Traveling with Kids in California // Truckee and Lake Tahoe

Fall colors are hard to find in the Bay Area, since our weather is so mild, but head east, into the Sierras and the trees burst into color come October! We spent a glorious four days in Truckee, where the gorgeous Cedar House Sport Hotel hosted us while we were in town. Such a luxurious stay -- hot tub, a huge suite and the most delicious breakfast every morning in the Stella restaurant. 

The weather had already dipped to cool, but we still got plenty of outdoor time. Juniper was so bold and got her feet in the freezing lake water, while we kept little Wilder bundled up and cozy as can be.

The Sierras in California are one of the most beautiful places in the world. The huge granite stones, crisp water and endless green. And it's only three hours away in the car -- or four -- or six... if you have kids ;) Hehe! 

We hope you enjoy the this travel diary of photos from our trip!

A big thanks to our great fashion and toy partner included in this blog post!

Robes: Silk & More

Juniper's dress and pants: Pikka Baby

Toy veggies and teething necklace: Freja Toys

Baby gym: Ecoart Factory

xoxo,

Juniper, Wilder, Ariel + Sam

Traveling with Kids in California // The Yuba River

One of the big perks of being wedding photographers is that we get to travel a lot for weddings all over California and the country. And we bring our family! And we also bring along Nana and Patti to watch the little ones -- best babysitters ever!

Before diving into a full day of wedding photography, we spent Friday afternoon at the Yuba River, swimming, doing water painting and skipping smooth stones. It was a lovely afternoon and super kid friendly. Even though the Yuba River is a powerful force of water, it mellows out in a calm pool below the bridge and is safe for baby play. Just a 2.5 hr drive from the Bay (or 3-5 hrs if you have little ones -- hehe!). Hope you make the trip too!

A big thanks to our great fashion partner included in this blog post!

Juniper's romper: Pikka Baby

xoxo,

Ariel, Sam, Juniper + Wilder

Camping with Kids in California at Samuel P. Taylor SP and Swimming in Bolinas

On the last few days of summer, we decided we just had to get in one last camping trip... and see if we could camp with a three month old and a two and a half year old ;) We started the journey with a picnic by the water with Nana and Babo. After a delicious apple-almond cake, Juni spent hours "fishing" in the river with a piece of twine dangling on a stick. As dusk approached, we headed off to find our campground, and our camping buddy, Alex. As we set up our site, we marveled at the redwoods towering over us and the still peace they held. Would the silence be shattered with the wails of an infant? How quickly could we pack up the tent and make it back home?

Turned out, Wilder LOVED camping! He especially LOVED the fire. Couldn't stop gazing into it. The night went beautifully. Then, after a hearty breakfast of strong coffee and oats, we headed to Bolinas for a dip in the ocean and a wild pelican feeding show! There must have been a huge fish run because the birds were having a food convention, diving in and taking off. Slurp!

We did it! Camped with an infant AND a toddler! It was the best! YAY!

A big thanks to our great fashion partner sponsoring the outfits in this blog post!

Juni + Ariel's knit tops and Wilder's Hat: My Aqua

Thank Alex for the sweet family photo :)

xoxo,

Ariel, Sam, Juniper + Wilder

Traveling with Kids in California // Palo Alto and the Magical Bridge Playground

Part of parenthood is being a professional playground explorer with your kids. We're always on the hunt for a super fast slide, a wonderful tree house and a sleek new swingset. We were meeting our friends G + R halfway between our houses in Palo Alto and came across this gem, Magical Bridge Playground, an inclusive playground for all :) So cool! Juni LOVED it and we were there for over four hours, with a mini picnic break (read G's crazy good cookies! haha) in between. A MUST visit! Enjoy!

A big thanks to our great fashion partners included in this blog post!

Ariel's outfit: notPerfectLinen

Juniper's dress: Pikka Baby

xoxo,

Ariel, Sam, Juniper + Wilder

Photo Diary: A Summer Day in Sonoma

We're holding on to every last drop of summer, especially since the weather is still warm and sunny here in California. We spent a dreamy afternoon in Sonoma at our dear friend Alex's house, picking figs and swimming in the pool. Life is sweet.

A big thanks to our great fashion partner included in this blog post!

Juni + Ariel's knit tops: My Aqua

xoxo,

Juniper, Wilder, Ariel + Sam