A summer outside
Links to our favorite camping gear
Since moving back to Utah (it’s been two years now, which feels absolutely wild!), we’ve tried to really lean into the outdoors— especially the mountains that we live right next to. One of the things I love most about living here is that adventure isn’t very far away. Within a short drive, we’re surrounded by pine trees, wildflowers, shimmering aspens, winding creeks, and mountain trails.
This summer we decided go all-in on camping— something that’s completely new to us as a family. David and I did a handful of camping trips growing up, but never planned one ourselves. This time there would be no one planning meals for us, no one else remembering the marshmallow roasters or packing the sleeping bags. Just us, two kids, a tent, and a weekend adventure.
I’ll admit, I wasn’t totally convinced it would be relaxing. Camping with little kids sounded like it might be more work than fun— in fact, the first time we went camping this summer, we intentionally stayed close to home to test the waters. If everything went sideways, we could always pack up and drive home to sleep in our own beds. Thankfully, we survived that first night, and we’ve been back out camping as a family several times since—venturing farther and farther from home and staying a little longer each time.
There’s something about slowing down for a weekend that feels refreshing. No cell service, no distractions, no schedule. The kids spend hours together in the hammock, collecting rocks, and finding entertainment without screens or a packed schedule. We make simple meals (one of my favorite parts!), explore nearby trails as a family, stay up a little later than usual roasting mallows, and wake up to the cool mountain air. I love it so much.
We’re still very much beginners, learning as we go (and definitely forgetting things along the way), but that’s been part of the fun. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be memorable.
So far, we love it—and I have a feeling this is becoming one of those family traditions we’ll look forward to every summer.
Links to our camp gear: