Surprise! There’s another chance to win a $100 gift card to REI in this post!
(Hence this little disclaimer…
Remember how I said I’d let you know how that whole “getting active” thing was going for me? Right. The thing is, I’m definitely making progress. I mean, it’s no couch to 5K or anything so it’s nothing to flood my twitter stream about but something is better than nothing.
We’ve been putting our gear from REI to good use in the form of some outdoor activities. For Jeff, that means going on a nightly run and then meeting up with Scarlette and me for a not-so-leisurely stroll around the neighborhood. I know. Jeff’s doing better than me. But in my defense, Jeff didn’t just give birth either. Am I right or am I right? (Answer: I am right.)
He says the barefoot style running shoes (his are the Merrell Cross Trainers) take a little getting used to but that he can feel that they are really giving his muscles a workout. I tried to get Scarlette really excited about Daddy’s special new shoes but she was all “Hey, I’m just gonna lick my stroller and stuff, mkay?”
She looks really big until you sit her in a stroller. That’s why we’ve held off on a jogging stroller for now. She wouldn’t fit in one yet. Which means a Bob Stroller is going on my Christmas list.
But even walking (briskly, y’all, I’m walking briskly) is a step in the right direction and my post-baby body thanks me for it. We’ve even leashed up Lucy The Dog to get in on the action but she poops out about halfway through the walk and ends up getting a ride home in Scarlette’s basket. I take along the BPA-free water bottle we snagged at REI and a little cup so that we can all stay hydrated, even the dog. So basically, our Chihuahua is a wimp.
This has been Scarlette’s first foray into the outdoors. When we first brought her home she couldn’t go outside because of the pollen. Then it was way too hot. There is a reason they call this place HOTlanta and it isn’t just because it’s where the playas play.
So now that it’s finally cool enough to take her outdoors in the evenings, we try to do something every day. Which means strapping on the little sunblock hat we got her on our REI shopping trip and wheeling around the block or hopping in the infant pool.
It’s really paying off for me. I can totally run across the cul-de-sac to catch the Frisbee without wheezing for breath. Sure, I never actually CATCH the Frisbee, but at least it’s not because I’m out of shape. I just happen to have terrible hand/eye coordination. That’s why I got kicked out of jazz class. Well, that and the fact that I have no rhythm.
What outdoor activity do you pledge to do with your family this summer and how would a $100 REI gift card help you get there? Take the REI Outdoor Pledge and submit your comment to be entered.
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About Kayla Aimee
with 4 kids in a constant state of growing, there is no end to the purchasing that goes on to keep kids in their stuff…, shoes, shorts, bikes, you name it…they’re outgrowing it as i type. we’re going on a rails to trails bike tour of sorts in october and that would be soooo special to have a rei gift card to use for it!!! it’s all about togetherness.
I’m training for a marathon. Could always uses some new gear
My husband and I try to get out on our bikes as much as possible. We could both use some new gear!
Our little family is working on getting into shape, and teaching our daughter the importance of getting outside and living a healthy lifestyle!
I started the couch to 5k program, and I didn’t die after the first day, so I am hoping I can keep it up!
We’re teaching our 4 year old how to ride her bike. Then we’re going to start on family bike trips. Some new gear or a bike trailer for our 18 month old would be great.
I would love to take more family bike trips, but my husband needs a new bike. This gift card would really help!!
My stepson just learned how to ride a bike and my husband and I would love to join him on bike rides. The problem? We don’t have bikes or a way to transport my 9 month old. That’s where the REI gift card would come in handy!!
I tweeted!! http://twitter.com/#!/Bowersox/status/111809049615532032
I want to start training for a sprint tri. I have completed two 5k races and have another in October.
My back started hurting this week and I’m out for a few days, but longing to get back to training!
I tweeted here: http://twitter.com/#!/Rheart2you
I’m training for a 10k in 2 weeks and a half marathon in 3 months. Due to my new post-baby body I’m no longer fitting into alot of my old workout gear
I pledge to continue walking with my little one every morning! The gift card would allow us to buy a Bob, as well!
The kids, my husband, and I LOVE hiking! In fact, we are taking a trip to Montana next June with our best friends (adults only!) and we need to start stocking up on our gear now! This would be so helpful!
I love to run and lately have gotten way into trail running and hiking with my guy. It’s a way that we can pledge to spend more time together AND get healthy at the same time!
We are doing couch to 5K! My husband is doing WAY better than me – but I’m hanging in there! We have also started paddleboarding a but – can’t wait to do that more!
I would like to train for a 5k and I definitely need some GOOD running shoes before I try it.
i am a recent couch to 5k to 10k graduate training for the half marathon with raechel. our family is in need of active outdoorsy gear to keep up with this new hobby! p.s. LOVE what you did with raechel’s new WP format!
tweeted it ! https://twitter.com/#!/putapuredukes
oldest boy outgrew his bicycle…time to get a new one so we can get going on our family bike rides.
With four boys ages 9, 8, 6, and 1, we are always on the go! Two things that would make our active lifestyle easier for momma to be part of would be a bicycle trailer and a jogging stroller! That way Asher and mommy can stay active and outside with the big boys!
Now that the the weather is getting a little more bearable here in Texas, we will be taking many strolls in the park. I love taking both my girls out and they have really missed it this summer!
I have a three week old and got a Schwinn Turismo as a gift so the pressure is on to take get fit! I totally understand where you are!!!
I’m trying not to put too much pressure on myself but I’d like to be able to wear shorts again without being like “Wait, when did my bum slide all the way down to the middle of my thighs?”
I <3 REI and my little man needs some cool new gear for his birthday!
your “hotlanta” comment totally cracked me up!
love REI and could use it for so many fun things
the local radio station totally burns people who say Hotlanta – I would be shamed as a local for using it on my blog, lol!
