2015 Archives - Page 3 of 13 - Mountain Mom and Tots

Burley Build a Legacy Post

I’m not a hardcore bike rider, although I do love a good ride. So when Burley approached me about writing a guest post for their blog I was like – Who? Me?

Then I saw the Build a Legacy video on the Burley website and I realized anyone can build a legacy. It doesn’t have to involve epic adventures or giving millions to charity.

So I wrote up a short piece for their website. Head over to their blog to read the full story. I hope you like it!

When Real Life Hits

October was a busy month in our Mountain Family. We had two birthdays, two camping trips, Halloween, school, preschool, work, doctor appointments, a broken rib, and a flooded basement.

Apart from the birthdays, Halloween and camping, none of that list is fun or exciting and all of it requires work. Loading, motivating kids, driving, packing, unpacking, costuming, cleaning, cleaning, cleaning – it feels like life has hit hard these last few weeks.

We all know life has its ups and downs. We’ve all given and gotten advice on how to handle it. Simplify. Enjoy the Journey. Look on the Bright Side. But what about those times when you don’t want to look on the bright side? What about walking into your flooded basement after a five day camp out when you haven’t showered and your kids have been crying for the last hour in the car?

There are times when I want to curl up in a ball and cry. So I do. (Actually the crying was minimal, mostly I just vented to my mom on the phone.)

But then what? A moment of chaos strikes, hits like a hurricane, and leaves the debris in its wake. How do you react? What do you do next?

If you’re like me, then you wipe away your sniffles and do something. The smallest thing. The easiest thing.

I gave my kids a bath, then I took a shower. After that I made dinner while Mountain Dad ripped up soaking carpet in the basement. I did one load of laundry, then another. We moved one piece of furniture, then another. Slowly, step by step, we dug ourselves out of the chaos together. The basement still has no carpet and my to do list is a mile and a half long, but I know I can take small steps and eventually things will get done. That’s my only option.

Yes, sometimes life sucks. Yes, sometimes it’s a lot of work. That applies to everyone whether they have kids, live in an apartment, are 17 or 79. Everyone will have unexpected chaos in their life at one time or another. It’s okay to slow life down, focus on only the most necessary actions and realize that somethings are nice and good, but don’t need your attention right at that moment.

That’s what I’ve been doing for the past few weeks. Sometimes when real life hits, it hits hard.

Camp, Kayak and Hike in Logan Canyon, Utah

This summer we had some fun adventures that I never got to share with all of you. Here’s my chance!

When I look back at the photos from this camping adventure in Logan Canyon, Utah I can’t believe how warm we all look. The weather now has turned chilly and the thought of tubing the Logan River now sends shivers down my spine, but in the heat of the summer sun it was a welcome respite.

The family camped at Preston Valley Campground, a small 9-site spot right off the main drag. All the campgrounds in Logan Canyon are right off the main road which leads to a lot of road noise at night, but the benefit is that it’s also right by the river which allowed us some short fun kayaking runs. With our young children kayaking or tubing can be tough so we took turns on the water with the other parent watching Baby L.

In addition to kayaking the Logan River we took a hike around Tony Grove Lake. The tots and I hiked there before and really enjoyed it, so now it was Mountain Dad’s turn.

A high altitude lake, Tony Grove has some of the best wildflowers I’ve ever seen. Many people camp at the nearby Tony Grove Campground and bring their canoes and fishing poles to play with on the lake. It can get busy in the summer, especially on the weekends because it’s such a beautiful place to be. There’s a day use fee of $6.00 for Tony Grove but it’s worth it. It’s a beautiful place.

Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway connects the city of Logan with Bear Lake on the Utah/Idaho border. It’s a beautiful drive of about an hour with no stops, however there’s so much to stop and look at I would suggest not rushing through. There are 31 destinations on the route from Logan to Bear Lake. Caves, hiking trails, overlooks and campgrounds are all marked and worth exploring. Check out www.logancanyon.com for a more detailed guide.

The camp out in Logan Canyon, Utah was a great adventure this summer, and Baby L did great (so much better than her first camping trip).

Directions to Logan Canyon:

From Salt Lake City Drive North on I-15 to Box Elder County. Take exit 362 toward US-91/US-89, Follow signs for Brigham City/Logan. Continue approximately 30 miles on US – 91/ US-89. The road becomes Main Street in Logan. Turn Right on 400 North in Logan to continue on US-89. This road goes up the canyon.

Enjoy these photos of Tony Grove and Logan Canyon.

Fall Photo Essay

I know some of you don’t get to experience the beauty of fall colors right outside your window. This time of year I feel sorry for you southern California-ites and Floridians (talk about role reversal).

There’s something magical about autumn. The leaves put on their kaleidoscope display, the air is crisp and the smell of nature is all around.

Several times in the past month I have looked around with awe at the beauty around me. I want to share some of that beauty with you through this photo essay. Enjoy.