We have taken to listening to books now while we travel to from all the various places we run errands.
It has been so nice for our kids to have something other than the radio. They begin conversations over lunch or dinner about our books. They have even had their imaginations sparked with the new characters. They begin to make up their own parts to the story, or even act out the story itself.
At one point, we even listened to Story of the World, which was educational and entertaining.
Now with an iPhone my husband even downloads books from the library using overdrive and audible and listens on his way to work.
The stories have kept the Kids engaged so they are not bored and picking on each other.
We even plan trips because we want to see the places in the books.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Portable DVD Player
Been a long time, but I am ready to start keeping up to date with the blog. We broke down and bought a new 9" portable DVD player dual screen system for Christmas with money from my mother-in-law. Up to this point we were getting books on CD or playaway from the library and using them in the car for long distances. Which now that we live were we do everything is over 20 minutes to get to, so we do a lot of listening.
We drove an hour the other day to a children's museum and I asked my DH to put them in his car, which we take everywhere now because it gets almost 50 miles to the gallon.
I should back up and say he broke down and bought a new car. A Honda Insight which is a hybrid and gets awesome gas mileage. We donated the Escort to a charity through our Church. It was put to good use. My DH loves his Honda.
Now back to my story, the dvd player installed we went on our trip. Total silence in the backseat. IT was AWESOME! My Dh and I were able to talk about stuff and not be interrupted or overheard by nosey little ones.
I am not saying we will use the DVD player for everytrip, but we will use it for long ones!!!
I still love listening to audiobooks and so do the kids. That is something we will continue to do for when we run to the market or the store. My kids tend to love music, but I feel like a lot of what is on the radio is inappropriate for little ears.
Yes, I can be a bit of a prude, but no need to rush their childhood and make them more grown up then they need before they need. Life is too short not to have fun and be a kid for as long as you can!
We drove an hour the other day to a children's museum and I asked my DH to put them in his car, which we take everywhere now because it gets almost 50 miles to the gallon.
I should back up and say he broke down and bought a new car. A Honda Insight which is a hybrid and gets awesome gas mileage. We donated the Escort to a charity through our Church. It was put to good use. My DH loves his Honda.
Now back to my story, the dvd player installed we went on our trip. Total silence in the backseat. IT was AWESOME! My Dh and I were able to talk about stuff and not be interrupted or overheard by nosey little ones.
I am not saying we will use the DVD player for everytrip, but we will use it for long ones!!!
I still love listening to audiobooks and so do the kids. That is something we will continue to do for when we run to the market or the store. My kids tend to love music, but I feel like a lot of what is on the radio is inappropriate for little ears.
Yes, I can be a bit of a prude, but no need to rush their childhood and make them more grown up then they need before they need. Life is too short not to have fun and be a kid for as long as you can!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Need a vacation
Haven't been anywhere in a long time. Because we bought a new house. So, we had 2 houses we owned and that took every penny we had. WEll, the other house sold on Monday and now we will be able to get above water again.
On no wait, we can't, my husbands car did not pass inspection and it is 12 years old now. I keep trying to say it is ok to get a new one rather than put money into this one, but no go.
WE will see were that puts us.
Still no vacation for awhile. I have been looking at all kinds of places.
I am intrigued with Sandals resort with Sesame Street for the kids. Seems like all inclusive is the way to go, and they have kid activities.
Unless we can drive there my husband says no. He thinks flying is too expensive. Maybe he his right.
To be limited by finances is so frustrating. I have a terrible yearning to be planning for a trip, packing for a trip, driving for a trip on a vacation.
Looking for a Budget one in a big way.
On no wait, we can't, my husbands car did not pass inspection and it is 12 years old now. I keep trying to say it is ok to get a new one rather than put money into this one, but no go.
WE will see were that puts us.
Still no vacation for awhile. I have been looking at all kinds of places.
I am intrigued with Sandals resort with Sesame Street for the kids. Seems like all inclusive is the way to go, and they have kid activities.
Unless we can drive there my husband says no. He thinks flying is too expensive. Maybe he his right.
To be limited by finances is so frustrating. I have a terrible yearning to be planning for a trip, packing for a trip, driving for a trip on a vacation.
Looking for a Budget one in a big way.
Monday, May 3, 2010
3days
Ok So it is 2 am Monday morning. I cannot sleep. I am anxious I am gonna forget something(inevitable), worried about why it is so important to get son into Dr before we leave, worried the Dr will require other tests at other buildings before we go thus adding to the confusion in our scheduled, considering why I have waited until this week to do try to do roadschool stuff, is the road school stuff necessary?
Anyway, Here I am knowing I have to be up at 7 to function and be at husbands work to pick him up to get to drs on time and still cannot sleep.
Good news though, got snacks, activities, car supplies and kids clothes packed. Now Down to mine and Hubbies. Less good news 29 degrees and snow in Yellowstone has caused us to rethink packing. Need more pants and long sleeve and less shorts and t shirts.
