*This post is sponsored by REI and ShopStyle. As always all thoughts & opinions are our own. 

In 2018, we visited 8 different countries and 9 American cities. It was an exciting year for us filled with so much travel and inspiration. We were so lucky to have had the opportunity to see so much of the world in such a short time, but we’re not sure we’ll have a year like that again for quite some time. When we found out we were having a baby at the end of 2018, it was like a switch flipped. We wanted Oliver to grow up knowing where home was. Since moving to Arizona over 6 years ago now, we’ve learned so much about the desert, and it’s important to us that Oliver shares in that. 2019 has seen very little travel for us, and we’ve intentionally stuck around, spent time traveling within the state of Arizona and refocusing on why we love it here.

His: REI Co-op Sweater | Patagonia Jacket via REI
Hers: REI Co-op Fleece and leggings | Sorel Boots via REI

Recently, we went on a mini hike with Oliver. It was nothing strenuous at all, but it gave us all the opportunity to enjoy these cooler temperatures we’ve been enjoying since the few days of rain we had here in Phoenix. We headed out early after breakfast, and the three of us couldn’t wipe those silly smiles off our faces. Oliver kept jumping and bouncing in my arms, giggling with each turn in the trail.

Rob and I have been dreaming up some camping trips with him. It’s a big stretch from our old travels around Europe and London, but man nothing has made me more excited these days. Reconnecting with the desert and throwing on some comfy clothes is just what my soul has needed. Our go-to for all outdoor wear is always REI. They have so many sustainable products for everyone for the outdoors and we always feel good shopping there. It’s kind of crazy because just a week after we found out I was pregnant, we threw on some of our favorite REI threads and headed to Flagstaff for a weekend outdoors. I couldn’t help but smile a bit while suiting up in some of their new REI Co-op pieces now with Oliver on my hip. It was a simple morning but a special one. He fell asleep in my arms towards the end of our little outing. I’m looking forward to more of our fall weekends looking like this one.

I put together some sustainable gift options from REI below. I feel like gifting something that could enhance an experience with loved ones (especially outdoors) can be so special. Check it out below: