OutGrown Blog

It’s November 1st.  I’ve got a bucket full of Halloween candy and a waning desire to “get healthy”.  You know the one.  Lose weight, exercise more, start taking better care of myself, maybe even brush my hair on a regular basis. Challenges. I could go on, but I think you get the picture. I’m not gonna lie, the last year was rough. We moved to a new city where we didn’t know anyone.  My husband was working 80+ hour weeks some months.  I stopped nursing my youngest after we moved. By the end of the year my babies were all grown up and I didn’t know how that happened!  I kept telling myself we just had to survive this first year, then we could come up for air and reevaluate.  Well, we’ve finally begun breathing again and after looking around at our life it seems we’ve got some work to do. I know I’m not the only one that has gone through a similar year, maybe years even. There are so many different situations in families where one partner is working most their time outside of the house and the other is working just as hard at home.  Some are military, some are investment bankers, others work seasonally all day until the sun sets or beyond.  For us, its residency, that part of your medical training where you are essentially a resident of the hospital and not of your house.  There were days when my children didn’t get to see their father because he was up and out of the house before they woke and home well after they had to crawl into bed. But I’m not complaining.  It’s the path we’ve chosen and I’m choosing to believe it will work out for the best in the end. In the meantime, I have to acknowledge the fact that in this crazy life we were living, I wasn’t taking care of myself. Ultimately, that isn’t good for anyone, not my spouse, and definitely not my kids. Stress eating, coupled with a lack of motivation, maybe even a little depression, has me staring at myself in the mirror with an uphill battle in front of me.  The thing is, I know exactly how it happened and it might be different than what you’re expecting. My life started to get off track the moment I stopped getting outside with my kids. When I first found Hike it Baby about a month after our move, I was ecstatic.  I needed friends, I needed things to do, I loved exploring and I wouldn’t have to sit in a circle and sing songs I didn’t enjoy.  The branch I joined was new and the Branch Ambassador that had started it worked full time so they didn’t have anyone to host midweek hikes.  Within a month, I was hosting hikes and had even signed up for training to become a Branch Ambassador myself. I remember the first hike I hosted.  I was so worried about making sure everyone had a great time and no one was left behind.  I felt like a mess, continuing to look down at my guidebook to make sure we were on the right trail.  I thought I’d never see any of those families again, but in the end, they all came back, so it must have gone all right. September arrived and I got to experience my first HiB 30 Challenge.  I did it!  All 30 miles and then some.  I remember how empowered I felt to know that I could get anywhere on my own two feet.  We had car trouble that month and it didn’t faze me, because I had the power to get us where we needed to go. When January rolled around I loved seeing what everyone else around the country was doing to stay out and active during the winter.  I threw on my layers and got out there, too.  We live in Atlanta and people would ask me if we would continue hiking during the winter.  My answer would always be, “They are hiking in Michigan right now!  Alaska doesn’t even shut down.  They just modify their activities!”  I loved being part of this community that motivated and empowered families to get outside all year-round. Then came April and by the end of it I felt like a failure. I joined the April Challenge and I think I logged less than 10 miles.  My three-year-old had started preschool three days a week.  It was good for him and it was supposed to be great for me.  He attends this amazing play-based nature preschool where they spend most their time outside.  Since my son was spending so much time outside at his school I started substituting that for what used to be our time outside together.  I didn’t think it would be a problem since he was spending the same amount of time outside that he had been before, more actually, and that was the most important thing. However, I was very wrong.  You see, I needed my outside time, too.  With my new-found freedom of a few hours to myself a week I was supposed to start taking care of myself, but I didn’t.  I just found ways to be busier than ever. I made sure my children were taken care of, but forgot to take care of myself. We are raising a generation to love the outdoors, and like any mission in parenthood that is a beautiful and often self-sacrificing thing. I can’t hike as fast as I want to when my three-year-old is walking beside me.  I’ve tabled the idea of taking up kayaking as a family until he can swim well.  Our hikes are often local and short.  It’s all a sacrifice to make sure they grow up with the same desire I have to enjoy the outdoors. The problem is, over the last few months I’ve made it all about them and taken myself out of consideration entirely. I need to hike. I need to swim. I need to climb rocks and jump over logs. A little while ago I went on my first hike by myself and it was an amazing feeling.  I got to go “fast”.  I felt how out of shape I actually was, since I wasn’t stopping to pick up every stick and rock every few feet, and I was reminded of how good hiking was for me. Over the summer I took my family to Yosemite for the first time.  Needless to say, we are going back next year and probably every year for the rest of our lives.  On that trip, we did a hike we couldn’t have done a year ago.  We started at about 8,600 feet and over the course of about three miles gained an additional 1,000 feet. Altogether, we went about 6 miles that day and my daughter, who was 5 at the time, hiked every one of them on her own two feet.  She can do it.  Hike it Baby led us to this point.  What I realized on that trip is that I want to be able to do it too.  My children are going to keep growing.  They are going to get stronger.  They are going to get faster. The question is, will I be able to keep up with them? Yosemite has a group of High Sierra Camps that you backpack between to make a seven-day loop.  When we found out about them they immediately made the bucket list for our family.  We want to take the kids someday and I have no doubt they’ll be able to do it, but will I? I started this Hike it Baby journey because I wanted my children to enjoy the outdoors, to enjoy getting out there and exploring.  I think I’ve actually succeeded in doing that.  The most important thing now is that I continue to enjoy it with them. Today marks the start of a new Challenge month and I’ve already got a hike planned for later this morning.  I don’t know if I’ll make it to 30 miles or not, but I know I don’t want to let another week go by without hiking.  I don’t have to think about the weight I need to lose or the energy I need to gain.  All I have to know is that when I go outside I feel better.  So today, it’s not just my kids that will get outside.  I will too.