I am looking forward to my hike this weekend, but I could use a new pair of hiking boots from REI
biking and rei has tons of fun gear
I would love to take my family hiking!
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/huffychic/status/111898073977995264
I would use the money to buy things for biking!
Oh, please. You did not “just give birth.” What a freaking liar. You gave birth 10 months ago! Almost a year! Plenty of people get in shape in less time than that. You’re just lazy.
you’re right. I definitely did not spend five and a half of those months sitting in a hospital room. I totally should have been working out that whole time.
I am training for a mini right now and it would be fabulous
My little kiddo could use some outdoorsy gear
I ran 10 miles at one time before I got pregnant! I could really use some new running shoes and clothes to get back into shape! Then I’d also be able to put our BOB to good use!!
I’m trying to become a runner and want to work toward a 5 K.
I took the pledge! We’d love some REI gear! We’re off for a little hike tomorrow…my daughter’s school fieldtrip.
Thanks Kayla!
I just got my first kayak this summer. I would *love* to have another one so our entire family could go out together!
I am so impressed with kayakers! I think it is one of the scariest sports!
I used to run 5-7 miles a day and have completely fallen off the bandwagon. I’m dying to get back to running, but need a little boost to get me going again!
Cute workout wear always helps to get me motivated to exercise. So many cute clothing options to run, rollerblade or play tennis.
I really could use new gear for hiking as I am gathering up stuff for a major experiment at school and the kids want to help me with hiking too.
This would be so nice to spend on an gift for my husband! He needs some nicer sneakers.
Finally going back to my running now that LO is 7 months. Could use a new pair of running shoes for motivation
oh, ans my 4-year-old wants a bike sooo much!
I love to get out on my bike, and I want to try rock climbing again.
I pledge to take kids to hiking. I’d love to get hiking shoes at REI.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
tweet.https://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/111999638562811904
We love biking with the kids on trails. A new bike would be awesome.
I’m into “walking briskly”. Tried running, but my knees rebelled. Sigh.
I competed in my first triathlon about a month ago and I’m hooked. Gotta get the right gear if I want to be competitive!
oh the places i’d go….. (gotta love dr. seuss). actually, we haven’t been camping in the past two summers, so i’d like to get back to that. (of course pitching out tent in the yard 2x’s in 2 years doesn’t count!) also, mini-me outgrew her mountain bike, and therefore claimed mine. so it’d be nice to add one more bike to the family so we can head out altogether again. so those are my goals.
I pledge to take hikes. An REI gift card would be great for buying hiking shoes. Thanks for the chance!
tweet-http://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/112124129079083008
My kids and I are training for an 8K!
There are only so many nice days left before the chill so it is time to make themost of it
Y’all look so cute in your REI gear! Good choices!
Newly unteathered to a j.o.b., I’m trying to get us back to bike riding but am missing a bike for myself.
This gift card would get me 1/2 way there!
*fingers crossed*
We bought a pop up camper last weekend! Getting it ready for our first trip has my bee-hind off the couch every evening!
We pledged to bike and walk more often and so far so good. It’s also a great time to connect more.
Thanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
Tweeted:http://twitter.com/#!/peg42/status/112265323717206016
Thanks
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
I pledge to go kayaking with my family this summer.
http://twitter.com/#!/PLSvote4me/status/112272804161921025
I pledge to go biking with my family. I would use the REI GC to buy new bike helmets.
abfantom at yahoo dot com
We’ve pledged to go camping and a card would help us get hiking gear for our hike into the campsite.
This post-baby body would LOVE some new work out clothes! I need so motivation to get active again!
I’ve promised myself that I will be 10 pounds light by thanksgiving…3 weeks in and I’ve lost a whole pound. Not as much as I hoped. New shoes would inspire me to get after it again. Who doesn’t love new shoes, right?
We will be lacing our walking shoes & checking out the neighborhood.
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/#!/4emsmom/status/112349469642727424
I took the pledge! And I love to run with my husband and go for walks with my family after dinner. Even a late night swim is a nice, active way to wind down an evening – at least as long as the pool is heated!
I took the pledge. I could use the REI card for a great new pair of walking shoes.
Tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/clc408/status/112531523382681600
i pledge to go outside and play tennis with my family!
We are pledging to get out there more this fall …. long walks, some camping trips as well as a couple climbing trips. Love the outdoors, just need to take advantage of it more often.
My hubby & I have been running- an REI gift card would be great to get some cooler weather clothing.
nrdunningATgmailDOTcom
tweet
http://twitter.com/ohstac/statuses/112591579608391681
nrdunningATgmailDOTcom
camping and could get some sleeping bags and a tent!
tvollowitz at aol dot com
want to go for walks and buy clothes
Planning to ride my recumbent bike more in addition to walking on my treadmill.
took the challenge and pledge to walk more with my family
Our family likes to go hiking so I would use the gift card for new boots.
tweet http://twitter.com/#!/5memb/status/112817290780745728
omg she is the cutest! I hope you guys get to continue your adventures as she grows up! I am so thankful to my family for showing me how to appreciate the outdoors through different activities & a gift card for some new gear would definitely be welcomed
We love camping together and could use some updated equipment.
tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/KerryBishop/status/113070674104422400
Took the challenge and pledge!
http://twitter.com/#!/BrittneyBiddle
Once I am released from the surgeon and through this recovery, I definitely plan to start getting back into shape with my family!
I answered the prompt!
I have four amazing children, 4, 2, and 6 month old twins! My husband and I are in love with any outdoor activity and an REI gift card would totaly help us out with our first camping adventure with four little ones! We’re planning on trying something we said we’d never do – go camper camping, but with the babies and this southern weather it’s most likely the best decision
We try to go for walks–when we travel especially! Thanks!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom
love REI…and everyone could always use a little bit more outside time!! esp. before winter hits here in chi town!
bike riding!
