Roughin' It

You guys!!  I just did something that I haven't done since I was 18, maybe 19.

C A M P I N G

Or maybe it was more like GLAMPING, but that's okay.  At first when I was asked by my good friend and her hubby if I wanted to go camping with them, my first reaction was nope.  There was no way I was going to spend my summer with the very bugs I despised, in the woods completely cut off from the world and the possibility of (gasp!) no showers.

Welcome to #firstworldproblems.

In the end, it didn't take long for them to convince me that it would be an amazing experience for my kids, and then my kids chimed in, "Let's go, let's go!" and that was the end of that.  We were going camping!

All I had to do was sit back and wait of the start of summer.  My friends were taking care of everything - booking the campsite, getting the food and drinks, and making sure the kids would be entertained for four days.  Jadon had been excitedly talking about our camping trip for the most part of June (his teacher said that's all he talked about for the last two weeks of school) and Zoë just couldn't wait to sleep in a tent.

Okay, so we did have a few things that we needed to round up for our camping trip.  First things first, I secured an amazing ride from Ford Canada (we loved our experience last year!) - a Ford Edge Titanium.  It has all the bells and whistles that a busy parent, like myself, needs with a growing family.  There's enough room in the trunk for hockey gear, camping gear, everyday gear and everything gear, as well as many safety features that give this busy mama a piece of mind.

Last year I raved about the Intelligent Access key fob - as long as the key is in your pocket or purse and you're within a couple feet from the car, the door unlocks by itself (I repeat, BY ITSELF!!), leaving you with two hands to wrangle your active toddler or the 500 bags of groceries.  The MyKey® Safety System is also a great feature for those of you with older kids that are just learning how to drive and allows for owners to restrict certain features to promote better driving habits.

For those of you that have travelled the Sea to Sky Highway, you probably know that the stretch of road from Vancouver to Squamish (and Whistler) is full of twists and turns.  This is where the Driver Assist features come into play, including Enhanced Active Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (I didn't have a chance to try this because, buttons, but perhaps next time), Lane-Keeping System (the best!), Adaptive Steering (also the best!) and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.  Just to feel these features being activated while driving the Sea to Sky gave me the extra piece of mind that my family would be safe and sound should anything happen.

Back to camping prep.  While we did have everything planned for us, I did end up spending the day before searching for camping gear over the course of 7-8 hours (a huge thanks to my bro who tagged along and helped entertain the kids while I wandered aimlessly from store to store LOL).  I just wanted to make sure I didn't forget anything.  Must be that Type A personality or something.  I swear I'm half Type A and half Type B (yes, I totally just Googled it).

Fast forward to the actual days we were camping and I felt like I was in a dream.  A good one.  I had a few chefs on one side and a few babysitters on the other.  The beers were flowing and once the kids went to bed, so did the shots.  We roasted marshmallows nightly, had gourmet meals (and even maybe a BBQ fire LOL), attempted a failed beach day (even at 35 degrees Celsius, the wind made it seem more like 20 degrees), braved the cold showers and fought off an endless army of mosquitoes.

And repeat.

And repeat.

This was pretty much my life for the next four days and I was loving it.  I was relaxed with no care in the world (Type B), but was also intent on making sure the kids went to bed (sort of) on time (Type A).

The conclusion?  WE CANNOT WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR'S CAMPING TRIP!!!!

THE END.

kristina xo


Photo credit (partial):  Modern Fort

Our Spring Break recap + a special deal from The Hyatt Regency Bellevue!

You know you've been busy when you're just starting to write a blog post about Spring Break - that happened almost two months ago!

Yup, that seems to be the way things are going lately.  If I'm not at work or trying to blog, then I'm at home wrangling with the kids and attempting to keep the house in order, or driving the kids to their respective activities and trying to keep them occupied.

Oh and did I mention party planning?

Ah, the life of a working mom.

Luckily, we were able to take a short break from it all and head down to our must-go mini vacay spot across the border - Bellevue, Washington.  I get really excited every time we go because we get to shop, see family and stay at our all-time favourite hotel, The Hyatt Regency Bellevue.

