Backyard Bellistons: Our Story
“¡Holaaaa!” We’re Devin, Krysta, Drew, and Elizabeth, a.k.a Backyard Bellistons!
As newlyweds, our lives were forever changed the day we kept only what fit in a car (plus our fancy university diplomas) to go on a cross-country trip to start our first careers as TEACHERS. That’s a whole novel for another time. It’s what happened in our classrooms that inspired us to do more than what was in our job description.
We noticed a greater problem than children not reading at grade level. You see, the students who misbehaved and struggled the most at school, were the kids who wanted (or we should say, needed) more attention and TIME, but not from us. It was a void that only their parents could fill.
When we had kids of our own, we made a promise to each other that we will make family, faith, and fun experiences outdoors always a part of our plans. We started a page to record these memories, and to share it with others so they could do the same with their loved ones.
Our goal was- and still is- to build stronger family bonds in our casa and beyond. (If you can’t tell it’s our goal to speak more Span..glish too. haha.)
We started small. We looked for opportunities to give: Like the time Devin made an extra PB&J sandwich for the teenager who was weak and hungry in class because the only real meal he got was what was provided at school. Or the day Krysta took “time off” during work to talk to a girl who was unable to pay attention to the lesson, only to find out that she had just lost her home. Or the time our kids gave up toys they liked so they can give it to local children who didn’t have toys at all.
Now, we are asking you to JOIN US! We need your help to make this a global movement. We created mini travel guides for a great cause. When you buy our guides you are committing to GIVE time to those you love, GIVE yourself the gift of experiences outdoors, and GIVE back to others who need you. We believe that what you experience for yourself, you love; and what you love, you take care of. Let’s take care of those in need together! A percentage of every purchase from us will be donated to local people from the areas we visit: families in need, as well as education and conservation work.
Will you join us?
Buy a guide, give back!
Let’s be friends @backyardbellistons
Tag us on your adventures
Youtube
Subscribe to our channel! We hope to bring adventure, love, laughter, and up close wildlife encounters to your home with our vlogs, while inspiring you to create experiences that count !!
Our Backyard Bellistons vlog shows adventures in Florida and around the world, focusing on creating outdoor and wildlife trips made just for you, our Backyard Friends. It is for those who are adventurous!
Our Promise: Family, Faith, Fun-always in the plans
This is what it looks like to keep family, faith, and fun always in the plans:
- Making time for those that matter most
- Going outdoors more often
- Making every day an adventure, right where we are
- Creating a positive legacy for our family
- Making a positive impact in our community
- Making a positive choice each day to care for and respect the people and animals in this world around us (starting right in our home)
The Familia
Devin
@southfloridaherps
-Bachelor degree in Anthropology (Teacher for 10+years)
-Hobby: Herpetology & Photography (Got noticed on Instagram)
-Featured in The NY Times, Netflix, and more! (Still gets asked to give interviews, take people on excursions, or give presentations)
-Master of rhymes
-Basketball coach
-Makes the best fruit smoothies!!
(Mountains, Beach, Jungle, Desert?)
Jungle
Jaguar
Lasagna or roast beef
Krysta
@krystabelliston
-Teacher (for 10+years) Bachelor degree in Education (minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
-Entrepreneur, Writer, and Videographer
-Guatemalan/Cuban
-Wannabe dancer
-Taught Devin to play soccer
-Master at speaking Spanglish
(Mountains, Beach, Jungle, Desert?)
Beach+mountains+jungle= the perfect combo, haha
Dolphins!!!
Cuban and Asian dishes
Drew
-Held his first harmless snake at 2 years old
-First played catch at 7 months old
-Can identify most reptiles
-Always prays for his family and friends
-Started a fundraiser for rhinos at 7 years old
-Saved money for a daddy-son trip to the amazon at 8 yrs old!
(Mountains, Beach, Jungle, Desert?)
Jungle
Snakes, crocodiles, alligators
Rice and “carne” and pizza
Elizabeth
-Started sitting up at 2 months old
-Will smile for 80% of the day
-Inherited a loud Cuban voice
-Loves animals! (Is co-fundraiser for rhinos in Africa at 3 years old!)
-Can hang on any hike!
(Mountains, Beach, Jungle, Desert?)
Beach
Tortoise
Strawberries
Backyard Fam
-Love the Outdoors
-Are physically active
-Are Family oriented
-Spread love and laughter
-Worry less + Explore more
-Remind each other to be happy
-Find adventures in any “backyard” around the world, or right at home 😉
-Have fun !!
-Practice Faith (and like us, many of you believe in God and Jesus Christ)
-Appreciate & respect people and different cultures
-Are life-long learners
-Are advocates for children + education
Join us: Let’s connect!
Join the Backyard Fam: To start, follow us on instagram or purchase our mini guides to help us continue our work and sponsor students all over the world, give back to families in need, and contribute to conservation and education. Thank you! We love our community!
Will you join us?
Buy a guide, give back!