I walked alongside a marathon with my six week old baby on my chest. I admired the runners, and thought about all the hard training–the effort, the emotional fortitude, the physical exertion. I enjoyed watching those who lined the road, cheering and celebrating. I am not a runner, and don't aspire to be one, but as I watched people of all ages, shapes, sizes, and speeds, I was inspired by their choice to challenge themselves, to do something hard. I didn't stay to cheer, but I loved how those on the sidelines were there to celebrate the accomplishment of others. They weren't threatened by the accomplishments of those running. They didn't feel inferior for not running themselves. I thought about the importance of doing something hard. Of choosing to do something hard. Our lives have lots of hard things in them. Sometimes we even feel guilty for struggling with our "first world problems", but a sobbing baby at midnight and a big kid who has just wet his bed, with a bunch of immovable obligations looming in the morning to come, those are still real problems, and still hard things. Parenting is hard. Balancing parenting with the cultural expectations and obligations that keep life moving and on track is super hard. Choosing to do something hard for the sake of challenging yourself is different. As I watched the runners, I did not resolve to do a marathon. I did, however, resolve to pick a goal, something hard that I would feel proud to accomplish.  I will pick a hike, set a date, and tell my support crew that they need to cheer me on and encourage me, just as they would if I were working towards a marathon.  I want to have my partner encourage me to train, to take time to take care of myself and meet my goals, to take initiative with the kids so that I can do what I set out to do. I want him to convince me that I can do it, even when I feel like I can't. I want to take a glorious photo after achieving my goal, or a tearful, determined photo if I am not able to do so.  I want to do something hard for the sake of doing something hard because I deserve to feel proud of myself, to challenge myself, to become stronger, healthier, happier, and more balanced in my life. I also want to root for those in my community who are choosing to do something hard. I don't need to feel threatened by those who can do more, hike faster, go farther, climb higher. I can cheer them on from the side lines or along side them, helping them accomplish their hard things, and feel stronger, healthier, happier, and more balanced. Now I just need to decide which of the many amazing places I want to set as my goal, pick a date, and make a plan. Top Photo Credit: Megan Bilby

John Muir once said, “The mountains are calling and I must go.”  I know exactly what he means.  It was a childhood visit to the mountains that hooked me forever on wild places and national parks.  Whether it’s the beauty, or something else we can’t exactly put our finger on, mountains inspire us!  If you’re looking for a little inspiration for your family this fall, then consider heading to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Enos Mills, who fought hard to create the country’s 10th national park, once said, "In years to come when I am asleep beneath the pines, thousands of families will find rest and hope in this park."  His vision became a reality as so many find both among the high mountain peaks and valleys a few hours outside bustling and busy Denver.  Home to elk, moose, bighorn sheep, bear, deer and more the kids can go crazy looking for wildlife here.  Listening to elk bugle during their rut (mating season) in the fall is an amazing experience if you’re lucky enough to hear it!  Drive to over 12,000 feet on the famous Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the United States, and with over 300 miles of trail, be sure to get out of a trail, no matter you hiking level or ability. There are many trails to choose from, but here are a few especially great with toddlers and kids: Sprague Lake – This flat, packed super short gravel trail is great for the littlest hikers, but offers stunning views of the Continental Divide for the grownups. Alberta Falls – In less than a mile you can be at a beautiful waterfall!  Aspens along the trail make this a great fall destination, too. Cub Creek – Hike 2.3 miles roundtrip among blazing fall colors to a beautiful lake. Lily Lake  - This 1.4 mile hike is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs and even offers a fishing pier!  