Thanks so much!! Janna Johnson jannajanna@hotmail.com janna@feedyourpig on gfc
I’m training for a marathon. Could always uses some new gear.
THANKS for the AWESOME GIVEAWAY!!!
Scott Martin
spmartin122 at gmail dot com
We love to camp and could sure use the gift card to upgrade a few things! Great giveaway!!
I am excited to get our family and friends together for a camping trip. It’s a bit chilly up north, so a gift card would be great to get some cool-weather gear for the kids!
Tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/sunnymum/status/114144876819517440
We love to go camping so the REI giftcard would be great to buy some new camping equipment
http://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/114148017828929538
Well summer is over, but I pledge to take a couple of fall camping trips while the weather is perfect. We could use this gift card to upgrade our tent.
Tweet: http://twitter.com/njhhb/statuses/114323714673348609
Hopefully exercising, since I have a little one on the way!
I would love to win the REI gift card, we need a new water filtration/purifier pump and it isn’t in our budget but we really want to go backcountry camping one more time before the snows come.
We pledge to get out and walk more. And I’d love to go for a few hikes. If we won, I’d probably get some more water bottles. We use our every single day. And they are starting to look funky. I’d also look at getting a nice pair of hiking boots. Either way, thanks for providing this opportunity.
I am a big walker, taking the grandkids to the local playground is a great activity. A lot of equipment for them to climb on. They could use some outdoor fleece for when it gets colder.
Oh, I bet you love living were you do. I just moved from Athens! (And miss the beauty of GA!) But in every area, there is beauty, and now we live on the Gulf in Texas. So, my pledge is go do out exploring, either hiking in this gorgeous new area, or biking around and meeting the neighbors. There are hiking trails in the woods all over the place here, plus lots of new friends to meet. And then, maybe next year I’ll be tempted to camp, once I figure out how to avoid the mosquitoes!!
WE DON’T HAVE A BIG FAMILY, BUT I’D LOVE TO GET MY HANDS ON SOME NEW GEAR FOR THE FAMILY BIKE RIDE!
2ND ENTRY TWEET @ http://twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/114766493132144640
I pledge to attempt at least one of our peak here in the Adirondacks this fall with the family and a Rei gift card would be great to get a utilitarian back pack and some good quality water bottles for our adventure.
tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/fairydancer35/status/115109589451681792
It would be great to get some better hiking shoes for the kids. Sometimes sandals don’t cut it : )
Thanks!
I took the pledge to take my family on a weekend hike, the gc would be used to buy my husband a good pair of hiking shoes
tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/hbbs55/status/115508323624824833
We want to do a bit of walking so we will need some good hiking shoes.
I promise to hit the mountains for one more backpacking trip…
mtdoonmeister at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/#!/mtdoonmeister/status/115572962832297984
mtdoonmeister at gmail dot com
Totally just took my kids for a walk; pledge fulfilled (Our neighborhood IS a HIKE!)
Thanks for the chance, REI!
Also, I tweeted about it. But I don’t know how people are posting a specific post?? http://twitter.com/#!/christieelliott That’s my best shot
Well, I am a mom of four living in New Hampshire, and we are an avid outdoors family. Hiking mostly, but also skiing, and we just generally spend a lot of time outside. With a large family, we could totally use some REI gear-REI is not usually a place that’s within our budget!
My husband often hikes the AT with his guy friends. We camp together, but he’s mentioned taking me hiking. A little help funding a new pack from REI would be amazing!
Took the pledge for more hiking and that’s what we did this summer. The REI GC will go toward some new hiking boots.
Thanks for the contest.
blogged: http://slehan.blogspot.com/2011/09/win-100-rei-gift-card-from-blogher-rei.html
I pledge to make my boyfriend go biking, running, or rollerblading with me!
tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/erunuevo/status/116078787782918144
I definitely need to get more active, and would love a pair of hiking boots from REI!
Since moving from Maryland to Illinois last summer, we have not been able to go camping. The reason? Our moving company lost our tent. Our tent! Of course being recompensated by the insurance policy we got was not an option since the deductible was higher than the cost of a new tent. But we are an outdoors & camping & hiking & mountain climbing kind of family! Both of my kids went on their first middle of West Virginia rugged mountains camping for a week camping trip at only 4 months old! It’s like cutting off a limb to us.
And we haven’t had a chance to save up yet to buy a replacement so no camping for us yet this past year. We could use this toward getting a new tent for sure!
I’m in desperate need of some warm walking pants so I can hike and walk this fall. The mornings are already pretty chilly here in Ohio and I need to stay warm if I’m going to stay active!
http://psthisisthelife.blogspot.com/2011/09/perfect-use-for-blog.html
I pledged. Now I have an REI wishlist:
hammocks for hubby and me
watch
new climbing shoes
I pledge to go on more nature hikes. The ReI card would help with new backpacks.
smchester at gmail dot com
we will bike
http://twitter.com/#!/pattie43/status/116674813271080960
We would use it to update our camping gear!
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/hypnotania/status/116904877971611648
We are a camping family! We could use a new camping tent too. Thanks
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
Tweeted here too
http://twitter.com/#!/gmissycat/status/116923421719400448
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
I pledge to get the group together for camping!
mssluna02 @ gmail dot com
Tweeet! http://twitter.com/#!/mssluna02/status/116924951033950208
I’ve got a full compliment of older backpacking gear (thanks REI for stuff that never seems to wear out!), but find myself mostly car camping these days. I’d use a gift card for a larger tent, or maybe a squishier sleeping pad. Or maybe a roof rack for my car–fitting the bikes in the back with gear is TIGHT.
I just returned from a camping expedition to Glacier National Park. It was my first time camping since girl scout camp days (many years ago) and I was apprehensive. It was better than expected and now I want to buy everything I borrowed for this trip so I can go camping again!
