Days With The Grays

Family Hike In Clayton Park - Freehold, NJ

2017-05-04T22:47:00.000-04:00

I know it has been almost two years since the last post. I know there is a cross country trip that I didn't post, and so much more. For now, I'm just going to pick back up with our current adventures. The past two years have been us trying to figure out life back in NJ. Getting used to living full time in an RV, new jobs, and trying to figure out the what's next. Let's just say it's been a busy two years.

Now, I'm excited to get back to posting about our outdoor adventures. Our family is no longer car-free, but we still love to ride our bikes. So, look forward to lots of family hikes and biking adventures hitting the blog. We want to inspire families to get outside, and show them the many awesome places to hike right here in NJ.

First up is Clayton Park in Upper Freehold, NJ. It's a beautiful, quiet park, and right now the spring green is in abundance. Wildflowers are out too. The wild violets were especially pretty. This is a great park to go out for a little hike with the kids. You can keep it short, or spend the whole day here. The trails are not difficult and well kept. Pack a lunch and don't forget your binoculars. Three out of five of us Grays saw a Pileated Woodpecker.

Clayton is also wonderful for biking and horseback riding. We plan on bringing the kids here to practice riding off-road for the first time. Can't wait to get them on the trails with two wheels.

Checking out the pond.

Always a good time for a hug.

He always wants to know what is edible.
Practical Guide to New Jersey's Edible Wild Plants: A Survival Guide

How we all feel out in the woods. Love her!

How to Downsize with Kids

2015-08-12T22:17:00.001-04:00

First thing you have to remember when downsizing your kid's stuff is that it's not your stuff, it's theirs. They have to be a part of the process and you are there to help. Even though our daughter was only two when we did our major downsizing, she still had a say as to what stays and what goes. With her we didn't necessarily ask her what she wanted or not, but we started to pay attention to what she played with most and what were her favorite things. Sometimes if she had two of something, or two similar items, we asked her which one was her favorite between the two. From this careful attention of her play and simple choice questions we were able to make clear decisions of what stays and what goes for her. Here are some more tips for downsizing with kids especially the older ones.

1. Be an example: Don't start with your children's stuff, start with yours. By going through your own stuff first they see what you are doing, and that it's not so scary. Let them help you put your stuff in piles. Get them involved. It's a great way to get them ready to go through their stuff.

2. Favorites aside first: Find out what their absolute favorite items are first. What they are not willing to part with at all. Put that aside and assure them it will not go anywhere. Keep your promise and help them build trust in you and the process.

3. Respect their decisions: Even if your kids want to keep something you don't like, remember it's not up to you. These are their things and you don't want the downsizing process to scar them for life. If they want to keep something that is broken set it aside and go back to it later. Sometimes it just takes a little time to realize they won't want to play with something that doesn't work.

4. Give them alternatives and compromise: Sometimes holding onto stuff that you don't really need comes from fear. The same goes with kids. Downsizing is a lot of change to handle even for adults, so make sure that you give them alternatives. "If we give this away then we will have more room for this...If we sell this then you will have money for this...etc." Explain that owning less will make more room for other things like vacations, special nights out, or that really expensive special something that they have wanted for a long time. Compromise a different toy for that broken one.

5. Take it slow: If at any point during this process your kids seem to have had enough, take a break. That break could be a couple hours, or a few days. Either way don't rush it. Rushing will only make you all hate the process and regret your decisions. Take it slow with them and with yourself.

Want tips on downsizing your stuff? Check out this previous post!

If you have any tips or advice on downsizing with kids please share in the comments below. I know there are lots of things we haven't even thought of.

How To Downsize Your Stuff

2015-05-06T21:09:00.000-04:00

Over the past couple of months we have been downsizing like we have never downsized before. Getting ready to live the van life meant we didn't just need to pack, but we needed to go through EVERYTHING! We had to decide what we really were going to need because space would not allow for clutter. Things that you would normally just throw in a box and bring with you because you didn't feel like going through it were not an option for us. Photographs, memory boxes, jewelry, etc. all had to be dealt with. It was time consuming, and at times really freaking hard!

This time around we learned so much about ourselves, and how to make downsizing a little easier. Here is some advice we can offer on how to make going through, and getting rid of, your stuff a little easier.

