ROAD TRIP!

The in-laws are treating my family to an incredible, week-long Gulf Shores Getaway (that's on the coast of Alabama near the Florida border). I'm really looking forward to relaxing on the beach, reading a good book and sipping on a (several) rum and coke. There will be plenty of adults around for everyone to take turns watching the kiddos. The drive is about 8 to 9 hours so we're going to break it up. We'll stop in Lafayette and spend the night with the in-laws and then caravan the rest of the way the following morning.
I remembered writing about road trip tips in an old posting-so I searched through my blog archives. Some of the tips need to be motified since the kids are older now, but the list is still helpful:

ROAD TRIP NECESSITIES:
*Travel games (age appropriate)
*Coloring books/crayons
*Interactive toys (my kids love their Leapsters & Doodle Sketches & the toys sit well in their laps)
*A child's favorite (be it a toy, stuffed animal, doll, blanket, pillow, etc)
*A new toy (something new is great for travel and holds the child's interest longer)
*Snacks (crackers, pretzels, jerky, apples, carrot sticks, dried fruit, nuts, soy beans, etc-I included gummy bears as a reward for good travel behavior)
*Drinks (fruit juice boxes, water bottles, prepared sippy cups of child's favorite drink)
*Cooler (if room allows for a regular or travel size-it's great for drinks and snacks-even a lunch if you'd rather picnic at a rest stop than eat fast food)
*Kid CD's (music sing-a-longs or books on tape)
*DVD's (if your car or portable DVD player are in working order)
*Portable potty (the kids' always need to go before or after the rest stops-a travel potty makes pulling over on the side of the road to pee easier and legal)
*Shades for the side &/or back windows (the sun can get hot and the shades make for a darker nap environment-here's hoping!)
*FOR REST STOPS-bubbles, a ball or Frisbee make great stretch-your-leg activities

HERE'S JOHNNY...

I had written in the previous posting that my husband was home. He's decided to base his film career from here instead of out in LALA land. He'll still travel occasionally for big gigs, but will work here on local commercials and such.
It's exciting and it's been such a joy to see him and the kids interacting and playing together. But, it's also been a bit of a transition. My husband has to get used to a schedule-though it is more relaxed during the summer months with school being out which will make the transition easier. Plus, he has to learn where everything is kept. My husband called the other day looking for the baby wipes. I secretly worried about other items he may not find. I envisioned coming home to see the kids wearing sponges wrapped with duck tape for water shoes or my son in a "swiffer" diaper...I'll keep hoping he calls me when he needs assistance...

School's Out For Summer...

Now What???

No, really, now what?

I'm so proud that my lil' Kindergartner has graduated, but now I've got to find more ways to keep her occupied and stimulated so she doesn't get bored or forget half of what she learned in Kindergarten. I did finally buy her a desktop computer. For those summer days that are too hot, she will finally be able to practice her computer skills. Websites such as beestar.org or even cartoon channel (PBS, Disney, Nickelodeon) websites have a multitude of fun learning activities and games to play. Plus, we'll continue to read books, do activity books and art projects.

And summer means summer camps and plenty of sports and lessons. Take a trip to your nearest grocery store, mega store, day care, school, or restaurant and you'll find a plethora of local magazines, brochures and flyers for most any activity- from pottery classes and Space Camp to swim lessons.

I'm lucky enough to have my husband home for the summer to watch the kids and save on day care expenses. But, most day cares offer weekly summer field trips included in the cost or for a nominal fee.

Many families have some sort of summer vacation planned or at least a weekend getaway. Don't forget about friends and family too!!! How about sending the kids for a week at Nanna's house and a week at Mimi's house and a week at Aunt Tracey's house and a weekend at a friend's house or with the neighbors! You're summer will be over before you know it...