Last week I talked about the importance of setting up systems and routines for you and your kids so your summer can run smoothly. The next step in this "getting ready for summer" process for me is to get all of my summer bags organized. Stop for a second. You should know by now that I am the anti-planner. I love all things spontaneous -- it's my favorite thing in the world to do a crazy, spur-of-the-moment activity with friends and my kids. But I do know that anything spontaneous with five kids requires some level of readiness or else we end up taking two hours to "get ready" to jump in the car for our fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants Keep Reading
How to plan a (successful) strawberry picking trip with kids
I can't even tell you how much I love this time of year in the Pacific Northwest. Warm days. Cool nights. And the berries. Oh, the berries... After much practice, my friends and I have somewhat perfected the art of berry picking with small kids. In fact, five years ago, we hauled our two toddlers and one newborn out to Sleight's Farm in Mulino to pick strawberries. At worst, this may sound like a recipe for disaster. At best, this may sound like lots of kid chasing and very little berry picking. The kids did great, though, and we managed to pick around 25 pounds each. The kids raced up and down the rows, filling their bellies with berries and Keep Reading
12 Camping Hacks for a Trouble-Free Trip
Camping Tips for a Trouble-Free Trip Have you ever been on one of THOSE camping trips? Where just everything that feels like it can go wrong goes wrong? Sideways, backwards, upside down. Camping can be such an enjoyable experience, with some simple tips and tricks and planning ahead of time. While we can't anticipate every possible problem, we can sure do our best to take some of the frustration out of the experience. Also, hopefully you have camping available to you right now! Some of our state sites are still not open, but privately owned campsites are. 12 camping hacks and ideas: Line your backpack or bag with a garbage bag -- Before you Keep Reading
Portland Family Fun Guide: Fanno Creek Greenway Trail
Fanno Creek Greenway Trail (Beaverton/Tigard) The Fanno Creek Greenway Trail was one of the buying points my home; I kid you not. I am fortunate enough to live by this great trail system, and the kids (after almost eight years) aren’t tired of it yet! This trail system is a collaboration between multiple cities, counties, and Oregon Metro (just to name a few of the partners). Its goal is to connect the Willamette River to the Tualatin River through parks. So far, so good; it’s not completely connected river-to-river but still provides numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Signs between parks tell newbies where to cross and Keep Reading
How to Create a Family Fun Box {aka boredom buster ideas!}
Family Fun Box Normally around this time, many of us would be researching summer camps, swim lessons, art and music classes. Anything to keep our kids occupied, interested and happy during the summer. Keeping the kids busy and occupied and less sloth-like, while also trying to maintain a marginal level of sanity for everyone. But these are weird times. We just aren't really sure what the coming months look like, OR what they will look like when things start opening up again. Finding something that the whole family actually enjoys can be challenging, especially when so many easy choices are closed down right now. Enter The Family Fun Keep Reading
DIY Father’s Day Gift Ideas
DIY Father's Day Gift Ideas Father's Day is just around the corner! This year it falls on Sunday June 21st, 2020. Here's a fun list of DIY Father's Day Gift Ideas that you can do with your kids or grandkids without breaking the bank! Superhero Sleep Mask | Cutesy Crafts No One Can Measure Up To You Father’s Day DIY Gift | Evolving Motherhood Paint Chip Tie Pen Holder | Two Kids and a Coupon DIY Wooden Key Chain | Easy Peasy and Fun DIY Leather Catchall Tray | Make & Do Crew DIY Golf Score Card Holder | Swoodson Says Father's Day Hand Print Sun Catcher | Real Life at Home DIY Dad You Rock! Father's Day Gift | Doodle Keep Reading
20 Camping Gear Storage and Organization Ideas {great tips for planning!}
UPDATE APRIL 2020: We know that many camping sites are closed right now due to COVID-19, but we wanted to give you a resource for organization at home AND planning for future camping trips. Whether in the off season and looking for storage ideas to keep your camping gear in order, or at your campsite wanting to keep everything organized, it can be a real sanity saver to have a system. These storage options will be great for all of your camping gear at home, in the car and at your actual campsite. If you're looking for all the essentials you need to make your actual trip a success from start to finish, check out our post on Camping Gear Essentials Keep Reading
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