Start Small: Pick one area, or room, to start with. Don't begin going through other areas until the one you started is complete. Make a list of rooms/areas before you begin and cross them off as you go. Only do one or two areas per day, unless you have a major time crunch and have people to help you. Keeping it to one area per day will help you to not feel overwhelmed, and will help keep things going.

Put Daily Items Aside: When you start going through an area, like the bathroom or kitchen, check to see what you use everyday. We all have our go to items especially in these areas. Get a box and set those everyday items aside first.

Make Piles: Keep, throw away, sell, and donate. For your throw away pile it's best to just have a trash bag in hand as you go. Keeps the mess down, and gives you a feeling of making progress.

Go Through Easier Stuff First: Do the easy areas first. Of course easy is in the eye of the beholder, but start somewhere you know you won't have too hard a time getting rid of things. Kids clothes, pantry, spices you have only used once...

Go Through The Hardest Stuff Last: Anything that you know you have a strong emotional attachment to save for last. Memory boxes, photographs, heirlooms in the attic, et. These items are usually the hardest and most time consuming to go through. Save them to do at the end, so you don't feel too overwhelmed. Sometimes going down memory lane isn't easy, and it can stop your progress before you even begin.

Be Easy On Yourself: Remember this all will take time. You don't have to rush. Remember it's okay to second guess letting go of something. It's okay to keep it. Maybe today you just aren't ready to let it go, but tomorrow you will be. Be easy on yourself.

Give Yourself Alternatives: No way was I going to stop creating art, but having a very large easel and taboret wasn't going to cut it living in a van. It was easier to give up these items because I knew there were alternative painting supplies out there that I could replace the larger easels with. I also knew that I could find a way to make sure these easels went to a good home, so I didn't feel like I just got rid of them. Search out local stores for your items where you can either sell your items, or get credit to purchase an alternative to what you have. I was glad I found a local art store that bought art supplies. They gave me store credit and now I have an amazing, downsized way to create art on the road without feeling like I gave anything up.

Just Do It! Stop making excuses right now and get to it. You don't need to clean the house first, or wash the car. Just pick a small area and get started. Your desk, fridge, bathroom closet, et. Once you start, a chain reaction will happen and it will become easier to keep going.

These are just a few ideas that helped us downsize our stuff over the past few weeks. I'm sure many of you have more tips. Please feel free to share your decluttering/downsizing advice in the comments. We would love to see how others have made progress.

No More Being Car-Free? Why?

2015-04-24T19:42:00.000-04:00

Let me state the obvious, we are no longer car-free, and technically no longer debt free either. The decisions that went into all of this were not taken lightly. They were by no means done on a whim.

For years we struggled with debt in order to maintain our life back in NJ, and in some ways to keep up with the Jones'. After the flower shop, where my husband worked at for 14 years, changed hands last year, it was time for us to make a move. We thought that maintaining our car-freedom and moving to a more bike friendly place would be manageable. Well it is, if there are jobs, and rents that don't continue to rise. My husband was able to get some part-time work in a local flower shop, but part-time is not enough for a family of five. I searched for jobs, went on interviews, etc. with no such luck landing anything. This past year has been amazing and utterly disappointing all in one.

We knew we would get some money back when we did our tax return, so we started to figure out what we were going to do. Do we stay in Portland and barely scrape by, and search for more work? Do we head back East and use all of the money to get another apartment we can't afford, in a place we really do not want to be? Do we put money down on a RV or van that will be ours, but also that we can live in? Obviously we chose the van route. We looked at RV's but they were just too big and too much money. We knew that an RV would always be an RV, it would not be able to get either one of us to work if we decided to settle somewhere.

We researched for weeks on what the best options and prices were for our budget. We debated about how comfortable we wanted to be, where we wanted to go, and what we really needed in our lives. We sold one of our cargo bikes along with countless other items that we had dragged all the way to Portland with us. This time we have really downsized, and we aren't even done yet!

We are still very passionate about biking, cargo biking, and family biking. Brian became a Certified Bike Mechanic last Summer through UBI. We still believe that car-free days, or if you can a car-free life, is very important and needs to happen for a lot more people. Being car-free for the past couple of years has made us, me especially, a better driver. A more aware driver. It's something everyone should take the time to do in order to remind themselves that cars are not the only ones on or by the road. That driving is not a right that all deserve at a certain age, but a huge responsibility that comes with harsh consequences if not used properly. We also understand that being car-free is not always the easiest option, or decision to make, and that more infrastructure is needed everywhere for bikes and public transport.