Packing was interesting, because I just decided too difficult to hit that many states with that many temperature differences, and know what I needed in the small hotel bag for each one. So,,, We packed in Kids's canvas bins from Target. Each person has their own bin. We get to a place we are staying, one rolling duffel bag will be packed at the car from the bins to take into the hotel. Then we are able to pack for the next days weather appropriately. Swim gear and Pjs will always be together in their own respective locations, that way one parent can either get the kids ready for pool or ready for bed based on when we get into hotel while the other packs.
I personally think it is a brilliant idea on a trip of this magnitude. Also, much easier on my simple brain to consider what to pack. To make it simple we packed for 10 days with 2 spare outfits for the kids(12 if they don't need their spares). This means we will do laundry potentially 2 times to be able to make the entire trip. This cuts back on the amount of clothes we need.
All sounds great in theory,but I am truly learning as I go on this cross country trip. I have yet to find a great website to tell you the best way to do a trip like this with kids. Lots of great ideas, but truly everyone's cross country trip is different.
Stick with me now, later today is 2 drs appts, store return, last minute list items purchase, laundry day, pedicure and manicure, and packing grown-up clothes.
Anyway, Here I am knowing I have to be up at 7 to function and be at husbands work to pick him up to get to drs on time and still cannot sleep.
Good news though, got snacks, activities, car supplies and kids clothes packed. Now Down to mine and Hubbies. Less good news 29 degrees and snow in Yellowstone has caused us to rethink packing. Need more pants and long sleeve and less shorts and t shirts.
Packing was interesting, because I just decided too difficult to hit that many states with that many temperature differences, and know what I needed in the small hotel bag for each one. So,,, We packed in Kids's canvas bins from Target. Each person has their own bin. We get to a place we are staying, one rolling duffel bag will be packed at the car from the bins to take into the hotel. Then we are able to pack for the next days weather appropriately. Swim gear and Pjs will always be together in their own respective locations, that way one parent can either get the kids ready for pool or ready for bed based on when we get into hotel while the other packs.
I personally think it is a brilliant idea on a trip of this magnitude. Also, much easier on my simple brain to consider what to pack. To make it simple we packed for 10 days with 2 spare outfits for the kids(12 if they don't need their spares). This means we will do laundry potentially 2 times to be able to make the entire trip. This cuts back on the amount of clothes we need.
All sounds great in theory,but I am truly learning as I go on this cross country trip. I have yet to find a great website to tell you the best way to do a trip like this with kids. Lots of great ideas, but truly everyone's cross country trip is different.
Stick with me now, later today is 2 drs appts, store return, last minute list items purchase, laundry day, pedicure and manicure, and packing grown-up clothes.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Count down begins
7 days! ok, so I have been very busy with all kinds of hurdles to get over. Like organizing classes for our homeschool preschooler groups, cakes every single weekend now for the month of April, my son's 4th birthday, catching up on laundry since we had clogged drain issues and needed plumber help. Anywho... here I am bloggin again about where I am in this trip planning.
Have decided to treat it as tiny trips in 12 different places to help me pack.
So, I will be packing instead of for 26 nights, for 12 different city's. But to make it even easier we are packing only a wekk and half of clothes and will do laundry in Seattle for the Seattle trip and then again after Yellowstone for the last leg of our trip.
I know laundry on vacation??? Well, sometimes you must do what you must do to function and unfortunately with a 4 year old boy I cannot leave clothes sit up to 26 days before they would get washed. They would be better off to be thrown away! :)
In addition to packing clothes we are packing snacks and lunch foods. Well isn't that interesting since we are gone for almost a month. You should see everything I have laid out on my very LONG kitchen counter. You would think VA is the only place with markets(grocery stores),Targets or WalMarts. We must have every last morsel of food from the stores on our couner as though my family is gonna starve going west.
It makes me recall a quote in the St Louis Arch Museum regarding going west. A women recalled losing her baby to sickness and now her husband was sick and had been in bed for over a month and she was doing all the work to keep their piece of land and few animals going, but if only they could have access to the medicine. She discussed her tiredness, her loss and regret.
Well, here I am going west like her and I wonder if my fear of not having enough crackers for a 6 hour drive is anything like her fear of leaving her comfort zone with an established civilation to go somewhere she couldn't google on the internet. I assume the mother role is a little the same no matter what country, what era or even cultures you are gonna worry about details like food and happiness for your kids.
So, we have clothes to sort through, snacks to sort through, toys and activities to go through. We have some more hotels to find and polish out a few more activities. BUT my MIL is coming this weekend, so my hubby has promised to sit and discuss more lists. Which I am becoming somewhat a fan of lists while also a loather of lists.
My biggest fear of this trip is BORED KIDS!
Gonna research maybe some carschooling(a recommendation of my friend and fellow homeschooler). So I am off to research so lapbooks, maybe some notebooking. Gonna journal anyway, but maybe something else to throw in!
Have decided to treat it as tiny trips in 12 different places to help me pack.
So, I will be packing instead of for 26 nights, for 12 different city's. But to make it even easier we are packing only a wekk and half of clothes and will do laundry in Seattle for the Seattle trip and then again after Yellowstone for the last leg of our trip.
