You asked! I tried these sock curls for the first You asked! I tried these sock curls for the first time last night and I was so impressed!! I decided to freshen them up during Sunday nap and record the process for you.

Literally all you have to do is wrap your very slightly damp hair around a sock and then fold it up over the curls over night. The sock kept slipping out from my hair so I used a claw clip to hold it in place and it wasn't uncomfortable to sleep in. Then I like to brush them out a little and add some texture spray and you're good to go!

 Tag me and let me know if you try it!!
Every. Single. Time. Every. Single. Time.
You ever feel like you're dying for a change and t You ever feel like you're dying for a change and then even everything's changing you're like HOLD ON I DIDN'T MEAN EVERYTHING AT ONCE. Yeah, me neither 🤪🫠
POV: You have 3 boys, 7 and under and it's bathtim POV: You have 3 boys, 7 and under and it's bathtime 🧼
Summer slow down 🌻 Summer slow down 🌻
Taking care of home, one hungry mouth and thirsty Taking care of home, one hungry mouth and thirsty plant at a time 🙃 🪴🪴
This weekend the boys are staying with their baby This weekend the boys are staying with their baby sister’s foster family. It’s a nice visit for them to be with her (she is oh so cute and sweet) and it’s essentially a respite weekend for us. 

Man, it’s like I forgot how simple things once were. And I never realized it in the moment, either. Two well-connected children since birth are a heck of a lot different than four kids—two well-connected and two traumatized.

We had a movie night with David and Ev last night (something the boys wouldn't normally sit for) and went for a hike up on Paris Mountain this morning and then got our fav BBQ for a weird lunch/dinner at like 3:30 🤪 Good BBQ doesn't wait for the right time of day 😂

It's a definitely a change of pace from the rigid schedule we keep when the boys are with us and I'll admit it's been nice to slow down at least for the weekend. 

We pick them up tomorrow afternoon and I can't wait to hear how their weekend was with sissy + her foster fam!
Everyone needs a creative outlet. This is one of m Everyone needs a creative outlet. This is one of mine. What's yours? 🌸🌺🌻🌼
I've held onto this photo and rewritten the captio I've held onto this photo and rewritten the caption a hundred times trying to think of a concise way to describe the last couple months. 

The reality is, it's messy and hard. The best and easiest days are the days where we stick like glue to our routine. The boys do so well with structure. Even rules that they hated at first, they now love bc they've come to expect them and knowing what to expect gives them a sense of control and safety. 

I have to say, I'm so thankful for the training we got before starting this journey bc we use it daily. And then there's times when Josh and I just need to take turns locking ourselves away in a quiet room for a little while just to take a breather. 

We're also learning the level of attention that David and Evy still need from us. We've started letting them stay up an hour later than that boys each night just so they can get some individual time with us and decompress a little. 

I have to admit, it was hard on Josh and I at first. The constant (and I mean constant) opposition, defiance, screaming, hurting, etc. was just exhausting and stressful. But I can honestly say that we've gotten a grip on things and I feel like we're a really strong team. Even in the hard moments, we are way less stressed and we just redirect the kids or give consequences without getting overly emotionally involved in what the harmful behavior was. I know that's vague but you'll have to trust me I guess ha. 

Continue to pray for Josh and I, David and Evy, and of course the boys. Our needs are all pretty different but we need prayer all the same 💗
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Baby, Motherhood, Sponsored · March 19, 2019

The Best Tips + Packing List for Hiking with Kids and Babies

As a general rule, the idea is to pack smart. Don’t pack more than you need as you’ll probably be the one carrying it all back, but do keep certain scenarios in mind like hunger, bathroom breaks, weather, etc.

When Josh and I got pregnant, we knew that we didn’t want our lives to look all that much different than they did before we had kids. We loved getting out and trying new restaurants, hiking exploring new cities. And we decided that our kids would just come along for the ride once they joined the fam.

So while we still try to do a lot of the things we did before kids, we’ve had to make a few modifications. We, of course, can’t do an 11-mile hike in one day with both kids

The more obvious things to pack

Here are a few things that you would probably bring with you anywhere, but are especially essential if you’re going to be out in the middle of nowhere with kids:

  • Extra diapers
  • A zip-up outfit (easier to pack and lighter than an entirely new outfit, am I right?)
  • Extra pair of shoes. Although it might be ok to keep these in the car for after the hike in case you’re planning on grabbing a bite to eat or running errands before going home. I don’t know how many extra pairs of shoes we have in our car but I’m confident a pair will always be there when we need them.
  • Water/formula
  • Snacks. No one likes being out with a hungry toddler. Especially the hungry toddler. Bonus points if this is a treat the kids can look forward to like homemade trail mix.

