we bought them in April at an end-of-season sale. This works out well, but we do have to think ahead and take a gamble on predicting sizes.

5. Borrow or Rent.

There are just some items that we know we won’t use frequently enough to warrant a purchase, and we know it would be a waste of money to spend the big bucks. Renting or borrowing really makes sense when we know we’d use the item infrequently and only under certain circumstances. I’d love my own pair of snowshoes, but even though the snow isn’t that far away here in Seattle, I’m better off borrowing them from a friend (or renting) because I know I’d really only use them once a year, or even less.

Just remember to check the gear thoroughly when renting or borrowing. Many, many years ago when I borrowed a tent for a camping trip to Montana, we opened the bag only to find a tarp and poles, but no tent! We ended up scoring a great tent at the thrift store the next day, so it worked out okay, but the first night wasn’t exactly what we expected.

Do you have any money saving tips for purchasing great outdoor gear? Or have you used one of these tricks? Let us know in the comments below.

More on our favorite adventure/outdoor gear:

This post is sponsored by The Clymb. All content and opinions are my own.

August 1, 2013

Fun at the Lake with Toddlers: Safer and Easier Swimming

Earlier this month, we ventured back to Hayden Lake, Idaho. Our time at the lake gives us a chance to reconnect with friends, disconnect from our computers and other screens, and just enjoy the beauty that North Idaho throws at us. We’re lucky to get to stay at the house where our good friend grew up, a place my husband Slaed has been coming to for 20 years, so it really feels like home when we visit.

Clearly we enjoyed gorgeous blue water views lined with the greens of pine trees and backed by the hills and mountains of the area, but having fun in the lake with a toddler can be tricky. With just a foot or so of shore, there wasn’t a whole lot of room for Bergen (nearly 2 years old) to romp and play. While we definitely took advantage of this space, the water was murkier here and not as fun to swim in with water plants and other sediment floating around.

Moving on to deeper water, of course it only got harder. Taking the plunge and going for a dip is refreshing and invigorating. Even on a hot summer day though, and even after a sweaty 6-mile run, it’s cold! After just a a few minutes, Bergen’s little limbs started shivering, and his lips were at the beginning stages of turning blue. It’s also a lot of work to keep you and a toddler afloat. Bergen had his life jacket, but that only provided us parents with just a little bit of relief. He still needed a lot of help staying upright. A boogie board gave him little bit of a platform, but Bergen only tolerated that for so long before he wanted to get moving.

When it was time for some more relaxing and laid back fun, we turned to our trusty little blow-up pool. We still had to wait a bit for the sun to warm up the cold water coming fresh from the hose, and it took us a little while to find the perfect spot on the lawn that was level, but once everything was situated Bergen sure was happy splashing in and out of the water.

And I was more than happy to join him. Here I could still take in the view (it may have been even better than down below at the dock), keep an eye on the little guy, and relax in the shade. Bergen’s version of an infinity pool, and so practical for the traveling family too.

What are your favorite lake-fun activities? How do you keep your little ones safe while still enjoying the water?

July 25, 2013

All are Welcome: The Palace Hotel in Port Townsend, WA

Beautiful end-of-summer weather in the forecast paired with an entirely open schedule for the weekend meant that a quick and spur of the moment getaway needed to happen. Last September we got to be spontaneous for one of the first times in our young parenting lives, and decided to take an overnight trip with little to no advance planning. When my husband Slaed saw the two factors come together (the weather and the schedule), he left it to me to choose a destination relatively close to Seattle, and book a hotel.

It didn’t take long for Port Townsend, Washington to come to mind as a perfect place for our quick trip. I’d been meaning the explore the town with it’s old Victorian-style homes, numerous parks, and beautiful views since only getting a quick glimpse years ago. And since the town is located on the northeast tip of the Olympic Peninsula, it’s just over a 2-hour car ride from Seattle. To make the trip even sweeter, part of those 2 hours includes a 30-minute ferry crossing from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island: Perfect for a little guy (about 13 months then) who likes to get out and move.

A few factors were necessary for our perfect Port Townsend hotel stay. First we had our hearts set on a suite-style room. We’ve grow accustomed to and been spoiled by hotel spaces that have a bedroom along with a living area. This way, Bergen gets his own sleep space, and we can have our own sleep space, and since Bergen goes to bed much earlier than us, we like the option of taking it easy, chatting, or watching a movie without having to tiptoe around with the lights off. In addition, given the last minute planning we also needed a hotel that was pet-friendly. It was too late to arrange for pet boarding, we didn’t want the extra expense of someone else taking care of him, and plus it’s about time our dog, Norman joined us on one of our out of town adventures! Our last necessary factor was location. The hotel needed to be in the middle of it all. We wanted to be able to park the car, and not use it for the duration of the weekend.

The Palace Hotel met all of our needs. Room #9: Miss Lily’s Suite was available, the place welcomes dogs, and with it’s location on Water Street in downtown Port Townsend, we could walk to restaurants, shops, parks, and other local attractions.

The Welcome

As soon as we arrived, we were welcomed. After a quick lunch next door at the Public House, we inquired about an early check-in. Bergen desperately needed to get down to the business of napping, and knowing he has his best sleep in the crib, it was a huge relief when the staff didn’t think twice in allowing us up to our room. And while they were welcoming Bergen and his baby needs, they had nothing but love and affection for Norman. The staff was ready for his arrival with treats in hand, and a bag of other goodies to make his stay more comfortable.

The Suite

The space (#9: Miss Lily) provided more than enough room for our little family to spread out. All rooms were clean, bright, and nicely laid out. In keeping with the Victorian style of the hotel (and town), the furnishings are antiques and collectibles. The door opens up to the living room, which has a comfortable wooden-based couch (which actually folds out to a futon), large chair, and several tables. The TV was located here and allowed us to keep up with our local soccer team while Bergen napped, and was great for sneaking in a movie at the end of the day when he was down for the night.

