This Moment....

*No words necessary, just a precious moment*

but you have to check out what his shirt says.....

New! Feel free to link up your own "moments" in the comments!!!

Taking in Nature and Trails (in all their imperfections)

Truth be told, my husband and I long to live somewhere we could ski from our back door.  Sure, there are plenty of benefits to living in the "Valley of the Warm Winds" (which means there is seldom snow at our home, but easy access to it, and we don't have to worry about plowing snow and all that goes along with that!)  But, oh the joy it would be to NOT have to pack the car with all our skis, gear, snacks and kids every few days to get to snow.  Someday....maybe....

As we recently skied at the closest (20 miles away) backcountry trails, we had all sorts of great ideas about starting a ski team, getting permission to do some grooming (anything would be nice!) and at least clearing out some of the fallen trees.  We notice the trail imperfections especially as we pull the Chariot since it seems to find all sticks, branches, and rocks to bounce off.  We dream of groomed trails that accommodate skate skiing AND don't require breaking our own trail.

And yet, we were realizing that we were completely caught in the grass-is-greener mentality.  We forget about the beauty of not having to share the trail with hundreds of other skiers.  We don't think about how most nicely-groomed trails don't allow dogs (thanks to the ones that choose to poo right in the middle of the trail.)

Really in anything in our lives it is easy to get caught up in the "if only"s.  If only we could ski there.  If only we had better wax.  If only we had better gear.  If only the weather/trails/snow were better.  If only we had a different ski trailer.  If only we made more money. If only we had that perfect job.  Etc. Etc. You get the idea....

And so as we near the beginning of 2012, we vow here to enjoy what we have.  To live in the moment.  To not stress about the small things.  It stop and have a snack, nurse an infant or sing a song/do a dance to warm up a little.  And to be happy to ski where there is snow!

Any adventure-oriented New Years resolutions?  Please do share!

Guest Post: Our Favorite Gear *Crazy Creek Review*

Ahhhh, the  Crazy Creek . 

A little break from winter pictures....relaxing on the beach in the Crazy Creek!

My Crazy Creek sure ups the comfort factor for time in the woods. My kids both love the Crazy Creek camp chair. Whether we're out for the day or the week, we always bring them along. In fact, I keep a couple in the back of my truck for lounging at impromptu picnics or play dates.

We've found them to be quite versatile with uses beyond just a comfy chair. Unfolded flat, the Crazy Creek makes a great pad for my toddler to nap on while staying dry in the bow of my canoe. When our kids were babies, we used the Crazy Creek as a sleeping pad. Just last week, when our youngest was tired of skiing, we put a Crazy Creek down in the sled and he was able to ride along behind dad in comfort, insulated from the snow. This week, we used them at a natural hot springs (to insulate against the hot ground) and while ice fishing.

My husband and I both have the Original Chair, he's had his for over 20 years. They are virtually indestructible. In two decades of regular outdoor use, (with many of those years spent as  instructors for a wilderness camp) the only problem we've ever had was one broken buckle on a side strap.

Crazy Creek sled....in the sand!

I was delighted to receive an Original Crazy Creek for review. Mine is a nifty sky blue and brown color combo. Since their inception in the late eighties, the Original Crazy Creek has changed very little, though I will say I love the addition of velcro snaps to close the chair for easier storage. There's nothing I don't love about this chair! 

If you're lucky enough to have one, you've probably had it for awhile  and you are reading this thinking of all the cool ways you've used your chair (and now your kids do....) If you haven't had the opportunity to try one out, they sure do add an element of luxury to time spent in the wild.

You can find a Crazy Creek  at REI  for around $45.  And yes, they are absolutely worth the money!

Jessica guest-posted here on the blog a couple of months ago.  We are thrilled to welcome her back!  Jess and her family are currently in the midst of ice-fishing and bunny hunting while enjoying winter break from school!


Crazy Creek provided Jess a Crazy Creek chair (pictured above) for this review.  However, like she stated, she has owned different versions for years now.  As always, the opinions expressed here are honest and completely our own (and in this case, Jessica's!) 


And here is a link to REI's sale going on now (they have an abundance of great gear and great gear on sale is even better (sale ends Dec. 31st!)

Merry Christmas...

Wishing you joy and peace during this season of celebration of Christ's birth 

from our Family to Yours!

(the blog posts will be light this week as we enjoy family time and outside time! Enjoy your own family and loved ones and don't forget to bundle up and get outside!)

This Moment

*No words necessary, just a precious moment from our life.*

Destination Adventuring

Getting outside with kids can be tough.  The hardest thing is that what works one time may very well not be as sucessful the next time.  Kids are just fickle! :)  As a family, when we are out there, it is usually for extended hours at a time.  As a mama, this sometimes makes me pretty nervous (what about the melt-downs? do we have enough food? are they adequately bundled?), but the kids tend to roll with the punches better than I do (go figure!)  

