Category: Travel

Visiting Woom HQ in Austin + a Helmet Giveaway!

Post author By Jess
Post date May 16, 2016
25 Comments on Visiting Woom HQ in Austin + a Helmet Giveaway!

During our visit to Austin, we made a visit to the Woom Bike USA Headquarters. You might remember Woom Bikes from our experience teaching Cara to ride a bike last year. We’ve loved Cara’s bike, and it has been a wonderful year zooming around. We were pretty stoked to visit HQ and meet Mathias and the team!

Woom HQ Austin_17

The first thing we did was learn about all the new bike upgrades they’ve made over the last year. Their already great bikes are now even better. The Woom 3 is the bike Cara has been riding around, and the new upgrades to that bike are substantial. The bike now ships with a freewheel hub (instead of requiring a replacement) and it is lighter. The rear hand brake is now colored green for easy identification and teaching kids. Their other bikes have similar upgrades.

We also got a really good look at the Woom 1, their smallest balance bike. We were into balance bikes far before Woom came on the scene, and this thing is amazing compared to what we used with our kids. Most notable is a hand brake, which would have been VERY nice, particularly since we took Cara on some (easy) mountain bike trails.

The Woom 1 comes in a variety of colors and can be ordered from their website or on Amazon. They periodically do pre-orders when they know shipments are coming in from overseas so plan ahead if you are getting one for a special occasion!

Woom HQ Austin_01

The office has a poster filled with Instagram pictures of kids and their awesome bikes, and we found Cara! The staff was amazing, explaining to both us and our kids about how bikes are assembled and prepared for their new owners before shipping. Also, did we mention how light these bikes were? A lighter bike is both easier to control and is much more fun for kid and parent alike.

Woom HQ Austin_04

All the talk of newer bike features made us want to try them out! Cara tried out a new Woom 4 (green, in the picture below), Andrew a Woom 5, and even Rachel tried out a Woom 6, their new large bike in the series.

Woom HQ Austin_14 Woom HQ Austin_05

Our visit was preceded by a new shipment of bikes, and the warehouse was PACKED with bikes to prep and ship to customers. Business is so good they are being forced into a larger space to continue to meet demand.

Woom HQ Austin_07

While we were there, the Fedex truck came to pick up a shipment of bikes. They packed the truck full, and had to send another truck for the rest! Now every time Cara sees a Fed Ex truck she points it out and wonders aloud if they are Woombikes inside!

Woom HQ Austin_09

To more fully test these new bikes, we borrowed 3 bikes for a weekend of mountain biking in the hill country outside Comfort, Texas.

Taking along 3 extra bikes for a weekend of testing presented a problem: How to fit 8 bikes on a truck with racks for only 4. The solution was found in the Woom Seersucker rack, attached atop the cab of the truck. This suction mount was easy to place, and gave us places for an extra 2 bikes. We headed immediately over to REI, and bought another Yakima High Roller Rooftop Bike Rack for our normal bars to complete the setup. (We had been planning to buy another when Cara got a bigger bike, and now was the time!)

Woom HQ Austin_18

We’ll talk more specifically about the Woom4 and Woom5 bikes in a few later posts, but that’s long enough for now.

Giveaway!

**Contest Closed***

While we were there, we got a look at the Woom kids Melon helmets. We are big believers in wearing helmets, and this is a great one. There are two features that this helmet has that are unfortunately rare among kids helmets.

First, the helmet is extremely lightweight. It provides ample protection, yet doesn’t drag a kid down with an uncomfortably heavy head. Internal replaceable pads allow the helmet to be sized down to smaller heads and grow with them.

Second, the latch has been designed to be worked by kid fingers, AND be pinch free. The buckles typically found on bike helmets can be hard for a kid to work. This buckle is magnetic to allow for easy opening and closing, yet remains just as strong while under the kind of stress common in an accident. Cara has always struggled to work her helmet buckles with previous helmets, but just once or twice on this helmet and she had it figured out. The buckle slides together from the side and holds in place with a magnet. The buckle remains fixed tightly when pulled from the straps.

Woom HQ Austin_21

Does this sound like a helmet you would like to have? You are in luck! Woom Bikes is giving one away! These helmets are a size small – so definitely for younger kids. Melon recommends ages 18 months to 5/6 years old. You have two options for style pictured below:

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To enter, comment below on your favorite place to take your kids biking and we’ll randomly draw a winner Wednesday, May 18th at 10pm MST!

As always, thanks for shopping through our Amazon affiliate links when you can – you spend the same amount and we earn a few pennies to help maintain our blog!

