This Moment

*No words necessary, just a precious moment.*

Kid-Co PeaPod and PeaPod Plus Review plus *Giveaway!*

**Closed!  Congratulations, Nichole S. - you are the winner thanks to Mr. Random (lucky #4!) Email me to claim your prize!!!!**


Happy, Happy Thanksgiving!  Don't worry - I am far from the computer today running the Turkey Trot in Jackson and spending time with family, but wanted to share this excellent travel solution before Black Friday hit (just in case... :))

Yesterday Stephanie talked about a list of her go-to items for traveling with kids.  On the top of that list was the Kid-Co PeaPod.  After getting the opportunity to try one out ourselves (and a Peapod Plus too!) we whole-heartedly agree it is a must-have.

The purpose of both the PeaPod and the Peapod Plus is to provide an alternative to a bulky Pack 'n Play when you are traveling (or backpacking or camping).  We love this because quite honestly, our minivan (high five to all the mini-van families out there) is filled to the brim with other gear nearly every time we leave the house.  It is a bit embarrassing that with just two kids + a dog + kid carriers + Chariot + skis + coats, gloves, hats, and snowsuits +  cloth diapers + snacks = a VERY full load.  Not sure what we will do if we have any more kids...

We also love that kids feel like they are camping when they are in the tents (and sleeping bags are just the natural sleeping arrangement when you are in a tent.)  We usually give J a flashlight too just to add to the ambiance (plus, it's fun!)

Kid-Co generously sent us both a PeaPod and a PeaPod Plus so we could compare them.

*Guest Post* Adventure Baby!

*Giveaway closed! Congratulations, Caroline M. - check your inbox!*

I am thrilled to introduce you to Stephanie on the blog today.  Stephanie is the owner of one of my very favorite shops in Jackson, Backcountry Baby. Backcountry Baby was created to help parents simplify the adventure of parenting. Specializing in travel gear, cloth diapers and baby wearing gear. They've got all the essentials covered (plus some fun goodies!) Stop by at 245 W. Pearl St in Jackson or online at www.backcountry-baby.com (their online shop just went live).  


She has some super valuable tips for traveling with babies and kids, especially during the holidays (and make sure you read all the way to the end of the post for a chance to win something on her "must have" list!)

Introducing the 2012 Kelty Pathfinder 3.0

We were SUPER excited when Kelty agreed to let us be some of the very first people to try out the new Pathfinder 3.0 (just released in January 2012.)  We are going to introduce the pack here (but please excuse our (VERY) amateur video skills!) and then update this post with additional thoughts as we use it throughout the year.

In general, we are super impressed.  It is a FAR cry from the 16 year old L.L. Bean pack we have used with J the past 2.5 years (though that is an unfair comparison as the technology has advanced incredibly since then,) and has a bunch of awesome features that currently make it our favorite pack for P.  Watch the blog in the coming weeks for our review of the Deuter Kid Carrier III (our favorite kid carrier for J.)

15 minutes IS enough...

Well this weekend it happened.  J was too sick to get outside for a day (for the first time in his life.)  High fevers and chest congestion did it for me.  The cold air was not going to help him.  Sad for all of us.

I thought I would take the opportunity to mention that even though I DO believe that being outside every day for just a bit is crucial, there are, of course, exceptions.

This was one of them.

However, after he started feeling better a couple of days later and his fever broke (and breathing wasn't so difficult) he was out there.  For just a few minutes.  He was desperate to try out his new snowshoes we found for him so he did (good indication he was feeling a little better!)  For 10 minutes.  And then he was done.  And that was ok!

I have to be clear that while our family LOVES being outside, we are also responsible parents and the health and safety of our family is very first.

And because poor-boy was just too cute:

Done (and happy with Daddy!)

In other news, you can find Tales of a Mountain Mama at our own domain now (though the old one will automatically redirect you.) www.talesofamountainmama.com

I am also guesting today over at Adventure Tykes.  Come check it out - fun camping memories!

Bristle Block Spinaroos by B. Toys Review

I was inspired by this family and their "Expedition America 2011" trek with their two year old.  I checked out their tips (and continue to do so) and the gear they are finding valuable for their sanity. :)  While they don't seem to have many toys for their son along with them (less is always more!) their thoughts on B. toys caught my eye.  

I contacted the company to see if I would be able to also review some of their toys, and was delighted that they agreed!  I am impressed with their colors and their "earthy" packaging first of all.  And I love that this is part of their philosophy and what they want for kids: 


We want to be a voice to children that says it’s okay to be curious, to be pensive, to be loud, to be happy and sad all at the same time, to be generous, to be afraid, to be quiet, to be wild, to be fun, to be open, to be scientific, to be poetic, to be giddy, to be serious, to be smart, to be free, to be you.


We were sent two different products: Bristle Block Spinaroos and Dr. Doctor (review on Dr. Doctor coming soon!).  

This Moment....

*No words necessary, just a precious moment.*