We borrowed a tent and had a campout in our backyard for my son’s 9th birthday this summer. The kids loved it and surprisingly so did my husband. I grew up tent camping but this was the first time in a tent for my husband and my boys. We have been eyeing tents ever since on the Costco site but haven’t taken the plunge to buy one yet. Can’t justify the expense at the end of summer. An REI gc would make that choice so much easier!!
I still want to get some hiking in before the snow starts to fly. I’m also hoping to organize a group camping trip to one of our state parks that is a little further south since it is already getting down to freezing at night here in north-eastern Nevada.
My family went tent camping (but with bathrooms, showers, and a coin laundry) for two weeks every summer. My parents started when my older brother was a baby, and we did it every year until I was in college (I’m the youngest). Those are probably my favorite childhood memories. I look forward to making similar ones with my own family, and an REI gift card would help me do that.
We tried an overnight tent camping at the beach. I had a terrible time trying to light a fire and cook. I’d really like to get some camp cooking equipment, maybe something with propane. We slept in 30 year old sleeping bags in a tiny clearance tent on the sand. For sure I need to get pads or something to sleep on…maybe if I had the proper sleeping and cooking equipment this would be an easier and more enjoyable trip.
Love camping! My hubby and I are planning a camping trip at the end of this month for our 2-year anniversary. Yippee!
We have three little kids and fourth one on the way. I would love to take them camping for the first time.
I would love to get a bike so that the kids and I could enjoy riding around our area this fall. We just took our first camping trip with the four year old this last weekend. He now keeps asking to go back to our “other” house–cabin!
My best family memories are about camping too. We did big portage trips, trailer trips, you name it. We didn’t go this year with the babes but it is on the agenda for next
I’ve been planning to buy my oldest a sleeping bag for his birthday this year. An REI giftcard would be just perfect!
We love being outside, and we especially LOVE REI! I would love almost nothing more than to win!
I took the pledge to take a hike with our family. If I won the REI gift certificate I would buy a kayak. There is a lake in the center of our city where people go to watch Sunset, fish, kayak and/or swim. It would be great if we had a kayak to enjoy on those visits to the lake.
My husband and I are camping lovers but recently moved out of state and away from my family whose camping equipment we shared. So now it’s time to buy our own. Unfortunately, our budget doesn’t really lend well to buying all that camping gear up front. So I pledge to camp with my family this summer…err fall. And if the gift card comes winter… snowboarding of course!
We would love to try camping as a family. We have absolutely zero camping gear, though.
i used to go hiking and backpacking with my family. Now my 6 yo daughter is asking to go camping even though she has no idea what it really involves I would love to take her but we don’t have any gear at all and are not in the place to get it now. I loved your hour-and-half away camping idea – i think that would work great for our family, especially with our 1 yo. If we could only get a tent we probably could make it work!
I would love to introduce my grandaughter to camping. And the rest of the family would love it !
We could really use a camping shelter. I would love an REI gift card.
Back in the day before we had all these kiddos, my wife and I would camp. But now our tent isn’t big enough! We’d love a new tent to fit our family. We love our family bike rides and hikes, so a new tent would send us on our way!
We’d like to take our kids gem mining in the mountains again. We made one trip up but didn’t camp due to lack of supplies and heat of July. The kids want to camp in a tent next time. Sept/Oct would be perfect if only we had camping gear!
I love camping! We try to got at least 1x a year. But my parents would take us all the time. I just love OUTSIDE! Biking to work, walking to the mailbox, a blanket on some green grass!!!
Summer’s nearly over, but I would love a waterproof new tent for Fall camping!
I grew up camping and can’t wait to share that with my kids. They’re still little but old enough to go on short age appropriate hikes. An appreciation of nature and the outdoors is something we should all instill in our children. Sounds like you had a great first camping experience!
I took the pledge and could use an REI gift card to purchase safety equipment for our bikes. We to add some reflectors to make them safe to ride in the evenings. We also need a bike rack for our car.
I love camping! A REI giftcard always comes in handy.
Great contest! I took the pledge and would love to use the REI giftcard towards our bikes. My husband and I love to ride the trails near our house and this weather is perfect for it!
We are avid campers and would love a hammock for those lazy days around the campsite!
I would love to go camping with my husband and little girl!!! Neither one of them has ever been camping…my parents and I went camping all the time when I wad a child!!! We loved it..this giveaway would help us go camping..thanks for the giveaway!!
We would need sleeping bags and tent. I really want to start with some hikesnto get our boys used to the outdoors.I have never slept outside ever but that will probably change since i have 2 boys.
Really need to take kids on a hike
Meeee, please – we’re going camping in October and have no tent!
Would love to start getting camping supplies, my niece is getting old enough now to enjoy these type of trips
I would love to get new camping/hiking/biking gear. Especially since we have a new tag-along.
I would love to take my family out for a camping trip to see all the beautiful fall colors once the weather cools off a bit. There’s nothing quite like sitting around a camp fire to stay warm and then snuggling down into a cozy sleeping bag and falling asleep to all the sounds of the outdoors.
The weather is just now cool enough so that I can take the kids hiking or bike riding or maybe even both!
We camp with our little one all the time. We love it! He was less than 3 months old when we took our first camping trip. It’s a great way to see some amazing places in this beautiful country for pretty cheap (lodging-wise). Also, my husband is into mountain climbing. Sometimes I think I should start having his mail forwarded to REI.
We have a tent already…but an REI gc would help us stock up on new sleeping bags for us and the kiddos BTW…the scenary in your pics looks very familiar, I wonder if you were camping in our neck of the woods?
We tried kayaking this summer and really loved it! This would really help us get started with equipment!
we would love to replace our well worn tent. We took the pledge to go hiking, probably this weekend as the weather is looking great for that!
We go camping at least 3 times a year. I grew up camping and so did my wife. Our kids look forward to it so much and it’s a great time to avoid all the technology.