From 9,000 feet elevation you’ll see great views of Longs Peak and Mt Meeker. Bear Lake – This is one of Rocky Mountain’s most visited trails for good reason.  Hike around Bear Lake if you’re looking for a really short hike – or continue on to Nymph, Dream, or Emerald Lakes if you’re looking for something a bit longer. Lake Estes Trail – If you’re based out of Estes Park, here’s a gem in town just for you.  This paved 3.75 mile trail offers views of the mountains and is perfect for leashed pets and jogging strollers.  In September and October watch for elk! Since fall is the time many parks begin to close facilities down for the upcoming winter months, be sure to check the website or call ahead to verify opening and closing dates of restaurants, campgrounds, visitor centers and the like to avoid any unpleasant disappointments.  That said, fall is a wonderful time to visit most national parks as the summer crowds are gone and you can more easily find that peace and quiet you’ve been longing for. For more details on these trails or others, check out Rocky’s official website at www.nps.gov/moro a

Have you read any good books lately? We like to share reviews on books that our members have read that are hiking or outdoors related. From infants board books to adult page-turners, we love to hear about what you are reading! Share a review with us on this form and we may feature it in an upcoming blog post! Reviews: [gallery link="file" columns="5" size="medium" ids="452115,452119,452116,452118,452114"]   Shaunna Fretwell, from the North Fulton branch Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children by Angela J. Hanscom This book is a fantastic read for parents and teachers alike on the importance of unrestricted play and how it makes for strong, confident and capable children. This author very effectively explains the benefits of unrestrained movement and outdoor play, and how we as parents can make this happen for our kids. Angela Hanscom is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of TimberNook. She brings her medical and personal experience to the table, providing thought provoking and sound advice. Definitely worth checking out! Amanda Wedvik Curb, from the Tacoma branch Slugs in Love by Susan Pearson "Slugs in Love" is a very cute picture book about two slugs. Marylou writes love poems to Herbie, but he can't figure out which slug she is. His reply poems keep missing Marylou. Will they keep having missed connections? This is a great book that portrays slugs as cute and not gross, with the added bonuses of a garden setting and poetry. Jennifer Camhi, from the Long Island branch 3D Explorer: BUGS by Laszlo Veres (illustrator) This is a gorgeous book truly suitable for all bug lovers! The basic layout details general information on bugs and insects, and then provides multiple sections divided up by the different habitats and environments that bugs and insects are found in. Each habitat section has a gorgeous two-page intricate 3D pop-up that shows all the bugs, and then more information on the different types of bugs. The language is definitely for older readers (it says 1st grade and up). But my toddler loves to look at the pictures and find the bugs in the pop-up scene. There is a lot to look at and talk about, which we love. The illustrations are beautiful and very life-like, but maintain an element of softness to them that makes even the more intimidating bugs enjoyable to look at. Heather Olins, from the South Shore branch Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv This is a hugely important book for any parent or educator. It details the growing disconnect between children and nature, as well as how that disconnect is bad for children and our world. It definitely inspired me to make connecting kids with nature a priority in my life. Kimberly Giffen, from the Tacoma branch Babes in the Woods by Jennifer Aist "Babes in the Woods" was my latest find on my last library trip. It is pretty recent (2010) and addresses all the things you should think about to be prepared for when hiking/camping/boating with children 5 and under. In general it's a good reference. It also covers issues that may not pertain to my local wilderness adventures. We don't have huge issues with bugs, but that doesn't mean that will be the case on every hike. Hike it Baby now has a Goodreads Group! Join today and add books to our bookshelf! Looking for more member reviews? Search our blog for other Book Review posts! Want to share a book that you love about the outdoors? Submit your review here to be included in an upcoming blog post!

