Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park

Hiking is fun, adventurous, and a great way to bond with your kiddos.

When hiking with your little ones, use the opportunity to teach them about how to respect nature. Point out the trees, plants, flowers and animals you come across.

My son, Troy, loves to throw rocks in the streams and rivers we come across. I like for us to find special rocks with unique shapes or colors, and make wishes on them before throwing them into the water.

https://www.google.com/search?q=cougar+mountain+hike&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

Flying Birthday Surprise

I wasn't sure what to do for my son Troy's 3rd birthday. I knew I wanted to do something a little extra special because of our recent move from California to Washington. Being away from family and friends ruled out throwing a big birthday party (which is what I would normally do).

My husband and my son have the same birthday, which is incredibly sweet and special, but also makes planning a little more complicated. Finding something a 3 year old and a 33year old would equally enjoy is not an easy task to say the least.

Then it hit me! My husband has always enjoyed going indoor skydiving and what kid wouldn't want to fly around like peter pan?! At first I was worried about the age limit but I soon discovered that anyone can fly age 3 to 103.

I kept this all a surprise until pulling up to the building. Needless to say, my hubby and son were overjoyed with excitement! They had a blast!

Mommy and Troy Time

I love spending time with my sweet pea! I think it is so important to for each child to have their own special time where you can give them the undivided attention they need.

Sometimes when I take my daughter to dance class, Troy and I can go spend time together just the two of us. It's only for an hour, but it's still precious one-on-one time.

On this particular outing, we decided to go to a beach in Carlsbad, which is only minutes from Scarlett's dance class. We picked up shells and rocks, made sand angels and other designs, and of course ran around as fast as we could with our hands in the air. Occasionally, Troy would stop and stare at the ocean, just soaking it all in. Then he would look back at me and give me a sweet smile of pure love and joy. These moments are truly magical.