When it comes to now having a car payment that put us technically back into debt, we weighed the pros and cons heavily. An expensive apartment paying someone else's mortgage felt like a waste. Not knowing where we really want to settle also made us hesitant to spend thousands going somewhere else with nothing to show. So, the van is big enough to be our home for a while, and yet small enough to get us places and be used for commuting if need be in the future.

I guess this post is to clarify that we are still passionate about bikes, car-freedom, and getting out of debt, but we are even more passionate about doing what is best for you and your family. Right now this is what is best for us.

Thank you for following along (hopefully continuing to follow along) on our journey.

Mount Hood National Forest Along the Collawash River

2015-04-21T01:29:00.000-04:00

We have officially broken in the van and tent. With the help and company of some friends we took our first camping trip with our new set up this past weekend. Mount Hood National Forest was the perfect place too. The weather was absolutely amazing, the river was beautiful, and the quiet was greatly needed.

It was nice to see the kids explore the way they did. Toys and technology were not needed or asked for while they had nature to keep them busy. Plus, life can't be bad when you get to roast marshmallows at night.

Can't complain about the amazing view from our tent. Waking up to the cold air isn't so bad when you have views like this.

Ellie could not get enough of the river. She loved throwing rocks and sticks into it. She also got some highly supervised stick burning time at the fire, which gave me major anxiety, but she was really good with it. Seems like this life will fit her well.

The Collawash River is one of the many beautiful rivers in the Mount Hood National Forest. It was great to sit and just listen to it rushing by. I had a chance to sit by it all by myself a few times. Definitely the best alone time I have had in a while.

The boys finally had the chance to use their carving knives. They have been waiting for Brian to show them how to use them. I'm so glad their dad gets to do things like this with them. I know these lessons will stay with them forever, growing into new skills and creativity along the way.

Our Roof Top Tent Has Arrived!

2015-03-18T22:48:00.001-04:00

This is all getting serious folks! Our Cascadia Roof Top Tent (Mount Rainier Model) has arrived, and is now on the van. We have been super lucky this week with finding great businesses and people to get this van life started. We purchased the Yakima SwingDaddy and roof bars from Rack Attack, and even saved some money by finding some of the mounting parts on Craigslist. Always check Craigslist first! Then we purchased a tent from Simple Camping Solutions in Vancouver. He not only gave us 5% off of the tent, but came and delivered it right to our door at no extra cost. AWESOME!

Of course we were all too excited and had to open up the tent before we put it on the van. Ben said I shouldn't post this photo because it isn't a good one and it's all blurry. Well kid, maybe you guys should hold still a little longer ha!

Yes the tent opens and hangs off of the van. The ladder is the major support for that part of the tent. Above is the tent without the annex room attached. We also need to get a ladder extension because our van is a monster, and without the curb we are going to need it to reach the ground.

We are going to have some amazing views from up there!

I was able, barely, to help him get the tent out of the house and up onto the van. Luckily a neighbor was walking her dog and stopped to help us actually finish the heavy lifting up onto the roof. Really not hard just takes some muscle.

The tent with the added annex room, which also has a floor that can be zippered along the bottom.

Finally, the tent all put away and ready to hit the road. Below is a very crappy video with me not really explaining anything, but you get to see the inside and outside of the tent.

In A Van Down By The River

2015-03-12T22:15:00.000-04:00

Well, if you didn't think we were crazy for ditching our cars, riding bikes, unschooling, and moving 3,000 miles across the country, maybe now you will. HA! As this post title implies in a couple of months that big white van you see pictured above will be our home on wheels. Over the next few weeks we will be figuring out our setup, and getting rid of items we will not need. This process has already started, but now feels real because we have the van. I knew that one day we would own something with a motor again. The only thing I wanted to make sure of was that it either housed us, or that we lived in a place that we absolutely needed it.

Unfortunately, as amazing as Portland and it's people are, it's not going to work out for us here. The job situation wasn't the best to help us completely settle, and it is too far from family.

The plan is to hit the rode in May, after our apartment lease is up, and head back to the East Coast. Slowly back. Coming out to Oregon we had a major time crunch with the rental truck. This time we won't have that kind of pressure. We will visit family in NJ and then head to Western Massachusetts to help a friend with his farm/small business for a bit.