For those long days, one thing that we have learned is great for everyone in the family is Destination Adventuring.  

Winter Translation: Instead of skiing around all day, we ski into a cabin or a lodge, eat lunch (or stay the night!) and ski out.

The benefits of this are:

- Built-in rest time for Mama and Daddy (plus a rest for the kids that are traveling via carrier or stroller)

- Something to look forward to ("only a few more minutes", "you can have a snack once we get to the cabin", etc.)

- A warm-up point

- A break-up of events in the day (especially since toddlers - or kids of all ages - have short attention spans!)

Keep in mind:

- Be realistic about the abilities (and morale) or your group.  Even going a mile (or half a mile, etc.) and having a hot chocolate break gives kids something to look forward to.

- Check trail conditions (along with your destination information) before you go.  Not much worse than planning on having somewhere to end and it not being there (because you went the wrong way) or not accessible.

- Roll with it (we tell each other this almost constantly when we are out there adventuring and our plans have to change for various reasons.)

There are country-wide opportunities to do this sort of trip, even in the winter.  One idea is to rent a Forest Service Cabin.  We also look forward to skiing into a Yurt later this winter.  I would love if anyone has any other ideas (or blog posts they have done) to link up in the comments here too!

Locally, we look forward to a skate-ski into Brooks Lake Lodge, located on Togwotee Pass.  Open exclusively to guests in the summer, the lodge caters to snow-mobilers and skiers in the winter.  The trip is a good 2 hours (with a slight uphill climb most of the way) and a fast 45 minutes out (which works great when you have a full stomach after lunch!)  We pack cookies to keep J happy (or as a last resort to entertaining him) on the way in and make a full day of it.

 Any great destination adventures you have done (or would like to do??)  Please do share!

Seattle Backpackers Magazine + Guest Blogging

Today my first article for Seattle Backpackers Magazine is live!  Come check out my tips for Instilling a Love for the (Winter) Outdoors.  I am super excited about this new partnership with a magazine providing great stories, inspiration and gear reviews for the outdoor enthusiast (and especially backpackers and hikers!)  Plus I have a special love for the Pacific Northwest after attending college in Bellingham, WA (2 hours north of Seattle.)  Would love to hear some feedback too - I know there are some great ideas out there for getting kids outside!

I am also guesting today for Colleen over at her blog, Everyday, with tips for Getting outside even during the hustle and bustle of the holidays!

eeBoo Review and *Giveaway*

Giveaway closed - lucky numbers #11 (Shannon) and #8 (Cloth Diapering Momma) check your inboxes!

The weather hasn't been too ideal around here lately.  Time to share another great idea for those less-than-ideal days! (+ there is still a little time before Christmas and these products are great at keeping kids busy while traveling.)

When I first discovered eeBoo at a friend's home, I was instantly impressed.  Their games, puzzles and wall art are exactly the kind of toys we like to have in our home.  They are colorful, educational, and high-quality.

In their words, "eeBoo creates refreshing toys and gifts that are 100% original (no licenses) and we commission our artwork from well-known and well-loved children’s book illustrators."   


I love that most of their games and activities are based on old-fashioned formats which are updated for today's kids.


I contacted eeBoo to request a sample and was shocked when they sent a huge box full of great products.  (And yes, I am sharing them with other kids and a few of you too!)  

A problem solving game for ages 5+ (we have not tried this one yet, but I can't wait to!)

This Moment

*No words necessary, just a precious moment*

Skhoop Hanna Skirt Review

I love skirts.

Which is kind of funny because I tend to not worry a whole lot about what I am wearing, but I HAVE to be comfortable or I just won't wear it.  I also tend to wear clothing all the time that I can be outside and active in.  Otherwise I am changing many times throughout the day (and really, who has time for that?!?!)

For me, if I am not wearing polar fleece pants, I am most likely dressed in skirts + long underwear in the winter.  However, I also get annoyed when those said skirts stick to the long underwear and are full of static.

Long story short, I was completely sold when I discovered insulated Skhoop skirts at one of the shops in downtown Jackson, WY.  While Husband was rolling his eyes, I was dreaming of all the places I could wear a skirt and still be warm in the winter.  I was even more excited with Skhoop agreed to send me a Hanna Skirt (retail $128) to review.

What I love about the skirt:
- It is certainly warm (thanks to the insulation!)
- One side has a full length zipper for easy on-off.
- Both sides of the skirt have a zipper at the bottom to open it up for easier movement.
- The zippers stay where you put them (no sliding up or down as you move in the skirt)
- Love the embrodery on the front.

One thing to note is that the skirt tends to run a bit small.  If you are between sizes according to their sizing charts (which are very detailed) definitely size up.  The skirt is not stretchy at all, but does have elastic on the back of the waistband for a good fit.

