WELCOME

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For most of us there are so many things that get in the way of getting outside and into the Open Air. Work and school schedules, weather, fear of the unknown, crying kids - to name a few. But what if we turned the obstacles into an adventure?  Sure, it is easier to put your kiddo in front of a screen while you get one more email done. But how many times has that email turned into so much more, and before you know it, it is dark, you need to get dinner on the table, kids cleaned up and now you are in the nighttime routine. Instead of taking 30 minutes to go outside and play, you lost your window to connect with your kiddos and in comes the Mom Guilt. That was me until I had a crazy idea and changed the trajectory of my family for the better. This is my story.

In 2017 my husband Mark and I were in the normal day-to-day of 2 full-time jobs, 3 little kids and all that comes with that scene. At the time, our kids were 1 1/2, 5 and 8. I was working a very demanding, high-stress job that required me to always be on my phone. So, even though I was fortunate to be available for my family, I was not present. Per usual, at dinner, while I was hoping to be engaged with the family dinner conversation, my phone was dinging with emails and texts for whatever the current fire drill was at the office. And then it hit me. I was over it. I needed some adventure. I needed to get outside and unplug from it all to just reset and really reflect on what I was doing with my life. The emails and work would always be there, but this little tribe of mine, that mattered more than anything, was only small for a short window of time, and what I did now would shape all of us in the future. So, I came up with an idea. I wanted to hit every National Park with the kids before Emma, my oldest daughter, went to college. Mark looked at me, a little surprised and laughed. Quickly doing the math he said, “That’s 6 National Parks a year, Erin.” I smiled and said, “Well, then we better get started!” And just like that a fire was lit inside Mark and I. The Bucket List quickly went from a crazy idea to a major planning session. 

To make this possible, we knew, just like any goal, we would need to break it down into bite-size pieces and make it achievable. So, we started hitting parks that were driving distance and easy to get to. Our first trip was Zion, Grand Canyon and Joshua Tree. It was amazing and confirmed that this Bucket List was something that we both wanted for ourselves and our family. We have now hit 27 Parks and have the next trip already on the books. 

Since our first trip, we have learned so much. What and how to pack, how to motivate kids to hike when just getting out of the car is a feat, the best time to hit the parks and so much more. One thing that I never really expected was that this Bucket List has connected us more as a family and changed our family story for the better. While the National Park trips have created beautiful memories, it created momentum in us to keep the adventure going. When we get on the road, we are the best version of ourselves. We laugh, we explore, we get dirty, we dream, and of course fight, but we always come home with amazing stories. 

Going to the National Parks also sparked a love for the outdoors in all of us and helped me rediscover my sense of wonder that I hope transcends to my kiddos. Now, when someone is stressed, we go outside, go for a walk, do an impromptu beach trip, we look for ways to be in nature. When a kiddo is bored, instead of screen time (which still happens!!), we try and find a nature craft, go in the garden, play tag. I am always looking for opportunities for my kids to get outside. Simple things. Nothing is elaborate, it is often just impromptu adventures, but it all matters. As I reflect on where I was when the Bucket List started until now, I am so grateful and want to inspire others to write their story as well. 

And so, I start a new adventure with Explore the Open Air. This idea that came out of watching my own family thrive from our adventures and sharing our story with our friends who then went out and did the same. As I have heard friends share their stories of going on a hike, creating their own adventures and the excitement and pride they have for pushing out of their comfort zone, it energizes me. I want to help others gain confidence and be your cheerleader. You can do it too! 

My hope for Explore the Open Air is to encourage exploration, adventure, and a lifelong respect for nature in as many families as possible through my own experiences and adventure. I challenge parents and kids to get out every day and just escape. Get lost in your imagination. daydream, relax, play and Explore the Open Air.