I absolutely adored the bedroom. From the exposed brick walls, to the beautifully quilted bedding, to the wrought iron bed frame, I was sorry that we were spending just one night. The charm of the space made up for the fact that the bed was a little creaky when we first climbed in; it made for a more authentic experience really! By the way, in order for us to hang out in the living area while Bergen slept for the night, he started off here in the bedroom. When we were ready to go to bed a few hours later, we switched him (& his crib) to the living room. He was none the wiser.

The bathroom in the room was standard and had everything we needed, but for those interested in more “amenities”, #9A (Miss Rose) has a 6-foot whirlpool tub, and #7 (Miss Alice) & #10B (Miss Mona) both have claw-foot tubs. Not all rooms have their own private bathroom, and some bathrooms, though private are separately located.

Though we did not do any cooking during our hotel stay, we did appreciate the full kitchen that is part of the suite. The refrigerator (full size) allowed us to keep cold drinks on hand, and was great for all of Bergen’s extra snacks, bottles, and meals. I liked too being able to wash Bergen’s cups and other little dishes in a real sink with a drying rack! The extra space the kitchen provides also allowed us to stretch out more, and gave us more of a feeling of being at home. Since Bergen eats frequently, we definitely utilized the table even though we dined out for all of our “adult” meals.

More to Love:

As I mentioned above, the staff is very welcoming. In addition to the warm atmosphere they create, the staff is also very easy to work with in terms of making sure individual needs are met. Should questions come up about possible discounts or upgrades, I wouldn’t hesitate to ask, especially on the off-season.
We loved learning all about the history of the space, originally built in 1889. From 1925 to 1933, the “hotel” was operated as a brothel, which is where all of the names for the rooms come from! Beware…there is also talk of the building being haunted.

Info to Know:

The Palace Hotel is located in downtown Port Townsend, Washington on the northeast tip of the Olympic Peninsula:
- 1004 Water Street
- (360) 385-0773
  (800) 962-0741
A total of 15 rooms are available with rates starting at $59 for their continental/standard rooms, from $99 for their deluxe rooms, and from $109 for their superior rooms (#9: Miss Lily is a superior room).
Hotel is equipped with Wireless Internet with a business center computer and printer available.
Pets are welcome with a $20 fee
All rooms have a refrigerator and microwave.
All rooms are non-smoking
Off-street parking is available in the back at no extra charge.
Port Townsend Food Recommendations
Port Townsend Parks:
- Chetzemoka Park
- Fort Worden State Park

July 23, 2013

Flying with a Toddler: Tips for Checking the Car Seat

Once Bergen grew out of the more portable bucket/infant car seat, we were faced with the annoying task of figuring out how to transport his hefty convertible car seat on the airplane. In the year we’ve traveled with him from 12 months to nearly 24 months old, we’ve yet to buy him his own seat on the plane so we don’t bring the car seat on board with us, but we still want the peace of mind of having his very own car seat when we land at our destination.

Choosing to Check the Car Seat

We choose this way instead of renting or borrowing because we know that it will ensure our comfort. Bergen is comfortable in a seat that he is familiar with, and we’re comfortable knowing we know how to install the car seat in the car we use when we arrive (Yes, cars can differ, but at least we aren’t starting from scratch).

Best Car Seat Travel Bag

Checking the car seat at the airport with our other luggage is simple, but one thing’s for sure: We don’t risk the seat being thrown around without any protection. To hopefully save the car seat from some of the damage that can occur when baggage handlers are loading and unloading the plane, we purchased the Britax Car Seat Travel Bag. We’re pretty happy with how it’s worked for us so far. For one, the car seat (also made by Britax) fits easily inside, and in addition to the seat we can also fit Bergen’s travel crib (and sometimes even more!). We also like that the car seat bag, once full, can be toted several ways:

Backpack style, thanks to the two padded shoulder straps
Wheeled luggage style, thanks to the bag’s sturdy base & built-in wheels
Hand luggage style (least favorite), thanks to the bag’s multiple handles

Flying with a Toddler: Tips for Checking the Car Seat | WildTalesof.com

One happy traveling Dad. Car Seat bag is in the lower left.

Once the car seat is installed at our destination, the bag folds down, and can be stored in the trunk of the car without taking up a lot of space.

Note: We DO NOT recommend using a trash bag or bag provided by the airline, etc. to hold the car seat. These bags really offer no protection for the car seat other than possibly keeping it from getting wet. They also offer the parent or caretaker little help in getting the car seat from point a to point b.

At least for the airlines and routes we have traveled with, checking the car seat (+travel bag) does not add any extra charges or “count” in the number of pieces we are allotted to check. When picking up our luggage at baggage claim, the bag comes out with all of the other general luggage though of on rare occasions, we’ll have to retrieve it at the over-sized luggage area.

Have you traveled by air with your child’s car seat? Please share your stories, tips, and advice in the comments below!

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July 10, 2013

Trail Run in Yellowstone National Park: Beaver Ponds Loop

With only one day on our travel itinerary to explore Yellowstone National Park last June, we knew we had to make the most of the visit. First on the agenda was setting up a trail run for me so that I could keep up with my half marathon training. I researched the options the night before and had a loop trail in mind. I was pretty excited: 5 miles, moderately strenuous, close to the the north entrance of the park where we were coming in.

North Entrance: Yellowstone National Park

On the drive down it dawned on me though that hiking and running in Yellowstone was different from the parks I was used to back home in Washington. Higher altitude and drier conditions were two things I was thinking about, but my biggest worry was bears. Since I’d run the trail on my own (while Bergen and Slaed hiked and explored), one of my “protectors” (staying in a group) against an incident was taken away. I also didn’t have bear spray. When we entered the park, I began to worry even more when we received a flyer warning us of bears and other wildlife in the area. One of the top cautions was DO NOT RUN.

