As a hiker, you probably get pretty excited about all things outdoorsy. As a parent, you also probably want to share that enthusiasm with your kids, and developing a sense of natural wonder and appreciation for the world around us can start early. 

Around here, hiking goes much deeper than just providing amazing outdoor shoes and hiking boots so you can get out and knock around. Hiking is the foundation of all outdoor activity; it’s getting out there and seeing it all up close, not through a car window or from the center seat in an airplane. And it’s one of the best things you can do with kids.

Naturally, we’d like you start by picking up some sturdy girls trail shoes or dirt-ready boys outdoor shoes, but after that, it is time to take the party outdoors. And we mean birthday party.

Hiking parties work with any age. Considering the age of your hikers when planning your party will help prevent ending the day in frustration and/or boredom. A group of five and six year olds may take 30 minutes to get past the first caterpillar they see, so scheduling a walking-pace hike of a mile in an hour may end in frustration and tears for everyone. Likewise, a group of 12 year-olds can scramble up short trails fairly quickly and be left looking for things to do. Having an attainable hiking goal is best; choose a hike with a waterfall, grove of giant trees, tide pools or other natural wonder. And take snack breaks about every 15 or 20 minutes.

Variety is spice of childhood. Apart from fostering what may be a lifelong love for the outdoors, taking your child’s next birthday party outside has another big bonus. It’s different. You know the local bowling alley, ice creamery, pizza parlor and burger joint all throw fine birthday parties—because you and everyone else have already been there. This birthday, get outside and jump around somewhere besides a bouncy house. 

Mountains, desert, ocean, canyons, even a large park could do. Whatever you choose, just remember that it’s a party designed to bring kids together for fun, so favor relaxed hikes. You are not organizing the youngest team to ever attempt Mount Everest. Save that for their later years. Your birthday hike could include games,true religion jeans, treasure hunting, and other fun little activities along the way. 

Hiking and camping food is fun. Food on sticks, fruit leather, bags of trail mix, their own water bottles…it’s all fun to kids. Add a birthday party spin and it’s double-fun. You could try S’Mores cupcakes, fruit kabobs rolled in coconut, or other unique treats. Before the hike, why not let them mix together their own custom trail mix out of bowls of ingredients? The ideas are endless. Also, drawstring backpacks are a cost-effective way to get supplies up the trail, and decorating them before the hike is a fun activity. Just remember the simple rule of thumb for food on a birthday party hike: bring plenty. Whatever you’ve got planned, plan for extra because kids on the move can eat.

Take plenty of pictures. For kids, a hiking birthday party is like taking everything exciting and fun and mixing it all together. There is exploring, being with friends,cheap true religion jeans, fun food, adventures, dirt and rocks,true religion knock off jeans, a party all about them…all the weird bugs and natural wonder are a total bonus.  What says “Happy Birthday” better than friends, fun food and weird bugs? Go ahead, celebrate outside this time.

Well, another weekend spending all my hard earned money has came to an end. This time it is with great pleasure I get to write a review for The Bart Crow Band. If you don’t own either of their albums, then go buy one right now.

This special event was a holiday that Rooster doesn’t celebrate: St. Valentine’s Day. I’m sure of that(lol). What can I say that I haven’t said before about the Bart Crow Band? They are worth every penny no matter where they are playing. Webster’s Dictionary defines love as the object of attachment, devotion, or admiration for the Bart Crow Band. The love is their music. Love, no pun intended, on Valentines day is what you get when you attend a Bart Crow Band show. Devotion and admiration from the band,true religion jeans cheap, to the fans taking requests, and jammin out with a crowd favorite Tom Petty cover too.

To end the night, Bart rattled four maracas, in what can best be described as jiving’ to the mellow acoustic set. Bart does make you feel his passion for music. He writes to those Texas sounds that made him famous. The show was a riot from start to finish. The crowd went wild for everyone’s favorite “Wear My Ring” and, of course,cheap true religion jeans sale, I was jammin’ to my favorites “Drifting In The Wind”, “Hollywood”, and “Walk on By”. 

It was a great show as I was pleased. I can still remember the first time I heard The Bart Crow Band, just like my first taste of Jack Daniels.

With that, my friends,true religion jeans, I’m headin’ off into the sunset until next time.

Our official pilot shoot is coming up on the 28th of this month with No Justice at The Wormy Dog, so I hope to see everyone there. Let’s sell the place out!

- Rooster