let's get off this tired trail.

I took river on a hike to a new trail. We went about 100 yards, spent 20 minutes looking at some flowers, bugs, and the city down below. She said, "Daddy, let's get off this tired trail." I laughed. "If you put it like that. Okay", I said.

I have learned that it does not help to push too hard, especially when it is not critical. I like to give River a lot of the decision making power. I feel like it empowers her. If she wants to go off the trail I follow her. I always tell her she gets to choose the path, even if there isn't one. Sometimes it is nice to be the boss, even if you are only three.

look, touch, feel

Since we started the garden in the backyard River has found a love of "rolly-polly's". She has found some huge ones. I love the dirt under her finger nails. I have to admit I got a little squeamish when she was holding 14 of them in her hands. What are your kids favorite bugs?

I'm not a Hiker, Biker, Climber chick...

not a hiker, biker, climber 

My wife said when we started dating. I think this was on the fourth or fifth time snowshoeing.  By that time I was already invested, thought she was cute, and felt like I could convince her otherwise.

I bought Kathryn a nice sleeping bag, a nice jacket, nice pants, nice mittens, and some cute thermals. Since then people would think we were bohemian. She even asked to stop at REI the other day, without me even prompting her. What a woman.

hiker, biker, climber

my best recipe everyone has already made

I should be in Martha Stewart for my gourmet S'mores

Which do you like?

infant camping

This is Sloane Byrd's first camping trip at 3 months. We waited a little longer for Sloane than River because the cold Utah spring weather this year. We did a little bit of four-wheeling down in the four corners region. Haunting country.

The night got down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It can make camping with a baby a little challenging. I would love to make an infant sleeping bag when I get time, because all of the products out there are more for backyard sleeping, but this is what we did in the mean time.

I brought a Crazy Creek Chair to lay underneath her. Kathryn does not think it is comfortable enough, but baby's don't seem to care. Any pad will work though. Most of your body heat is sucked out of you through the ground, if you are cold at night, get a better sleeping pad with a higher R value. Next we put Sloane in her one-piece fleece pajamas, wrapped her in a fleece blanket, and stuffed her into a modified adult sleeping bag. Make sure they can breathe. The nice thing about this arrangement is they can't turn over very easily, reducing SIDS.

all smiles on daddy's sleeping bag

I have found that my kids sleep better in a tent than at home. They love to get up in the morning to beautiful scenery, rocks, sticks, and sand.

If you have never tried infant camping, start easy, go car-camping. If things get awful, jump in the car and come home, and if you get really desperate you could even go to a ... gasp... hotel.

About 8 feet

just what we needed

Essential pieces of gear

An indelible moment

My sister's family and I are going to the Uintah National Forest today.  It is an area that leaves a lasting impression. I remember fishing from a particular rock over 25 years ago as a child (I think I could still find it). Moments in nature are indelible. They make a mark, do not ignore the importance of it.

"What should I bring", my sister asked.

We are innately aware the wild can be dangerous. More than one eyebrow has been raised in my direction when I have told them about upcoming family trips. I care about my kids. I care about their safety. Safety = knowledge + gear. I try to come prepared. We get hurt from exposure, dehydration, and accidents. Knowing this, here is a very short list to keep outdoor kids safe and comfortable.

Essential Gear.
1. Rain Gear/Outer Layer
2. Warm Clothing
3. Water Containers