I decided I’d check-in at the Ranger Station at Mammoth Hot Springs, talk it over with one of the rangers, and decide. The ranger felt that I wasn’t taking a huge risk. While it wasn’t a high traffic trail, there would be other hikers around. She assured me that the “do not run” warning really means “do not run AWAY” from the bear given the rare encounter. She sent me on my way with a few suggestions that I dutifully followed. I was definitely nervous, but felt confident with the ranger’s advice:

Clap hands frequently to make noise and show presence on the trail.
Use voice, especially when the trail is not visible ahead (coming around a turn, up a hill, etc.) Example: “Hey Bear, I’m here, Hey Bear…”)
Keep a distance away and turn around slowly and go back if bear is on the trail.

Mammoth Hot Springs Area: Yellowstone National Park

The beginning of the run immediately took me uphill and as I huffed and puffed, I began to question whether or not I should continue. Maybe this was a sign that I should just call it a day? Seeing my first fellow hikers on the trail changed my attitude though. It put pep in my step, and along with the fact that the hardest climb of the loop was now behind me, I knew I could go on.

Wildflowers were scattered all over the trail’s edge and I loved looking off into the distance to see the great mountains that surrounded me. No beavers were spotted (by me) when I reached the ponds, but nonetheless, they were a neat sight to see. I felt lucky to be away from the crowds of some of the more popular and “drive-up friendly” parts of the park. I also cherished the time that I was spending alone in my own thoughts.

Toward the end though I was happy to see Mammoth Hot Springs get closer and closer into my view. I knew I could stop worrying about bears and whether or not I could run the entire 5-mile loop. I was done. Meanwhile Slaed and Bergen (22 months) hiked the loop in the reverse direction. They decided not to take on the entire distance, but the pictures shown throughout the post are thanks to their explorations.

Have you explored Yellowstone National Park? What did you enjoy most? Not explored the park yet? What’s on your list of sights to see?

More Adventures from our time in Montana:

July 9, 2013

Our Go-to Travel Crib: The GoCrib Adventure Crib

Way back when we were pregnant with Bergen (now nearly 2 years old) one of the few big items that we actually purchased ourselves (rather than receive as a shower or pre-baby gift) was a travel crib. We knew from the beginning that we were not going to let a little one stop us from continuing to explore the world, visit family and friends, and just generally get out and about, so a good place for the baby to sleep on the go was a must.

Wandering around REI one weekend, as we love to do, we stumbled upon the GoCrib by Guava Family. The crib was set-up and on display, and we were intrigued. So many features caught our eyes:

Lightweight: The crib together with it’s accessories weighs only 11 pounds.
Easy Assembly: Simply pump-up to assemble, and deflate and fold-up to breakdown.
Easy to Transport and Store: Everything fits nicely into it’s own small GoCrib backpack.
Other Uses: We liked that it could be used both indoors & outdoors. Camping, beach shelter, and play yard were just a few of the ideas that popped into our minds.

Needless to say, we ordered our own in preparation for the arrival of our mini adventurer, and now that we’ve put it to use for nearly 2 years, we couldn’t be more pleased with it’s performance in fulfilling our travel crib needs.

How the GoCrib Works

The crib has just a few parts and accessories:

Backpack that houses all pieces
Blow-up sleeping mat (27″ x 39″)
Hand Pump
Crib (43” x 54” x 25.5” when inflated)

To Set-up:

1. Blow-up sleeping mat with a few breaths and set aside. Note: If keeping the crib out for multiple days, it’s a good idea to check the mattress each night for possible reflating.
2. Layout crib, insert pump into the legs of the crib in two locations (opposite each other) and pump until the indicator reads green. Carefully close valves and pump slots to prevent unwanted deflation.
3. Lay sleeping mat into the bottom of crib making sure to press each of the corners for a secure fit. Optional: Specially fitted sheets can be purchased separately for added comfort.

To Breakdown:

1. Open pump slots and push in flaps to let the air out.
2. Fold crib in half twice while pressing down to push all of the air out.
3. Unscrew valve of the sleeping mat, fold and press down with knees to let all of the air out.
4. Repack the bag: Mat first, then crib. Pump is stored in it’s own zipper pouch on the side of the backpack.

What’s to Love?

Since taking our first big trip across the country to visit family on the east coast when Bergen was about 3 months old, we’ve found the GoCrib extremely easy and convenient for travel. Back when we brought along his infant carseat, we also were able to squeeze the GoCrib into the carseat bag to streamline our luggage even more. Now when we travel with his much larger convertible carseat, the GoCrib even fits into that carseat bag. It doesn’t take up a lot of space, and since it doesn’t have hard parts, it can be added to other bags or parts of the car (when road tripping) without a lot of hassle.

When we finally get to our destination, the last thing we want is to have to take a lot of time to put Bergen’s sleeping area together. I can assemble the GoCrib in less than 5 minutes, and breaking it down is just as easy. Even on vacations where we’ve incorporated multiple mini-destinations into the trip, it’s never been an issue to setup and re-setup the crib.

Slaed and I have trekked around the country with Bergen for almost 2 years now, and the GoCrib has held up well. And we don’t just use the crib when traveling. Bergen has a playmate who naps at our house twice a week, and he too finds the crib suitable for his sleeping needs. The fabric is highly durable and it’s made to withstand the elements of sun, sand, and other outdoor factors. The sides of the crib are made of mesh, creating good airflow throughout the space. The mesh sides also provide an unobstructed view for us to see Bergen, and for Bergen to look out. We’ve also found the crib to be very sturdy, and never worry about the boys falling out or tipping it over on it’s side, even when used as a play fort!

I am extremely impressed with the company as a whole, particularly the customer service. I panicked when the pump suddenly broke on me a few months ago. We had a trip coming up in just a few days and I needed a working crib! I immediately called Guava Family, and was surprised when a real, live person actually answered the phone. I explained the problem, and the gentlemen took my information, and rushed a replacement pump to our house free of charge. The pump (new and updated) arrived in time for our departure and we all breathed a huge sigh of relief.

What’s to be desired?

