Camping at Caspers

 Last weekend we snuck away for a quick camping adventure.

We went to one of our favorite local places called Caspers Wilderness Park. 

Camping is our happy place. 

I think it's good for the soul to take a break from the real world and get out into nature. 

regularly.

Plus it's super fun. 

A few months ago we bought a tent trailer (off Craigslist) which has made camping a million times easier. 

We can't tell you how much we love it!!

our little explorers 

Even the weeds are pretty.

Except stinging nettle. 

Oh man! OUCH!

Not pretty at all. 

He's a happy camper

This makes my heart happy 

Our first attempt at a family pic

Shadow pic

Another big reason I loving camping is 

SMORES! 

If you haven't tried them with cinnamon graham crackers you must. 

We could sit and watch the fire all night long

Glow sticks make camping even better

My Maddie girl

We made some new friends with the people in the site next to us.

The kids could have climbed that tree all day long.

 So pretty 

These were some of the most beautiful flowers I had ever seen. 

"We're going on a bear hunt, gonna catch a big one. What a beautiful day! We aren't scared..."

Anyone else love that book?

 so many pretty wildflowers this time of year

all worn out 

 lunch time 

Magical 

Oh how I love camping!

 We are counting the days until our next adventure. 

i hate running

I hate running.

These e cards sum up my feelings on the subject.

But running is free
and good for you. 

So reluctantly I started the couch to 5K program (app) again. 

This is my 3rd time doing it and as much as I hate running this program actually makes it possible (the running part).

Trust me if I can do it, anyone can.

So I'm running. 

3 times a week. 

And I literally sleep in my running clothes so all I have to do is wake up and go (can you tell I'm not a morning person?). 

And I haven't died yet. 

Thank you Jesus. 

And as much as I hate the actual running part

I have been enjoying the alone time first thing in the morning. 

And the crisp fresh air. 

And the quiet.

I find myself noticing the beauty around me that I'm normally too busy to see. 

And getting some time to prepare my heart and mind and attitude for the day. 

So those are good things. 

Anyone else tried the Couch to 5k app? 

Spring Queen Bee Market and giveaway!

Queen Bee Market's Spring boutique is right around the corner (yay!).

Are you coming? 

Because you should!

It's one of my favorite boutiques to participate in and shop at.

I always describe it as Etsy in building. 

There are so many awesome vendors and so much unique stuff there.

 As a little preview for the boutique, Mique from 30 Handmade Days, is putting on a giant giveaway. 

Head on over to her blog for the details on how to win 2 Lu Bird Baby towels (of your choice) PLUS $700 of other awesome prizes. 

And don't forget to mark your calendars for May 2nd and 3rd.

fun vs. messes

I'm not that old but geeze sometimes I can act like such an old fart. 

I posted this cute pic on Instagram and wrote

"Trying to embrace this fun moment instead of freaking out that they are getting all of my pillows and blankets dirty. #realmomz "

Because seriously this moment of fun and adventure is way more important than dirty pillows or blankets. 

Don't get me wrong I love to have fun! 

Especially with my kids. 

But I have a really hard time with the mess part of it. 

It's so lame but it's the truth. 

But even though it bothers me, I don't let it stop me. 

Because this is the stuff I want my kids childhood to be about. 

adventure, exploration and of course fun!

  Messes and all. 

A peek at our week

Hey guys! 

Is it just me or does the weekend always go by way too fast? 

always. 

Here's a peek at our last 2 weeks through the lens of my trusty iPhone. 

Because while I may be bad at remembering to blog or take pictures with my real camera I'm really good at Instagram 

(kristin.sellars is my username if you want to follow along). 

I recently discovered Pho.

Yummmmmmm

love this crazy bunch 

Saturdays are our family day. 

Every week looks different but we always make a point to get out of the house and do something fun together 

coloring with me is her love language 

I'm praying I get to put this picture in their wedding slide show one day 

I love seeing the different relationships between my kiddos grow. 

They all love each other fiercely and uniquely 

I can't get over the top teeth coming in. 

They make him look so much older!

Oh man. 

Her with glasses is the cutest. 

(she doesn't need them, we were just playing)

Aaron and I got to get away for almost 4 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As much as I was looking forward to the time away, the kids and I were all a little anxious about being apart.

So to ease the pain I wrote them a card for each day we were gone and gave them a couple surprise gifts to open (a new movie so they could have a movie night and a new play dough kit).  

The first stop Aaron and I made on the way to the harbor for our cruise was for lunch at a Brazilian restaurant. 

We lived in Brazil for a few months and have been back a handful of times and absolutely LOVE it there. 

One of the things we miss most is the amazing food and my favorite Guarana (a type of Brazilian soda). 

What a fun weekend I had cruising with this hottie 

Our cruise was to Ensanada, Mexico

Look who got glasses 

Reunited! 

It was SO good to get away but also so good to be back together as a family of 6.

This is the result of an at home haircut gone bad! 

We were both so sad that I had to shave it all but really it was that bad. 

Luckily it's just hair and it will grow back.

I'm still getting used to the new look though.  

We decided to get adventurous for dinner the other night. 

Mainly because I needed more Pho. 

We went on a get well better soon surprise mission. 

It's so much fun to ding dong ditch people with happy things. 

Prepping for the spring Queen Bee Market. 

If you are in Southern California you should definitely come. 

It's one of my favorite boutiques of the year (to sell and shop at). 

Loving on her teddys

a boy and a stick

I got all crazy and made chia seed pudding the other day.

It was pretty good!  

Kenzie and I got to go to a Mommy and Daughter garden brunch.

It was so fun and so cute!

I can't wait to show you more pictures.

Fruit infused water is our new fav. 

Hope you guys had a great week/weekend! 

jumping beans

 We got the kids a little/big (8 ft) trampoline for Christmas. 

Let me tell you, it was the best investment ever.

 The kids spend most of the day outside bouncing like little jumping beans.

They get their wiggles out, exercise and have fun.

And I get a peaceful house. 

happy kids and happy mama.

It's the perfect size for our crew ( kids ages 1-6). 

It's big enough 2-3 of them can go on it at a time but it's small enough that they can climb in and out of it themselves (even our 2 year old).

I'd say that if your kids like to do flips or crazy stunts you may want a bigger one, but our kids aren't into that stuff yet.

Plus it doubles as a baby play pin. 

Just stick some toys in and zip er up. 

What are some of your kids favorite toys?