I am a newly single mom (son is 20 but lives at home going to college and working part-time.) My new frugal budget is headed for my savings account for retirement…a hopefully fun & active retirement. I can’t wait to read more of your posts and this one on camping reminded me I’ve not been camping with family and friends since i was a scout leader for one of my son’s cub scout troop. Weather is great, so I think we will break out our tents soon!
We just found a great state park we visited on Labor Day that we want to camp at! We do have a tent, but know nothing about & have no supplies concerning cooking outdoors!! I would love to visit REI to learn more & use the gift card for cooking gear/cooler/etc.
I grew up in a camping family, but have never taken my kids! I think marshmallow roasting, stories, and a lake sound just about perfect!
We’ve been trying to figure out a time to go camping before it gets too cold out! Thanks so much for the giveaway!
we love to camp and could use some new sleeping bags
We recently bought our son’s bike helmet from REI and it has been great! I’d love to get him a kid sized sleeping bag so we can practice camping in the back yard before taking him (3) on an overnight trip to a campground.
We go camping several times per year…Labor Day weekend is actually our big extended family camping trip that we take annually. I too, at 28, am getting too old to sleep on the ground! Need a new air mattress (ours always seem to get holes). Our daughters, 4, 3, and 1, love camping…especially the s’mores
Your daughter is TOO cute!!!
I love heading outdoors with my family. It’s such a great and natural way to get active. We love doing walks and hikes the most.
Last fall we hiked in the Hoosier National Forests and this summer in Colorado near Rocky Mountain National Park. My hiking shoes are worn and I would love to replace them. A gift certificate from REI would be most welcomed.
I would love to do a fall camping trip, but we are lacking in a few key articles! Like you, I camped a LOT when I was a kid, with my parents. We even camped in the back yard some times! It would be fun to get out there and explore!
I’m still pregnant but I can’t wait to take family hiking and biking trips together!
I’m the same – my family grew up camping, but we’ve only taken our kids camping a handful of times. We’re hopefully planning another trip next month. =)
I grew up in a pretty die-hard camping family and I was lucky enough to marry a camper too. It’s kind of funny actually, although my husband and I grew up in completely different states, we went to many of the same campgrounds/parks growing up. We’re planning a camping trip to celebrate our first anniversary this fall =).
Hubby and I have talked about going camping, but the budget is so tight is squeaks even when just talking about it! LOL! This gift card would be the way to get things together and have a great time outiside!
This would sure come in handy this fall for camping! Thanks for the chance to win.
I tweeted (tracyrunning)
tracyrunning Tracy Machen
REI Gift card for grabs at Kayla Aimee- http://www.kaylaaimee.com/2011/09/rei-giveaway-2-workin-on-my-fitness/
We pledged to hike. We’re a very outdoorsy family and need to update some gear so I hope I win!
Thanks for a great giveaway!
We want to start canoeing with our children, but haven’t done so since before they were born, so some new rashgards and life jackets are in order! Can’t think of a better place to get them from than REI!
We are HUGE REI fans! Hiking, biking, kayaking, and camping all are regularly on the agenda. And we always seem to add something, so a gift card would be most welcome!
I think I have only ever been camping once when I was really little. My daughter has been asking to go camping, but of course we have no supplies. I would love to give it a shot sometime!
My husband and I love to go trail running together. Sometimes those turn into brisk hikes if we aren’t feeling too ambitious. A REI Gift Certificate would definitely come in handy for loading up on some fall running equipment.
I would like to go hiking more with the family. We have so many parks and great places to hike around here. A REI gift certificate would be great for new hiking boots.
I’d love some REI money for a good tent! We’re going for a holiday in the Adirondacks and will be doing some hiking there!
Summer is over in these parts – I could see my breath this morning, it is MUCH cooler now. I would love to buy a pair of cross country skis!
I’m going to take an outdoor photography class at REI and then my daughter and I will go on nature hikes and take pictures and I’ll share what I learned and learn from her different view of things that we see.
hiking walking, all of us need new hiking shoes!
I could use it to buy a beautiful tent for camping.
Thank you.
We enjoy hiking. We don’t enjoy camping so much. I would use an REI gift card on hiking boots for my husband. We got some for me on sale last year, but he only has hiking sandals right now.
Leaving for West Virginia for a camping trip next month!
This gift-card would be perfect to buy some new gear for that trip.
I grew up going to/working at a Girl Scout resident camp. I volunteered as a counselor for one week this summer, which made my 14th summer at St Albans. The things I learned there and the people I met truly shaped my life.
I am of the firm belief that the family of your choosing can be just as (sometimes more) important than the family you were given. My fellow camp counselors are my family. Right now a lot of the group is going to college, graduating from college, getting ‘real world’ jobs, getting engaged, married, moving away or having babies (or some combination!). We’ve talked for a long time about getting a staff backpacking trip together, but since we can’t use the camp’s property, we wouldn’t have enough supplies.
It would be great to get some time to regroup together and remind ourselves what’s really important.
We’d like to try camping, but it’s intimidating with a baby. We’ll at least take some long hikes. If we had the supplies, we might try backyard camping first to test it out
I loved going on the camping trip vicariously with your family….so many memories for me with my children years ago. Your family looked like it had such a happy time.
Awesome! We just had our first baby and are trying to outfit a bike with a child seat so we can go riding as a family.
We have a new bike rider in our family so a new bike from REI would be spiffy. Thanks!
Well, because summer is almost over where we are… I might actually use it to get a jogging stroller (so both baby and mommy could enjoy the great outdoors) or a snowsuit for our toddler this winter! Thanks for the chance!!
My husband and I don’t camp much. We do like to hike (but we don’t really do that too much either).
I would love to get a pair of boots from REI…we both hike in our tennis shoes.
Would love to win, could use some more equipment for cooking over the fire. Love the outdoors and camping!
