October 22, 2018

Trade Expectation +News and Inspiration//10

News::

I’m running in my first half marathon (the Seattle Half Marathon) since Georgia was born, next month! Have you tackled this distance? See who’s helping me with my training here on instagram!
We have another family friendly Seattle area hike to add to our list! Yesterday, we headed up to Granite Falls, Washington, and hiked along the historic Lime Kiln Trail (pictured above!). Round-trip to the Lime Kiln (built in the 1890s) is just over 5-miles along easy to travel, flat terrain. With big leaf maple leaves piled along the trail, mushrooms a plenty, and a chill in the moist, foggy air, it’s an autumnal wonderland this time of year!
Are you planning a hike for Take A Hike Day? It’s coming up–Saturday, November 17th. Do you have an adventure picked out?

Inspiration::

I’m so thankful for this Ski Family Guide from Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies! She breaks down how to get started, how to save money, has tips for stress-free ski days, and more.
Have you visited Legoland? We haven’t yet, but if/when we do, I know where I want to stay now thanks to Marcie in Mommyland! My kids would go crazy for this place.
Take an extra 25% off 5 big brands (Merrell, Columbia, prAna, Black Diamond, and DaKine) at REI Online Outlet now until 10/24! Discount applied automatically at check-out.
Book of the Week: Outside Your Window by Nicola Davies. I adore seasonal books, and picked up this gorgeously illustrated book of poetry from our local library on a recent visit. The content got me so excited for all that fall has to offer, and even gave us some ideas for how to enjoy it best! Maybe I’ll just make a tradition of checking it out at the start of each season.

Here’s to a great week! Be Brave. Take Wild Adventures!

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October 17, 2018

Think Outside Boxes: Unboxing and Overview of our First Box!

Today, less than 20% of children play outside compared to over 70% of their parents.

On average, today’s children spend 4-7 minutes of unrestricted outdoor play and 7.5 hours in front of electronics.

[Read more…]

October 16, 2018

Keep Moving Forward +News and Inspiration//9

News::

After a ton of summer and early fall traveling (Washington, Idaho, Montana, BC, North Carolina, California, and Oregon!), we are home for the month of October.
Next up on our travel calendar? Our biennial vacation in Hawaii. This year, we are headed back to Kauai, which was Bergen’s first time to the islands at just 15 months old!
Mark your calendars–the next National Park FEE FREE Day is Veteran’s Day, Sunday November 11th.
Georgia started forest preschool this fall, and layers are key to keeping her warm and comfortable. SO, I thought I’d share/remind you that we have a 10% off all items discount in the Ella’s Wool shop with code: wildtalesof

Inspiration::

We are set with our Halloween costumes (a scary skeleton guy & a spider) this year (phew!). In case you need some ideas, I love this outdoor-themed list from Tales of a Mountain Mama. Check out our rain-friendly duck costume idea as well!
Backwoods Mama has a great list of motivating activities to get you and your kids out the door this fall.
Do you use any cash back apps or programs? I recently discovered Ibotta, and have found it to be a fun and easy way to earn extra travel cash. I usually just use it for grocery store purchases, but there are also offers from travel sites such as VRBO, Expedia, hotel chains, and rental car companies! It’s small amounts here and there, but it really adds up over time.
Book of the Week: The Miracle Morning for Parents and Families. What you do first thing in the morning can set the tone for your entire day! I just finished this book today and have begun to add the healthy habits and practices into my routine. Great for those needing a refresh, jump start, or just feel like they’re in a funk after summer.

Where are you headed this fall? What are your kids dressing as for Halloween? What was the last book you read? Let’s chat in the comments!

Please note: Some affiliate links are used throughout the post. If you purchase through our links, we receive a small commission. Thanks for taking a look, and support our website!

October 4, 2018

Find Your Park! It Might Be Closer Than You Think.

The kids and I were invited to an event with the National Park Service at the end of this summer. A pop-up park was created in downtown Seattle’s Westlake Park in order for visitors to specifically experience the sounds of some of our national parks.

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September 12, 2018

Self Care Inspired by Travel: Hawaii’s Mālie Organics

There are places we travel to when after a few days or a week, we are ready to return home. Even if we’ve enjoyed ourselves, we’ve just simply had enough. On the other hand, there are places we travel to when after a week, we never want to leave!

On the last day we are plotting our next trip back. In fact, even in one case, we aren’t getting bent out of shape, when we miss our flight, and have to stay (and book a last minute hotel room) one more night!

That’s Hawaii for our family. It doesn’t really matter which island, though some of us have our favorites. Our state of mind relaxes once we are settled on the island. We get into an island routine where we actually want to wake up early, creativity flows, and we all just feel more content.

Lucky for us, our next Hawaiian adventure is quickly approaching. We’ll be heading back to Kauai in November. Our family tradition is to travel to one of the islands every other year in the fall.

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September 7, 2018

The Arctic Club Seattle: 24 hour Parent Getaway

When you do something two years in a row, it’s a tradition, right? Slaed and I now have an annual 24-hour summer date. We hire our dear babysitter (of 5+ years) from 11 am on Saturday to 11 am on Sunday, and go somewhere local.

Last year, we traveled to Suncadia, and went the more relaxing, sit by the pool, dine slowly route. This year, we opted for an even closer getaway, and stayed at The Arctic Club Seattle. Instead of putting our feet up and taking it easy, we packed our schedule with activity.

There is something to be said about both styles. As parents, we need time away to refresh and de-stress. At the same time, I also crave life before kids. Things like shopping without interruption, attending sporting events where we actually stay in our seats and watch, and not worrying about being home in time to relieve the sitter sound like a dream!

The Arctic Club, a Doubletree Hilton hotel in Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood served as our home base. You may be wondering…

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