This Moment....

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

*Gear Review* Liberty Bottle Works + Giveaway

*Giveaway Closed!* Congrats to #34, Kristie S; #5, Susan S. and #24, Tiffany.  Please email me at mountainmamatales(at)gmail(dot)com with your first, second and third choices!  

Water bottles are exploding out of our cupboards more often than not.  Or our car.  Or the bike trailer.  


We use them constantly in an attempt to stay hydrated in the dry climate of Wyoming.  The benefits of water are abounding (we'll save that information for another day), and we know that running out of water (or just plain not drinking enough) can have disastrous results.


Our local gear shop, Wind River Gear, carries Liberty Bottles and they got my attention right away.  I simply loved that the lid only required 1/4 turn to close it (instead of turning and turning and turning...)


I looked into the company a little more and was thrilled to have a chance to try some out (and give some away.)  


We what love (and what makes Liberty Bottles different):
- BPA-free ("our coating insures no heavy metal leaching or porous surface for bacteria build up.")
- Made in the USA
- Made from recycled aluminum cans, and recyclable too.
- Food-grade coated interior prevents chips from the aluminum entering your drinking water.
- Varying designs from "everyday" artists.  AND you can make bottles with your own logo (if you order a minimum of 72 bottles)!!  One day, when I am rich, maybe there will be "Tales of a Mountain Mama" bottles ;)  Donations accepted ;) HA!
- They fit in "normal" spaces like cup holders (SO annoying when your bottles don't fit in those spaces!)

*Guest Post* Toddlers in the Wild

This week we welcome Tanya of Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies to the blog.  She hails from beautiful country and abounding opportunity for adventure.  And she takes full advantage! I love reading her stories and often find myself longing to go on their family (or just MOM) adventures!  Make sure you read her bio at the end (including a link to her blog!)

 Our family makes it a priority to get out to the mountains almost every weekend for what many would say are big adventures given we have a toddler.  We’ve taken our son backpacking since he was one and have another trip planned this summer where we are hoping he’ll walk the 2 miles to the campground on his own.  He’s already reached several of his first summits with Daddy carrying him up 3000 feet or more and we regularly complete long day hikes of distances up to 10 miles.  We transition to cross country skiing and light backcountry ski touring in winter with my husband pulling our son in a ski pulk.

Slow Down and Throw Some Rocks in the River

We are busy.  So is the rest of the United States.  It's how we roll.

I like being busy and enjoy challenging myself through many different avenues.  However, sometimes it is absolutely CRUCIAL for us (and you) to take an hour (or two or three or an entire day) and just stop.

Don't hurry to the next event.
Don't worry about dinner being late.
Don't worry about making it to the end of the trail.
Don't rush the kids.
Don't tell them not to get dirty or they have just "5 minutes more."

Photo Contest by MultiSport Journeys

Last week I posted a review of the Multisport Journeys designs and T-shirts.  In case you missed it...they hand-draw and digitalize images to help inspire people to get outdoors and be active.   In my review I talk about the fact that I really think they are missing a whole kid line of the images (they have the kid-sized clothing, just no images of kids themselves outdoors.)

Sue (the founder) and I talked about it and came up with an idea to help them (and you!)  Therefore, we will be hosting a photo contest.

Send in your photos of your kids outdoors doing what they do!  It could be biking, hiking, riding in a backpack, skiing in a harness, etc. The sky is the limit.  At the end of the contest, Sue and I will choose our top choice.  The winner will get their whole family outfitted in Multisport Journey Ts which could include the image from your photo! (up to 4 short-sleeve tees.)  We will also choose a second winner to have their image put on a bib (which are new to the site starting next week.)

To enter:
Please email your images to mountainmamatales(at)gmail(dot)com and/or post them on our Facebook wall (and please do tag "Live to"!)  Then comment here saying you have done so (just so we don't miss anyone!)

Winners will be notified and announced here and on Facebook after March 30th  April 2nd.

The fine print: Any images drawn (not the photos themselves - those are yours!) become the copyright property of MSJ

This Moment....

*Evidence of a mild winter*

*Gear Review* Sport Science Smarter Basics T-Shirts

I have to admit, I am no fashion diva.  Yes, I want to look nice, but more importantly, I want my clothes to perform for me and hold up between regular day-to-day activities AND biking, running, hiking, etc.  If I can't be active in something I am wearing, I am honestly just not going to reach for it on a daily level.

When Sport Science (since 2005) reached out to us to review some of their basic tees, we were thrilled about the concept of living comfortably in clothes that perform (but don't feel like they are performance clothing.)

Their philosophy:  do more. enjoy.  Now THAT is something I can handle!