Do a Google search for hiking blogs and websites and I can practically guarantee that you'll soon come across discussions about weight. If you were an ultralight backpacker prior to having children, you might be feeling a bit heavy these days. Certainly, having children along on a hike changes the way we prepare. However, I really want to encourage you to not completely overload yourself. If you are anything like me, you'll appreciate what I had in my bag that first time out. The hike setting: toddler led, 1 mile, at no point would we be more than 10 minutes from the car, 2 kids (ages 2 months and 2.5 on our first hike.) It's okay if you laughed a little. I laughed too, as I recreated this photo. It's easy to overpack when you have children. After all, we are supposed to be prepared for any emergency. I'm positive that the bag weighed more than the baby. I recently loaded this bag up on a 3-mile toddler led. After the end of the hike, when I saw how little I had actually used, I forced myself to critically evaluate what I'm carrying on my hikes. I need to occasionally tandem; the kids' combined weight is 60 lbs, so any extra weight really needs to be slimmed down. I adopted a system where most of our gear and back up items live in my car. This works well for us for a couple of reasons. We have this giant messenger bag that I can really overload with whatever gear, sunscreen, bug repellent, or base layer I think we'll need. I don't ever worry about the weight of this bag since I only ever carry it back into the house to restock. It allows me to be seasonally flexible and accommodate life events like toilet training (I had about 5 pairs of pants for Graham during those days.)   The biggest benefit is that currently I only carry the following... The magic trick is getting it all to fit into this bag... For water, we have 2 different options: a 2L water backpack or a 1.5L kids pack. I try to have Graham carry the water whenever possible. Graham loves his backpack. When he carries the water, he is more likely to drink the water. Plus, he loves that the water nozzle is magnetic. The fanny pack may not be very stylish, but it allows me to carry Warren in both front and back carries, and tandem, without too much fuss. It also forces me to be economical about the amount of things I have, which reduces excess weight. This system works for where we are in life. As the boys age, I hope to have them carry more of their own gear. We will go through toilet training with Warren, which will necessitate a temporary increase in the amount of clothing I bring. My goal, for future situations, is to only bring what I need. We haven't graduated to longer hikes yet, once we do I'll reevaluate what gear I'm carrying–and how much it weighs.

As my only child, Neko, goes off to Kindergarten, I think about all the wonderful times together, when it was just us. Often, it was just the two of us, as my husband worked long hours to support our little family. Being the Branch Ambassador for Hike it Baby Ann Arbor, most of these times have been spent outside and on the trails. We’ve made it a goal to hike 500 miles and spend 1,000 hours outside every year. This is a lofty goal, but a fun goal that we have attempted to reach together every year. So, as the tears are rolling down when I wave goodbye to him on his first day of Kindergarten, I think about what lessons he has taught me out there on the trails. 10 Life Lessons Learned from Hiking with my Son: Stop and enjoy what’s around you. Whether it’s to literally smell a flower, poke at a bug, watch a bird, or study that very interesting rock - stop. Stop and do it. We spend so much of our lives rushing to the next errand, the next event on our calendar, the next work day, that we forget to slow down and enjoy what’s in front of us. Bring snacks and water. It’s important to stay hydrated and keep our calorie intake up when we hike. One thing Neko never lets me forget is food and water. Because the moment we start hiking, he’s ALWAYS hungry and since he’s eating, I may as well take a bite too, right? Jumping in puddles is FUN (and so is getting dirty!). My favorite hikes have always been in the rain. Neko always encourages me to jump in the biggest puddle. I used to respond with “I don’t want to get wet!”, but then I saw how much fun he was having and decided to buy myself a pair of rain pants so I could join him. Best. Decision. Ever. These are great bonding experiences that immediately boost my mood! Use all of your senses to explore the world. The outdoors is a multi-sensory experience. Being stuck inside overly-sanitized buildings all the time as adults, really makes us forget that the world can be explored in so many ways. I mean, how many times have you been out on the trails with your little one when you have to fish a rock out of their mouth? It’s how they explore the world! I’m not saying stick rocks in your mouth, but you can eat that blackberry off that bush or find that sassafras tree and nibble on that leaf! (Sidenote: know what you’re eating! You probably don’t have someone along to fish something dangerous out of your mouth!) Give gifts. How many times has your child given you a dandelion? Those are things they’ve picked just for you! How special! It may seem so small to you, but to them it means the world that THEY could give something to YOU. How often, as adults do we give someone gifts “just because”? I bet if you do, it will make you feel really good too. Hikes (and life) are not about the destination - it’s about the journey. Neko and I have hiked 7 miles at once together, but we’ve also hiked 7 feet. I have to say, Neko has had much more fun going 7 feet than he did 7 miles. Now, I will often let him decide how long we hike. Maybe a shorter trail has more interesting things for him to discover than a longer one, even though I’m trying to get my “mileage” in. It’s no longer about how many miles we cover, but, instead, just being out there and discovering the world together! It doesn’t matter what time it is. Sometimes it takes 2 hours to cover 1 mile. You know it’s time to get home and cook dinner, but your child is having so much fun, why interrupt it? Maybe every once in a while, you don’t look at your phone and you enjoy the moments. Dinner can be late every once in a while. Everyone will survive. You’re never alone. As a Branch Ambassador for Hike it Baby Ann Arbor, we host tons of hikes. Sometimes these hikes are no-shows, even with having over 1,400 members. I will never forget the words that Neko will use on these hikes. “It’s OK mommy, we always have each other.” He’s right. We are never alone when we have one another. Everyone is a potential friend