If you follow me on Instagram you might have seen this picture last Sunday
After 2 years of mild winters, we finally got a decent amount of snow to go snowshoeing!
Plans started floating around with a new group of friends for a snowshoe get together. Ron and I really wanted to go but we weren’t sure how the kids would like being in the packs. It had been at least a year since we used them. At 2 1/2 years old they are also quite independent and would rather use their own feet then be carted around. When we brought the packs out for a test ride, they both got so excited and wanted to go for a ride. Woohoo! We were in! Plans were made to meet in the morning for a group hike!
Overnight we got about 5 inches of fresh snow and it was windy. 20-30 mph winds windy. Yikes! I knew we’d be protected from the wind in the woods so we forged on in getting everything ready. If you have kids, you know it is not the easiest thing to get the little buggers dressed sometimes. On top of that, Cooper was so excited that he was in our faces nonstop. At times, I felt like saying “FORGET IT! Let’s stay home.” But I knew once we were there and moving it would be all good. I was sweating like I’d run 10 miles by the time we were all dressed but we were ready AND early for once!
We pulled in to the parking lot and immediately started pulling out the packs, snowshoes, Cooper and kids. No one else from the group was there yet but we knew it would take us longer (we were the only ones with kids) to get ready. It was a tad bit blizzard like windy in the parking lot. As soon as the kids got out of the car they started crying because of it. At one point, I was ready to say “FORGET IT! Let’s go home!” But we stayed. We had come this far we weren’t turning around just yet!
At one point we realized there was a miscommunication for the meeting spot. We already had everyone geared up. There was NO way I was packing everyone back into the car to repeat it all in 5 minutes. Instead, we went out on our own.
Within steps of being out of the lot, we were protected from the wind and the sun warmed us up. A giggled and laughed excitedly as Cooper ran ahead. **Deep sigh of relief!**
Our hike was so beautiful and peaceful. The fresh snow blanketed the trees. The rays of sunlight made the snow shine like diamonds. The air was clean and refreshing. I kept on saying, “I’m so glad we did this!” The kids were happy and so were Ron and I.
Snowshoeing is a great workout. Add an additional 30+ pounds of kiddo and pack to it and you’re really working! We brought along our hiking poles on this trip for a little added stability. I didn’t want to do a face plant with A on my back. I’m so glad we did! They not only helped keep my balance it was also a nice object to lean on to take a breather.
I’m not sure if the snow will be sticking around for the whole winter. If it does, I’m sure we’ll be making snowshoeing a weekly outing. If it’s going to be cold, I want something to do. Playing in frozen grass isn’t as amusing. At some point it’s going to be time to think about getting the kids their own snowshoes. I don’t think we’re ready for that just yet. I know people who do but I’d rather spend more time moving than coaxing the kids to take a step. Next year, for sure. There’s no way I’m carrying a 3 1/2 year old on my back!
Thanks, Heather, for the photo!
Have a great weekend everyone!
It looks so beautiful!!! What a killer workout with your lovie on your back but it sounds like a great time as a family! Yeah I would get the kids their own for next year!!
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LOOKS AMAZING!! LOVE THIS!!! What a great way to spent time together as a family!
Krysten Siba Bishop (@darwinianfail) recently posted..Scars are Sexy! #StrongisSexy Shout Out!
so jealous! i wanna go snowshoeing. looks like so much fun!
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That must have been an amazing workout and FUN for the whole family at the same time!
Stacey RunsandEats recently posted..SNOW photo dump. And Banana Bread Recipe!
Looks like so much fun! I’ve never been snowshoeing! I wonder if my kids would like it?
I’m sure they would! I grew up doing it.
What a great family day! That’s the way to embrace snow. I’m betting you’ll have more days like that in your future now that you know it works for everyone.
I have running snowshoes (yes, in Maryland!) and have used them a few times over the years. It’s hard work but a fun diversion when the streets are a mess!
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I recently met up with a group who trail runs. They’ve mentioned doing a few races and/or runs on snowshoes. I’m tempted to join them but I need to invest in a smaller pair of ‘shoes for running. Otherwise I’d be flat on my face for most of the run with the ones I have now!
How fun! We learned quickly in upstate NY that the only way to survive (and enjoy) winter was to get out and play… although I’ve never been snowshoeing. We did lots of cross country skiing, but snowshoeing is much easier to have little ones on your back. Love that family pic!
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I grew up x country skiing but haven’t done it in years. With the mild winters we’ve been having it makes it really hard to do any type of winter sport that requires snow. Like you said, it’s a matter of survival to get outside during the winter. It’s a long season!
Love the snow! I’ve only seen it a few times though…le sigh
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What a great way to spend time with the family, enjoying the outdoors and getting in a killer workout!