What we love about the Tees:
- They really do feel like cotton, despite being a dry-fit, moisture-wicking fabric.
- Their Fresh Guard technology keeps any smell at bay (which is usually a HUGE problem for technical clothing.)  Both Mtn Papa and I have been wearing them for numerous days between washes (and I have been working out in mine and sweating plenty.)  The smell remains neutral.
- The fit is great - relaxed without being sloppy and plenty of length to allow for movement.
- They are basic and seem like a "normal T-shirt", but keep their shape and perform well.

*Guest Post* 4 Ways to Turn an Everyday Walk Into a Grand Adventure

I am so pleased to welcome Debi to the blog today.  She is a wonderful example of the fact that nature-lovers don't JUST live in the mountains.  Her blog is chock-full of inspiration, stories and pictures and is definitely a worthwhile read!  As always, please feel free to leave her comments on this post (and answer the question she poses!) and check out the link to her blog and a little bio at the end!

I live in Los Angeles, where the nearest neighborhood park is about a mile away. The closest trails, rivers, creeks, city or state parks are at least 20 minutes away – by car. So when we’re short on time but hankering for some outdoor exploring, we head out the front door and take a walk around the neighborhood.

You’d think after about the 100^th walk, our kids – ages 7 and 3.5 – would hate it. But we don’t often get complaints. 

So what’s the secret to our success? Turning our everyday walks into grand adventures. Here are a few ways my hubby and I do just that.

Create your own scavenger hunt.

Even in our very urban neighborhood, there’s nature all around us. Sometimes, you just need to slow down and look for it. Scavenger hunts are a good way to help kids focus the senses on certain items. 

We’ve taken color walks, flower walks, leaf walks – we’ve even looked for letters in nature. We’ve created scavenger hunts for each of the four seasons, a bird watching scavenger hunt and more. Sometimes we create a list ahead of time; on other occasions we just make it up as we go. You’re limited only by your own imagination.

*REVISED!* Choosing a Kid Carrier (Deuter vs. Kelty)

**Please note: After posting this review, a representative from Kelty kindly stepped in and informed us of a feature of the pack that we had somehow missed....(amazing how that can happen!)  I have revised this post, but did not revise the video (because it is hard to get a house quiet enough to do that with two young kids!)  But, we now know that you can compress the Kelty more by releasing those yellow straps that lie against the back panel. This allows the area where the child sits to fold down. They MUST be tightened prior to use to make the design work, but if you needed it as "thin" as possible you would want to loosen those straps as well.**

We have gotten fairly swamped with people wanting a fair comparison between the Kelty Pathfinder 3.0 and the Deuter Kid Carrier III (both packs that we have reviewed previously - links lead to those reviews on this blog.)  I am honestly not too keen on comparing the packs because there is certainly a HUGE amount of personal preference, but I also believe in doing real, honest reviews here and so will happily give our opinion!  While I personally believe these are two of the very best on the market right now, Osprey's Poco is starting to hit stores now, and who knows where that one will stand in the line-up!  It seems pretty great, but I haven't tested it myself.  I will certainly update this when we do!

Comparing how far they open up.

Comparing widths when compact (this is a revised photo - see note at top of post)

Let me start with saying that both carriers are excellent.  In our family they have both served their purpose and we reach for them for different things and usually for different kids.  This is absolutely our personal preference and opinions and the best way for you to make a decision about a carrier is to go into a store and try one on.


If you prefer to watch the comparison (easier to see some of the features...though note that this video is nothing professional! ;))

This Moment...

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

Gear Review: Ice Queen Skirt by Skirt Sports

Skirts are hitting the big time out in the athletic world.  I have been watching them change and improve over the past few years and continue to be impressed.  It is not uncommon to see gals wearing them for running races, out skiing or just around Jackson (which we consider the local ski town and people wear their gear to the bar.)  They bring functionality and femininity together for women who continue to be active (and hate changing their clothes numerous times throughout the day!)

I wrote a post a few months back about the Skhoop skirt and using it for winter sports.  Warm skirt, but definitely not super stretchy for lots of movement.  Skirts Sports has another version of an outdoor winter skirt that is definitely more forgiving when using it to be active.  The Ice Queen is essentially a winter athletic pant with a skirt for added coverage.  I also claim that extra layer of the skirt adds just a tad more warmth (which I find helpful!)