The not-so-obvious things to pack/gear you’ll need

  • A hat to protect from sun or rain, should it become an issue.
  • Jacket. Depending on where you’re hiking, it could be cold and windy at the end of your hike! Josh and I have had to endure freezing hikes because we gave our sweatshirts to the kids (because the base camp was warm and the top was very much not).
  • A quality baby carrier/backpack
As a general rule, the idea is to pack smart. Don’t pack more than you need as you’ll probably be the one carrying it all back, but do keep certain scenarios in mind like hunger, bathroom breaks, weather, etc.

We have the Chicco SmartSupport Backpack. I love this baby backpack because it does and will grow with the kids. If I’m going to spend money on baby gear, I hate the idea of only using it for a few months and then giving it away or keeping it in storage.

The Chicco SmartSupport Backpack is wonderful because, at the moment, we can use it carry BOTH Evy and David! It holds up to 40 lbs and David, the peanut that he is, is still under the weight limit. Which is great for us because half the time when we expect to use this backpack, we think it’ll be for Evy when- just kidding- David is the one who is completely done with walking.

I also can sometimes have a bad back and I need all the support I can get when carrying the kids. This backpack has an aluminum frame, making it extremely light, as well as lumbar support so your back isn’t killing you at the end of your walk.

I also love that the Chicco SmartSupport Backpack also has an adjustable canopy that can help provide shade from the sun or rain if that becomes an issue during your hike. I also find it’s freestanding ability really useful when we stop for breaks or a snack!

Overall, Josh and I love to use this backpack for long and short walks with the kids, and the kids love hitching a ride to the end of the hike.

As a general rule, the idea is to pack smart. Don’t pack more than you need as you’ll probably be the one carrying it all back, but do keep certain scenarios in mind like hunger, bathroom breaks, weather, etc.

Here are some pro-tips:

  • Beware taking your kids on a hike you’re not familiar with, try a trial run when it’s just you and your partner.
  • Be sure to download the map of the area you’ll be hiking on your phone in before you lose service. This has been a lifesaver for us when traveling in the past!
  • Keep in mind the time it’ll take to get back. Kids only last so long, you don’t want to find yourself in the place that’s furthest from where you started when kids begin to break down. If can make it to your turnaround point while the kids are still enjoying your hike, you might just make it back without having to carry tired and grumpy babies.
  • Plan the time you start your hike. Of course, any seasoned parent knows that when you leave the house with kids, you need to budget enough time to make it home before nap/bedtime. Generally, I feel like our kids are way more up for adventures in the morning so try getting out early!
  • Don’t rush it. If you have it in your head that you want to complete the entire hike, you might need to be a little flexible with that goal. Also, be sure to take your time and enjoy the hike! When your kids stop to look at the sticks and leaves, look at it with them. Yes, your hike will take longer. But I’ve found that if we keep the attitude of our hike positive and exciting, the kids last way longer than if we try to rush them to make it to the end.
  • Make it a game. Toddlers love challenges! If you can create a scavenger hunt (or if you forget to plan one, a game of “I spy”), the kids will be much more focused on the fun rather than keeping up with mom and dad.
As a general rule, the idea is to pack smart. Don’t pack more than you need as you’ll probably be the one carrying it all back, but do keep certain scenarios in mind like hunger, bathroom breaks, weather, etc.

As a general rule, the idea is to pack smart. Don’t pack more than you need as you’ll probably be the one carrying it all back, but do keep certain scenarios in mind like hunger, bathroom breaks, weather, etc.

After a few hikes, you’ll find that investing in a couple high-quality pieces of gear will go a long way and serve your family for years to come. We love using our Chicco SmartSupport Backpack because we know it’s strong enough to hold the kids and light enough to take anywhere. Pick one up for your next walk through town or grand adventure!

As a general rule, the idea is to pack smart. Don’t pack more than you need as you’ll probably be the one carrying it all back, but do keep certain scenarios in mind like hunger, bathroom breaks, weather, etc.

In: Baby, Motherhood, Sponsored · Tagged: 40 lbs, baby, backpack, carrier, chicco, inexpensixe, noads, pack, quality, review, toddler, travel

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Comments

  1. SENECA says

    May 18, 2020 at 6:05 am

    I have been on the hunt for a hiking backpack! I think you’ve got me sold! This one seems awesome with great features and an unbeatable price! Thank you for sharing!
    Seneca | SENECAWELKER. COM
    https://www.senecawelker.com/

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Hi! I'm Chelsea and we're the Damon's. We spent the last two years in WA state paying off student loans and just bought our first house in SC! I love a smooth black coffee, Josh's first love is the Seattle Sounders. Our kids are huge dorks and constantly make us laugh and we all love spending as much time outside as possible.

