Life has been crazy busy around here. June Bug has been sick, then better, then sick. She is losing weight and has a UTI. Hopefully we get everything figured out with her.
Billy Goat has also been sick off and on, but that's life. Hes a typical 2 1/2 year old. Helping anyway he can, but really causing more of a mess. He wears me out and pushes my patients. But that's good right?
The Husband is super busy with work, a side job, doing yard work, and school. Can't wait for him to finish with his masters! Glad he loves all he does though.
So The Husband gets into phases where he gets super interest in things. He researches it a ton, if its a new hobby that needs new toys we purchase those (within reason.) and he is stuck on it. This new hobby of his/ours (I really am on board and very excited about it too.) is lightweight backing packing/camping. As of now we have purchased most of the things we need. We have our backpacks, sleeping bags, pads, and some of the other basics. (Another post will come on what we have, where to get it, and how we like it.)We are doing Havasui Pai in the early fall and will do a few warm up hikes before that. Until we can leave June Bug (shes nursing still) we've been car camping with the kids once and we go on some day hikes as well. Its been a lot of fun.
We've been doing quite a few days hikes on South Mountain. If you live anywhere close to the Phoenix area I highly recommend it. There are harder trails, easier trails, short trails, and long trails. We have really really enjoyed it.
June Bug rides in this beauty. Its a nice Kelty backpack that we can still fit a lot of our stuff in it. If we were to buy another backpack I would definitely get one just like it. We were VERY lucky and found this treasure at a yard sale for a whopping $10. I've also noticed a few at a kids consignment store (kid to kid ahwatukee) for less than $100. So a decent discount. Be patient when looking for kid gear, don't always buy brand new and you will find deals.
Billy Goat either walks, or rides in a very basic kid backpack. His backpack was a gift and I don't know what brand it is. Its good for him. If you are hiking with a kid 2 1/2 or older I would not spend much money on one or even possibly don't buy one at all. Billy Goat walks the majority of the time and has little desire to ride. He only wants to ride if he fell or has gone over a mile in walking himself. One thing we did get him that he LOVES is his own back pack. We got him this one from amazon . Its been great. He can carry his own juice and his own rocks that he collects on trails! Plus he feels like daddy with his backpack on. I like it for everyday use because I can attach those leash things on it. Its great for shopping! He can walk and be independent like he likes, and I still have some control over him.
This has been a great family hobby. The kids love it, we love it, now that we have most of the gear its a free activity for us to enjoy whenever we want!