What I love:
- Windproof thigh panels and skirt (HUGE in Windy Wyoming!) The thigh panels extend past the knee making the coverage more than adequate. The rest of the piece (that is not the windproof panels) is stretchy and soft.
- The skirt doesn't get in the way of my movement, but still does provide a bit of "modesty coverage" especially for aerobic sports where tight-fitting clothes are more comfortable anyway (XC skiing, snowshoeing, skiing).
- They are great for running, snowshoeing, and XC skiing.  I did wear them backcountry alpine skiing once with long underwear beneath them, but they don't fit over the larger alpine ski boots quite as well and I felt as though I should be wearing a little more for the conditions.
- Their boot-leg shape and 9" boot zipper allows for fitting over nordic ski boots and running shoes.
- The attaching of the pants and skirt is such that no chafing will happen.  The construction of the skirt is absolutely secure and tough.
- Two small pockets (hidden under the skirt on both sides) hold an ipod/gel easily.  Love the music port too! (see photo below for sizing peek of pockets/music port)

*Guest Post* First Ski Tour With Mama

I am pleased to welcome Katie to the blog today.  After emailing me a few months back and mentioning she lives in a cabin in the mountains with her husband and young daughter, I knew she would have some good stories!  I was thrilled when she finally agreed to share one with us all.  As always, please feel free to leave her some love in the comments!

It snowed.  Finally.  I can’t believe it’s taken until February for the snow conditions to be good enough to take our baby for a ski tour.  We’ve had more wind, rain and ice crusts this year than snow.  Typically by now, I would have been out skiing a good 30+ days; even last year, when I was pregnant.  But this winter is different for another reason; we now have a sweet 7 month old, S. 

It was a beautiful day for a ski tour, at least at first.  We typically like to get an early start, but after figuring out what gear we needed and how to fit it all into the kid carrier (we attached a separate bag), making breakfast and packing lunch, feeding and changing S again, getting the skis ready, and putting her pacifier on belay, we finally headed out at the crack of 11:30.  We were familiar with dressing her in the cold:  long sleeved Capilene onsie with pants, baby leg warmers to keep her legs warm while changing her outdoors, knitted socks, booties, wool mittens, a thick fleece one piece suit with handwarmers in the hands and feet, a little hat with a felted wool earflap hat over top, sunglasses to protect her eyes and a bit of sunscreen on her exposed face, all under a toasty down outfit.  We planned to be outside for up to 5-6 hours and wanted to be prepared for anything.   We’d done plenty of cross country skiing and snowshoeing with S on our backs or in her ski trailer, and a little skinning uphill before our local resort opens in the morning.  We like to take her on an outside adventure at least 5 days a week.  But this was the first backcountry ski tour that I skinned up and skied down with S.  I wanted to carry her so I knew I could do it, even though my husband usually carries the heavier backpack.  Note: we are both experienced skiers and have excellent backcountry travel skills.  We completely avoid avalanche terrain while traveling with S. 

Multi-Family Adventures

This past weekend for the very first time we went hiking with a couple other families.  Funny that we have really never done that before (despite knowing it can be great fun)!  We have certainly hiked/skied with other people, but not families with kids.

We had six kids between us (all under the age of 8), three dogs and a gloriously beautiful "spring" day  (quotations around spring because winter is far from being over here in the mountains.)

We definitely had our share of falling, whining, laughing, whining, jumping, whining, exploring, whining, and lots of great peer pressure....oh and whining.  It really wasn't that bad, but we have to be honest here: all kids are not going to be great troopers for a three hour hike (and that is ok!)

Inspiration to Get Out There! (+ Gear Giveaway)

*Contest closed, Congratulations to Tanya, lucky #5! Don't forget to check out the promo code if you didn't win!*

It is no secret that we are huge proponents of getting outside and being active.  That is what this blog is all about....and it is the reason we put so much energy into it.  We believe whole-heartedly in the benefits of fresh air, exercise, and trying new things!  We want to inspire and be inspired.

Inspiration comes in all forms: challenges from those we love, challenges from those we imitate and admire, and challenges from nature as our bodies learn to move in different ways.

As a family, we tend to like to switch things up a bit with the seasons and on a whim.  We are ok with biking in the winter (because we can around here) and Mtn Papa always loves to get a ski in in June just to say he did (again, because we can!)

We also love to challenge each other with new interests....which also tends to result in more gear around here, but we live with the consequences...  I taught Mtn Papa how to skate ski, and he taught me all I know about backcountry alpine skiing.  We encourage each other to get a run in (or get back into running and hiking after babies) and individually and collaboratively support hikes off the trail, training for fun races and trying new sports.

Keeping things fresh and being supportive between spouses, family members and friends is key to continuing to get outside and remaining active.  I, personally, love the backcountry because it is always offering a new perspective, new views, and new challenges (and it is for the opposite reasons that I loathe the treadmill!)

This Moment...

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

Also, we have another article published this week over at Seattle Backpacker Magazine: "Raising a Wild Child" - would love your input!