We need a camping stove so we can go camping without other families who do the cooking:/
Looking forward to hiking during our New England fall foliage season! And we could stand to upgrade our sleeping bags since I ripped one last time I washed them…
This would help us outfit our bikes!
I have never been to camping at all. Always busy working; never had two days off. I want to go camping in the future and would love to have 100 bucks to start off.
oh my goodness your baby girl is adorable, and girl, you ARE in shape, briskly walking is good enough for me, and tee-hee poor chihuahua who couldnt take the long walk.
ILet’s see.. pledge to go hiking and biking, and would love to get some proper hiking shoes or put the money towards a new bike for the significant other
thank you for the opportunity! cheers!
I tweeted about the giveaway: http://twitter.com/abitnerdy/status/117802450144067584
I’ve never been tent camping, just cabins (some quite spartan). I’m willing to give tent camping a go. We love hiking and grilling out, so I’m thinking this is the next step.
Camping holds fond memories for me of smore making, hot dogs, marshmellows, bears, racoons, the camp fire stories, singing and so much more. My parents even had a special camp mobile. Those were the days!!!
I would love to get a nice tent and go camping!!
We love the REI store because all the staff are so knowledgable and helpful. A $100 gift certificate would help us buy locks for our bikes.
We’re camping on Lake Erie this fall with our two girls and with friends. We’ve had a rough few months (husband’s health issues) so we’re looking forward to getting back to nature and trying to do it frugally.
We have a lot of camping equipment but our tent is really old and does not stay dry…
My husband, dog and I really need to go for a hike. The weather is finally nice here, so it would be fun (instead of simply miserable).
Man with all this rain, my daughter has been begging to set up a tent indoors and pretend to camp. She is dying to get outdoors!
Love camping, and love REI – especially love hiking with my dog, and especially now that it’s not so hot outside!
I pledge to take more trips to the local state park! REI gear can only help with that!
Hikes are my favorite! No better time than beautiful fall weather!
I’ve never been camping like this but my kids want to go and my husband used to go. I think we’d buy a tent and hope to use it before winter gets here.
We had a great time camping for a week in July with my brother and his family. The more kids , the merrier!! Our favorite part was canoeing (boys against the girls race at the end). Haven’t laughed that hard in a long time. What a great week of fun, fellowship, games , and laughter!
Camping sounds like a blast maybe I could even get my preteen boys interested in.
We are planning a snow ski trip for November and this REI gift certificate would be so helpful!! We have a family of 5 to outfit in snow gear!!
My husband and I are avid backpackers, but last summer our tent was mauled by a bear (fortunately, we were not). We planned to replace it, but have recently took in a teenager who had no home or parents to care for her. We needed a bigger home than a one room cabin, and wanted to provide her with some stability, so we bought a house. Our budget is tight now, and we can’t afford things that aren’t essential. I would love to be able to buy a new tent so that we could share our love of the mountains with our new “little girl”, and hopefully bring some healing to her troubled life.
I would love to take my husband camping. The kids too. Shoot, if I win the REI card, I could get a tent and take them all!
We love camping and plan to do more of it with our 6 y.o. We also plan to spend more time on the kayaks that my husband bought at REI last spring. The money could help us buy more camping equipment.
I pledged to get a group together for a camping trip. And I would buy the REI Camp Bed 3.5 Self-Inflating Pad with my gift card so we could camp comfortably. I love going to the mountains. Thanks!
Tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/romapr09/status/117835947416100865
Camping. I will use this gc buy a new tent
http://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/117885145494724608
I’d love to take my daughters on a hike
I can’t wait to take my son camping for the first time!! REI will be our go to place from his first sleeping bag to some cool Klean Kanteen water bottles!
I tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/SegunMama/status/117994754125463552
I would love to take more hikes and country trips, maybe including some picnics etc. One thing they have that would be great for any of that is the KIND Fruit and Nut Bars! They are all natural and vegetarian and come in 5 different flavors so everyone could get what they like! Great for on the go and you could just stick one in your pocket or backpack!
I tweeted here: http://twitter.com/#!/FotoMacro/status/118035910498598912
We really enjoying kayaking. I’d put this towards another kayak, so we could all go out at the same time.
Our family loves to camp! We were able to go twice this summer and I totally hear you on the mattress pad situation. We thought we were in good shape with a nice big blow up air mattress, but we ended up on the cold ground by the middle of the night due to a hole. If we were able to win a gift certificate to REI, we would buy a good mattress like my brother and sis-in-law have from REI and they LOVE it!
Summer is almost over here in the far north, but still plenty of time to use a gift certificate on a new pair of hiking boots…and get them broken in before the snow flies.
My son just joined scouts and we really don’t have decent camping equipment, so we’d use this to buy a tent and go camping with the scouts!
My husband has never been camping, while I often went as a child. My children now want to experience the joy of camping, so we’ve planned a trip for October. I’ve got to buy a tent and sleeping bags, so the giftcard will definitely help!
We just registered for camping stuff for our wedding next May! after that, we’ll be doing a lot of camping!
I pledge to go camping which my son LOVES! Winning the gift card would allow me to buy a sleeping bag (my son has one, I don’t)
We love Camping, husband was just talking about taking the kids again yesterday. We all have air mattresses though. We’ve had to camp out in a few houses before our furniture arrived, so we’ve been able to take ours camping. We don’t have a tent though. We’ve only borrowed and rented one. Would love to win! I think camping is such a great way to unplug and really really enjoy family and nature.
I would love to put this towards a canoe for the family, we have a lake down the road we could get in on!
I would use it towards a new bike for my husband- he bikes to work and his current bike is having problems.
I’d love an REI $100 card!! It would certainly help with the purchase of a tent & sleeping bags that I need to get for my son’s boy scout family campout
Pads to go under my sleeping bag or an air mattress… I love camping and some of my favorite memories from growing up are from camping trips. We saw so many beautiful things and my Dad always planned these neat tours of factories in the area (and not so neat ones… like a dog food factory). heh. I can’t wait to have children to take on camping trips. What fun.