We are super excited for the next chapter and all of the adventures ahead of us. Living this way will have many challenges and adjustments, but man what an adventure it will be!

So, van life it is! Don't worry the bikes are going too. ;)

And of course we can't end this post without the amazing Chris Farley:

Just Us Being Us

2014-11-18T17:48:00.001-05:00

Here is about a week's worth of Gray Family nonsense. Most of these have already been posted on my Instagram. That's why there is a coffee rant along with one of the photos. Feel free to follow the crazy over there if you like. As you can see I am not going the route of everything is so picturesque and lovely over here. Sometimes it's happy chaos. Sometimes it's pure frustration. Sometimes it's survival, ha! And yes, sometimes things are quite beautiful. Anyway, enjoy the photo show haha!

Just a normal day with The Grays.

I couldn't resist photographing him in this light.

Please! Please! Let me drink my coffee kids! Just let me drink. My. Coffee. I can't wipe your ass or feed you if I don't drink it! Why am I drinking out of a mug with my mug on it? A present from my mother given to my husband. for what reason I don't know. A mug I try not to drink out of bc it's weird drinking out of a cup with a photo of yourself on it. A photo of a time when you used all your creative energy to dye your hair red and to care what it looked like. I just want my coffee, and it was the only cup in the cabinet. That's why. Now please minions, let me drink this shit! ‪#‎motherhoodtruthbomb‬

"Come on Mommy!" Yes master. Where do you want your humble mother servant to go? Can I finish eating my breakfast first? No. Ok.

How the blogging gets done!

I hope these two always remain close. ‪#‎brothers‬

Man, he's got me! Love this little guy!

Our Ride to Powell Butte Nature Park - Portland, Oregon

2014-11-11T18:16:00.000-05:00

We caught what is probably the last bit of sun yesterday and rode our bikes to the Powell Butte Nature Park. Everyone needed to get out and into nature for a bit. We were going a little stir crazy the last few days. The roundtrip total was about 20 miles. We used the 205 Multi-Use Path and the Springwater Corridor Trail to get there, so the ride was super easy. We were only on neighborhood roads getting to the path itself from our house, and from the path to the main entrance of the park.

The only thing is that the main entrance is up a pretty long and too steep to ride up, for us, hill. I know, I know it's a butte! But I really wasn't expecting the climb. We got up just a little and then had to push the bikes up. After riding 10 miles I was already in need of food refuel and lacked the energy to finish getting the bike up the hill, so Brian had to help once he had already gotten the first bike up. As you can see in the photo below he also carried Ellie while pushing the bike. Just so you know I offered to carry her.

After that crazy climb up we sat, ate our lunch, then headed for a little hike around the park. The view of Mount Hood was amazing and totally worth the burning muscles. The kids were able to run around, and we even saw a coyote. The ride back was a lot colder, but still not too bad. Definitely not a ride we would do everyday, or week for that matter. Though, it was a great ride to test our limits, and explore some greatly needed nature.

The Grays in Shadow

Apple Picking on Sauvie Island

2014-10-31T00:46:00.001-04:00

“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

A Few Weeks Worth

2014-10-18T03:25:00.000-04:00

I have been terrible at blogging lately. It's been very busy for us. A good busy. Everyone is growing. The kids are learning so much. Us adults are growing our community of friends, and love for Portland. We have all met so many new people over the past few weeks. I'll be posting more soon, but for now here are some snapshots from the last few weeks.

Camping at Beverly Beach State Park

2014-09-07T15:08:00.000-04:00

Beverly Beach is beautiful! The campground was pretty full, but still quiet. We explored the beach where Spencer Creek met the Pacific Ocean, and the city of Newport where we saw California Sea Lions up close. We saw Steller's Jays, and crazy tree roots. Marshmallows were roasted. Stories were told around the fire along with a bunch of questions about reproduction, world wars, twins, and Hippo nipples. It was an interesting night of conversations to say the least haha! It felt good to be camping again. We all enjoyed slowing down and pushing the reset button.

Settling in.

Best slide ever!!!

How A Toddler Eats Yogurt

2014-08-31T17:42:00.000-04:00

If only I was this happy when I ate yogurt. Ellie really enjoys eating with a spoon these days and yogurt is one of her favorite things. She went a little overboard here with her bowl of Nancy's Yogurt , but in this house we all agree that it's some of the best yogurt we have ever had. We are getting quite spoiled with so much yummy, local food available here in Portland.

