Camping in the San Bernardino National Forest

Last month, we went camping in the San Bernardino National Forest. In the spirit of new experiences, enjoying life more, and for me, stepping outside of my comfort zone a little, we packed up the Tahoe and drove two and a half hours east (everything takes two and a half hours) towards higher elevations, cooler temperatures, and spectacular views. We didn't know how this would go. Jared grew up camping with his dad, but I had only been "tent camping" 3 times before. I use quotation marks here because early into our relationship, Jared and I realized that we had different definitions of the word. Years ago, Jared wanted to take me camping just months into our relationship. When I asked, "You mean like,  tent camping?" He laughed and asked what other kind of camping there was. I answered very matter-of-factly, "In a motorhome. I prefer roughing it smoothly!". I grew up camping with my parents too. My version just included air-conditioning and and comfy bed:)

Anyway, we went, with the understanding that Jared might have two babies to tend to, and as it turned out, we had so much fun. (I may have had one little outburst at two in the morning, when I couldn't sleep because of the coyotes running around right outside of our tent…but lets focus on the positive here!) We had a blast and our little bird is quite the nature girl after all.

To get anywhere from LA, you have to drive on some not-so-pretty highways and through some pretty rough looking areas. 

But soon, the view goes from this…

To this…

When we arrived at our campsite, Jared began setting up camp while Emerson and I stretched our legs a little. 

After a little while, Jared requested the help of a certain happy camper to help him fetch water.

Which gave me time to take pictures around our site…

Soon it was time to make dinner. We realized quickly that we forgot a lot of food items and such in the craziness that is packing with and for a toddler (We had everything we needed for her, of course). But, can I just say that my man is resourceful and he was able to pull together a feast fit for a king, or Bear Grylls, or whomever:)

That night, we made s'mores by the fire, drank a few beers and talked about how great this moment was. Emerson had a tough time falling asleep and so I went into the tent early for some much needed snuggling. She finally fell asleep in between Jared and I, and although I had a difficult time sleeping that night, I couldn't help but think that this was the beginning of something big. A family tradition of closeness and togetherness that will one day become our legacy. I stepped outside of my comfort zone and into the wilderness and what I found was just exactly what I'm always striving to find- that feeling that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.

The next morning, we woke with the sun.
Jared put on coffee, chopped wood and built another fire.

We had breakfast, then headed out to find some easy trails take take E on. We found a place called Jenks Lake. It was just what we were looking for. A short, flat walking path around a pretty little lake.

After an hour or so, we headed back to camp. I checked the weather on my phone and there was a high chance of rain. This is something we weren't prepared for. Jared and I could have probably waited it out in the tent, but our little nature girl definitely could not. We decided to shorten our stay and packed up our gear. Just as we drove away, it started to rain. I was thankful to be dry and warm in our truck.

As we headed back to the hustle and bustle of LA, I tucked the memories made on our very first family camping adventure away in my heart, where it will stay for ever. 

Fall

About two weeks ago, Emerson and I headed to the commissary for our weekly grocery shop. Our first big shop together since returning from France. And just as I had hoped, there greeting us at the store's entrance was a huge bin of pumpkins and the most fall-ish Fall display I've ever seen. Hay bales, corn stalks, a scarecrow and gourds in every shape, color and size. Tiny white pumpkins. Perfectly round orange pumpkins. White ones, speckled with orange and green. Fall has officially arrived!

"Look Emerson. Pumpkins!" I shouted, probably too loud for 9:30 in the morning. I got a few smiles from other shoppers. Older women who supported my sudden seasonal joy. I also got some not-so-enthusiastic looks from a few store clerks but I didn't care. It's my girl's second Fall and the first time that she's really able to appreciate my pumpkin obsession.

Carefully, we looked at all the pumpkins touching them. Noticing how some were smooth while others were very bumpy. Emerson's eyes lit up when I gave her the smaller ones to hold. "Ooh, ooh! Pah pah!"  She'd say. She chose two tiny orange pumpkins and a little white one as her favorites, which of course accompanied her in the buggy for the rest of our shop. We came home that day with a total of 11. (Yes, I know. Obsession.) And as if this day couldn't get any better, I checked my email while Emerson was napping and found in my inbox "75 Fab Fall Activities to Try Now". First on the list- apple picking in Oak Glen. Um, yes please! 

So in celebration of Fall, Jared, Emerson and I drove two hours east to the small town of Oak Glen where streets are lined with big wooden barns, fruit stands and apple orchards… and cars. Lots and lots of cars. Apparently we weren't the only ones to get the memo. All around us were families hauling big diaper bags and schlepping strollers. Cameras in hand, they were ready for a little Fall magic too. And magic we all found. Among the crowds and dust, we all found just what we were looking for. 

Golden light. 

Leaves in shades of yellow, orange, purple and red.  

Apples dangling from trees.

Pumpkins on the ground.

Fall.

Our first stop was Riley's Farm, where Emerson picked apples with her Daddy for the very first time and I snapped lots of pictures. It was super crowded, but oh so picturesque. 

Then we headed further into Oak Glen to Los Rios Ranch. We liked this place best. It was bigger, a little less crowded and it had a corn maze! Despite a face-plant into the dirt and a run-in with some nasty stickerburs, Emerson loved it!

I'm so glad Fall is here. Cozy blankets, hearty soups, candles that smell like cinnamon and cloves. Time for Abby and I to make Pumpkin Nutella Bread and pretend like we're still neighbors. 

Happy Fall everyone!