Explore: No Agenda, No Destination, No Rules.

Adventures happen every day. 

They aren’t necessarily an “event” that requires a lot of planning or foresight to make happen.  Granted, some camping trips, backpacking trips or longer hikes certainly require thinking ahead a little (or a lot), BUT we easily forget about those moments of discovery and exploration that are so crucial to connecting with the world around us.

Helping foster exploration, creativity and wonder in kids is as important as it is easy, because they LOVE to discover.  My boys can sit in front of a pile of dirt and be content for hours. 

As a family, we make it a habit to get into the woods and just do some exploring as often as we can. 

No agenda.  No destination.  No rules.   And more often than not, no trails.  Just eyes-open, ears in-tune and taking in the beauty of nature with each breath. 

Reflections on Screen Free + Contest

Screen Free.  Possible?  

Did you take full advantage?
Did you take advantage at all?
Did you find it easier or tougher than you thought it would be?
Did you decide it was silly and there were no benefits?

After a full week, Mtn Papa and I sat down just to reflect a little bit about how it worked for us.... (Spoiler - we are going to do this Screen Free Business a bit more often!)

The good, the bad and the unplugged: 
What was great:
- We went to bed earlier every night and spent time reading (something I seem to do less and less lately.)
- I quit wasting time on social media stuff and was very focused when I checked my emails.  I had more time (crazy, I know!) for the simple things (like throwing a ball with my son!)
- Mtn Papa didn't worry about emails or balancing the checkbook or looking for "THE" truck on ebay, etc. after having to be on the computer at work.
- As a couple we made it more of a priority to play games together, go on extra walks as a family and just spend a bit more time outside.

What we didn't expect:
- We really don't watch TV hardly at all, but we do have two PBS stations ;)  After a long stretch of sleepless nights, I was wishing I could sit J in front of some quality shows for just 30 minutes so I could sneak in a little extra sleep in the morning.
- I didn't miss FB or Twitter.
- The effect on our kids was minimal because of their ages and lack of TV usage in our house.
- It was a great vacation of sorts!
- The house wasn't any cleaner....hmmm.....

Get Outside and PLAY! + Gear up Day 5!

Welcome to Day 5 of "Gearing Up Families to go Screen Free"!  If this is your first time hearing about the event, please check out our updated tab here.  Make sure you check out the giveaways at the end of this post (they are ONLY open for 24 hours- midnight to midnight EST!) 

The importance of PLAY for all ages
There is no replacement for the outdoors as THE playground for kids and adults alike.  Gross motor skills are developed through running, jumping, climbing and exploring.  Motor manipulation skills are improved while passing a ball or pushing a friend on the swing.  Fresh air alleviates stress and brings peace.  The ever-changing environment outdoors challenges on a mental level too while discovering insects, birds, the movement of dirt and the speed and direction of winds (which we know about all-to-well around here!)

If you are new here, you may not know how strongly we promote a "15 minute" rule.  We are outside EVERY day for AT LEAST 15 minutes (though usually much, much longer.)  There are a few exceptions, of course, but we know how related our outdoor time is to the happiness of our family.

We believe recess is crucial (even for home-schooled kids, kids not yet in school AND adults) and love what Keen is doing through their RECESS promotion (check it out if you haven't seen it yet!) is changing workplaces.

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."

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!)

The "Indoor Recess" Kid

Across the country, recess (especially in the elementary school) is being threatened to be replaced by more classroom time.  I may be bold in saying so, but I honestly couldn't think of a better way to inhibit learning.  


As a teacher myself, I have seen all spectrums of recess play.  I have been tempted to take away the "privilege" of recess due to misbehavior for a kid that really may need it more than anyone else in the class.  I have bandaged up cuts and bruises and broken up "fights" and drama between kids (yes, even between those sweet 8 year olds!)  I have seen kids laugh and cry and take their coats off when it was 20 degrees outside (because they truly are hot from playing!) 


I have watched kids make up their own games and involve their entire class in their play.  Giant piles of snow have become incredible forts in less than 15 minutes.  Climbers are climbed and swings are swung.  


Growing up, I was definitely the kid that would do anything I could to avoid going outside to recess.  Crazy as it sounds now, I would offer to help the teacher, insist I had extra work to do (despite the fact that I was ahead in most of my classes) or "forget" my warm gear.  I was missing out. (And I am so glad I have learned better since then!)


My point is this:  Kids NEED to spend time outdoors.  Kids in public schools, kids in private schools and kids that are home-schooled.  There is NO exception for the need for recess on a daily basis (even though that may be indoor recess in the case of extreme weather.)

The National Wildlife Federation has a great article stating that "kids who spend time outside have fitter bodies, better eyesight, less stress, and better grades." They go on to list 10 reasons why kids need fresh air including longer attention spans and less hyperactivity depression (key components in helping kids learn in and outside of the classroom.)