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You asked! I tried these sock curls for the first You asked! I tried these sock curls for the first time last night and I was so impressed!! I decided to freshen them up during Sunday nap and record the process for you.

Literally all you have to do is wrap your very slightly damp hair around a sock and then fold it up over the curls over night. The sock kept slipping out from my hair so I used a claw clip to hold it in place and it wasn't uncomfortable to sleep in. Then I like to brush them out a little and add some texture spray and you're good to go!

 Tag me and let me know if you try it!!
Every. Single. Time. Every. Single. Time.
You ever feel like you're dying for a change and t You ever feel like you're dying for a change and then even everything's changing you're like HOLD ON I DIDN'T MEAN EVERYTHING AT ONCE. Yeah, me neither 🤪🫠
POV: You have 3 boys, 7 and under and it's bathtim POV: You have 3 boys, 7 and under and it's bathtime 🧼

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You asked! I tried these sock curls for the first You asked! I tried these sock curls for the first time last night and I was so impressed!! I decided to freshen them up during Sunday nap and record the process for you.

Literally all you have to do is wrap your very slightly damp hair around a sock and then fold it up over the curls over night. The sock kept slipping out from my hair so I used a claw clip to hold it in place and it wasn't uncomfortable to sleep in. Then I like to brush them out a little and add some texture spray and you're good to go!

 Tag me and let me know if you try it!!
Every. Single. Time. Every. Single. Time.
You ever feel like you're dying for a change and t You ever feel like you're dying for a change and then even everything's changing you're like HOLD ON I DIDN'T MEAN EVERYTHING AT ONCE. Yeah, me neither 🤪🫠
POV: You have 3 boys, 7 and under and it's bathtim POV: You have 3 boys, 7 and under and it's bathtime 🧼
Summer slow down 🌻 Summer slow down 🌻
Taking care of home, one hungry mouth and thirsty Taking care of home, one hungry mouth and thirsty plant at a time 🙃 🪴🪴
This weekend the boys are staying with their baby This weekend the boys are staying with their baby sister’s foster family. It’s a nice visit for them to be with her (she is oh so cute and sweet) and it’s essentially a respite weekend for us. 

Man, it’s like I forgot how simple things once were. And I never realized it in the moment, either. Two well-connected children since birth are a heck of a lot different than four kids—two well-connected and two traumatized.

We had a movie night with David and Ev last night (something the boys wouldn't normally sit for) and went for a hike up on Paris Mountain this morning and then got our fav BBQ for a weird lunch/dinner at like 3:30 🤪 Good BBQ doesn't wait for the right time of day 😂

It's a definitely a change of pace from the rigid schedule we keep when the boys are with us and I'll admit it's been nice to slow down at least for the weekend. 

We pick them up tomorrow afternoon and I can't wait to hear how their weekend was with sissy + her foster fam!
Everyone needs a creative outlet. This is one of m Everyone needs a creative outlet. This is one of mine. What's yours? 🌸🌺🌻🌼
I've held onto this photo and rewritten the captio I've held onto this photo and rewritten the caption a hundred times trying to think of a concise way to describe the last couple months. 

The reality is, it's messy and hard. The best and easiest days are the days where we stick like glue to our routine. The boys do so well with structure. Even rules that they hated at first, they now love bc they've come to expect them and knowing what to expect gives them a sense of control and safety. 

I have to say, I'm so thankful for the training we got before starting this journey bc we use it daily. And then there's times when Josh and I just need to take turns locking ourselves away in a quiet room for a little while just to take a breather. 

We're also learning the level of attention that David and Evy still need from us. We've started letting them stay up an hour later than that boys each night just so they can get some individual time with us and decompress a little. 

I have to admit, it was hard on Josh and I at first. The constant (and I mean constant) opposition, defiance, screaming, hurting, etc. was just exhausting and stressful. But I can honestly say that we've gotten a grip on things and I feel like we're a really strong team. Even in the hard moments, we are way less stressed and we just redirect the kids or give consequences without getting overly emotionally involved in what the harmful behavior was. I know that's vague but you'll have to trust me I guess ha. 

Continue to pray for Josh and I, David and Evy, and of course the boys. Our needs are all pretty different but we need prayer all the same 💗
1, 2, or 3?? @balielf making me feel pretty today 1, 2, or 3?? @balielf making me feel pretty today in all these gorgeous colors! 😍

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