It seems that every time we stay at The Hyatt Regency Bellevue, we end up getting treated like royalty and this time was no exception.  We were just anxious to go back to what has become our frequent stomping ground in Bellevue and walk around the downtown core.  Little did we know, this was waiting for us after a long car ride:

I swear, they nail it every single time.  How sweet it is to feel welcomed and have our stay personalized - complete with regular milk and chocolate milk in the fridge and a library of kid-friendly movies for our kids!  We honestly couldn't have asked for anything more to make our first night, and entire stay, easier for us {and definitely memorable!}.

Cirque du Soleil's Mystère Review {Las Vegas}

During our recent trip to Las Vegas, we had the amazing opportunity to experience Cirque du Soleil's Mystère at Treasure Island.  This high-energy show has something for everyone - comedy, breathtaking acrobatics, amazing choreography, and just an all-around magical feeling from start to finish.

Photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

This was my first Cirque du Soleil experience and it definitely didn't disappoint.  As we entered the theater with a sleeping Baby Z, the usher made sure that we were properly seated and we ended up getting upgraded to lower level seating.  I had no idea how well the kids would behave and was actually prepared to spend half the show outside the theater but, lo and behold, the kids were absolute angels!  All we had to do was make sure Lil J had popcorn in hand and Baby Z had food in her mouth literally the entire show.  Mission accomplished!

The pre-show entertainment started approximately ten minutes before the show officially did.  And was it ever funny!  I don't want to spoil the fun but lets just say that Baby Z was squealing on cue and both hubby and I were worried it would attract attention and then the spotlight would shine on us!  Luckily, it didn't happen but a few of our fellow audience members became lucky {unlucky?} participants in the show.

Day 1: Penthouse and The Strip {it's not what you think!} #TheCrossesTakeOverVegas

If you follow us via Instagram or Facebook, you'll know that we just came back from an almost week long vacation in Las Vegas with the kids!! 

Call us crazy but it's my fourth time in Vegas and each time I had gone before, I began to notice more and more families with young kids - strollers and all - walking down the Strip.  I thought, what a fun place to bring the kids and, knowing my hubby, he would totally go along with it.  And why not?  After all, you only live once and if the kids have to come, the kids are coming!

Day 1 started out like this:

I started packing the kids' suitcases a few days before we were scheduled to leave because I knew I wouldn't be able to remember everything all in one day.  List?  What list?  {I hate lists!}.  Besides the essentials, I only usually write down stuff we must NOT leave behind.  If we forget a pair of underwear, we can always buy it when we get to Vegas, right?

So the kids were all packed and, thankfully, Miss S packed her own suitcase.  Hubby repeatedly refuses to pack until a couple hours before we need to leave the house.  I'm left fending for myself and two littles.  And making sure they both have their snacks, lunches and proper liquids - not to mention extra clothes, diapers, wipes, headphones, blankets, toys, stroller, Pack 'N Play, car seat, pajamas and toothbrushes {did I forget to include anything else but the kitchen sink?}.  Packing for kids is no easy feat and I ended up putting together my own list after we came back home {go figure, right?!}.

SwankFinds: Travel Essentials for Kids

If there's one thing about travelling with a family of five, we are big believers about finding the necessary essentials and packing for the "just in case" scenarios.  Case in point:  during our recent visit to Las Vegas, one of our checked-in luggage went missing {and, as we found out later, was left in Vancouver} and Baby Z was left to fend for herself.  Luckily, I had packed a few backup solutions for Baby Z but only had five diapers with no idea where our luggage ended up.  Sure, we could easily head to the Strip to buy her diapers and necessary essentials while we waited for news on her suitcase, but it would have been easier for us to have those essentials on hand.

Here, we've rounded up our favourite travel essentials for kids:

party of five #TheCrossesTakeOverVegas

Vacation planning.  It's all up to one person.  ME.  I always thought I was good at it and then we started having kids.  And more kids {or so it seems}.

Last night I was trying to wrap my head around what I should pack and what I should leave behind.  Do I bring the kids an extra five changes of clothes or do I do the bare minimum?  I was trying to cut down on the amount of baggage but with a family of five, well, there's a lot of baggage.

