'Tis the season for Elk!

Hunting season this year isn't looking so good.  Bull elk season ends here today and the snow is supposed to start really flying tomorrow.  Figures.  The animals have been safely hiding high up in the mountains and unless you have pack horses, four wheelers, or a week of time, you are sorta out of luck!  Husband has been scouting when he has a chance, and we got to go with him a bit this weekend.

I was thrilled to get outside and the kids were content and loving it!  J kept talking about looking for elk and wanting to eat it.  I don't think he really gets it, but I guess we expose him to what we can.  I grew up eating game (mostly Moose and Caribou) and far prefer it over other meats.  One of these days he will learn where it comes from and we believe it is best to not make it a scary ordeal, but instill a healthy respect for the animals and all things hunting related (gun safety, leave-no-trace principles and predator awareness.)

We also wanted to check out a couple of packs that we will be reviewing formally in the next few months. So here is your sneak peak of the Deuter Kid Comfort III and the Kelty Pathfinder 3.0 (new for 2012.)  We will say that they are both top of the line for their brands and both incredible.  Parents and kids were happy hikers!
*We may not win a fashion contest, but all are comfortable and content! :)*

this kid cannot stay out of puddles, ice or not! :)

...and he could throw rocks in the river all day long!*

Mountain Hardware Dome Perignon Hat

 I have officially been converted.  Husband has been singing the praises of the Mountain Hardware Perignon Hat for years now and after stealing his for a couple of winters, I finally got my own.  If you live anywhere with wind and cold (like Wyoming) this is THE hat.  Wind proof (not sure of their official term), great ear coverage, and super warm.  Not the most stylish in the world, but when you just need to stay warm, that doesn't matter at all!  Just thought I would share!

This Moment

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

WINNER!

Ann F., you are the randomly-chosen winner of the Mountain Mama: Expecting Adventure giveaway for following via GFC!  CONGRATULATIONS!  I am emailing you!

Bitti Tutto Cloth Diaper Review and *GIVEAWAY*

**CLOSED!  Congrats to Leslie G. for liking Itti Bitti on Facebook!  Your diaper will be on its way to you shortly!**

As a family, we have been using cloth diapers for over two years now.  I must say it is a completely different ball game with two kids instead of one (especially when traveling) but we absolutely think it is worth it.  Great for the environment, chemical-free and saves us a bundle of money (around $2000 a year with two kids...and that is a modest estimate.)

Most of our stash is full of BumGenius All-In-Ones but lately we have been able to try out a few other brands.  I was one of the lucky ones chosen to be able to review Itti Bitti's brand new Bitti Tutto in the carnival print (limited edition.)  I have to honestly say this is my new favorite diaper, hands-down.  J agrees (and P certainly would if he had the words to express it!)

Active Mama! *Guest Post*

I was an active girl long before I was pregnant. I’ve been running since training for and completing a marathon in 2002. Over the years, I had kept up running and that didn’t change when I got pregnant. I was lucky enough to enjoy a very healthy pregnancy and was able to run until I was about 6 months pregnant and transitioned to run/walking and walking as I grew into that last trimester. Naturally, a jogging stroller was on our baby gear wish list. I had visions of putting the wee one into the stroller and getting my run on every afternoon.

Then reality struck. My wee one, Hudson, arrived in April. A perfect baby boy. But at 7lbs 10ozs, he was too small for the jogging stroller! It was only then, after he arrived, that I realized you’re not supposed to use the jogging stroller with them until they have developed good neck support, which is often closer to 6 months old. On top of that, he was a terrible sleeper with digestion issues that left this momma too exhausted to think about running, let alone do it while pushing a stroller and baby. But, not one to be deterred, I found an alternative that allowed me to stay active. I knew I needed something more than the casual stroll that would get us out and about.

Heading out for a hike near our home

*Winner!*

Shannon said...

I chat with my girlfriends on my BlackBerry. It makes me social, keeps me connected with them and makes the 30 minutes on the eliptical fly by!

October 19, 2011 

Congratulations, Shannon!  Email me at mountainmamatales.blogspot.com to claim your prize!