We are also heading out on another camping trip on the Oregon Coast this week. We are all super excited and I will definitely have photos to share when we get back later this week. We hope everyone is enjoying their Labor Day Weekend as much as Ellie enjoyed her yogurt yesterday! :)

Saved the best for last. I love this one!

Hiking Mount Hood On The Elk Cove Trail

2014-08-28T02:26:00.002-04:00

Last Saturday Ellie and I went hiking with a friend on Mount Hood. Specifically the Elk Cove Trail section. The day started out kind of crazy. Ellie got car-sick twice on the drive there, so we had to pull over and clean her off. (You know you have great friends when they volunteer to wash out your toddler's puke covered shirt in a gas station bathroom). Ellie was fine once she got that out of her system. By the time we reached the trail she was back to her normal self.

The hike itself was a bit more than I expected (it's been an embarrassing ten years since I have went on a serious hike like this), but it was well worth jumping back on the trail with a toddler on my back. Though, I warn you... if you still have hiking boots that you purchased before you birthed your first child, donate them! No matter how great they still are because they will not fit your feet for a 10 mile hike on Mount Hood! My feet were completely wrecked with blisters by the time we got back to the car. Okay, I hope we are clear on that! Anyway, as you can see by the photos below it was all worth it. Plus, I had a great excuse to immediately order new boots when I got home.

I'm so glad my friend invited Ellie and I out for a hike on Mount Hood. It was my first time being there and it definitely puts you in your place. Nothing like a mountain/volcano to make sure you remember just how small you are. These iPhone photos really do not do it justice. It was amazing! The meadow just didn't even seem real. My friend and I both felt like we had stepped into a commercial, or a National Geographic photo. I highly recommend hiking the Elk Cove Trail. It will not disappoint you.

We were almost out of water by the time we got up to the meadow.
Luckily there were two campers that let us use their water filter to fill our canteens up again.
BEST WATER EVAR!

What's more fun than digging in the dirt?

Digging in the dirt with Mount Hood behind you. Spoiled!

Her love of rocks rivals all other toddler's.

Eating Wild Huckleberries by a stream. Again, SPOILED!

The Boys Have New Bikes!

2014-08-26T17:13:00.001-04:00

The boys received an early birthday/holiday present from their grandparents this week, new islabikes! Finally, the hills are easier and riding has become even more enjoyable for them because now their bikes are larger and have gears. They both could not believe how much better it felt to ride longer distances. They rode almost a whole 5 miles back home after we picked up the bikes. I think we have some happy riders! Thanks Islabikes!

Info on bike sizes: Nat is 57" riding a 24" Beinn Bike . Ben is 46" riding a size large 20" Beinn Bike.

Our Camping Adventure - Nehalem Bay Oregon

2014-08-25T14:57:00.001-04:00

We had been waiting for what felt like years to put our feet back on sandy soil. To hear the waves crashing. To smell the salt in the air. It didn't matter that it was foggy and a bit cold. We loved every minute of being outside visiting with family. The kids played tag, hide and seek, burnt sticks in the fire, and didn't ask for the iPads once. We roasted marshmallows while Papa (Grandpa) told stories. We listened to the rain on the tent while snuggling in our sleeping bags. Nehalem Bay is beautiful no matter what the weather. It was relaxing and we all felt that we had an energy reboot. We cannot wait to go camping again and hope that we can get back out there soon!

A Hike In Forest Park

2014-08-19T18:22:00.001-04:00

We had family from NJ visiting for the past two weeks, so here is the start of some of our adventures with them. Our first trip was over to Forest Park to go on a little hike. We all had a blast and honestly the Pacific Northwest has the most amazing trees. I just can't get over them!

We have also discovered that Ellie is a completely different two year old when she is outdoors. I think she needs to explore more than any of us. A true nature loving kid!

Park Day

2014-08-06T15:47:00.000-04:00

It's amazing to see them play and smile with just a simple trip to the local playground. I really wish I could bottle their kid energy and have some for myself. How I wish I was able to spin, hang from monkey bars, and go down slides without feeling either nauseous from the spinning, or exhausted by the time I was done sliding. Not to mention sleeping like a log after a day of playing. Yeah, I would really love to sleep like that again.

