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!)