We love camping and go as often as possible. Our daughters are now grown and moved away from home, but just last weekend they came out to the campground to join us. We don’t use a tent anymore, but we started out that way when our girls were only 1 and 6. We’ve done most of our summer vacations camping and have been to many state and national parks. It’s a great way to see the country for less money and you meet wonderful people along the way.
We have yet to take our family camping in the true sense of the word, however my husband and 4 year old son set up a tent and camped in the basement during Hurrican Irene. My son loved it and wants to go on a real camping trip.
I pledge to get out and ride our bikes more to stay active now that it’s not so hot outside anymore.
Walking is my activity and for that I need proper and comfortable shoes. Finding them is often a problem, one that I think REI could help with.
chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com
@chrisdeglen tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/chrisdeglen/status/118106892571652096
chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com
I really want to take a camping trip with my family before my daughter graduates next year. This would be great to help with that because we are saving to buy her a car right now. And I thought things were scary when she was little. Lol. (cause they were).
lewalk(at)hotmail(dot)com
Tweeted.
http://twitter.com/#!/lewalk76/status/118187462249029632
I’d love to go camping and do some serious hiking in the beautful White Mountains.
i’d use my REI GC to get a new tent first.
I plan on going camping and doing lots of hiking after buying a new pair of hiking boots at REI.
We are playing more outside games so the REI gift cert would help buy more outside “toys” for us.
I was just released by my doctor to start running again after tendonitis in my foot so this would be awesome !!!
I could use a new pair of hiking boots for my upcoming trip to Colorado!
This is the best time of year for camping, kayaking, biking… all the best family activities. Would love an (REI gift card) excuse to get outside & play.
We have been thinking lately about going camping. My mom and Dad used to take me when I was small, but my husband and I have never really made it a regular thing. I think our daughter is at the age now where she would enjoy it.
We are eager to return to camping…I’d use it to buy a campstove and accessories as the one we had been borrowing has been returned (finally) to its real owner.
I’d love to be able to go bike riding with the kids! I’d be able to get a bike at REI!
It won’t be this summer, but I want to take my due-in-January baby to explore the outdoors as soon as she’s big enough and the weather allows it!
My husband and I camped once with some friends, and now that we’re starting our own family, we think it would be so much fun to try some camping with our kids. We live being outdoors!
My husband and I are more “great American road trip” than tent campers. We have a trailer and once a year pick a spot on the map, then drive there to see the sights. REI has some awesome gear for the activities that we do when we get there (last year was trail riding, this year was more “touristy” sightseeing through some national parks).
With September here our plan is to go out and do some apple picking, then pumpkins later on. Love taking the kids out doors and could use a tent to expand that to going camping.
I would love to take more family bike rides…the money would go towards gear!
My wife and I are planning to go on a camping trip with about 5 other friends and their families. The problem we are running into right now is that we don’t have a tent, we have always borrowed peoples in the past. It’s about time we buy one though.
My hips were definitely bruised and aching after a week of sleeping on the ground this summer. Plus, I noticed our camping chairs are starting to signs of stress, and I predict another summer of camping would leave us falling through the seats! A better mattress from REI would be great!
My husband and I have recently started talking about taking our daughter camping. He has always loved camping, me not so much but sometimes you have to meet in the middle or go camping for the ones that you love!
My husband and I would LOVE to take our kids camping, especially now that the weather has cooled off some in our neck of the woods .
My husband and I (and our dog!) love hiking and camping and we are fortunate to have a few places easily accessible. REI could help us get a new camp stove and some hiking socks, though!
We do have a small tent but, while it worked for my husband and I as newlyweds…it won’t quite work now that we are a family of 5! So, a gift card would be great!
I am doing Couch to 5K and could use some new running shoes! My son is 13 and likes to run with me, even though he runs laps around me
Thanks for the chance!
We like to get out and walk the neighborhood after it cools off in the evening. We could all use new walking shoes from REI.
3oink63moo484@gmail.com
My husband and I are avid hikers and campers. We could really use a $100 REI gift card toward some more hiking socks and a couple good rain jackets (since we’re in the Pacific Northwest!). Took the pledge!
I pledge to take the family hiking and camping! The REI gift card could go towards so new daypacks or some new sleeping bags for the kids!
I pledge to get my kids and husband more active by planning more outdoor activities and this card would help with that
stanleybilly(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I would love to take my family camping and we could sure use a new tent
I pledge to go camping before the snow flys! REI can help me with a campfire coffee pot!
We like to ride bikes. All we need is a dog trailer! We got to far for the dog to run with us.
We pledge to go camping more, and an REI tent would really help us do that!
tweeted:https://twitter.com/#!/honeypie411/status/118494063954628608
I pledge to get my family out camping!
WE WENT CAMPING THIS SUMMER AND WOULD LOVE TO GO NEXT SUMMER AGAIN. BUT WOULD NEED TO BUY OUR OWN TENT INSTEAD OF BORROWING
nannypanpan at gmail.com
I pledge to go camping with my family to stay active this summer. The $100 REI gift card help get me a down payment on a nice tent from REI
I pledged to get the family out camping before the weather gets too cold, and a gift card to REI would help us get some water bottles and a compass for safe hiking/orienteering for the trip. Thanks!
gkaufmanss at yahoo dot com
Tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/guettel78/status/118516878107873280
I tweeted: Here’s the link http://twitter.com/#!/kbruson/status/118517064557268993
I pledge to take the dog for more walks.He loves it and it gets us moving. A REI gift card would get a new pair of walking shoes.