Yakima High Roller Rooftop Bike Rack

We now own 4 of these and use them on the back of our truck to carry our bikes. We love that you don’t have to take the front wheels off!

WoomBikes Balance Bike

Hand brake, super light weight, and will help your child learn to balance as young as 18 months old!

woom bikes

Louisiana Texas WanderLog

Detour for a Service Project & Some Horses

Post author By Jess
Post date May 9, 2016

Leaving New Orleans around mid-morning on Saturday we headed to Baton Rouge, LA to attend an endowment session at the temple. We parked the Airstream in the lot, and the kids hung out and watched a movie while Sam and I went inside. Grateful to our awesome kids that do so well on their own and give us opportunities like this!

“Spring! Short stop in Baton Rouge, LA this afternoon to attend an endowment session inside the beautiful LDS temple. Love the peace, comfort, and excitement we felt today. Life is good and the future is even brighter!” – Jess

“We decided during breakfast this morning to attend a session at the Baton Rouge LDS Temple. We made it with only minutes to spare. By awesome coincidence, our college friend Jason was in the SAME SESSION, having driven 7 hours to be there to attend with a friend. We loved seeing him, and discovered that his wonderful family lives quite near a planned stop in Texas in a few weeks.” – Sam

We spent the night at Wal-Mart in Lake Charles and took the house to church on Sunday. Recently, the Sabine River had overflowed (even closing down the freeway between Louisiana and Texas) and there were many homes filled with water. After sacrament meeting, Bishop stood up and asked the brethren to go home, change, and come back ready to help families clean out their houses.

“The Sabine river runs down the Texas / Louisiana border, and was flooded high enough to shut down I-10. The Highway is back open now, but plenty of homes have suffered damage. Church today was cut short as volunteers were organized to help those with damaged homes. We were grateful for the chance to serve, and found ourselves working alongside many others to clean out rooms and remove damaged paneling and carpet. So anyway, today we learned about service at church.” – Sam

We jumped at the chance to serve and were able to spend a few hours helping a family clean their soaking wet possessions out of their house and stripping the walls down to studs. In the process we met the Evans family who invited us out to their farm for dinner, a bonfire, a zipline, and good conversation and company! Super grateful for their generosity and friendship!

“During our work project yesterday, we met the nicest family that was helping as well. They insisted that we bring our house over to their house for a night. The kids loved playing with friends, and everybody enjoyed a zipline across the horse pasture. Thank you, Evans Family, for being so good to us!” – Sam

“I love that today didn’t turn out remotely as planned. After hearing at church that volunteers were needed for flood/disaster clean up, we changed our schedule and landed in the town of Orange with new friends after a good three hours of work. We ended the day with an amazing bonfire and great company. Life is good.” – Jess

Next Up: San Antonio!

Louisiana National Parks WanderLog

Meetups, Donuts, and Beignets in New Orleans, LA

Post author By Jess
Post date May 9, 2016
1 Comment on Meetups, Donuts, and Beignets in New Orleans, LA

Travel Dates: March 15 – 18, 2016.

After leaving Florida and quick overnight in Mississippi, we headed to meet up with friends at Bayou Segnette State Park outside of New Orleans, LA. This was our second visit to New Orleans, and I was all for skipping it had we not been meeting up with friends. Also, beignets. I don’t think the kids would have forgiven us if we had skipped those!

First things first, we drove straight to Costco and got Cara an eye exam. We knew she probably needed glasses as she’s been squinting a lot when she reads, and Costco was the easiest and fastest way we could get her in to see someone. We got a prescription and then ordered glasses online to be sent ahead to San Antonio where we would be in about a week.

“Cara had an eye exam this morning and we were able to procure a prescription for glasses. She’s farsighted (+1 and +.75) and glasses will really help her to read. Her siblings have been totally supportive and she’s super excited to wear them!” -Jess

For school one day with our friends from @livinginthemomentum we visited the Barataria Preserve Unit of the Jean Lafitte National Historic park. We walked along the boardwalk, did our Jr. Ranger Books, and watched an incredibly old, outdated film that totally bored ALL the kids and the parents. If we hadn’t just come from Florida and the amazing Cypress Swamps there, maybe it would have been more impressive? At least we were with friends which always makes things more fun!

We also had the opportunity to meet up with a lot of friends! Heather & Mark from @livingistheadventure, Dave & Ann from @advodna_dave, and also @livinginthemomentum were all at the same state park. Although we never actually got ALL of us together at the same time, we did meet up occasionally for dinner, or to let the kids run around spraying each other

with the hose on a hot day.

