So my knee’s healing progress has actually slowed even more, just in time to finish this year’s Project Simplify with a bang. I’m back on crutches at the time of this writing, keeping my knee on ice and walking only when necessary. Ah well… Apparently this is par for the course in healing a reconstructed ACL.

This is my official excuse for not getting as much done as I wanted for this last hot spot—That Put-Off Project. Kind-of ironic, isn’t it? My knee has taught me so much this spring about patience, grace for others, and forbearance. I’m learning to wait on others, let go of ideal, and just rest when I need to. Who knew a body part was so full of wisdom?

Anyway, you’re here to see my put-off project, and here I am, bemoaning my injury.

It wasn’t a major selling feature, but it certainly was cool that our fixer-upper came with a treehouse in the backyard. (It’s not a literal treehouse, because there’s no tree involved. It’s a clubhouse on stilts. But the kids still call it a treehouse, so we just go with it.)

It was kind-of a mess, much like the rest of the house, and since we don’t actually live in it, it’s taken a major back seat. But since this year will be our first full summer in this home, we decided that our put-off project should be a little treat for the kids, even though we have many more important ones to cross off in the actual house. You’re welcome, kids.

So, here they are, our before and after pics in the backyard.

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I‘ve had snow in my yard since before Christmas.

Crazy, right? I know. Between the intermittent snow storms that keep rolling in, the inversion, and the cold temperatures, the snow around here hasn’t melted in months. We’ve had a couple of warm streaks here and there, but nothing long-lasting enough to make it go away.

It makes going outside a bit of a production. Snow boots, waterproof insulated pants, gloves, hat, warm coats… it’s a lot, especially just to go outside for a quick play session in the middle of the day.

I don’t really mind all that much, but when I need to take my newborn along, it’s a lot to do. I’m a fan of making things as easy and simple as I can, especially where my kids are concerned. Less fuss, the better.

But kids take a lot of effort and the snow requires a lot of gear – and when it comes to gear, what are the best and most important pieces to have, especially for kids under five?
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Written by contributor Nish Weiseth of Nish Happens.

It was chilly and the leaves had turned. The roads were scattered with autumn gold, pumpkins sat on stoops and every restaurant in town had something with “spice” in the names of their daily specials, all written out in chalk on their sandwich boards on the downtown sidewalks.

I saw mothers choosing Halloween costumes, invites for pumpkin carving parties and the corn maze was stuffed to the edges with little ones. We were wearing fleece jackets already.

It was fall, I was expecting my first child in just a month or two, and I absolutely could not wait to do all of the fun fall-themed activities with my child. Out of all the seasons I looked forward to as a mother, fall made the top of the list.

Now that my Rowan is almost three years old, I can safely say that it’s still my favorite time of year as a mother! Here are some of the great outdoor family activities I hope to do this year (and in the years to come) to ring in my favorite season with my kid.
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Our current to-do list is a mile long—we’ve been in our house just at two weeks, and there are still boxes everywhere. Our boys’ bathroom counter needs installing, the half bath downstairs still holds its old, outdated sink, and don’t get me started about the yard. It’s downright frightening.

But in the midst of hanging shelves and unpacking dishes, this weekend we ditched the bubble wrap for flip flops and sunscreen, and moseyed our way to the lake. Summer’s just a few weeks longer here, and school is starting soon. This weekend, the to-do list was put on the back burner, only for a bit.

Summer is still going strong in most spots of North America, but I’m already seeing Facebook status updates from people who are longing for fall. Football, changing leaves, pumpkin spice lattes… all dream-worthy stuff.

But there’s still fun to be had—winters are long up here in the Pacific Northwest, so I’m not wishing away the shorts just yet. And I know many places have had a brutally hot summer in most necks of the wood, so I don’t doubt for a bit that you’re dying for a dip in temperature.

Whether or not your kids have already started school, let’s savor the summer for a few more weeks.
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Written by contributor Nish Weiseth of Nish Happens.

My husband runs a whitewater rafting business and he’s been running rivers his whole life. So, our summers involve a LOT of time outside – rafting, camping, swimming, and playing.

In fact, we never really got a honeymoon – we needed to be on the water as river guides five days after our wedding. The outdoors are a huge piece of our story together and we knew it would always remain that way, even when we started having kids.

We now have a little boy, Rowan – he’s two and a half (oh man, is he two and a half!), and we have another kid (gender TBD) on the way, due in December. With the amount of river miles Rowan has already traveled in his short little lifespan, I’m pretty convinced that he’ll guide guests down Class IV rapids by the time he’s six.

I see you chuckling like I’m joking.

Because of our lifestyle and occupation, spending time outdoors isn’t just something we like to do in our spare time – it’s something that’s required of us, and because of that, it’s required us to induct our kid into this lifestyle, too.

I get asked about taking little kids in the outdoors all the time. What should I expect? What should I pack for the day? How do I do it safely? All of these are legitimate questions.

I’m no expert by any stretch of the imagination, but we’ve taken Rowan hiking, rafting, camping and swimming outside enough times to have a good idea on how to answer the basics.

The thing I love telling parents the most? It’s not as hard as you think. There are obviously going to be some equipment differences depending on your activity, but these are the absolute must-haves for any day trip outside. In other words, don’t leave the house without your backpack filled with these items!
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