on the trails. I always get anxious about meeting new people, but it’s second nature to Neko. Anytime there is another rambunctious child on the trails with him (his age, or not), he will tell me on the ride home “Mommy! I made a new friend today!” Make that connection with people. Find your community! Neko does it nearly every hike, which means, I can too. If we are out on the trails together, we already have something in common. Resilience. Such as Neko does, at least once per hike; when you trip on a tree root, stay down on the ground and check it out, study it, then get right back up. Neko and I have been hiking together since he was 2 days old in his olive green Moby. In rain, snow, wind, sun, cold, and heat, we’ve shared experiences that the average family never gets to in their lifetimes. We’ve climbed mountains, waded through rivers, hiked through deserts, snowshoed, and eaten wild grapes. We’ve survived temper tantrums, scrapes, ten thousand mosquito bites, and getting lost in the woods. Through it all, he has taught me so much more than I could possibly teach him. We have built a foundation for a lifestyle of adventures in the outdoors - and it’s only the beginning! (But that still didn’t make seeing him off to Kindergarten ANY easier!)

The spirit of Hike it Baby that endures for me, beyond meeting up for hikes, is the desire to instill in our children the glory of time spent outside. Nature is a space for us to unwind and reenergize, all at the same time. We know time spent in nature is good for us and science agrees. Recently I interviewed Dr. Marc Berman, Director of the Environmental Neuroscience Laboratory at the University of Chicago. His lab focuses on determining why nature is good for us and what it does to our brain chemistry. Marc, what can you tell us about what scientists already know about nature's impact on our health? Science and scientists all agree that nature and natural environments are good for us. However, what we have not determined is why they are good for us. A couple of factors could be at play here; a better air quality, being more likely to exercise, our brain simply likes being outside, or a number of other things. In a study done recently, that documented how patients who recovered from gall bladder surgery had their recovery times reduced simply by having a room with a view of the park instead of the parking garage. Obviously, in that instance, the air quality and exercise factors don't play into the equation, so there has to be something about your brain's capacity to visually interpret the nature outside the window. So, the visual appearance matters. Do both adults and children show this preference? We know that adults prefer pictures of nature. That is true across cultures, ethnicities, and races. Different types of cultures value different aesthetics or types of nature- but they all value it. Our lab is currently running a study to see whether children also prefer nature, or if it is something they learn as they age. If being outside is important, does it matter where you are? Or is simply being outside the goal? Currently there are studies running that factor in location. These studies focus on if the type of environment matters, ie. a local park, national park, outside on a busy street, or indoors. There is a factor that deals with directed versus involuntary attention. Directed attention is when you choose to focus on a stimulant. This is what you do when you are working or at school. This type of attention can become fatigued, which is why you are tired at 3 pm or after a long day of work. The other type of attention, involuntary, happens when bright lights or loud noises occur. Your brain cannot help noticing these images and sounds. This type of attention cannot be fatigued. By going on a hike in a location where your directed attention is at a minimum and your involuntary attention is focusing on the interplay of light on the leaves or a landscape, you allow your brain to rest and restore itself. Now if you are at a gorgeous park but talking all the time on a cell phone, which requires you to pay attention, then you won't be receiving the maximum benefit. That is really cool. Is there anything else that you'd like to share with the Hike it Baby community? There was recently a study done in Ann Arbor that showed it doesn't matter if the walk was quantifiably good or bad, your brain still received the restorative benefits from nature. We had subjects go for a walk on a perfect summer day and a blustery cold January day. While the second group rated their walk poorer, their brains showed the same amounts of rejuvenation as the walkers in the summer. That's proof of what most Hike it Baby families already know, getting outside is great for us, even when the weather isn't. For those of you who would like to learn more, there are labs that focus on research specifically with children in nature. Dr. Louise Chawla of the Environmental Design Program at the University of Colorado recently wrote an article encouraging the integration of green spaces around children's homes and schools as well as throughout cities by urban trails, parks and what she calls "rough spaces" to encourage children's creative play. Photo Credit: Ashley D Scheider / Hike it Baby @ashleydscheiderphotography

Every month we like to share those moments when you think, “You Know You Are a Hike it Baby Hiker When…” This month we took a look inside our car trunks. From the meticulously organized to the jumbled chaos, each one of these cars demonstrates the HiB spirit. How do YOU know you are a HiB hiker? Share with us on this form and we will include your comments on an upcoming blog post! Multiseason clothing, Onya baby Outback, Onya baby Nextstep, Larabars, Adventure Medical kits, duct tape, snacks, jumper cables and a shovel -Corie Reeves There are also about four additional layers of buckets, chalk, sunscreen, bug spray, bubbles, rain coats and hats under everything you can actually see -Nicholl Summers -Lyndsey Vaillancourt I drive a minivan...no room for groceries, but I wear all the babies -Jennie Roggenkamp The weather has been unseasonably warm, so today we only needed the Onyas and H's walker. He wanted his shoes and socks off halfway through the hike! -Jenny Gorsegner On the days the double stroller is needed it's a tight squeeze, luckily most hikes I just bring the Onya -Jill Bilka -Jessi Cox Mine is half HiB half soccer mom. I add a laundry basket in the winter for coats and one of my drawers becomes the gloves and mitten drawer -Kayla Klein Thanks for sharing everyone! These trunks show just how dedicated we are to getting our families outdoors and how diversely we do it!