She really liked hanging from the bars and was upset if we didn't keep putting her up there.

This Kid Has Awesome Hair!

2014-08-03T01:50:00.000-04:00

A few days ago I decided to get my big camera out and have some fun. We have fans going throughout the apartment and I noticed Ben's hair being even more awesome when he stood in front of it. So of course it was time for Ben's inner hair model to come out. He's so amazing I can't stand it! I hope he doesn't break too many hearts when he gets older.

Plus, I had to get a shot with the talent haha! Ben was actually in between making fish faces, but I love how it looks like he's had enough of my craziness.

I Didn't Think I Could Climb the Hills

2014-07-24T18:55:00.000-04:00

When I first arrived in Portland, and started riding my bike around, I had to walk up most of the hills. I am ashamed to say that even on the Breezer I was walking up the hills at least part of the way. I thought there was no way I would ever be able to make it back home by bike from any other area of the city. Well, maybe I would be able to once in a while, but not a few times a week. I was trying to figure out how we were going to afford to put an e-assist on the bakfiets. I felt defeated. I was worried that biking here wasn't going to be as fun as I had hoped.

I was wrong! So wrong! Most of my anxiety was purely mental. My body has now proven my mind wrong. In the first few weeks of being here I noticed myself getting stronger and stronger. No more walking the Breezer up the hills. Then, over the next few rides, I became better at riding the bakfiets up the hills. Slowly, but I did it. Sometimes I didn't even realize I was riding up them in higher gears than I thought possible for myself. It was fun! I can do it! I'm also getting better each time I ride. Is it difficult at first? Yes! Does it suck most of the time? Yes! Do I have to walk the bike sometimes? Yes, but I'm not riding in a race, so who cares! When I make it, all of the previous struggles become worth it. Not only does it boost my confidence, it makes my mind feel better and my body stronger.

I had imagined that riding here would be fun, and it is!

Bumfuzzle and More

2014-07-17T03:21:00.002-04:00

Photo by Patrick Schulte (Bumfuzzle).

If you know us in real life then you know that a dream of ours is to live in a tiny home, or a motorhome traveling the country. Well, I guess you all know now too. Before we made our big move to Oregon from New Jersey we were seriously considering RV life, but honestly it all came down to what are goals were and money. Our number one goal was to remain car-free and get our butts to the west coast. Plus, we wanted to surround ourselves with some serious bike culture, which Portland obviously has. All that said, our apartment still feels too big, and I'm not sure owning a "normal" house in Portland is really in our future. It's not really what we want anyway. I know living tiny is in our future somehow, just not sure when or how yet.

Over the past few years I have searched the internet for families living the simple, tiny, and/or RV life. I found so many families living in such amazing and inspiring ways. One of those families is the Bumfuzzle crew. They are a family of four who for years lived on a sailboat in Mexico. Recently, they traded in boat life for RV life here in the states. I few months ago, while trying to figure out our move, I read Patrick Schulte (Bumfuzzle) and Nick O'Kelly's book, Live On The Margin to get more inspiration on simplifying our lives, especially financially. It was a great book and I even learned a thing or two about the stock market. Though Patrick and Nick made it easy to understand, I still can't really wrap my brain around the market completely. Numbers are just not my thing. Still a insightful and inspiring read. I definitely recommend it if you need inspiration on getting yourself out of debt and away from keeping up with those damn Jones'.

Anyway, the whole reason for this post is that Bumfuzzle has been hanging in Portland lately and decided to host get together here for anyone interested in meeting up with them. Of course, I wanted to go. No matter how awkward it felt. It's strange following people for so long and knowing their journey via the web, but at the same time it's great. It was awesome to connect with like minded people, learn about their lives on the road, and to thank some folks in person who have helped inspire us to make our lives better. The whole Bumfuzzle crew is really nice and they even had some time to check out our bikes. Plus, we were able to meet three other families who live full-time on the road, RV style. Thanks again Bumfuzzle Fam for hosting the get together and sharing your journey!

I can't wait to see how and when our tiny, simple life begins.

Actually, I guess it already has!

Bikes! Bikes! Bikes!

2014-06-23T17:38:00.000-04:00

Two cargo bikes, one farmer's market!

Everyone made it to Ikea, even Nat. So happy for him!