Other than the pump issue that I explained above, we’ve really had no complaints about the product. Bergen has used the GoCrib as his sleep-home-away-from-home on more trips than we can count now, and he’s always managed a good night’s (or nap’s) rest. We did find that with Bergen just sleeping on the bare mat, it could get a little cold because the mat lays all the way on the ground. We quickly remedied that though by purchasing a sheet from Guava Family that fits the mat perfectly. Both a regular cotton and a quilted sheet are available to buy separately from the crib.

*Note: While the Go-Crib is no longer available, you can learn more about their current travel cribs on the Guava Family website.

June 28, 2013

Family Getaway in Kauai: Moanakai Beach Cottage in Kapa’a

We agonized over where we would stay for our week-long Kauai getaway back in November 2012. The north end of the island was calling our name with it’s lushness and proximity to amazing beaches, hikes, and other natural wonders. At the same time, we knew the south end was perfect for families with several beaches suitable for swimming, and kid-friendly restaurants.

We ultimately decided to meet in the middle, and we couldn’t be happier with our decision. On the east side of Kauai is the town of Kapa’a. It’s the islands largest town by population, and even though it’s busier than the other areas, we knew it would provide us with the best base for our adventures. From here we could easily enjoy the sites of the east side, and could then do day trips to the north and south sides without too much driving. The west side of the island is only accessible by hiking, helicopter, or boat.

When we travel, we seek out the experience of finding a “home away from home”. We love getting to know new towns, and calling them our own for the duration of our stay even if it’s only for a day or a weekend. When looking for lodging, we want to be close to the action. I love getting up in the morning and walking to the coffee shop or breakfast spot. I also love being able to walk off the dinner, and take the time to enjoy the ins and outs and uniqueness of the locale in which we are staying. When we decided that Kapa’a would become our “home away from home”, deciding where to rest our tired selves after long days of exploring was easy once we discovered the Moankai Beach Cottage.

The Home

We found the cottage easily accessible from the main area of town, but situated on a quiet street on the back side of the property. The owner and all-around great guy, Larry, lives on the property in the front house. He was there when we needed him, always up for a chat if he was around, but he never bothered us unnecessarily, and he was full of great suggestions and insights on the island.

The house is small, but perfect for our family of three. The master bedroom in the back of the cottage has a queen-size bed, ample closet space, and a dresser with plenty of drawers for storing our clothes to make us feel at home. Inside this bedroom there is an air-conditioning unit mounted on the wall. This kept us cool and comfortable throughout the night, and also did a great job of drowning out the crows of the roosters who haven’t yet learned the concept of sleeping in.

The second bedroom located just down the hall in the front of the house is also outfitted with a queen-size bed, another closet, and dresser to organize all of Bergen’s (our son, 15-months at the time) beach attire. There was enough space in front of the bed to set up the travel crib. Bergen was a champion sleeper in this room. In fact, on more than one morning, we were waiting for him to get up so that we could get going on an adventure! The two windows facing the east and south allowed for good airflow throughout the space, and with the help of a sound machine, he too was able to sleep through our noisy rooster friends.

Between the two bedrooms is a small bathroom with a nice-sized shower. It was also stocked with extras like beach towels, ear plugs, and other toiletries, even sunscreen.

The kitchen and living area are situated together creating one large space. While we didn’t cook meals at home other than macaroni and cheese, and warming up our leftovers in the microwave, we found the kitchen to be supplied with everything you might need to do so. We also found lots of kid/baby friendly items like spoons, plates, and cups suitable for children, even a portable high chair for Bergen that we could attach to any chair. The living room was a comfortable place for Slaed and I to hang out while Bergen was asleep for the night, and had plenty of room for Bergen to play on the off-chance we might be lingering around the house. Books (including great guidebooks on the area), DVDs, and CDs were provided.

Moanakai Beach Cottage: Kapa'a, Kauai | WildTalesof.com

View of the kitchen from the living room as Slaed signs the guest book.

The Beach

One of the greatest amenities of the Moanakai Beach Cottage is it’s proximity to one of our favorite beaches on the island. Just a few hundred feet away (really just down the driveway) and across the quiet road is Kapa’a’s “Baby Beach”. A natural rock wall keeps the surf at bay providing a safe, quiet, and peaceful swimming space for babies, toddlers, kids, nervous adult swimmers, and their families. Even though we explored the entire island, we always found time during each of our days to spend here whether it was just a sunrise or sunset, a quick dip of the toes, or a full-on beach day set-up complete with umbrellas, chairs, and toys galore (all provided at the house by the way).

Slaed and I even got to spend time here without Bergen. Our baby monitor was in range of the beach so while Bergen was napping or asleep for the night, we enjoyed some alone time. We came here in the morning before he woke up to watch the sunrise (tough life being morning people when clearly our kid is not), had takeout from Bubba’s Burgers at the picnic table, and celebrated our own happy hour all while the little guy was snoozing away. And with our trusty monitor in hand, we were always just a few steps away from getting to Bergen if he needed us.

Sunrise Moanakai Beach Cottage: Kapa'a, Kauai | WildTalesof.com

Sunrise at Kapa’a’s Baby Beach

Baby Beach at Moanakai Beach Cottage: Kapa'a, Kauai | WildTalesof.com

Endless Beach Fun

More to Love:

As a runner training for an upcoming half marathon, I loved that the house was also just steps away from the start of the phase 2 Ke Ala Hele Makalae, an amazing shared-use path that runs along the coastline. I was able to keep up with my training and didn’t have to venture far or on a busy highway to do it.
Since the house is situated near town, we weren’t far from restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, and other local shopping spots. On a couple of occasions, Slaed was able to go off on foot to find lunch to bring back while I manned the monitor or enjoyed some beach play with Bergen. Some of our favorite spots:
- Bubba’s Burgers
- Kountry Kitchen
- Mermaids
- Small Town Coffee

Info to Know:

Moanakai Beach Cottage on Vacation Rental By Owner (VRBO.com): http://www.vrbo.com/66571
Located in the town of Kapa’a, Kauai on the east side of the island
2 bedrooms, 1 bath, outside shower great for cleaning up after fun at the beach
Washer/dryer on the property
Equipped with air conditioning units and ceiling fans
Wireless Internet access
Linens and beach towels provided
Plenty of beach supplies provided including beach toys, umbrellas, and chairs
Owner lives on property in a separate home
No pets

Looking for more information on our Kauai Adventure? Check out our Hawaii page. It’s full of posts about the fun we got into exploring the island.