So, you've got twins and you want to hike? Great, but before you run out that door, you need a plan. A critical first step for would-be explorers with double babies is knowing your children and their tendencies. For example, if your twinners are walking, make sure you know which one is going to bolt from the car if you let her out first and which one wants to stay close to dad. I'm talking about strategy. Twin parents already appreciate that their lives contain a special brand of chaos that parents of singletons won't experience. It's the silent understanding that comes every time another parent looks at you, shaking their head, saying "I don't know how you do it with twins." Truth is, I don't know how I do it sometimes. But, that's not what this article is about. This is a "how you do it" article. So, here are some of my best tips to get you and your pair out the door and on a hike.   1. Patience All kids require patience from mom and dad. It's standard issue parenting fodder. Still, you have two babies, so you're going to need it in bunches. Things will go awry. You'll come to find one baby has covered herself in the dregs of your coffee while you were changing the other's diaper. It happens. So, take a deep breath, relax, and change that baby out of those coffee stained clothes. 2. Be laid back This might sound a little like the first one. Actually, it is a little like the first one, but being laid back is about changing your expectations. Sometimes, managing to get two little tykes into the car to even head to the hike location can feel like trying to juggle live chickens. It's a lot! If you let it get to you, you'll be nothing more than a frazzled bunch of nerves. It is key to remember your reasons for wanting to hike. You probably want to have fun, relax, and enjoy some social bonding in the great outdoors. So, don't sweat the small stuff. You'll feel a lot happier. 3. Allow extra time Parents are late sometimes. Mostly, because kids don't have a sense of timing. They're going to have a blowout poop when it's time to walk out the door. They're going to fight about putting their shoes on. They're going to rub mushed up bananas in their sister's hair. (That one was one of my favorites.) Time management is tough. Some of us are good at it and some are not. It's tougher with a pair of toddlers. I'm always late. Don't be like me. Allow yourself some extra time. 4. Packing One of the first things I learned about kids is that they require tons of stuff. No more grabbing my car keys and wallet and hitting the road. I feel like I'm going on a weeks vacation every time I head to the car laden with bags of child gear. Extra clothes, jackets, shoes, wipes, diapers; kids need it all. If you're putting matching kids in the car, you need double of all this stuff. I should have called this tip "Have a big car." 5. Have a comfy stroller or carrier You want to make sure your two have a sweet ride. I push a nice, big stroller most of the time. It's imperative that there be somewhere for your kiddos to relax and hopefully fall asleep, at least some of the time. There's bound to be some hardcore moms and dads that will want to tandem carry and, if that's your thing, that's awesome. However, carrying two babies is hard. They're heavy. Make sure your method of child conveyance is one that suits you. I'm going to push that huge stroller until the wheels fall off. 6. Snacks Bring snacks. Kids get hungry. You brought two kids. This one doesn't really require much explanation. Suffice it to say, kids have a harder time yelling or crying with some raisins in their maw. 7. Bring a friend This is a good tip. Twins are tough because you're outnumbered. Even the score by bringing a friend. Grandmas work well here. You'll always be limited by the amount of eyes and hands you have. I have two of each, but if I bring a buddy, I've got four. See how this works? Trust me, this makes the being laid back part easier. 8. Rest Make sure you get some. The eternal parenting complaint is that we rarely get enough sleep. Bah, what's enough sleep exactly? Still, you'll want to make sure you get adequate rest before you dare to take on a pair of babies out on the trails. 9. Have fun Don't forget why we're doing this. Hiking is supposed to be fun. Don't let yourself get so wrapped up with the stresses and logistics that you lose sight of the goal. When you feel like you're underwater, keep telling yourself that you're having fun. Only, maybe don't mutter it aloud. You might come off looking like a crazy person. 10. Repeat I know it might sound like a lot to manage, getting twins on a hike. It is. But, it gets a little easier every time you do it. It won't take long before you'll feel like a seasoned veteran at the twin hiking game. So, do it and then do it again. You can handle it because you're made of tough stuff. Listen, if I can do it, you can too. I hope you find some value in these tips. I just love seeing another parent pushing around a matching set of littles. I know it makes us happy to spend a little time outside together. I'm sure it will bring you the same type of happiness. See you on the trails!