I know laundry on vacation??? Well, sometimes you must do what you must do to function and unfortunately with a 4 year old boy I cannot leave clothes sit up to 26 days before they would get washed. They would be better off to be thrown away! :)
In addition to packing clothes we are packing snacks and lunch foods. Well isn't that interesting since we are gone for almost a month. You should see everything I have laid out on my very LONG kitchen counter. You would think VA is the only place with markets(grocery stores),Targets or WalMarts. We must have every last morsel of food from the stores on our couner as though my family is gonna starve going west.
It makes me recall a quote in the St Louis Arch Museum regarding going west. A women recalled losing her baby to sickness and now her husband was sick and had been in bed for over a month and she was doing all the work to keep their piece of land and few animals going, but if only they could have access to the medicine. She discussed her tiredness, her loss and regret.
Well, here I am going west like her and I wonder if my fear of not having enough crackers for a 6 hour drive is anything like her fear of leaving her comfort zone with an established civilation to go somewhere she couldn't google on the internet. I assume the mother role is a little the same no matter what country, what era or even cultures you are gonna worry about details like food and happiness for your kids.
So, we have clothes to sort through, snacks to sort through, toys and activities to go through. We have some more hotels to find and polish out a few more activities. BUT my MIL is coming this weekend, so my hubby has promised to sit and discuss more lists. Which I am becoming somewhat a fan of lists while also a loather of lists.
My biggest fear of this trip is BORED KIDS!
Gonna research maybe some carschooling(a recommendation of my friend and fellow homeschooler). So I am off to research so lapbooks, maybe some notebooking. Gonna journal anyway, but maybe something else to throw in!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
How to you plan for a spontaneous trip?
Great question right. I mean this trip started as a spontaneous thing and now it has grown into a multi-page Excel spreadsheet.
Yes people a spreadsheet, spontinaity needs organization!! We have hotels to find, routes to plan, stop overs to decide on, daily activites to choose, and car activities for the kids. This trip will be a total of 6800+ miles there and back. There will be more miles, I am sure, as we drive around Yellowstone, inevitablely get lost in Denver, drive for hours trying to find dinosaur items and historic houses. WHAT WAS I THINKING!!
At any rate, I have discovered www.hotels.com as a great resource. If we book 10 stays through them, we can earn a free stay. You have to sign up for their welcome rewards. Since we are staying at 12 hotels along the way, this is a perfect deal for us. Not to mention if we continue to use www.hotels.com we can earn more free stays.
On top of that, we have Hilton Honors, so we earn points for stays are participating Hampton Inns, Hiltons, etc.. So we get a 2 for one kind of deal! I love it!
Always look for a bargain when you can, even the littlest ones can add up. No bargain is too insignificant!
Back to planning.....
Yes people a spreadsheet, spontinaity needs organization!! We have hotels to find, routes to plan, stop overs to decide on, daily activites to choose, and car activities for the kids. This trip will be a total of 6800+ miles there and back. There will be more miles, I am sure, as we drive around Yellowstone, inevitablely get lost in Denver, drive for hours trying to find dinosaur items and historic houses. WHAT WAS I THINKING!!
At any rate, I have discovered www.hotels.com as a great resource. If we book 10 stays through them, we can earn a free stay. You have to sign up for their welcome rewards. Since we are staying at 12 hotels along the way, this is a perfect deal for us. Not to mention if we continue to use www.hotels.com we can earn more free stays.
On top of that, we have Hilton Honors, so we earn points for stays are participating Hampton Inns, Hiltons, etc.. So we get a 2 for one kind of deal! I love it!
Always look for a bargain when you can, even the littlest ones can add up. No bargain is too insignificant!
Back to planning.....
Saturday, April 17, 2010
26 Days
So here it is, 26 days of away time time with the kids in a car! I know sheer craziness, but memories people, we are making memories(whether they be good ones or not, it won't matter). I am sitting here now staring at the computer in complete amazement that a joke has turned into this, and to admit I am a smidge excited. Oh and scared, definetly scared.
I do have a plan to keep the kids busy in the car. It involves lunch bags and a novelty toy assortment from oriental trading. We are going to take 26 lunch bags and put 2 or 4 little toys in the bags and tape them shut. Then each day the kids get something new to play with in the car. A new little toy that wasn't there the day before, plus they get the excitment of knowing that "yes we are in the car again, and yes it is a long ride, but I get to get a new bag".
Bride you say...totally, but inexpensive and worth it.
I will let ya know the results.
I do have a plan to keep the kids busy in the car. It involves lunch bags and a novelty toy assortment from oriental trading. We are going to take 26 lunch bags and put 2 or 4 little toys in the bags and tape them shut. Then each day the kids get something new to play with in the car. A new little toy that wasn't there the day before, plus they get the excitment of knowing that "yes we are in the car again, and yes it is a long ride, but I get to get a new bag".
Bride you say...totally, but inexpensive and worth it.
I will let ya know the results.
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