June 26, 2013

Baby B’Air Flight Vest for Toddlers

Bergen (22 months) has reached a milestone in his traveling life. Unless we get a wild hair and need to fly before our August trip to Wisconsin, the little guy has seen the last of his “lap baby” days. The next time he flies, he’ll have his very own ticket, followed by his own mileage plan, and all of the other “privileges” that go along with a legitimate seat on the plane.

Toward the end of his journey as a lap baby, we gave the Baby B’Aire Flight Vest a try to see if it might help to keep him wrangled a bit better, and therefore safer while in flight.

About the Vest

The overall and most important purpose of the vest is to provide better security in the event of turbulence. In addition to this increased safety, the vest also provides a more comfortable flying situation for parents and their lap baby. With the child secured to your seatbelt, your hands are then more free to entertain instead of worry about the little one getting away from you.

The rules clearly state that while the vest can be worn during take-off, landing, and taxi, it can only be attached to the adult’s seatbelt during flight. We utilized the flight vest for two trips (4 flights total) with Bergen, and never had any flight attendants question us about the vest.

The Baby B’Aire Flight Vest comes in two sizes:

Small (newborn/infant)
- Fits most children up to 6 months
- 16″ neck opening
- up to 40 pounds
Large (older baby/toddler)
- Fits most children from 6 months to 2 years
- 19″ neck opening
- up to 40 pounds

How the Vest Works

The vest goes over the child’s head with two adjustable straps with buckles on either side of the waist.
A strap also slides through the legs and is then attached with a buckle.
A loop strap on the bottom-back side of the vest allows the adult to then secure the vest to their seatbelt by feeding the seatbelt through the loop.

What’s to Love?

Because the act of strapping Bergen into the vest was similar to buckling him into his carseat, it almost gave him the illusion that he was in a seat, and therefore needed to stay put. At the same time, wearing the vest didn’t bother him one bit. He never tried to take it off, and certainly didn’t pay attention enough to realize there were buckles and straps to mess around with.
My husband and I felt more secure with him on our lap, especially sharing a row with another non-related passenger. The flight vest helped to keep him on our lap without a lot of fuss, and gave us peace of mind that he wouldn’t end up crawling over to an unsuspecting neighbor’s lap.
The vest provides the perfect place for showing off Bergen’s Alaska Airlines “wings” that he worked so hard to earn.
We could breathe easier knowing that in the event of extreme turbulence, Bergen had an added safety net of sorts to protect him.

What’s to be desired?

We really can’t complain about the product except to say that at times it felt unnecessary. It provided us with exactly when it claims: comfort, peace of mind, and protection against the almost inevitable turbulence that comes with flying. The best place for small children flying on an airplane is strapped into their carseat, but for frequent travelers who want to utilize the “children under 2 fly free” policy, the flight vest is the next best thing to providing a safer flying situation.

Please note: The folks at Baby B’Air provided us with a free Flight Vest for review on the blog. All opinions expressed are my own.

June 20, 2013

Travel Lessons: Father Son Swing Time on the Yellowstone River

Just across the river from the lodge we rented with friends for our Montana trip, is a farm with hundreds of cows happily munching on grass and hay. They even venture down to the water for a drink or to sit and rest on the banks. Everyone in our group found it quite peaceful to simply sit and watch. There’s a lot more going on over there than you might think.

The experience doesn’t end with just seeing the cows though. During all hours of the day and night even if we weren’t looking across the river, we knew the cows the cows were over there. Their constant “mooing” let us know.

While there wasn’t a bad spot on the property to take in the view, the best spot to experience the river, cows, and the big skies of Montana in all it’s glory was on the swing.

Here Bergen (22 months) was spending quality time with his Dad. He was also experiencing something he wouldn’t get if we just stayed home all the time.

Father-Son Swing Time on the Yellowstone River | WildTalesof.com

TIP from Dad: To get your little one to stay on the swing with you, give him a handful of rocks to throw. When the rocks run out, grab another handful.

No, he probably won’t remember this trip or be able to talk about it in the years to come, but that doesn’t make it any less important or significant. It may seem small, but it was here in Paradise Valley, Montana (not from a T.V. show, annoying toddler toy, or even a song) where Bergen learned how to “moo” like a cow. And his “moo” is not just your ordinary Old MacDonald Had a Farm “moo”, it’s a full-on from the throat authentic “moo” because he learned it straight from the source.

Now as he grows-up, besides the hundreds of photographs from our adventure, he’ll have something tangible to connect to his travels as a little boy, and something he can brag about on the playground.

What little lessons have your kids picked up on your travel journeys?

This post is part of Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox

June 18, 2013

High Flying Success: One Busy Toddler’s Plane Ride

Bergen’s (22 months) last plane ride as an official “lap baby” was last week. At least based upon our latest travel schedule update, he now won’t fly until a trip that falls within his 2nd birthday. It’s the end of an era.

Always nervous about his behavior, this trip was no different than any of the dozen or so flights Bergen has taken during his young life. Each flight marks new changes in eating habits, development, and interests, so we constantly tweak our approach and “bag-of-tricks”.

One thing remains the same though: Bergen really has no interest in screens other than a few seconds here and there. A blessing, probably, but we also look on in jealousy as other toddlers zone out while we work to provide constant amusement for our little traveler.

To demonstrate the busyness taking place even on a short 1 hour 45 minute plane ride, between diversion changes, I took notes and managed to snap photos, a play-by-play of sorts, of our journey between Seattle, WA and Bozeman, MT.