“Along with our traveling buddies we also had the awesome@timphamdotcom and his super cute wife Kimmy out to the Airstream. Tim is a crazy good wedding photographer here in NOLA and it was fun to catch up! They are expecting their first child in about 2 weeks, and since they brought both soda AND cupcakes to our potluck feast we know they are going to be fabulous parents.” – Jess

“We misread the open dates for the swimming pool, which resulted in a pile of swimsuited kids and a sweltering afternoon. Water fight at the Currens! We were joined today by@advodna_dave, @livingistheadventure,@livinginthemomentum, and associated crews, and had a blast.” – Sam

Instead of driving into New Orleans like last time, we decided to take the ferry over since it cost about the same and we wouldn’t have to deal with parking the truck in the French Quarter which is never fun. It was as quick ride and deposited us only about 1/2 mile from downtown which was a great walk along the Mississippi River.

Our first stop was to visit the New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park, but unfortunately all the music was done for the day, and since the building was getting ready to undergo renovations there wasn’t a whole lot to do. We quickly earned our Jr. Ranger badges and moved on to other things!

“We tend to travel in the spaces between large cities, as they are not our favorite places. Occasionally, however, the pull of local cuisine is too tempting and we make an exception. Such is the case with beignets in New Orleans. That and the Jazz music.” -Jess

Although the line had died down outside Cafe Du Mondeand we were seated quickly, it took FOREVER for someone to take our order. We entertained the kids by flipping our Jr. Ranger badges across the table, and arm wrestling. Once they came though, we devoured the fluffy, powdered-sugar covered goodness in minutes.

After that we took a walk through town up to Louis Armstrong Park. Its a well-done green space with a pond and the walk through the French Quarter architecture was pleasant enough. Naturally, we avoided Bourbon Street and got back to the ferry dock only to find it was closed due to mechanical failure. With our car on the other side of the river, we grabbed an Uber ride back across the bridge in no time. The kids were super impressed and it just added to the adventure!

Our beignet order at Cafe Du Monde took an unnaturally long time to make it to our table this afternoon, so entertainment was found by introducing our kids to arm wrestling. So cute they thought they could actually win!” – Jess

“We almost didn’t head into New Orleans today. We did anyway, and collected another Junior Ranger Badge and these delicious beignets. Yep, it was worth it. Even when the ferry broke down and had to Uber back across the river to where the truck was parked.” – Sam

We decided we had to run into town one more time to get donuts. The Instagram world told us we absolutely HAD to try District Donuts before we left because they were delicious. Yep. They were right. We also grabbed some sliders as a snack, plus a cinnamon roll and all of them were delicious. Definitely a great place to stock up on yummy food!

“I may have a thing for donuts, and this place could possibly rival Blue Star Donuts in Portland, OR. I think it’s good to have a favorite donut shop in every state. Just in case….” – Jess

“District Donuts on Magazine Street in New Orleans has flavors like Wedding Cake, Nola Cream, Lemon Blueberry, Chocolate Covered Strawberry, and Mango Pink Peppercorn. We bought a dozen, and tried them all. #donutjudgeme” – Sam

One day in downtown, and a few days hanging out was plenty for us! New Orleans is not my favorite city, and although there is a lot of culture, we’ll probably stick with the spaces in between cities next time!

Next Up: We detour for a service project and make it into Texas!

Alabama Florida WanderLog

It Rains in Florida and Dashes All Hopes of Boogie Boarding One Last Time

Post author By Jess
Post date May 9, 2016
1 Comment on It Rains in Florida and Dashes All Hopes of Boogie Boarding One Last Time

Travel Dates: March 5-14, 2016.

We arrived home from Cumberland Island in the early afternoon on Saturday and drove east for a couple of hours before over-nighting at Walmart.

The next day after church, we made it to Dead Lakes State Recreation Area which had been recommended to us by a traveling friend. It was the perfect place to get all our backpacking gear put away and to get a jump start on school and work for the week.

“A little, post-workout relaxing in the hammock was just perfect this morning. This little RV park has been just what we needed to get caught up on daily life!” – Jess

“This little recreation area has been perfectly quiet and peaceful, which was just what we needed. We are headed out to Destin now, which will be beautiful but not as peaceful. People ask us all the time how we find the places we go. Often, we see pictures on Instagram posted by others. In this case,@joehendricks tipped us off about this place, and it has been perfect!” – Sam

Tuesday morning we continued on to Henderson Beach State Park where we had stayed 2 years ago on our way through. We were hoping to get in a few more days of boogie boarding, but the waves were incredibly high and the weather was stormy. Luckily, we had @livinginthemomentum nearby to hang out with instead!

