Really I’m just incredibly proud of my hometown team, and I want to show off the support shown by Seattle and the entire state of Washington (and beyond) yesterday at the Seahawks parade. Our team won the SUPERBOWL. That’s a big deal. And I’m so pleased that our entire city thought so too.
The Family Traveler’s Handbook: Be Prepared and Inspired to Travel with Kids
As a mother who travels and adventures frequently with her child, one might think I don’t need anymore inspiration to get out there and explore the world with my little guy in tow. But the truth is, I need to read about and learn from other families in the trenches. I gain perspective, tips and tricks, and can anticipate how travel will change as Bergen (2 years old) grows and develops.
Having just finished one of the most recently published books on family travel, The Family Traveler’s Handbook by Mara Gorman, I feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and filled with so many new ideas on how to get the most out of our getaways as a family.
Easy Backyard Game: What’s Under the Rock?
Our usual tendency when it’s time to get outdoors is to walk or bike and explore the green spaces and parks of our neighborhood and beyond. It gets us out of the house, providing a change of scenery and of course the possibility of seeing more features and having a grander adventure.
Just in the last week or so though, I’ve realized that there is a little world literally in our own backyard that is also worth exploring and getting to know! Given regular visits and quality time spent back there, I bet we’re more likely to notice seasonal changes and the overall activity and influence of flora and fauna in the smaller confines compared to a larger space. And after all, it’s convenience can’t be beat.
For some reason, when we get back there I feel stifled not having a trail to walk down or something special like a lake or forest of trees to check out. It’s also a possibility that my avoidance has to do with the fact that there is a whole lot of work that needs to happen back there! Either way, I never know exactly how we should be spending our time. Thankfully, Bergen’s (2.5 years old) curiosity came to rescue the other day, and led us to a fun activity or game of sorts.
Washington’s State Park Accommodations: Inside our Bay View State Park Cabin
Yurts, cabins, and rustic accommodations of sorts always excite me. I guess the coziness, proximity to nature, and all around feeling that I am truly “away from it all” is appealing. And on top of all those romantic feelings, the practicality of having all that’s great about camping without actually have to do much work and setup (the downsides of pitching your own tent and hauling all the gear) for a parent makes the whole experience so worthwhile.
Setting up camp on the outside at our Bayview State Park cabin was simple, and even though I was worried about sharing such a tiny space (12×12 feet) with our toddler, we were able to set up an inside space with just as much ease.
Quick and Easy to Make Travel Game for Toddlers: Photo Puzzles
For a while now, I’ve created quick photo books for Bergen (2 years old) to look at, talk about, and flip through when we travel. The photo albums have especially come in handy on the airplane when we need plenty of distractions, but don’t want items that would take up a lot of space.
For our last plane ride across the country to visit family and friends in the Southeast, I decided to take Bergen’s love for photos a step further and make things a little more interactive.
Travel Well, Get Outdoors Often: 9 Ideas to Plan an Adventurous Year
I don’t know about you, but I love dreaming about the new year ahead and pondering what adventures and changes the future holds. I appreciate the blank slate we’ve been given and a chance to make things different, if we so choose.
In the travel and outdoor realm, which of course is the most fun for me to plan, I’m thinking about the year as a whole and how I can drive more fun and adventure into all the nooks and crannies that make up the days, weeks, and months of 2014.
While I certainly don’t want to limit our adventures, as a springboard, I came up with 9 categories to help me plan and focus:
1. Travel somewhere new. As simple as exploring a town close by that I’ve never bothered to visit, to hitting the road or the skies to a grander, further locale, I’m so excited to travel to places I’ve never seen before! Hint: Plans and details for a Caribbean vacation are nearly complete.
2. Revisit a favorite place. There’s a reason why you fall in love with places, so why not enjoy even more good times? We’re thrilled to have Orcas Island, Washington in our plans again this year. Golden, Colorado and Phoenix, AZ are also on the repeat list.
3. 3-day weekend getaway. For some reason we let a couple of those 3-day weekend gems in 2013 slip away from our radar, and didn’t have any trips planned. I’m hoping we can capitalize on the extra day off opportunities and get out of town.
4. Hometown Adventure. I have to say, we’re pretty much pros at the this one, but I feel it’s important to continue seeking out places in the Seattle (and the surrounding area) that we haven’t been to (or taken Bergen to) yet. In particular, there are some food and restaurant adventures we need to take!
5. Hike. Hiking (and walking) is our favorite outdoor activity to do as a family. It’s simple and we need little equipment or planning. I want to continue to explore the trails of our near by state parks and city parks too. I also want to work on Bergen’s stamina as a little hiker and increase his time and distance on his own two feet before we surrender him to the backpack carrier.
6. Road Trip. I love the freedom that a road trip provides. Within reason, you can stop when an opportunity (via attraction or food option) arises. You can choose to travel fast or slow, close or far. At this point, road trips to Oregon and Idaho are in the works.
7. Change up the mode of transportation. I’m thinking we need to add more ferry boats rides, but what I’m really dreaming about for this year is a high speed boat like the Clipper that will take us to Victoria, BC! We’ll also continue our annual train trip down to Portland, OR.
8. Challenge yourself with a new outdoor sport or activity. The new sport or activity remains to be chosen for me, but the possibilities are endless! I know for sure that 2014 will not go by without me trying stand-up paddle boarding!
9. Do what you love outdoors. Walking, hiking, camping, biking, swimming, exploring…I’m so thankful that we have our health and the ability to get out there and enjoy ourselves.
10. ??What are YOU dreaming about for 2014??
Do you make goals or resolutions for the new year? What’s on your list for 2014? Please share!
Printable version: New Year, New Adventures Planning Sheet 2014
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