Midwest Mimi

  • 7 Weird Things my Family Always Takes camping ⛺️ 🎒

    7 Weird Things My Family Always Takes Camping Camping with a disabled mom, a bipolar wife, and three neurodivergent kids isn’t exactly light packing. Our setup might look a little unusual, but every item we bring serves a purpose. These might not be on your average camping checklist, but they help us stay regulated, connected,…

  • 🌿 Seeing Nature Through My Kids’ Eyes

    I often get asked how we manage family adventures with kids of different ages, needs, and personalities. The truth is, it takes a lot of planning, patience, and flexibility. But it also takes something even more important: the way each of my kids brings their own unique strengths, quirks, and hearts into our time outdoors.…

  • 🌿 Why Kankakee River State Park Stole Our Camping Hearts (and Might Steal Yours Too) 🌿

    Earlier this spring, we packed up the circus (a.k.a. our family) and headed to Kankakee River State Park for a few days of camping. And honestly? We’d go back in a heartbeat. The Campground Vibes We camped midweek in May, which meant blessed peace and quiet. No generators humming, no kids shrieking at dawn (other…

  • My Toddler Wears a Backpack Leash—and Why That’s Okay ❤️

    A few days ago, we took a quick trip to the mall. It was my wife, Thy, our daughter Raeleigh, Royce, and me. We all walked into the mall, each of us on our own two feet. Doesn’t sound like a big deal, but for us, it was practically a parade. Royce doesn’t normally walk…