Month: February 2014

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Utah

Last year I read Terry Tempest William’s memoir Refuge. It’s a beautifully written book about birds, loss, and cancer that takes place for the most part at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, just a short drive north of Salt Lake City, Utah. As a long time resident of the state, you would’ve thought I’d have visited the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge before now, but I hadn’t.

Our first stop on this adventure was at the visitors center, where little g and Big E explored the varied exhibits on bird habitat. Little g would not let go of my hand as she ran from one exhibit to the next and during the 25 minute introductory movie, she vacillated between climbing on the bench in front of us and pulling me out of the viewing area.

After the museum, we drove out to the 76,000 acres of protected land and drove the 12 mile one way gravel auto tour (open year round from sunrise to sunset). The refuge is an oasis for migratory birds that provides a source of food and shelter for millions of migratory birds each year. Even though our visit was in February (not a common time to go out bird watching) I was amazed by the musical sounds that resonated through the entire area. We saw geese, swans, seagulls and other water birds, and a beautiful sunset lit up the entire area.

My favorite part of the day was listening to the bird calls along the 12 mile auto tour. The honks, coos, chirps and whistles created a beautiful symphony of wild sounds and although we didn’t see any bald eagles (I was hoping) the trip was still fun and worthwhile. Next time I’ll bring along binoculars.

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
Location: From I-15 Turn west off of exit 363 at Brigham City, Utah. Visitors Center is the first turn on the left.
Length: 12 mile auto tour
Time: 1-4 hours
Tips: Stop at the visitors center first and bring binoculars.

Teach a two year old to snowboard … or don’t

Our Mountain family loves winter sports, so it makes sense to start our kids early. I’ve heard other people say they started skiing at age two, which I always thought was ridiculous, until I tried it with my two year old. Now I know it’s ridiculous.

Parents know their kids, and I know little g well enough to sense that she would not enjoy skiing, yet my compulsion to do outdoors activities propelled me to try it out. My expectations were low. We went to the tow rope area at Sundance Mountain Resort (which is free for anyone by the way). I’m not above bribery so most of the time, little g sat on the side and ate candy or sucked on her highly regulated pacifier.

When I finally forced her to stand on my snowboard and ride up the tow and down the bunny hill she cried as much as her pacifier would let her. She did not like the feeling of sliding on the snow, did not like standing on my board and really just wanted more candy. Once was enough for both of us so we headed home after that.

This experience taught me something about myself – I enjoy the outdoors for my own sake and mine alone. My tots would be happy playing video games, legos and make believe all day, but I need daily time outdoors to feel good. The monumental effort it takes to pack, lug, comfort, encourage and man handle my children into an outdoor activity isn’t always worth it. But for those few minutes I get with the sun on my face, and introduce my tots to something new and fun, it is.

Motherhood Moments: Don’t Pee in the Oatmeal

There are times when things come out of my mouth that I never expected to say to another human. These are some favorites from the last week:


“Close the door when you’re peeing in public!” 
“You have to have clothes on to play with friends.” 
“Don’t put toys in your vagina!” 
“That’s not chocolate, it’s your poo.” 
“Don’t crawl under the bathroom stall, someone else is in there!” 

I don’t think I’m being unreasonable when I say I that I NEVER thought those words would leave my mouth. Seriously. But my most aggravating bit of unexpected shared wisdom was yesterday when I said the following to BIG E:
“Why don’t you have any clothes on?”

“Did you dump ALL the oatmeal on the floor?”
“WHY DID YOU PEE IN THE OATMEAL? THERE’S A BATHROOM RIGHT THERE!”
I can expect a little logic from a five year old. He’s old enough to realize that dumping breakfast food all over the carpet while mom is hurriedly making dinner is not a good idea. We’ve cleaned up so many messes, he should be able to expect my reaction to oatmeal bits ground into his floor. 
And yet, when he had happily bounced out of his room, naked, excitedly exclaiming “I peed in the oatmeal!” he didn’t seem to consider what would come next.
Things went downhill from there. Yelling, crying, vacuuming, sweeping, time outs, silent treatment, cold dinner. Big E and his accomplice little g were lucky that Mountain Dad came home from work right then. My furious mood could’ve seen them locked in their rooms for the rest of the night.
As a parent, I’m constantly surprised by my kids. I just wish they would surprise me in less messy and embarrassing ways.

Wacky Apple Organic Snacks GIVEAWAY!

A few weeks ago Wacky Apple Organic Snacks contacted me about reviewing some products for this site. They had no way of knowing that Big E has food allergies to wheat, eggs and peanuts which makes snack foods particularly hard to find, so I’m always on the lookout for new foods he can actually eat. 

We were all beyond pleased. Their apple sauces, juices and flat fruit are organic, naturally sweet, conveniently packaged and really tasty. My favorite flavor was Apple Apricot Applesauce, while Big E liked Apple Cinnamon. Their flat fruit was really good too – soft and tasty – it didn’t last a day.

If you’re interested in trying Wacky Apple you’re in luck! We have a giveaway for you! Leave a comment about your favorite kid snack (either when you were a kid or that you give kids) and a Wacky Apple tasty pack could be yours. Winners will be chosen on March 1, 2014.