If you happen to live in the Pacific Northwest, you know that we love our national parks out here!  And I really do mean LOVE…two hour wait to get into Mount Rainier National Park on summer weekends anyone?  I love all the love, but I don’t love all the peeps in the woods with me!  If you don’t either, then let me suggest a smaller, sunnier, quieter park with views and vistas that rival the bigger attractions:  Crater Lake National Park in southern Oregon. We love our dramatic Cascade peaks like Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, and Mount Shasta, so it may seem that visiting a place where a mountain used to be would be less of a draw.  But you would be wrong!  Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, one of the deepest in the world, and definitely one of the most pristine. Crater Lake blue is a color all its own – on a clear summer day it’s electric, almost surreal, and very hard to capture on film.  Standing on the rim of this crater feels like being in a gorgeous painting. Crater Lake is one of my favorite parks to visit with kids.  Many of the park’s most spectacular trails are short.  Because the park is relatively small you spend less time in the car than in bigger parks.  And even on a busy summer day you can still find a parking place.   Expect (mostly) dry, warm, sunny weather from July until September, although snow can still surprise you any of those months so always throw in layers and cold weather gear, too. Here are my top picks with the little ones in tow or leading the way. Castle Crest Wildflower Garden – This short ½ mile loop is great for little hikers and yet is beautiful enough to draw the grown-ups too, especially if you hit it during the peak wildflower bloom (typically late July to early August). Annie Creek – This roughly 2 mile loop is considered moderate for the climb in and out of the canyon, but is mostly level along the creek otherwise. Enjoy wildflowers, several creek crossings on log bridges, and many spots to stop and enjoy the creek. Sun Notch – Another loop hike under 2 miles that is fairly steep on the uphill to the rim of Crater Lake, but offers one of the best views of Phantom Ship, a feature that always fascinated my kids. Watchman Trail – For some serious views, hike 1.7 miles round trip up to a fire lookout tower on the rim of Crater Lake.  With a 360 degree view, you can’t go wrong here. Plaikni Falls - If you need an accessible trail for a stroller, this is the best one for you.  In about 2 miles round trip  you can wander back to a pretty waterfall, on a wide gravel trail with pullouts. If touching the lake is on your bucket list, then Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only place to do that.  The locals joke that the hike is 1 mile down, 11 miles back up.  In other words, it’s tough!  The kids’ will probably be fine on the steep sandy trail, just make sure you are up for it!  And be aware this is the busiest trail in the park – it’s the lake experience you’re after here, not the solitude. If you’re looking for a really unique hike and your kids are 3 and older, sign up for the Wizard Island Shuttle and spend half a day exploring the largest island in Crater Lake.  Hike to the top of the cone of the "new" volcano! For details on all the fun, head to the official park website at www.nps.gov/crla  

Hike it Baby Member Molly Porzel from the Harrisburg branch shares her inspiring story of how getting outside and hiking has helped her fight depression and anxiety. Today, I cried on the trail. Don't worry, I wasn't overwhelmed or frustrated (though I've had those days). Tears of happiness just couldn't be contained as I pushed through the end of a 6.5 mile power-walk. Three years ago, I was sick. I spent the first half of 2013 in and out of hospitals and the second half mainly bedridden and depressed. Even as my health improved, the depression lingered and began to fester in my brain. Sitting indoors and immobile took its toll and I had little motivation to fight the battle against my mind. By October of 2013, I decided enough was enough and swallowed an entire bottle of my medication in an effort to end my life. That incident forced me to get the help I so desperately needed, but still every day was a coin toss of whether I would function normally in society or feel too paralyzed by my anxieties to get out of bed. Over time, I improved immensely and in January of 2015, my husband and I found out we were expecting. Just when I thought I had some semblance of control over my mind, pregnancy exacerbated my anxieties. I was worried for the life inside me and cut my medications cold turkey out of fear that they would harm my daughter. I committed to being more active, if not for myself then for my baby. At that point in time, I had no idea what Hike it Baby was, I simply wanted to have some physical control over my anxieties and walking in my