It looks like we're going to end up checking in luggage for Lil J.  It's included after all so we might as well take advantage of that.  We're also travelling with a stroller and Pack 'N Play, and possibly car seats {this one I'm trying to veto since we're not renting a car and will probably be taking transit if we venture off the strip - but then the thought of taking public transit with two littles is causing a minor anxiety attack}.

And who knew that a preschooler and a toddler needed so much crap stuff??!  Like extra utensils, food containers, diapers and sippy cups - the list is never ending!!

Staycation {Day 3}: Britannia Mine Museum Experience & Review #CrossFamilyStaycation

Continuing with our staycation trend of discovering local attractions that we wouldn't normally visit, the Britannia Mine Museum was next on our list.  Tucked away in the small community of Britannia Beach in Squamish, BC, the museum features a 45 minute underground tour of the early haulage tunnel, a gold panning pavilion, a number of historic tools, equipment and exhibits, and a family play area.

The beautiful drive to the museum

As soon as we entered the museum, hubby and our older nephew watched a short film on the history of the museum and BC mining while the younger kids had fun exploring the Kids Playce, which featured hands-on exhibits such as trying on gloves to feel for different tools that miners use.

Next up, was gold panning!  Miss S was really looking forward to this and Lil J just loved playing with the sand and making a mess.  I would recommend this activity for older kids unless you bring a change of clothes for the little ones.  Baby Z and I posed for some pictures while the kids panned for gold behind us:

Staycation {Day 1}: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park + a Giveaway! #CrossFamilyStaycation #Vancouver

Even though I just returned to work, I knew I needed a week off to recuperate with the family.  Initially we were planning a trip to Seattle - we really wanted to take the kids down on the train and explore Downtown Seattle.  With hotel rates double or triple the price we normally pay, we decided to stay home at the last minute and enjoy a staycation.

The whole point of our staycation was to discover places around the city that we normally don't take the kids to and the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park was at the top of our list.  Surprisingly, I've lived in Vancouver all my life and don't remember ever visiting the suspension bridge!  Our main reason was for not visiting was the price - it just didn't seem like an affordable family outing. Although, after exploring the suspension bridge and finding out that there was more to it than the bridge, we now understand why the price is a little higher than most family attractions.

We parked our car in a pay lot across from the entrance and found this magical walkway.  Miss S told Lil J that little people live up in the trees and inside the tiny holes:

Disney Social Media Moms On the Road - Bellevue, WA #DisneySMMoms

Every year I watch my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds burn up in envy as my favourite bloggers gallivant around the Walt Disney World Resort during the event of the year, otherwise known as the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration.  This event/conference is by invite only and the lucky few that score that coveted invite are pretty much among Disney royalty.

This year Disney took note of how big their Disney Social Media Moms Celebration was becoming and they realized that more bloggers wanted to participate than they could actually accommodate, so what did they decide to do?  Take it on the road, of course!

I received a heads-up about Disney On The Road from a fellow blogger and mompreneur, and quickly jumped at the chance to apply for a spot.  They were coming to Bellevue, WA, which is approximately a 2 to 2 1/2 hour drive from Vancouver, BC.  My fingers were crossed tightly during the next couple weeks.  Every day I would check my inbox to see if that "Congratulations, you've been accepted to attend..." email had come.  And it finally did!  Oh my gosh, I'm actually going to Disney...in Bellevue!

#Hyatt Regency Bellevue Hotel Review

When my husband mentioned that he wanted to go on a mini vacation over the Christmas holidays, my first thought was a quick trip to Bellevue, Washington.  We were just there in the summer visiting Miss S' relatives and fell in love with the city.  My husband and I are no strangers to the Pacific Northwest - over the years we've taken weekend vacations in downtown Seattle and Renton but didn't take a chance to discover Bellevue, until now.

And what took us so long, we asked ourselves.  Last summer we wanted to stay in downtown Bellevue but settled for a hotel just outside of downtown.  This time, I wanted to stay in the heart of it all!

Situated in downtown Bellevue and adjacent to the fabulous Bellevue Collection, the Hyatt Regency Bellevue is a grand choice for families, couples and young people alike.  As soon as we entered the lobby, I knew this was the hotel for my family.  Chic and sophisticated, with a touch of Asian flair, we were greeted by courteous and knowledgeable front desk staff.  We were also treated to the hotel's 12.12.12 holiday promotion where the kids were able to choose a candy cane and each candy cane colour represented a prize that could be redeemed during our stay.  Miss S won us a free in-room movie!