Snack for Take-off

Now that Bergen is past the bottle and nursing stages, we utilize food via small snack items to ensure that he swallows enough to keep his ears clear. On this flight, I filled his “snack-trap” with cereal to ensure continuous munching. A sippy cup of milk might also be an option though Bergen tends to suck his milk down so quickly that it would be long gone by the time we reach our cruising altitude.

Books

In his carry-on toy bag, we always pack 4 or 5 board books for Bergen to flip through, and listen to us read. We do our best to draw the experience out for as long as possible talking about the pictures in more detail than usual and doing more than one reading.

Mini Photo Album

Right before our trip, I printed about 30 recent photos and added them to a small inexpensive photo album. Bergen LOVES looking at pictures of himself and people he recognizes. He was happy to flip through the album pointing out “mama, dad, ball, car” etc. It was also quite fun for us to take a little walk down memory lane with him.

Electric Toothbrush

Somewhere along the line, we got the suggestion to pack an electric toothbrush for the flight. It’s turned out to be effective in entertaining Bergen. It’s exciting for him to watch, listen, and feel the vibrating bristles, and to top it all off, its OKAY for him to put in his mouth! For this particular trip, he was due for a new toothbrush, so we waited for the flight to open the box, and took the time to decorate the brush with the enclosed stickers.

Reusable Sticker Book

A book full of stickers with items (animals, toys, etc.) that Bergen recognized was just another thing for him to flip through and keep him entertained. The sticker aspect makes for an even more engaging activity because the “pictures” can be taken out of the book! We stuck stickers on his board books, on the seat-back and tray table, on his water bottle, and on his cheeks. Then, because the stickers are reusable, we didn’t have to worry about any attachment being permanent. Some of our favorite sticker books:

New and Exciting Toy

Right before our trip, we happened upon a yard sale on one of our walks in the neighborhood. As Slaed and I were scanning the lawn for treasures, Bergen would not keep quiet. Whining, begging, and pointing like a little maniac, we finally realized that he had his eye on an electronic turtle-shaped toy complete with plenty of buttons and pages to flip. For the bargain price of $2, you can bet we took the toy home. We set it aside, and didn’t get it out until we were settled in for our journey to Bozeman. Even though it’s bigger than the toys we usually take (and noisier), we thought the extra bulk was well worth the fuss for the added entertainment length. And it turns out, the hum of the airplane drowned out the noise!

If you don’t have any yard sales happening where you live, you might have similar luck (in terms of price and selection) at thrift and consignment stores. Set your little one free, see what they are drawn to, snatch that item up, and save it for your next flight!

Utilize Toddler-Friendly Plane Supplies

There is an array of items sitting on plane waiting for Bergen to explore. Some of our favorites include a cup of ice, perusing the in-flight magazine searching for things he recognizes, using the barf-bag for puppets and hide and go seek, and checking out the flight safety information and menu cards. A fabulous flight attendant on our return trip from Bozeman even made Bergen a “balloon animal” out of one of her plastic gloves! We try to get as much use out of what’s already provided for Bergen’s amusement as possible.

Small Toys that Pack a Punch

Part of my packing process always includes roaming around the house in search of small toys that would work well for Bergen on the plane. The toys must be engaging and must be multi-functional. Some of them may be old standby’s like a couple of toy hotwheel-type cars while others may be something that Bergen hasn’t seen in a while like his slinky. Bergen is also finally taking an interest in coloring (though he still likes to take bites out of the crayons), so a few crayons also get thrown in his toy bag.

Slooooooow Snack Time

Bergen loves to eat and he’s got a pretty hefty appetite. We take advantage of this by breaking out the snacks on the plane at regular intervals (depending on flight time, of course). Like all the other diversions, we drag this time out. If we laid out all of the mini pretzels he would devour them in 2 seconds. Instead, my husband slowly snakes the pretzel through the bag until it suddenly appears for Bergen to snatch or we hide the pretzel under a cup making a game out of it.
Bergen is now big enough to handle an entire apple on his own, and we discovered recently the act of eating one really occupies his attention. His mouth is busy chomping away while his hands have to do a lot of work holding that apple in place. Dare I say we actually got a little break while he sat contently eating his apple.

Stretch of the Legs

When I can tell Bergen is getting restless or we all just need a break from our seats, we take a walk around the plane if allowed. We visit the bathroom even if one of us doesn’t have to go. We walk the aisle to wave at other passengers, and make our way down to the flight attendant’s galley to take a peak at the happenings there.

Lollipop for Landing

We save the extreme sugar rush for last. Since Bergen has eaten his way through the flight, exhausted all of his toy options, and lost interest in drinking anymore liquids, the lollipop really saves the day, and hopefully his ears. We only bust out this trick when we fly, so this makes for a very special treat and keeps him busy during that sometimes stressful landing period where he must remain seated. Because the treat is so valuable, it mostly ends up in his mouth, but we always have wet wipes on the ready!

Traveled with a toddler? What tips and tricks do you have to share?

Come join the conversation! We’d love to have you join us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter! You can also keep up to date with each and every post by subscribing to the blog via email. Amazon affiliate links are used throughout the post. If you purchase through one of our links, we receive a small commission. Thanks!

Notes:

On the way home from Bozeman (where most of the photos were taken) we were lucky enough to be given an extra seat for Bergen because the plane was not full. This is why you see him seated on his own in many of the shots. Both legs (with and without the extra seat) were a success, but as you can imagine the addition of more room made the whole experience much more comfortable for all.
When Bergen is sitting on Slaed’s lap, he’s wearing the Baby B’Air Flight Vest. You can read more about in our review.

Celebrating Dad: Our Bainbridge Island, WA Visit on a Budget

On this Father’s Day, the Dad of our household requested a quick trip across the sound to Bainbridge Island. We really only had a couple of hours to spend in town given Bergen’s (22 months) late wake-up time, and of course the need to get back home in time for his nap. Yes, everything continues to be scheduled around the sleep of this little guy.

Thanks to the Chinook book (no partnership or affiliation here, just love to save money & brag about it), we saved quite a bit on our mini-adventure.