All loaded up!

Ikea is right by the airport, so we all got a kick out of the planes flying over.

Check out the cool chick! Plus, those awesome cups that we found in Ikea. They fit on the Bakfiets box so well!

Nat after riding about 11 miles to Ikea and back. He was tired, but happy that he did it.

A major reason we moved to Portland was because of biking, and to make living without a car a lot easier. Well, since we have been here I can honestly say that I have never biked this much in my life! And I LOVE IT! This past winter in NJ was rough and I did not bike that much at all. The weather right now is perfect and there is so much to do here by just getting on our bikes. I still cannot get over how much safer it is and the amount of infrastructure that is here. And so many other people and families actually ride their bikes here! It still is a great sight to see even after a couple of months. We even rode our bikes to Ikea! The boys have been riding longer distances as well. Look out Lance Armstrong my 7 year old is kicking some ass on his bike these days! Anyway, if you want to visit or move to a more bikeable area I highly recommend you come to Portland, OR. You will not be disappointed.

Miss Independent

2014-06-10T16:49:00.001-04:00

Fiercely independent with a penchant for blueberries.

Our Move West

2014-05-26T17:09:00.000-04:00

We are finally here in Portland, Oregon! We have actually been here for two weeks. Before that we were on the road for eight days, driving across the country. It definitely wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but it definitely had it's moments of hell on wheels! The kids were really good and we saw places that these photos don't do any justice. We mostly stayed in hotels, which was a big help with keeping the kids, and grown-ups, sane. Once we made it to California we took our time, visited with friends, and camped for a night next to the Pacific Ocean. We are happy to be in our new home and out of the car!

Here are some photos from our trip across the great USA. Enjoy!

CARS SUCK!

Geeps (Grandma) was our truck driver.

Stretching the legs.

How you keep Ellie in one place, a luggage rack.

She climbs on everything.

It was flat and kind of boring, but still pretty.

This fog was crazy!

Peek a...

..BOO!

Couldn't ask for a better view from our hotel window in Utah.

I cannot wait to paint clouds again. These will help inspire for sure.

The salt flats were absolutely amazing! No photo filters needed on these photos, this is exactly what it looked like.

Mountains!!!!

Gorgeous fields and skies along the highway in California.

Met with friends in Berkeley. The kids enjoyed being out of the car and playing with their friends.

Nat even got to feed a kitten.

The Redwood Trees are fantastic, or "majestical" as Nat would say ;) If you have to go anywhere, go to Northern California and see these beautiful trees.

Running on the square in Arcata, CA.

Agate Beach

Camping. Worst. Night. Sleep. EVAR! We didn't

Flower Papa!

We saw whales and seals swim by. Major highlight of the trip!

Found an Agate.

Hugging a Redwood :)

Sunset in Oregon.

Collecting rocks on the Oregon coast.

Some Photos & Updates!

2014-04-28T22:28:00.001-04:00

These past few weeks have been very busy, to say the least. We are officially moving to Portland, Oregon and leaving this week for our great big move! I have tried to keep the Creative Mothers series going, just so you had a little to read here, but after this week the series and the blog will be on hold until the end of May. I might be able to update sooner, but I don't want to promise anything. Don't worry Creative Mothers will be back and so will we, and you still have a mother to meet this week!

Anyway, we are extremely excited to meet, in person, many cargo biking friends, see old friends, and create new friendships once we get to Portland. Plus, we can't wait to explore a whole new place!

We are hoping the drive across the USA, with three little ones crammed in, goes as well as it can. We will definitely keep everyone updated via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, so make sure to follow the craziness! I will also update the blog with our trip once we are all settled.

Thank you to all of you who have been following our car-free, homeschooling, and creative journey so far! It's going to get even better, especially the car-free part!

She has been falling asleep like this a lot lately. I know I will miss it one day when she gets too big.

Biked to storage.

Our bikes match the storage units :)

Finally, a warmish beach day!

Windy, but worth it!

What the house usually looks like.

I can't take the cuteness when she falls asleep!

Easter candy overload!

Someone had to have his two front baby teeth pulled.
He was starting to become a shark with two sets of front teeth.
He wasn't happy, but handled it like a champ!

Mommy is a comfy pillow.

Haven't been able to paint much, but I made a little card the other day to get some creative energy out.

We found her sunglasses while packing. Your welcome!