• Good Times

    Family Camping Checklist: What Do We Need?

    family camping checklist: hiking in the woods

    We are not yet a “family who camps,” but I hope we evolve into one. We have a family goal of camping twice this year. Soon we will go on our second overnight camping trip (in tents). It’s time to prepare our family camping checklist!

    I’ve been using the Packing List app to keep track of various lists.

    Our Family Packing Lists

    1. Family Road Trip
    2. Work Trip
    3. Weekend Adventure

    So now it’s time to add our family camping checklist. Here’s what I’m thinking:

    • Tent
    • Adult sleeping pads
    • Kid sleeping pads
    • Adult sleeping bags
    • Kid sleeping bags
    • Sheets for sleeping if it’s hot
    • Pillows, if there’s room (hooray for car camping!)
    Read More
  • Books

    The Danish Way of Parenting: Book Recommendation

    I recently read The Danish Way of Parenting and really enjoyed it! Have you read it? (I know I am three years behind the times. This blog is never at the forefront of trends!)

    Denmark is routinely at the top of Happiest Countries in the World lists. This book explores the prevalent Danish parenting style and how it helps grow happy adults.

    Even the way I approached the book highlighted my own American-ness. I wanted “tips and tricks” for how to be a better parent. Instead, the overarching message was more like: “Your children internalize your way of being in the world. If you want children who are relaxed, content, … Read More

  • Travel-n-Trips

    Family Gap Year: Is It Possible?

    In my twenties, my teacher friend, Whitney, and I went to open mic night every Tuesday at the Mucky Duck

    One night, we heard a song about living your life backwards. It was something about living the retirement life when you were younger. The idea was that you should travel while your body was able to handle it well. Then, when you were older and had more appreciation and perspective, you should go back to school. 

    The Idea of Mini-Retirements Was Born

    I took from that song the goal of retiring much later than the average age and using those extra years to take mini-retirements throughout my life. 

    When … Read More