LIV IS HOME

Little did I know this would be one of the last photos with my baby bump. I was 30 weeks pregnant and totally not ready to have my baby. A few days after this trip to Sun Valley I delivered baby #2!

There is so much to update you on and I'm sorry for my blog hiatus, but it was for good reason and I wouldn't take it back for anything. As you may know,  my baby girl came two months early and life has been a whirlwind ever since! I finally feel like I am starting to get the hang of things. After pre-term labor, natural delivery, lots of prayers, severe allergic reaction, 58 days in the NICU, and a season passed--my baby girl is home. Liv Cosette is home!

We are so excited to introduce Liv to this beautiful world! There is so much to see and so much to do and Liv is a true miracle and blessing in our lives. God is good.

xoxo

JUST KEEP FISHING

 Location: South Fork Boise River / Activity: fly fishing / Rod: Tenkara Rod Co / Bag: Topo Designs

Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you have to stop doing what you love! Please note, everybody's pregnancies are different. Some women can continue to lift weights and rock climb while they are pregnant, but other women are confined to bed rest and refrained from any heavy lifting. A good rule of thumb is if you did it before you were pregnant, you can likely continue doing it during pregnancy. It's not a good idea to start something new during pregnancy, like surfing or mountain biking.

There are always risks to doing physical activity while pregnant. You can trigger preterm labor or lose your balance with your new-found baby bump. This is why Doctors often times advice not to do certain things if it can prevent hurting your baby. In the end it is up to you and what you feel comfortable and safe doing. In my case, I always err on the side of caution since I have complicated pregnancies. You just never know what can happen!

Now that we got that out of the way, how does doing physical activity change when you're pregnant? Here are a few tips that helped me enjoy continue doing what I love while pregnant:

1. Wear comfortable shoes and prop your feet to prevent swelling.

2. Take breaks! You don't need to impress anyone when you've got a baby to worry about.

3. Modify your level of physical activity. For example, instead of running try a light jog or power walk. Instead of wading through deep rivers fish in a slow and shallow stream or stay on the shore. Try cross country skiing instead of backcountry skiing. You get the idea!

4. Drink lots of water! 'Nuff said!

5. Bring snacks. When I'm pregnant (and breastfeeding) I am always hungry. Having a little baggy of snacks on hand or protein bar is a good idea so you don't lose your energy quickly, because you will tire faster when you're pregnant than before.

6. Use the buddy system. Bring a friend with you, your husband, or a family member so you are not alone doing anything that might put you at risk of falling.

Motherhood is the most challenging and empowering thing I have ever done. We hope we can see all you mamas continue doing what you love and showing your kids what you're made of!

LOVE YOUR CITY - HOLLYWOOD SIGN HIKE AT SUNRISE

Destination: Hollywood sign / Location: Los Angeles / Distance: 6.2 miles round trip / Time: 3 hrs

If you really want to get your day's worth, kick off the morning with a sunrise hike to the Hollywood sign. Nobody likes their alarm clock going off when it's still dark outside, but you'll never regret the adventure it inevitably brings; there's something magical about hiking in the dark by the light of your headlamp, crawling over rocks and along narrow trails only to summit just in time for the valley to light up from the sun. The city sleeps below and slowly wakes up, and you can see the Griffith Observatory, downtown, Hollywood reservoir, and all of Los Angeles in every direction. I even spotted my neighborhood from up top. Along the trail you'll find the Wisdom Tree, which is a nice place to sit and think and soak up nature. The hike doesn't take long, and you can make it back to the valley for brunch!

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BEACH IN GREAT BRITAIN?!

Those looking to make their getaway to Great Britain have a lot more to consider than just castles, cobblestones, and clock towers (although those are pretty rad too). Just around the corner from London are tons of lovely beaches perfect for a day-trip to soak up some sun. Here are a few tips and tricks for making the most from your vacation.

01. Try the Train for Fast Travel

Travelers looking to take to the beach will be in for a rude awakening when beach weather arrives in Britain. Although there are loads of terrific beaches and attractions to see a short drive outside of the city, the roads to the coast will be packed with people who had the same idea. Catching a train to Brighton or Essex will be your best bet to cut down on cost, time, and stress if you're trying to hit the waves. Metro UK has some excellent recommendations for trip-worthy beaches only a train ride away from the heart of London.

02. Don't Forget the Sunscreen

Even though England isn't necessarily known for its warm and sunny weather that doesn't mean you should leave the house unprotected. Even if it's an overcast day it's important to put on some effective sunblock. We'd recommend a minimum of SPF 30 to keep yourself safe from the sun's rays. You'll still get that tan you're looking for and your skin will thank you. 

03. Find Your Footing with Comfortable Shoes

Some of the beaches in the UK aren't outfitted with the shimmering sands to which Americans may find themselves more accustomed. Brighton is an example of a "shingle beach" lined with layers of small, smooth pebbles and cobbles of varying stones. While breathtakingly beautiful, these aren't necessarily the shores you want to lie down on and soak up some rays. Be sure to come prepared or you'll find a hard time for your poor feet. 