I pledge to go trail running with my family! A REI giftcard would help-because with 3 teens I never have money left to spend on myself–I could use some new shoes!
kakihararocks@gmail.com
My kids have the option to pick a sport to participate in every season. I have informed him that they can pick whatever they want, but they must pick (I always want them to stay active). However, this also entails numerous supplies and accessories. REI works for everything associated with these sports!
We went backpacking as a family when I was a child. The earlyist one I remember I was 8 that means my younger siblings (twins) were just 3 at the time. I don’t know how my parents did it. I do know that they paid someone to take our gear out so they didn’t have to carry gear and 4 small children down the mountain.
My family loooovvveess to camp! We can always use new equipment or supplies!
I would pledge to buy running or biking gear and get outside on the beach – we live in Cali!
We love to bike ride, and camp. The REI card would be a blessing.
We love camping! Might get some durable/reusable cooking ware. Or a new sleeping bag for me!
I pledge to go hiking and Rei can help by getting us the appropriate walking gear and equipment
tweeted thanks!
http://twitter.com/#!/DeeGee13/status/118551070610960384
We pledge to do some hiking, and we could buy our boots and supplies at REI!
I tweeted!
http://twitter.com/FakeGradSchool/status/118561378968666114
Well a REI card would get me the boots I need- sometimes metal detecting takes you places
I pledge to go on bicycle outings with the family every weekend.
brich22 at earthlink dot net
TWEET
http://twitter.com/#!/brich2222/status/118659174145073153
brich22 at earthlink dot net
I pledge to go walking with my family! New shoes from REI would be great to start our getting in shape journey!
“workin on my fitness” brings Feregie to mind!
I pledge to plan one more camping trip this year, how about fall color? My kids love being outdoor kids & I could probably use another tent. I’m sure that my husband would disagree with this, as we already have a few, but I think we need something smaller than our 8 man & bigger than the 3 man.
Can I say that REI rocks? It is my go to place for my clothes & any family camping gear!
We did alot of camping this summer and a $100 gc would allow us to buy some new camping gear for next summer.
kerrie@mayansfamily.com
this summer i pledge to go on more bike rides with my family, we can use the gift card to get some new shoes for our bike rides!
http://twitter.com/#!/fdp4life/status/118691377684029443
$100 would go a long way to a new backpacking tent….need a new one bad:-)
The kids and I will go for a hike
My boys are just getting to the age where its easier to pack up and go. We have been SLOWLY collecting camping equipment. We have been struggeling finacially and camping seems like a more afordable get away, and really forces you to stop and enjoy life’s little pleassure. I am running into the fact that camping is only affordable if you have all the supplies you need, and the supplies are far from cheep. So the REI gift card would really help us complete our camping set up, and we can then start to enjoy the great outdoors!
Thanks for the giveaway…our family swims, goes on bike rides, and hikes in a nearby nature preserve year-round. Would love to pick up some new fleeces at REI for the kids for our fall hikes ! …took the pledge
senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com
Tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/brianpiero/status/118748237539721216
We love camping and did some at Yosemite this summer. We need, though, more air mattresses for the boys.
Your post just gave me camping fever, but fortunately we have time off in a few weeks to take care of that. My favorite part: playing Mad Libs in our tiny two-person Kelty after dousing the fire.
We *were* a camping family until the kiddie. However as soon as the youngest is out of diapers (I really can’t imagine camping in the Florida sand and humidity with diapers.) we’ll get back out there!
I would love to get my technologically inclined family out of the house and camping. It would be a great way to reconnect and detach from the hustle and bustle of our daily life.
I might have to start in the backyard, but I’ll work my way to a camping site. I really want to do it. An REI gift card would help!
we’d update our camping equipment so we could maybe take our two year old with us.
My family and I have camped many times, we are looking at buying an old trailer and a gift card would be great for some of the things I need for camping. Thank you so much!!!
I LOVE REI and am so excited to do some awesome camping and hiking. My fav hikes are ones that include breathtaking waterfalls. Can’t wait!
We love camping. We have 2 boys and have camped with them from the time they were about 3 months old. Love it. For a more comfortable nights rest get REI’s self-inflating pad to sleep on. Packs easily and is well worth the price. Besides you can’t beat REI’s guarantee.
My husband and I would use it to buy a water filter for backpacking. We have a dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail and really only need a few more things before we can get started!
I pledge to camp more with the family, even if it is just in our back yard. THis gift card could help us get a tent.
I’d love to go camping with my family, but we’d need a new tent so that’s what I’d use the giftcard for. Also, based on this post, I’d probably need to get an air mattress.
I grew up as a die-hard camper, too. And we only took our kids camping for the first time last year. This year we had a baby, so we did “camp-at-home” and the baby and I got to sleep inside while everyone else slept out back in our tent. They had a great time!
We love going camping. We are planning a camping trip this fall and supplies from REI would be great!!
I pledge to take kids to hiking. I’d love to get hiking shoes at REI.
Hiking.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/flowergirl523/status/118774989704015874
Blogged; http://insanityisforthelame.blogspot.com/2011/09/rei-giveaway-2-workin-on-my-fitness.html
My family and I go camping and hiking all the time.. this would be awesome!
I pledge to go camping with my family and an REI gift card would buy some supplies for that.
longbarb1@aol.com
I would like to go on a hike with my kids. Some new hiking boots would help.
I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/donnak4/status/118821070336831488
i’d like to take a family camping trip!
I am wanting to do some hiking. So a hiking carrier for my daughter would be great!
I have been wishing for a new bike all summer, but haven’t gotten it yet.Although perhaps I will be thrifty and just get a new bike seat, and somme sturdy shoes for walking in our incredible parks. Plus, bug spray. What’s with all the bugs this year?
We are planning a camping trip soon and I desperately need a warm sleeping bag!
I love REI! Getting a giftcard there would be the like Christmas for me! There is nowhere else I would rather have a giftcard! The only problem is I can’t seem to limit the amount of stuff I buy when I go there!