Getting There…Coupon #1: 2 for 1 Walk-on Ferry Passenger Ticket:

Lunch…Coupon #2: 50% off any menu item (with the purchase of a second menu item) at Fork & Spoon:

Special Treat…Coupon #3: One FREE ice cream cone with the purchase of a second at full price at Mora Iced Creamery:

To top it all off we also enjoyed some delicious coffee at Pegasus (unfortunately no coupon) while Bergen got in a quick play session at the nearby park (free!).

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads & Grandpas out there…from Wild Tales of…!

June 13, 2013

Montana’s Paradise Valley in Bloom and in Color: A Hike Around Merrell Lake

Last week, we traveled to Montana for the wedding celebration of our two great friends. The festivities took place in Paradise Valley, just north of Yellowstone National Park in the southwestern part of the state. According to many of the regular residents, we arrived just in time. Just in time for warm and sunny weather, blooming flowers, and a green landscape.

To get to know the area around Hubbard’s Yellowstone Lodge, the wedding venue, Slaed, Bergen and I went on a quick 1-mile hike around Merrell Lake. The lake, just beyond the lodge, is a fisherman’s delight with tempting and rather large rainbow and brown trout as well as cutthroat swimming around. We didn’t care so much about the fish though. I was more interested in the views of the valley and investigating all of the wildflowers that lined the trail.

We started off our hike thinking Bergen (21 months) would be able to handle the trail on his own two feet. We figured he could toddle along with us, and if worse came to worse, one of us could through him on our shoulders for the remainder of the journey. We quickly realized that though the trail was not steep, it’s tough on little feet with a lot of rocks, roots, and other obstacles to work around. Luckily, we hadn’t gotten very far when Bergen uncharacteristically reached his hands up to us to pick him up. I ran back to the car to retrieve the backpack carrier, and away we went.

It’s like Bergen knows an exciting adventure awaits him no matter how small or simple. When he sees that carrier, he gets giddy, and giggles with glee as he is lifted up on the shoulders of one of us. Along our journey, we spotted beautiful whispering aspen trees, the bright yellow flowers of arrowleaf balsamroot, wild purple lupines, and another purple flower that I have yet to identify.

We also took in views of the valley, which is situated between the Gallatin mountain range to the west and the Absaroka mountain range to the east. We were lucky to get to the witness the landscape decked out in it’s green attire for spring. Just a few weeks before, while still spectacular, our outlook would have been more of a winter brown.

Back at the lodge where lunch awaited us, we really learned the meaning of the phrase “big sky country” in reference to Montana. No buildings or structures other than picturesque barns stood in our way as we followed the Yellowstone River winding along with the mountains in the distance.

Have you traveled to Montana? Where have you explored? Stay tuned for more of our adventures in Paradise Valley including a visit to Yellowstone National Park.

This post is linked up with Friday Daydreamin’ at RWeThereYetMom? and Photo Friday at Delicious Baby.

May 29, 2013

6 Tips for Attending Sporting Events with Toddlers

We are a sports-loving family. I married a sports fanatic of sorts, but I’m a huge fan myself. We love rallying around our local teams here in Seattle, and will incorporate sporting events in our travels as well. As a couple, in addition to the Seattle area sports scene, we attended college football games, baseball games, the Winter Olympics, and even a NASCAR race on the road. Now that Bergen is along for the ride, we continue fueling our love of competition with a few changes here and there.

In his young life, Bergen (now 21 months) has attended countless soccer and baseball games, a hockey match, watched horse racing at the local track, attended a roller derby bout, and even cheered on yours truly in two half marathons. It fills us with pride to see him enjoying himself so much at these events. He claps, he yells, and in the case of soccer, he even watches and follows the ball!

With all this sports excitement we’ve come up with a few strategies and tips that make our outings successful. Keep in mind though that in our experience, the vast majority of sporting events are inherently family-friendly. You’re bound to meet other parents with kids or at the very least sit near fellow spectators who will look upon your little ones with fondness.

Read all about how we manage to attend sporting events with a toddler in tow over at Walking on Travels where my friend Keryn, also a fellow Seattleite, writes a blog that inspires me on a daily basis. She “won’t let her kids stop her wanderlust”…I like the sound of that!

May 27, 2013

Memorial Day on the Road: Bergen Park, Colorado

Today we honor and remember those who have died while serving our country. I’m also thinking back to our Memorial Day last year when we traveled to Colorado to visit family and friends. On our way up to Evergreen for a night away from the hustle and bustle of the city and suburbs of Denver, we made a mandatory stop at Bergen Park as Bergen (9 months old at the time) wanted to take advantage of the photo opportunity in the park bearing his name.

During our short visit to the park, we actually stumbled upon a small ceremony. We stopped for a while and listened as taps was played on the bugle.

I’m grateful for this experience. We unfortunately tend to the take advantage of the “day-off”, and forget the true meaning of the holiday, and here we were reminded of the importance of taking the time to respect and honor the men and women who have been so brave in the name of our freedom.

What are your Memorial Day traditions?

May 21, 2013

See Portland, OR: Tackling the 4-T Trail with a Toddler

On our latest visit to Portland, Oregon, we were interested in seeing the city from a different perspective. The two of us have visited Portland quite a bit, and we were intrigued by the idea of experiencing so much of the city without ever getting into a car. We’re also always up for an adventure, and love exploring our surroundings so tackling the 4-T Trail was an outing made for us.

The 4-T Trail is a trek that roughly loops the Southwest section of Portland:

Train (MAX light rail)
Trail (Hike)
Tram (Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU)’s Aerial Tram)
Trolly (Portland Street Car)

Train.

We began our journey by walking just a few blocks from our downtown hotel, to the MAX light rail station. From here, we traveled Southwest to the Oregon Zoo. Bergen was happy enough just hanging out in the backpack carrier set on the floor of the train while we sipped our morning coffee. As we exited, we learned we were actually standing in the deepest station in North America, and the second deepest in the world! As we looked around for our way out, we were expecting to find a large set of stairs poking out towards the sky, but it turns out, there are no stairs. We had to use an elevator.

