Camping - Preparation

camping by lynnard featuring stainless steel utensils

Next weekend is 4th of July weekend and I couldn't be more excited!! Not only is it a 3 day weekend, but we are taking our first of hopefully many camping trips this summer. My husband and I both remember camping non-stop as kids. I have so many fun memories of camping with family and friends. My hubby tells stories about how he didn't sleep in tents just in sleeping bags under the stars... I however remember a semi-lux camping. We did tents and my mom cooked amazing meals every night. I think at one point we had a pop up trailer which for us was so exciting. As a kid I never realized how much effort camping takes. The preporation, the packing, the supplies. I mean once you have it all, it will last you years of free trips but when you are a new camper of a family of 4 it can be a little overwhelming.

 However, I have changed ALOT since I was a dirty non caring kid. I am kinda a clean freak who likes everything organized and with in easy access. I also happen to be allergic to nature and dirt, so you can image my anxiety when it comes to prepping for a camping trip. Ideally a camper or trailer would solve alot of these problems but for now our tent is all we have.  But really for KC and I, it is so important to us that we give our kids the same outdoor skills, and great memories that we had when we were kids. Camping is such an amazing way to grow together as a family and also to teach our kids that nature holds just as much fun as any toy at home.  Getting them outdoors, exploring, and staying active is what we try to do as much as possible especially in their early years. 

One of my favorite things about being in Washington is being able to camp right by a beach. This is something I never experienced when your camping spots have always been AZ, Cali, and Colorado. For me it's perfect. I would choose camping on the beach over forest any day. Why? Well besides the fact that I am a total ocean lover and seeing the sea just puts me in a special place of serenity and happiness, it also is cleaner and has less allergies. So I am excited that this weekend we will be spending our time at Deception Pass.  There apparently is a ton of things to do and amzing sites to see.

Last year we camped with my parents, you can read that here.  We were completly spoiled that trip because we were able to use their trailer for the pack-n-play and they also brought and cooked all the food.  So with this trip, we are flying solo which means we had to stock up on a few supplies.  So I thought I would put a little list together of my must haves for camping.

1. My Camera
2. Tent, air mattress, sleeping bags etc.
3. Found this toddler cot on Zulily for $40 which I love for Rhone!  Super light weight and comes with a sleeping bag that attaches so they can't squirm out of their covers in the middle of the night. We also have used this many times for when guests come over and sleep in Rhone's bed.
4. These stackable cooler are genius for those of us that have limited space in our cars.
5. A stove for grilling and a flat top for pancakes in the morning. 
6. Bug spray and Sun screen are a must.
7. Coffee or Espresso maker is also any moms must have!
8. Cute outfits always help me feel my best 
9. And of course smores... that is the only thing on Rhone's list

Hope everyone has a great 4th of July weekend!! I can guarantee there will be a follow up post with lots of pics, so stay tuned!

25/52

The 52 project: a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014.

Rhone: always jumping

Lachlyn: always twirling... if there's not a pole, she circles me

Cotton On : Lachlyn

One of the ways that I decompress at the end of the day besides wine is by online shopping. It may be super weird to a lot of people, but I just love it.  Rarely do I ever buy anything, it just the searching and finding super cute items that I love.  Mind you,  I thrift store shop all the time for the kids, but here and there its nice to buy something new.  I like to add my favorites and I keep items in the cart for months and months just in case there's a big sale or free shipping.
So I thought it would be fun to share my favorite online shopping sites with you all. us.cottonon.com has some great unique clothing for everyone that are very reasonably priced. All these items are $15 or less and if you keep an eye out, they have great deals like free shipping and 30% off for first time orders!

Cotton On : Lachlyn favorites 

23/52

  The 52 project: a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014.

 

Rhone: his freckles

Lachlyn: haha // how could I not put this in?

Lachlyn's big day

For Lachlyn's 2nd birthday we decided to do a Fiesta theme, and I have to say this was one of my favorite parties yet.  Not only do I crave Mexican food pared with margaritas daily but throw in fruit decor and lots of fringe and I'm sold. We had lots of family and friends over to help celebrate her life.  It was so much fun and kids played so well together.  The bonsai water slide was a huge hit (except for Lach) and Rhone was just not satisfied unless he scared all the adults and impressed all his friends with many jumps off the slide.  We had a taco bar, chips & salsa, guacamole, fruit, churros, cupcakes, and of course margaritas.  Lachlyn just ate lots of churros and cupcakes and was perfectly content with it.  Lachlyn got her very own mini pinata while the boys got their own big pinata to mutilate.  Thank you to everyone who came to her big day, and to everyone else thank you for your kind words.  She was definitely showered with love and means the world to her dad and I.

What we wore:

Lachlyn: Dress: thrifted & hot glued tassels to bottom // Headband: Custom by ArtsanndCrass // Shoes which she and I are both obsessed with are by Bedtimerebel.  They are just like Freshly picked but more affordable. 

Me: Shirt is by Enidandedger // My everyday pant is by AG // Necklace: gifted // Belt: thrifted

Decorations:              

Tissue Mexican Banners: MexFabric Supplies on Etsy

Fruit Banner: tutorial here 

Fringe: used from Lachlyn's 1st birthday.  You can find tutorial here

Tassels: best tutorial here

Serapes: thrifted

Churros: Costco & paper wrappers were diy purchased at target

Pinatas & Fruit picks: party Store

Everything else: target

Happy Birthday Lachlyn Charley!

 Today my little baby girl turns 2!! It’s funny how time works with kids.  In one way the 2 years seem to have flown by, but in another it seems like a life time.  So much has happened since Lach was born.  I think maybe because every month there seems to be another mile stone reached.  Speaking of mile stones, last week this girl randomly started counting to 10.  No help from us… a lot from Rhone.  But she can say them without hesitation.

Dear Lachlyn, 

You my sweet girl have changed our family forever.  I have prayed my whole life for you and God has blessed us so much.  You have a heart for love and although you are fully in your ‘terrible’ two’s you still manage to let each of us know your love for us.  You give us a lot of fuss, but then turn around and gently take our cheeks in your hands and whisper sweet mumbles. You are a snuggler and this is one of my favorite moments we share each day.  You still LOVE your dolly and your 2 blankets.  Every nap, every night, every time you are dropped off with someone else, they come along and give you comfort.  You are beyond beautiful.  Your reddish/strawberry blonde hair is a color that you just can't buy.  Your eyes, your cute little smile, your perfect fair skin just take our breath away.

You are completely and utterly in love with you brother!  He is everything to you.  You want to do what he is doing, you want to climb what he is climbing, and you want to wear his shoes everywhere.  You guys fight like siblings and you hit him on the head more than you should, but you also choose to sit right next to him every chance you get.  You love giving hugs before bed, and you look for him when you wake.    

Bubbles are your favorite outdoor activity.  Slides, climbing, jumping, and chalk are also winners in eyes.  You are extremely daring and freak your dad and me often with your ability to climb.  But you are tough.  Falling, scraps, cleaning scraps, and bonking your head are no big deal (most of the time).  You like your 1 dolly, but don’t care for other stuff animals or dolls.  You seem to be a big tomboy even though you are dressed like a girly girl.   Your favorite drink is still milk.  Your favorite food is a bean burrito in the shape of a quesadilla.  You love muffins and blueberries.  You don’t eat dinner most nights and have become extremely picky eater as of a couple of months ago. 

Your dad and I love you to pieces Lachlyn.  You have made our family complete and I am excited to see more you’re your personality shine through.  Taking big steps of independence and learning to function on your own is what’s in store this next year.  Thank you for your love you have given us this year, and I hope you have a wonderful birthday.   

Your theme for your 2^nd birthday is a Fiesta.  Found the cutest dress and moccasins for your big day.  Your family and friends will be there, and we are going to love on you while eating lots of tacos. 

-Pictures will be up soon of your big day, cause let’s be honest… you won’t remember any of it—

Love you forever, xoxoxo

Dad & Mom