After 2 nights at Henderson, we left for Big Lagoon State Park outside of Pensacola, Florida. We had plans to meet up with our friends we met at church 2 years ago, and it was a piece of Florida we hadn’t seen.

On the way there, we drove our favorite section of Florida Highway: 399. Water on both sides and beautiful white sand beaches. Perfection.

“Today we got to repeat one of our favorite drives. The Gulf Islands National Seashore includes a wonderful section of coastline on Santa Rosa Island. Highway 399 is worth the diversion. At high tide, watch for sand and water on the highway. Our last drive on this highway was in December 2013, early in our travels. The sea was angry today, but the drive was wonderful!” – Sam

Big Lagoon SP was great, but unfortunately, the weather was still stormy. We did our best to get out in between the rainy spells and go for walks. One of our longer walks was out to the observation tower where it was super windy!

We also visited the Naval Aviation Museum. The kids and I had been, but Sam wasn’t with us last time. Lots of planes!

“Rachel doesn’t always join her younger siblings on things for young kids anymore. While they were occupied, She and I wandered about. She particularly liked this hybrid boat/plane design, complete with bunks and a small kitchen.” – Sam

“We had some good rain today, and escaped to the Naval Aviation Museum. Entrance is free, and they have a zillion planes. Cara jumped into every cockpit that was open.” – Sam

“Our afternoon wander took us out to a lookout along the inter-coastal waterway. The wind was strong enough that the only birds we saw were either flapping wildly or hunkered down in the grass.” – Sam

“Big Lagoon State Park is pretty unique. They rent canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards which would be a great way to explore the water if we wouldn’t have blown over and capsized in the wind. We settled for a hike out to the observation tower instead. There’s always next time.” – Jess

“Jess took the time to do her hair and look great for our afternoon wander. The wind had a different opinion. A much better plan was our week-long timezone manipulation. We crossed into Central Time a week ago, but we’ve been pretending it is still Eastern Time. Tonight, we switch to Central, erasing the hour jump for the timezone switch, no time adjustment required. You win some, you lose some.” – Sam

“Crazinesss at the overlook. Two years ago on our way through Pensacola we met a crazy, like minded, wanderlust family at church. Today we invited them out to see the Airstream and fed them spaghetti and meatballs while we all caught up. In a few months they move to Guam for the Air Force and get to explore that part of the world. Part of me is a little bit jealous.” – Jess

Monday morning it was time to head out of Florida! We had a great winter, but we were definitely ready for something different.

We decided to make a quick stop at the USS Alabama in Mobile so Sam and the kids could check out the battleship and submarine. I was able to hang out in the trailer and get caught up on some work. Love when the kids get to explore with their dad!

“We explored the USS Alabama today. The last time we explored a battleship was two years ago (Battleship Texas) and the kids loved it. And… I loved it too. I really love exploring with my kids.” -Sam

“At the same location is the USS Drum. This was my first submarine, and it was awesome. Much smaller than the battleship, but quite roomy compared to the Airstream!” – Sam

We over-nighted at a Walmart in Mississippi before heading on to New Orleans!

Next Up: Meetups, Donuts, and Beignets in New Orleans, LA

“Peace out Florida! ✌ Its been a great 14 weeks but we are ready to move on. Mountains and the west are calling our name!” – Jess

Fitness & Recipes

Airstream Kitchen: Skillet Ham & Cheese Scones

Post author By Jess
Post date May 3, 2016

Everything seems to taste better in our cast iron skillet, and these scones were no exception! I was looking on Pinterest for a way to use up our leftover Easter Ham when I found this recipe on Damn Delicious. We’ve loved everything I’ve made of hers, so we thought to give it a try!

Yeah. They were good. Especially warm right out of the over with butter. Ahhh…

I served these with a big ol’ salad and some fruit. Everyone was happy!

Skillet Ham & Cheese Scones

adapted from Damn Delicious
8 servings, 1 wedge each

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp garlic
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp dried chives (can also use fresh, but I never have those either)
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, cut into cubes
3/4 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice if you are lazy like me and never have buttermilk on hand)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup diced ham

Intructions:

Preheat over to 425 degrees F.
In a large bowl mix your dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt. Add the cold butter using your fingers to work it into the mix. I usually end up with flour covered butter chunks and that’s okay too.
Stir in buttermilk, cheese, ham and chives until you have soft dough.
Knead the dough 3-4 times on a flour covered surface until it all comes together. Spread it out into a 10″ skillet so it has uniform thickness. Cut into 8 wedges inside the pan. I also like to shape the edges a little just so they get a little crispy all over.
Bake in oven for 18-20 minutes or until firm to the touch and lightly brown.
Eat and enjoy!