04. Splurge on a New Suit and Stylish Sunglasses

Again, London has some of the best shops in the world and you're on vacation, so why not splurge a little? Grab a new suit and some shades before you swing by the sea. British Airways has a nice breakdown of the smorgasbord of shops that should have all you need to be ready for summer. You can indulge in some high fashion at Harrods or go on a shopping spree at Selfridges. Fashionistas looking for a quick fix can check out the offerings at TopShop for some of the hottest items in the world of affordable fast fashion. 

05. Plan Ahead for Family Fun

Like most beach destinations, there's a lot more to do than just lounge by the water. Those looking for attractions, shopping, and restaurants will be greeted by a wealth of options in case the weather turns foul. Tourists can hit the famous open market, take a walk on the well-known piers, or even visit top-notch aquariums. Rain or shine, there's no shortage of great things to do on the beach or the boardwalk, so come prepared with a gameplan to get the most from your trip. 

With these tips, you'll find yourself fully prepared to take on tourist season. Suit up and start your own adventure!

LOVE YOUR CITY - BOISE RIVER

It was the weekend and I managed to squeeze my pregnant belly into waders to go fishing right here on the Boise River. Something I love about living in Boise is how the river weaves through the center of downtown. In a matter of minutes you can go from work shoes to wading boots and fish during your lunch break. 

The Boise River is a 102 mile long tributary of the Snake River in the northwest. The River rises into three different forks; the North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork. Eventually it ends into the Snake River at the Idaho-Oregon border.

The Boise River is mostly used for fishing rainbow trout and steelhead in the winter. We always have a good time fishing local waters and exploring the beauty that surrounds our home. It's not all about the fishing, but getting outside and enjoying nature.

MCCALL WINTER CARNIVAL

 Destination: McCall, Idaho / Activity: McCall Winter Carnival / Admission: Free

The McCall Winter Festival is a celebration of all things winter! The official McCall Winter Carnival starrted in the 1960s, and since then has become an iconic Idaho event bringing thousands of people to McCall each year. During the carnival you can enjoy ice sculptures, parades, fire works, food trucks and vendors, live music, and many more fun events. Mark your calendars for next year to take your family and see what it is all about!

LIFE IS FULL OF LEMONS

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

I felt like writing this today because I understand there can be mis-conceptions with how we interpret or view other people's lives by how they are portrayed on instagram or blogs. Nothing triggered this post that made me feel the need to rant. I just sat down to blog today and these are the words that kept coming to the surface of my mind, so I thought I would pour them out. Perhaps I am writing this just for you.

Life is not always what it may appear to be. Despite our common knowledge of this concept, it can still be tricky to accept. My sisters and I live very normal lives, just as many of you do. Our passion for travel and adventure lives within each of our souls and drives the kind of lives we choose to live, which is what we like to share with all of you. We work hard to achieve the things we do and encourage others to do the same. But we most certainly are just three girls, three sisters, and three friends. We are employees, mothers,  entrepreneurs, wives, daughters and sisters. 

We are human.

We live the daily ups and downs with relationships, finances, friends, jobs and health just like you do. Life is not meant to be perfect, it is not meant to be all flowers. It is meant to be hard. It is meant to help us grow and become better people. It is meant for us to experience trials, sickness, heart ache and even loss. But most of all, it is meant to make us strong and to help us shine. Because without hard things, we would not be able to appreciate the good. Opposition in all things creates a balance we as human beings need.

I'm still not really sure what drove me to write this today, as it wasn't on my mind at all until I sat down. But I know it is something we can all be reminded of, including myself. Life is beautiful. We can all work harder on seeing the good in others and we here at Traveling Triplets strive for just that. Creating a positive space to share adventure, travel and love. We hope you all know that and can feel that as we are genuine in what we portray here on the world wide web. Thank you for sticking around, and I hope you have a wonderful day! Now go make some lemonade :)

GREAT HIKES IN IDAHO

Destination: Skein and Raft Lake / Location: Cascade, Idaho / Activity: Hiking and Swimming

Although Spring has just sprung, we're already lacing up our hiking boots for early Spring conditions. Cascade is our home away from our home since forever. Our family cabin is there, and we've grown up trekking these forests and snooping around the woods on foot. One of our long-time favorite hiking trails is to Skein Lake, and if you go just a little further up the trail you'll find Raft Lake. Both are frigid -- both are incredibly rejuvenating and gorgeous.

There is a small parking area at the trailhead to leave your car and belongings. You're definitely going to want to bring the furry friend pups along for the fun, as it's definitely pet-friendly. It's a super easy low-grade 1-1.5 mile hike, so if you want to bring the kids along too this is the place to do it all! 

HAPPY SPRING!

Welcome Spring! It's officially here! The Spring equinox has arrived and now we can start springing around because that's what you do when the flowers are in bloom and the skies are blue and the grass is a little greener. Huck the pup is pouncing! Must be something in the air.