I am loving wearing the Hanna with my Bogs Boots (review of those coming in the next couple of months)!

I would also love to try their Original Skirt (retail $128) which is longer and would be warmer still.  And how cool is this photo!??!  Skiing in a skirt!  Sweet!

**I will update my post when I have a chance to try that out!  I am not sure how FALLING in a skirt would work out, but am willing to give it a try!**

You can find Skhoop skirts at REI and other outdoor stores around the country (they are based in Anchorage, AK.)  You can also find them directly on their site: www.skhoop.us (where you can see their entire line!)

Skhoop also sells a bunch of other great Scandinavian wear including fleece tights and shirts, great socks and even kid's skirts.  They also have down skirts and skirts that would be great in the rain.

Skirts are taking over the outdoor industry! Skhoop is a great place to start!

Skhoop generously provided me a skirt for review.  However, as always, the opinions expressed here are completely and honestly my own.  The photos in this review are taken from the Skhoop site.

*Guest Post* Recycled Wool Mittens

Giveaway closed.  Congrats, Jess B. (lucky #1!) on your win!


I would like to introduce you to a local here in our small town, Connie.   Connie is an amazing seamstress and crafter.  She believes in the warmth of wool (as do we!) and I think this is an awesome unique way to recycle products for warmth (and a great gift idea as the holidays approach!)

Winter is here. And in Wyoming it is here to stay for awhile. It’s no secret that I don’t like the cold. I like to spend the cold weekends in the house where it’s nice and warm. I enjoy sewing, my daughter has been making jewelry, my son loves to play cards and my husband watches football. It doesn’t get much better than that.


If we do venture outside on the coldest of days, I like to wear wool. I have this weird fascination with
wool. I love its textures, beautiful colors and warmth.


Last year a friend of mine from Wisconsin showed me a pair of mittens that had been made with wool
sweaters. It was love at first sight. I came up with my own pattern and went shopping. I hit all the
second hand stores I could find and bought up their 100% wool sweaters. Once they are washed and
dried (everything you’re not supposed to do with wool) they turn into a wonderful, soft piece of wool
felt that can be cut apart without unraveling. It’s just like a piece of craft felt you would buy at the store.
But, instead of buying another item, I am using a product and “upcycling” it. Upcycled means taking
something that served one purpose and redesigning it for another. A sweater’s purpose is to keep our
body warm, and now it can be repurposed to keep our hands warm.

Toddler Mittens

Baby, It's COLD Outside!

Jennifer Aist is guesting here again today with some great tips for getting outside despite the cold weather.  Living in Alaska (near where I grew up) she knows the cold, and gets outside with her kids anyway.  In her last guest post, I talked about her book, Babes in the Woods.  Definitely worth checking out if you haven't already (or just need some more inspiration!)

Here are Jennifer's tips on how to fire up your kids to get outside ( at 0 Degrees F):


1. Get out there yourself! Trust me, you’ll love it and your kids will too.

2. Bundle up. Layer up. Pay attention to areas that tend to be left exposed—ankles,
wrists, and necks. Duck tape works great to secure mitts to coats and boots to
snow pants. Gaiters do a nice job warming necks. Warm kids are happy kids.
Bring along extra mittens in case they get wet.

3. Eat first. You’ll need the calories to stay warm.

4. Bring a thermos of hot cocoa or hot cider out with you. It is amazing how a warm
drink can warm your whole body.

5. Have fun discovering the joys of winter with your kids.

Thanks, Jennifer!  We love your tips and live by them too!  

Backcountry Lessons from the Throne of the Deuter Kid Carrier III (+ pack review)

There is something to be said about what kids can learn from their conversations with Daddy (or Mama) while they ride along on adventures.  I love that our Deuter Kid Comfort III allows J to ride comfortably along while Daddy takes advantage of a perfect opportunity to show J a little bit of this country we love so much.

This weekend we ventured out in the backcountry mountains with both boys in packs.  P managed to sleep almost the whole time, but J was a chatterbox until the last 20 minutes of a 5 hour adventure:

I'll be honest - I was struggling today.  I haven't been able to be on backcountry skis (going up mountains, mind you) in two winters now due to a P's high risk pregnancy last winter.  I am definitely trying to get used to my skis, skins, boots and carrying an infant +gear on my back again.  

This Moment

*No words necessary, just a precious moment*

Kids Icebreaker Review and *Giveaway!*

*Contest Closed!* Betsy and Rebecca - check your inbox and congratulations!

We talk about it a lot on the blog, but in case you missed it: We are huge proponents of gear in our family.  Yep, most of it comes with a higher price tag, but the peace of mind knowing your family is safe and warm is absolutely worth it.  And gear starts from the base up.  Husband and I have both worn our fair share of long underwear over the years and know how important it is to have good stuff.  If your base layer isn't doing what it needs to do, the rest of your layers are compromised considerably.

Therefore, we were thrilled to have an opportunity to test out some incredible baselayers (plus some other goodies) from Icebreaker .  Made from Merino Wool taken from the Southern Alps of New Zealand, Icebreaker  boasts products that keep you warm in the cold, cool in the heat, and with a hard-to-beat no-stink factor (my very favorite feature!) + no itch!  And boast they may - this clothing is everything it says it is.

Cabin Getaways, St. Nicholas and Toys (reviews!)

The past three days were pure bliss.

As a family we left everything behind (and believe me, that "everything" is a lot right now!), unplugged and spent some quality time just making memories and being a family.  We found a Forest Service cabin in the Big Horn Mountains that was easily accessible and had plenty of winter fun possibilities.  In fact, we had planned on skiing in the ~200 yards to get to the cabin from the road (totally do-able in any weather) but were pleasantly surprised to find that a lack of snow right around the cabin allowed us to drive right to it.  We felt like we were cheating a bit, but when you have a toddler and an infant you'll take "shortcuts" like that :)

I highly recommend taking this route.  The cabins are are available all over the country and are a cheaper alternative to big lodges, hotels, etc.  We spent $40 a night, but Muddy Guard is definitely on the "luxury" end of Forest Service cabins with electric lights and stove.   (We spent our honeymoon almost 4 years ago in a similar cabin without electricity and spent $15 a night.)  


We spent the time playing, laughing, reading and catching up on sleep (Husband and I were struggling to stay awake to put the kids to bed.)

PeaPods were awesome for staying warm in the cabin for the kids

Incredible cross country skiing was nearby and we bundled the kids up in the sub-zero temps in the Chariot to get on the (slightly groomed) trails.

Our conversations were about how thankful we were to get out there as a family, how thankful we were for warm and quality gear and how time in the woods like that is just good for the soul!

The time we were at Muddy Guard also coincided with the feast day of St. Nicholas.  This is our first year celebrating it and we spent a lot of time talking to J about putting his shoes out and who St. Nicholas really was.  (and yep, we will celebrate Christmas with Santa Claus too but we are talking a lot about how Santa carries on the tradition St. Nicholas started.)  He was pretty excited (which could have contributed to a delayed bedtime that night!)  I love celebrating holidays in simple surroundings and this was perfect.

Both boys received toys that we were given to review (ahem, St. Nicholas worked with us on this...) and I wanted to take this opportunity to share them with you (because I truly believe both are great options for Christmas.)

Sweet Campfire....

There is something absolutely comforting to me about the smell of fire.  I love campfires, the fires from our woodstove, and even how my husband smells after being out on a wildfire.  I think I connect it to the outdoors and the memories of adventures and vacations. 

When I was growing up in Alaska, we often spent weekends out at our family cabin.  It is a “real” cabin (no electricity, running water or plumbing.)  Built in the 50s it was one of the very first cabins on a secluded lake. 

There are plenty now all accessible by plane, snowmachine (AKA snowmobile), hiking, or canoe (depending on the season.)  For some reason I was never really fond of visiting in the summer (the mosquitoes could be vicious), but loved it in the winter.  I loved the copious amounts of snow that was always there, I loved sledding, I loved trudging through the woods and I loved feeling cozy beside the woodstove keeping warm.  I am quite sure that is where that comforting smell leads me back to. 

One of my favorite memories is riding out to the cabin at -20 degrees (F) with my dad.  We were both bundled up, but the sky was amazing and the mountains glowing in the feeble winter daylight.

We spent a rare day there just the two of us without any worries of doing work at the cabin.  I remember reading, sleeping (it is amazing how well I could sleep there) and just being. 

These are the sorts of memories I want to make with my own children now.  I want them to find comfort in the smell of fire and the smell of snow.  I hope they share the love of winter that my husband and I both cling to after busy summer months. 

What sort of memories do you make in the winter with your families?

This Moment

*No words necessary, just a precious moment*

*Guest Review* Strider Bike

We are a HUGE advocates of balance bikes in our family.  My own thoughts will come at the end of this post, but first I would love for you to hear from Mollie who tested out a Strider bike with her 2.5 year old son (because I think it is always beneficial to hear a couple other viewpoints!)  I also wanted to do a comparasin of Strider vs. Haro (which is what J has.)

************************************************************

J showing L how to ride (first day on the bike!)

I cannot sing the Strider Bike's praises enough! We received it a few weeks ago, and my two year old son has thoroughly enjoyed riding it almost everyday.  We live in Wyoming and he rode it one time before having to jump into the car and drive to Louisiana for a family emergency.  Of course we brought it with us. :)  The bike is so lightweight and takes up barely any space in the car.