About

Welcome! We are the Hiking Family and we believe that adventure is for all. Join us as we inspire others, no matter their obstacles, to get outdoors and live a life of adventure. We hike, we blog….but most of all we strive to spread love wherever we go.

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Hiking Mama-the author of this blog–is a lover of nature, avid hiker, chemistry professor and a mother to two boys adopted from across the globe–one who happens to have autism. She fiercely believes that adventure is for all and uses her blog (http://hikebloglove.com) to inspire others to get outdoors and live a life of adventure despite the obstacles that might stand in the way.

When not blogging about the outdoors, Hiking Mama uses her voice to advocate for the adoption and welfare of older, special needs orphans of the world. As both an adoptive mother and special needs mom, she is passionate about raising awareness in the areas that have affected her at a personal level, such as orphan care, family preservation, HIV/AIDS and autism.  She is also a regular contributor to the Social Good column at World Moms Blog, a member of the Social Good Moms #globalteamof200 and a RESULTS grassroots activist.

 

The Hubby: He’s just along for the ride. Hold on tight, hon’.

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Little Man: Little Man is 5 years old and was born in Vietnam. He was adopted in 2008 at the age of 11 months. He’s as fiesty as they come, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love my little firecracker!

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Big Brother: Big Brother is 5 years old and was born in Hong Kong, China. He wasadopted in 2011 right before his 4th birthday. He is a special little boy who has brought much joy to our lives. We are so happy that he is now a part of our family. You can get to know him better by reading this post.

If you enjoy reading, please leave a comment and let us know! We love comments! If you want to see more of our outdoor adventures, be sure to visit the “Take a Hike” tab at the top of the blog. You can contact Hiking Mama at thehikingmama@yahoo.com

21 thoughts on “About”

  1. Hi Lauren, Thought I had lost y’all, but came across an old email with the Mother’s in Action for Vietnam info which also had your long journey adventures site. River has grown so much. I would love to have the password to keep up with you and your many adventures. Kamlen and Kimhoili are growing up so much too. Hard to believe that they are almost 7 and into TaiKwondo and Violin. I’m thankful that you and the family are safe after the storms and devastation in TN–I thought about you when I heard about the storms and prayed that you were okay. Have a wonderful day today.
    Rhoda

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  2. I followed your adoption with River when my friends were going through the incredibly hard journey with their River with their Vietnam adoption back in 2008. What a journey…what a roller coaster of emotions!!! Glad to see your new blog!!! I had lost your prior blog when it went private but found the new on via Kelli’s blog (Aiden’s mom)…I’d love to keep up with you again if you’re willing to share your password, if not, God Bless you and your beautiful family!!!

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  3. Hi Lauren,

    I started following your blog probably 2 years ago when my husband and I were considering adopting again (my family includes 2 biological kids and 1 awesome adopted daughter!) Although we’ve decided 3 is probably enough, I’m very excited to see how things are progressing for you and would love to keep up with all your blogs! If you are up for giving me the password that would be great!

    Thanks and best wishes, Kara

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  6. Hi Lauren,

    My husband and I live in Memphis and just started the adoption process with Bethany Christian Services with plans to adopt a child with Downs in Hong Kong. We’ve passed the first step and now we are headed to Vanderbuilt in a few weeks. When it’s convenient, will you please send me the password so we can view your earlier posts?
    Thanks and hope to meet you and your family one day.
    Amanda

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  7. I love these photos! What a wonderful journey adoption must be!! Your family looks happy, and I can see what you mean with the little guy, he has “feisty” written all over his face. 🙂

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  8. Hi there, saw that you recently dropped in and started following my blog – thanks for that. I’ve started reading some of your posts – your adoption stories. Absolutely beautiful. I’m not sure whether you noticed, but as well as being a foster carer, I also care for what we call ‘pre-adoptive’ babies – after they are born and before they are adopted. Our system is quite different to yours so fostering & adoption are two very separate processes. But I love doing this when it’s possible. I always write a letter to my little bubbas who get adopted and it goes on their official ‘file’ which they can access when they are 18. I also send in photos of us. We are required to keep a daily journal and to take photos throughout their time with you – but only of the baby, not of any other people including the foster carer. So I hope that by sending in these photos it will help to fill in the spaces. I’ve posted a few of my letters – the most recent is this one: http://lovemanytrustfew.wordpress.com/2011/10/16/letter-to-a-beautiful-girl/ for a little one whose mother was Vietnamese.
    Anyway, your blog is great. I’m inspired to get the kids out hiking and camping and your photos are fabulous. Great to connect with you!
    Rose

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    • Wow, thank you for your kind words! I just read that letter you wrote and I’m in tears. What a support and loving resource you are to these kids. It will mean so much to them as they grow up and begin the inward journey of self exploration. Thanks so much for reading and commenting!

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  14. I love your “about” photo and how you are holding the boys with your arms wrapped around their chests. I remember doing that so well, and how connected you feel with your palm on their chest. 🙂 Now, mine are 21 and almost 17, so no more of that! I miss it.

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