Trail.

Once we were back on higher ground, we immediately recognized signs directing us toward the 4 mile hiking portion of the adventure. Yes, you have to cross small highway exit so to speak, and walk a few hundred feet along the road, but it was hardly difficult or troublesome. Soon the bustling world was far off in the distance as we enjoyed fantastic greenery and blooming trillium.

Anytime the trail departed from the forest and onto roads, the course was clearly marked. Council Crest was our favorite part of the hike, and was also a perfect spot for Bergen to get out from the carrier and stretch his legs. Cherry Blossoms were in bloom, and the relatively clear skies gave us a great view of the city and surrounding mountains and volcanoes.

Tram.

After a tough last bit of hiking as we climbed off of the Connor Trail portion, we found the Aerial Tram just a little ways down into the OHSU campus. I didn’t have much of an idea of what the tram would be like as it’s existence was new to me. Boy were we blown away with the view and general “coolness” of the entire thing.

Bergen on the other hand was not nearly as impressed. He can be such a daredevil in his play and exploration, but here and there we are finding things that truly frighten him. For one he’s deathly afraid of goats, sheep, and pigs. And here at the tram we learned that he wasn’t such a fan of heights.

On our 3-minute trip down to the South Waterfront, we learned that the tram is actually utilized for transportation purposes by employees and visitors of OHSU, and is not just for tourists or recreational visitors like Seattle’s monorail has largely become. I also found out that if you are only riding the tram down, there is no charge for your trip; only those riding up pay $4 per ticket (free for children 6 & under).

Trolley.

With thoughts of a filling lunch on our minds, we made our way to the Portland Street Car with a great bathroom stop at the OHSU Center for Health and Healing. Bergen, again did really well just hanging out in the backpack carrier people-watching, and I loved getting to see some of the sights along the way. We passed Portland State University buildings, parks with festive happenings, and cute shops that I would love to visit on a return trip. We departed the trolley close to our planned lunch spot, Kenny & Zukes.

Quick Tips for Toddlers & Kids:

The backpack carrier was a huge reason for our success. Though it’s tougher on the back and heavier than the ergo, Bergen seems much happier with the higher view. It also gave him a place to hang out (and not get into trouble) on the train & trolley portions.
Take advantage of bathroom stops when you see them!
A given: Bring some snacks & water.
We got up early and ate a good breakfast at our hotel. This allowed us plenty of time for the adventure during Bergen’s “peak” time of the day.
Make a plan for where you’ll eat lunch whether you pack a picnic or eat at a restaurant, food cart, etc. You’ll be hungry by the end of the journey!
Take along a map & notes from the 4-T Trail website.

Come join the conversation! We’d love to have you join us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

More Portland Fun:

This post is part of Friday Daydreamin’ with R We There Yet Mom?

May 17, 2013

Celebrating Norwegian Constitution Day in Washington State

Today, May 17th, is Norway’s Constitution Day: “Syttende Mai”. While we don’t have a lot of Norwegian in each of our family’s histories’, we do happen to love the country and it’s culture, and we also happened to name our son after one of the country’s lovely cities: Bergen.

Incidentally, we visited the town of Poulsbo, Washington on the Kitsap Peninsula in celebration of Mother’s Day last weekend. Poulsbo is nicknamed, “Little Norway”, and is an adorable small town filled with inviting shops, restaurants, and a bakery that has me wanting to hop aboard a ferry right now just for one bite of their cream-cheese filled Viking cinnamon cups.

Even closer to home is Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, another Scandinavian hub, where a huge celebration is taking place today. We’ll be joining the festivities, and are looking forward to shouting a little, “Hipp, Hipp, Hurra!” as we watch along the parade route.

Have you traveled to Norway or even a “Little Norway” closer to home? What cities and towns have you explored?

Come join the conversation! We’d love to have you join us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

Balestrand, Norway

A Toddler-sized Carry-on

Plane-Friendly Art Supplies

Miniature Figures

Traveled with a toddler? What tips and tricks do you have to share?

Where can YOU get away without traveling too far? Share your favorite destination, even if it’s just down the street!

These suckers were certainly not the worst pests we’ve encountered, but bad enough. Where have you run into the worst bugs in your travels?

Which U.S. National Park did you explore last? National Public Lands Day is tomorrow: Saturday, September 28, 2013. On this day, and a few other days during the year, entrance fees to all National Parks are waived.

Seattle/Puget Sound Area Readers: Have you entered our Chinook Book Giveaway? Hop on over to the post and get in the running!

Are you planning to visit a National Park soon? Tell us about your plans in the comments!

Seattle/Puget Sound Area Readers: Have you entered our Chinook Book Giveaway? Hop on over to the post and get in the running!

Have you traveled to or explored a town famous for it’s murals? Tell us about the place in the comments!

Where do you like to fill-up on ice cream? We’d love for you to share your best spot in the comments below!

1. Make a Wish List.

2. Buy Used.

3. Deep Discount Sites.

4. Wait for it.

5. Borrow or Rent.

Do you have any money saving tips for purchasing great outdoor gear? Or have you used one of these tricks? Let us know in the comments below.

The Welcome

The Suite

More to Love:

Info to Know:

Choosing to Check the Car Seat

Best Car Seat Travel Bag

Have you traveled by air with your child’s car seat? Please share your stories, tips, and advice in the comments below!

How the GoCrib Works

What’s to Love?

What’s to be desired?

The Home

The Beach

More to Love:

Info to Know:

About the Vest

How the Vest Works

What’s to Love?

What’s to be desired?

Snack for Take-off

Books

Mini Photo Album

Electric Toothbrush

Reusable Sticker Book

New and Exciting Toy

Utilize Toddler-Friendly Plane Supplies

Small Toys that Pack a Punch

Slooooooow Snack Time

Stretch of the Legs

Lollipop for Landing

Pinterest