Arriving at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue

Pick a candy cane...

...win a free movie!

Excited to be in Bellevue!
{taken in the hotel lobby}

After our check-in details were sorted out, we headed up to our room on the 14th floor.  Initially, I was kind of bummed that the hotel only offers double beds in rooms that have two beds because I do like my space when I sleep {two queens would have been great!}, but everything worked out in the end.  My husband and I managed to get some much needed shut-eye three nights in a row, despite being used to a king sized bed, and the kids had a blast on the other double bed.  And here's a quick tip for families with toddlers and young kids:  take the two bolster pillows found in the room and place them under the sheet to create a makeshift bed rail to prevent the kids from falling off the bed.  Tuck the sheet back into the mattress and voila!

Even though we were initially disappointed with the bed set-up, we ended up being completely satisfied with the size and comfort of the beds.  We were all able to get a good nights sleep and when you're on vacation, that's all that matters, right?!  Even the kids agreed...

Enjoying the double bed with little sis

Stripes party!

As we entered our room, we were greeted with a fruit, cheese and cracker plate, along with two bottles of wine, dessert and anything in our mini bar.  Talk about being treated like royalty!

There was even a personalized note just for me!

*Movie star status*

The size of the room was what I expected for a guestroom at the Hyatt - a little small for a family of five but manageable.  The room's decor was very modern and tastefully decorated - definitely in tune with our swank taste!  Typically, when we go on family trips we're usually used to staying in boutique hotels with in-suite kitchens, complimentary breakfasts, etc., and we came to the Hyatt Regency Bellevue knowing that we wouldn't have the extra complimentary amenities available to us.  We did, however, get treated to a fabulous complementary breakfast at Eques {more on our experience below!}.  Ah, the sacrifices we make for staying in an upscale hotel!

Double guestroom
Photo courtesy of the Hyatt

My only two complaints about the room were the lack of towels and the fact that it didn't have a microwave to heat up the kids' food {especially baby's}.  We were able to ask the front desk to heat up some milk for Lil J and they did so willingly, but it would have been nice to be able to do it in the comfort of our own room.  Other than that, the beds were extremely comfortable, the room was clean and neat, and our view of downtown Bellevue was amazing!

Our view from the 14th floor

After a late night dinner and a night of much needed sleep, we woke up the next morning excited for our breakfast at the hotel's breakfast and contemporary buffet restaurant, Eques.  We were greeted by a friendly host and an equally friendly server, who provided us with her personal menu recommendations.  I chose the delicious smoked salmon eggs benedict, hubby had an omelet and the kids ate from the continental buffet.

Fresh berries from the buffet and an americano misto

Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict - yum!

Hubby's omelet

Selections from the buffet

The buffet
{Photo courtesy of the Hyatt}

We were also treated to the Honeycrisp Apple Stuffed French Toast and tiramisu pancakes - both to die for!

Eques' decor is very modern, with clean and crisp lines, and very fitting with our dining expectations.  Usually our family doesn't rave about hotel restaurants but Eques is definitely a tasty exception.  We cannot wait to come back and dine at Eques again the next time we stay in Bellevue!  The thought of it is making my mouth water!

Eques
{Photo courtesy of the Hyatt}

Oh, and we didn't forget about the mimosa {only $3!}:

Overall, we had an amazing experience at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue and would recommend the hotel to anyone looking to stay in the heart of downtown Bellevue.  The convenience of staying in a hotel that is within walking distance of all the amenities {shopping, restaurants, entertainment,etc.} is a huge plus when travelling with kids.  Staff at the hotel made sure our stay was pleasurable and I'm excited to call the Hyatt Regency Bellevue our new home away from home!  We may even have to plan a weekend in Bellevue without the kids next time {wink wink!}.

{Photo courtesy of the Hyatt}

Disclosure:  The views expressed in this review are my own and do not represent the opinions or views of the Hyatt Regency Bellevue.  We received compensation in order to conduct this review.