neighborhood seemed to help. Fast forward about a year: I had a new infant, lots of postpartum hormones, and absolutely no support group as my husband's job relocated us. Meeting other parents frightened me, as I always felt like I was being judged. Taking my baby out in less-than-ideal weather was out of the question because I was afraid of something bad happening to her. I had stopped walking in my neighborhood because I lacked the motivation to be physically active. I was a student with a full course load and I used that as an excuse to keep myself and my daughter secluded from the world. Despite my attempts to be active during pregnancy, I was floundering. Once I realized the negative toll my isolation was taking on me, I sought out some sort of support system. When I mentioned that I wanted to meet other parents, someone recommended that I look into Hike it Baby. I thought the concept was absurd as I was likely the last person someone would think of when the word "hiker" was mentioned. After watching the Hike it Baby Harrisburg Facebook page for a couple weeks, I mustered up the courage to attend a downtown stroll. That stroll gave me the motivation I needed to get moving - it felt so good to have adult conversation and time outdoors! I joined the April challenge and even though walking a mile in my neighborhood left me winded and my anxieties had us doing most of our miles without the local branch, my daughter and I achieved our goal of 30 miles. Over the course of the summer, I got a lot more comfortable leaving my home and hiking with other families. Hike it Baby Harrisburg has turned into my family and my safe place, where I'm welcome to discuss the trials of motherhood rather than create a facade to mask them. On days when my depression begins to creep back into my life, I combat it with physical activity and time outdoors. My daughter shows an affinity for nature that I was unaware an infant could be capable of. I'm living my life, truly enjoying it, instead of watching it pass me by. Yesterday, I got a migraine. I succumbed to the pain, stayed at home and indoors, and even ate a few ice cream sandwiches to ensure that my personal pity party was complete. This morning, I woke up to the remnants of that migraine, almost like a hangover from the pain. I wanted to stay indoors and repeat yesterday. Instead, I joined my branch for a 3.25-mile power walk. After that walk, I completed another 3.25 miles by myself. So, why did I cry? I wanted to give up. My brain argued that I needed isolation. My brain implored me to rest. But Hike it Baby has conditioned my body to fight back against those parts of my brain. Hike it Baby has sparked a fire that allows me to combat the darkness that I once fell victim to. I cried because I am a fighter and that is one of the best feelings in the world. I wish I could go back to my 2013 self and tell her how amazing it feels to fight. I cannot thank the National team and the local branch team at Hike it Baby Harrisburg enough. You guys are changing lives and I'm grateful that mine is one of them.

Have you read any good books lately? We like to share reviews on books that our members have read that are hiking or outdoors related. From infants board books to adult page-turners, we love to hear about what you are reading! Share a review with us on this form and we may feature it in an upcoming blog post! Reviews: Gretchen Brown, from the Kingston, Ontario branch, has reviewed these four children's books for us! [gallery link="file" columns="4" size="medium" ids="446681,446686,446697,446704"] The Beeman by Laurie Krebs and Valerie Cis A young boy shares his grandpa's story of being a bee keeper and watches as his grandfather prepares honey. It also provides details about the different kinds of bees in a hive as well as the process for making honey. A recipe is included too, for the child who likes getting into the kitchen! I Took the Moon for a Walk by Carolyn Curtis Join a young boy as he takes an adventure in the evening and brings along the moon. Simple things of the evening are celebrated, such as night animals, changing clouds, and the stars. Elusive Moose by Joan Gannij This book introduces children to all kinds of outdoor wildlife that are often seen while hiking and others who are not easily spotted but can be identified by their footprints. But where does the moose hide, I wonder? The Barefoot Book of Earth Poems by Judith Nicholls This is a beautifully illustrated collection of poems that celebrates our wonderful planet. Some poem themes include respecting nature, conservation, and how to celebrate its beauty. Hike it Baby now has a Goodreads Group! Join today and add books to our bookshelf! Looking for more member reviews? Search our blog for other Book Review posts! Want to share a book that you love about the outdoors? Submit your review here to be included in an upcoming blog post!