December 16, 2016

2016 Gift Guide for the Travel and Outdoor Loving Dad

Dads can be so hard to shop for because they often already have everything they need! Nonetheless, I have 7 unique ideas for the travel and outdoor loving father in your life! These gift are meant to inspire, make outdoor and travel a little easier and more comfortable, and add a some fun into his adventures with the kids.

Gift Guide for the Travel and Outdoor Loving Dad

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December 8, 2016

2016 Holiday Gift Guide for Outdoor and Travel-Loving Kids

Season’s Greetings! It’s that time of year again. As much as I love giving, I can get bogged down with all the possibilities. In case you might be feeling the same way and want some ideas for things that kids will actually need, use, and play with, I have over 20 gift ideas for the young adventurer in your life!

Here you’ll find gifts to help kids get outside (gear), gifts to inspire a life of travel and adventure (books), and gifts to light up your child’s playful spirit (toys and games).

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November 21, 2016

Deuter Kid Comfort 3 Kid Carrier Review

Georgia and I have been busy testing the Deuter Kid Comfort 3 Carrier this past summer and into fall. We’ve loved the opportunity to add some experience with another hiking style carrier to our repertoire. This review is intended to help more families make informed decisions about the product they ultimately decide to purchase. If possible, we always advise to visit an outdoor store, such as REI, to try on the carriers yourself. When you see them in person, you are better able to see each carrier’s features. You can also feel the pack on your very own shoulders, back, and hips. However, hopefully our review will give you some things to think about as you compare and make your decision.

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November 11, 2016

Beach Vacation Packing List for Babies and Young Children

Aloha from Maui! We are so thankful to be be back in Hawaii. Maui happens to be the first Hawaiian Island that I have visited–in 2008, Slaed and I got engaged here! We started our journey of becoming a family on the shores of West Maui, so it only seems fitting to bring our kids to share our love of this island with them.

Yes, the vacation style is a bit different, but we’ve already had a lot of fun reminiscing and pointing out special spots to Bergen and Georgia. In a small way, Bergen actually understands what we’re talking about, so that’s been neat to see.

Since we’re here, and beach vacations are so popular with families, I thought I’d share our packing list. On the list you’ll find all (most?) of the items we bring to prepare us for a beach vacation with babies and young children. We don’t bring the entire kitchen sink, but I must admit that we bring a lot! Some items, of course would depend on the type of lodging you choose, and whether or not your property owners have some of the things you need on hand, and weather is always a factor to consider…and consider again!

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November 8, 2016

Wild Adventures in Gratitude: 30 Days of Daily Appreciation

Last week I finished reading researcher and author Brené Brown’s book, Daring Greatly, and among so many things, I’m inspired to be more intentional with my gratitude. Her quote below really struck me, and made me realize that I for one, I have a lot to be thankful for, and two, I don’t need to feel guilty for expressing it! What better month to aim for a daily gratitude practice than November?

“Don’t take what you have for granted–celebrate it. Don’t apologize for what you have. Be grateful for it and share your gratitude with others.” -Brené Brown

So every evening I’m reflecting on the day, and sharing something I’m grateful for; silly or serious, big or small, and since we’re mostly about travel and the outdoors here, I’m calling it Adventures in Gratitude! You can keep up with my gratitude practice on our instagram page (#WildAdventuresinGratitude), but today I thought I’d share the journey so far. Here are the past 7 days of our Wild Adventures in Gratitude:

Day 1:

Walks to school! Fresh air and a stretch of the legs is a great way to start the day & allows us to really experience and appreciate our natural world (even in the rain)

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November 7, 2016

Parents Getaway: Tips for Preparing Grandparents to Care for Kids

Slaed and I had the pleasure of enjoying a kid-free trip to Chicago earlier this month! While we obviously travel quite a bit with the kids, this trip to the windy city was our first parents getaway in over 2.5 years. We traveled to Puerto Rico when I was newly pregnant with Georgia, and learned a lot about the importance of getting away, but this time was a little different.

Bergen stayed with my mom at her home in South Carolina for that particular trip. For this getaway, we flew my mom out to Seattle and she stayed with the kids at our house. She was so kind, gracious, generous, and brave to take on life with our little rascals (5 years and 1.5 years), and we are so thankful!

We did a lot to get ready for this parents getaway, so as we reflect back, I thought I’d share how we prepared my mom (as best we could) for the task!

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