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..More Veggies and Blood Clot Talk
I’ve only been snowshoeing once (years ago), but it’s something that I remember being exactly as you described it – peaceful! I hope we have a chance to fit that in this year as a workout, because I finally live somewhere with snow.
Heather @ Better With Veggies recently posted..A Different Kind of Resolution
You should definitely try to fit it in again. You won’t be disappointed!
It looks like all of the hard work with the littles paid off. You have no idea how much I can empathize about getting them dressed and ready to do something of this nature. You’re brave! It usually works out though, yes? Before children, I loved in Colorado and I loved snowshoeing! I even ran in a few snowshoe 5K’s (not an easy distance)! I love snow and my kids and I really missing it here in SoCal… I think we need to do a blogger exchange program; you come stay here for a weekend, I will host you on a sunny SoCal trip, maybe run a race and vise versa.. ha!
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I’m tempted to run a snowshoe race this year although I would need to get smaller snowshoes. Mine are a little too big to comfortably run in. I’d pull a groin for sure!
I’d love to come to SoCal! I want a little warmth right about now. Going to pack my bags now…
Okay..so the other day I thought I need to try snowshoeing…Now…I must!
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You absolutely must!
p.s. I can’t seem to share your post
… Hmmmm.
Kierston recently posted..#RECIPEFRIDAY: Protein Packed Hummus!
I love snowshoeing! A few winters ago (was it 3 years ago that we actually had decent snow?) I ditched the gym and went snowshoeing about 3x a week. I would change in the bathroom at work, hightail it to one of 2 local trails, snowshoe the trail, and make it back for preschool pickup all red-faced and sweaty:-)
That’s awesome! Hope you get the chance to do that again this year.
That looks like so much fun! Cold, but fun! I haven’t been snow shoeing since I was a little girl. I remember it being fun and would love to give it a go now. However, we don’t get snow! We are close to Tahoe though so maybe we can head up there and try it someday.
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It was cold for 5 minutes. Once my body warmed up and was moving, I was sweating and perfectly comfortable. I hope you get a chance to try it again! It really is a fun way to get outside in the snow.
Wow, you guys are hardcore! Looks like fun. I don’t think we will ever get that much snow here in STL. I don’t even know where I’d buy snowshoes.
What a great experience for the kids.
Go Fit Mama!
Katie @momslrb recently posted..Prepping for Baby – Printable Checklist
Haha! I’m assuming you’d buy snowshoes at a store (or online).
i LOVE snowshoeing! and that is so rad you brought your kids!!
lynne @ lgsmash recently posted..Life: January Goals
My parents did it with my brothers and I when we were kids so I had a good example to follow.
I don’t care for Winter, snow, or winter sports at all but I’ve always wanted to try snow shoeing! It just looks so fun. My parents house has the perfect amount of property/access to trails to do it too – I think I need to rent some this winter. Side note – have you heard about snow shoe racing? Although I think it looks cool I feel like I’d be falling all over the place!
Yes, I have heard of snowshoe racing. The ‘shoes are smaller so you’re less likely to trip. I’ve never tried it but I know of a few people who do it. Maybe this is the year I should try it?
That looks fun, we have been throwing around the idea of snowshoeing, just need to actually go!
Adrienne @ Happy Ramblings recently posted..Karna Fitness
GO!! You won’t be disappointed!
What fun! I’ve only been snowshoeing once (without carrying any kids) and it was pretty challenging, but left me wanting to do it again. Maybe this year I’ll finally be able to!
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You should! It’s a great leg workout for sure. Add in poles and you’ve got the whole body covered. Maybe we should organize a NH bloggers meet up on snowshoes?
That looks like so much fun! Oftentimes it’s those occasions when I’ve wanted to throw in the towel that have turned out to be the most amazing experiences. But boy, calling it quits IS so tempting sometimes! I’m glad that you guys stuck with it. Sounds like a great family day. Can’t wait until we get some snow!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Friday Round-Up: Intentions and Passions
It was a lot of fun! I’m glad I stuck it out. We might be crazy enough to do it again this weekend. Hope you get some snow soon!
I love this post!! I saw the instagram pic and was hoping that you would do a post about it!! Looks beautiful. I remember how hard it is to bundle little ones up to go out in the snow. You get a workout before you are even out the door!!!
Teresa @ http://www.fitinwoodbine.com recently posted..Weigh In Weds
It’s a pain in the butt to get the kids to sit still long enough to put all their gear on but it’s worth it in the end. I just have to remember that more often!
I haven’t been snowshoeing since junior high! I bet a lot has changed in the past 20+ years. Looks like a great workout
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Great photos and an even better workout!
Have a great weekend
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