*Guest Post* Year-Round Playgroups

I have a special spot in my heart for todays guest, Lia from Skedaddle.  Having grown up in Alaska myself and often wistful for the winter snow and skiing, her blog helps me live a little vicariously closer to home through her Year-Round Playgroup.  As always, please feel free to leave her comments (and make sure you check out her bio at the end!) 

I could not imagine starting an outdoor playgroup in Arizona.  How would you manage through the summer?  Is it safe for kids to play outside when it 80 degrees?   I wouldn’t even begin to know how to dress them - should they wear long sleeves to keep off the sun or would they overheat?  If you live in a warm climate, you might think I am a naive homebody who never lets my children run barefoot in the grass.

I live in Alaska with my sons and run an outdoor playgroup that meets year round.  I am a pro at getting my children into rain suits, I always carry winter hats in the summer and can be out the door to play in -20 degrees within 20 minutes (most of the time).

Getting people to attend an all weather playgroup in this climate might seem like an insurmountable task, but it was amazingly simple.  I just asked people and word spread.  Veteran Alaskans understand the benefits of getting out (rather than holding up the white flag and giving into cabin fever) and seem enjoy the outdoors no matter the temperature.  Those new to Alaska realize the need for a set time to force themselves outside and learn the secrets of success from seasoned pros.  Our larger group, Alaskan Outdoor Family Network, has over 300 members who all want to get their children outside all year long.

 

A Week of SKI + Lucky Bums Ski Trainer Review

With very young kids, downhill skiing is nearly impossible, especially if you want to use the lifts at resorts AND ski with your spouse.  It's just a fact of life. :)  I look forward to the day when our whole family can ski together.   However, thanks to my lovely in-laws this past week, I was able to do both (in small increments of time, but skiing none-the-less!)  Unless you've been in the same position, there is no describing how wonderful just a few hours of a little freedom can be (as much as I love my kids!)

Not only did I get to ski with just the "older" family members we were with, I also got to join together with Mountain Papa one of the mornings to help J learn on his own skis.  It was great to get some time with just one kid AND help see him learn (because I can learn from that process too!)

We were fortunate enough to have a chance to test out a Lucky Bums Ski Trainer this week also.  If you have kids learning to ski, this is THE harness to have (in our humble opinion!)

"Spring" + Sun Protection Reminder

It is suddenly that time of year in the Wyoming mountains.  The days are getting longer, the temperatures are a bit warmer, the snow is getting softer and the sun is intense.  We had a chance to get out and play yesterday and it was absolutely beautiful.

It was also one of those days where it took us hours to get out of the house and on the snow, so we were definitely battling sticky snow on our skis.  But, we hardly noticed because we were enjoying the sun so much.  So much, in fact, that we completely forgot about any sort of sun screen.  We were lucky that we came home with a bit of color and luckily no noticeable burns.... This time.

This Moment (Active Kids Edition!)

*No words necessary, just some precious moments!*

Thank you to all of you that sent in pictures for the GeoPalz giveaway we had last week.  I thought it would be fun to feature some other families' moments this Friday. Lots of outdoor fun!

Snacks on the Hill + Go Go squeeZ Giveaway

*Congratulations to JLJMommy (#12), Blair(#2), and Connie(#4)!  Email me at mountainmamatales(at)gmail(dot)com to claim your samples!*

When you have kids and are outside and active, snacks are a must (for the sanity of all involved!)  A few weeks ago, I did a post about some of the food we regularly pack when we are out adventuring (which also includes a recipe for Homemade Pocket Sandwiches.)

As a general rule, we tend to stay away from a lot of the pre-packaged stuff.  If I had all the time and energy in the world, we would honestly eat completely from scratch.  However, reality sets in and the truth is that I would rather spend that time with my young boys and husband than in the kitchen all day long.

As a trade-off, I am picky about what we DO eat pre-packaged.  I try to limit sugar, unnecessary preservatives and waste from packaging.

A few months ago, I ran across GoGo squeeZ applesauce packets and they have turned into one packaged snack that we consistently use for the boys.  I believe in them enough to share them with you!

What we love about GoGo squeeZ:
- portioned out packets that result in no-mess (even when we are feeding them to P.)
- easy for on the trail, ski hill, car and general travel (we have to ration them out to J because he loves them that much - they are his "treat"...without all the sugar!)
- all natural and no added sugar
- gluton, dairy and nut free
- 100 % fruit
- resealable (J easily finishes a packet, but P usually is eating on it for a few feedings.)
- Plenty of applesauce-based flavors: apple, apple-stawberry, apple-peach, apple-banana, apple-cinnamon, and apple-berry.  We have only tried the regular apple, but would love to try the others!
- Their recycling system (see my corrections below!)