When I was 18, my parents sat down all 5 of their kids & told us to pack 7 days worth of clothing & said we were going on a trip for 14 days. They didn't know where, said we'd find a laundry mat on the way, & the next morning we loaded up into the car where my mom had a stack of books to go East & a stack of books to head West. My dad said he wanted to head West, so west we went. We drove 9 states, 14 days, & 4000 miles. My favorite part of the trip was going to ... Read More about The Best Trip We Never Planned
Blog
Williams Hollow Loop: A Trail Review
The entire Pea Ridge National Military Park is one of our favorite places to visit. At the time of this publication, the park's visitors center is closed due to Covid-19. The park charges $10 per individual, $20 per car, $15 per motorcycle, or a $35 annual pass. Williams Hollow Loop is 2.2 mile hike in Pea Ridge National Military Park. You drive to the main entrance of the park, when it is open you stop at the visitor's center to pay to enter, & then you drive to STOP 8 on the driving ... Read More about Williams Hollow Loop: A Trail Review
Pigeon Roost Lake Overlook: A Trail Review
One of my favorite trails to do with the kids is the Pigeon Roost Overlook at Hobbs State Park. It's an 8.5 mile loop with several backpacking campsites (currently closed due to Covid-19. I will update as soon as they are open.) But if you are looking for a shorter distance, the 1.2 mile hike to the lake & back is perfect. This is also one of the trails at the state park not shared with the mountain bikers, it is foot traffic only. It's nice because I'm not constantly telling the kids to get ... Read More about Pigeon Roost Lake Overlook: A Trail Review
‘Tis the Season of Motherhood
We have a kiddo who isn’t sleeping. Says there’s scary noises in their room. Doesn’t matter what we’ve tried there’s no convincing them it’s safe. Which leaves Todd & I basically back on the newborn schedule of being up every two hours. We’re exhausted, kiddo is exhausted, & the family is exhausted. Nights feel hard right now. ‘Tis the season. My house has piles everywhere. Piles of papers. Piles of books. Piles of clothes. Piles of shoes. Piles upon piles upon piles. It doesn’t ... Read More about ‘Tis the Season of Motherhood
The Best No Bake, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie
Lots of people have some sort of a no bake, peanut butter chocolate cookies in their recipe index. But no one has Grandma Byrd Cookies. I think most families have that one recipe that is so special & sacred, they are sure their family was the one to come up with it. That's exactly how I felt about Grandma Byrd cookies when I was a kid. When I was a kid, I was always so shocked (and slightly offended- ha!) when other people told me they made these cookies too. How could they when Grandma ... Read More about The Best No Bake, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie
Colorado Fourteener for a First Timer
"Climbing my first 14er was one of the hardest but most amazing outdoor experiences of my life!" I got it in my head that I wanted to finish a Colorado 14er but honestly thought I wouldn't be able to make it happen any time in the near future. I live several hours away & it was going to require lots of logistical planning with kids & work. But, my mom offered to keep the kids for a week & so my husband & I decided to go for it at the beginning of August 2019. It was an ... Read More about Colorado Fourteener for a First Timer