- I had so much positive feedback about this posting - that I had to run it again...Seems that many families were inspired by this idea - given the amount of emails I received about what other families are doing creatively this summer...So enjoy once again!
- It's that time of year when people are going away on vacation or, at least, thinking about it...
- I have heard from some people that they are choosing not to go away for a vacation this summer. Given the economy, they are choosing to keep their families close to home this season and spend the money on things that need to be done on or around their homes...
- So that got me thinking...A creative way to have a vacation-feel at home....
- I always remember that great line from the film "Under The Tuscan Sun" (one of my favorite film homes) - where one of the characters says "never lose your child-like enthusiasm." Kids always love making tents inside the house, so why not take that simple, fun idea and make it a family event outside?...Have a creative family vacation in your own backyard this year!
- When I shot these pictures on location - I laughed when the owner's cat came through the shot...If you choose to do a backyard camping time - your pets might think you've gone crazy camping out in the backyard for a few nights...But it's all part of the fun...
- You can get a tent... These tents were great to work with because they were literally "instant tents" - so easy to put up and take down...That's a big thing in my book as a dad...Gone are the days of tons of things to put together or searching for lost pieces! These are all connected to get the job done fast...
- Then there is a certain amount of comfort that is needed for the grown ups - I'm not a fan of sleeping on the ground...These folding cots can be an instant bed with a sleeping bag placed on top, but when propped up - they are outdoor lounge chairs too...
- The cooler is great for literally pretending you are out in the wild - just bring along foods for breakfast or dinner and keep them cool...This retro red cooler is such a classic - definitely reminded me of road trips from when I was a kid...
- Make a fire, grab some flashlights, lanterns, bug spray and wind down for a bit...leave the phone inside the house, your Blackberry or iphone...and just be with your family...You know when the power goes out during a storm and you get to put some candles on? It reminds you how simple times must have been in the old days...There is something fun about being reminded of the simpler things...This is one of those things...Sleeping outside in nature, the smell of a camp fire, smores and just disconnecting from the world for a moment in time...
- Happy vacation wherever you end up in the yard...Remember, there's no place like home...
- Get even more inspiration for outdoor adventures - in your own backyard or those out there in the great old USA's backyard...Click here: Coleman
