I know I have mentioned day trips before, but it is always worth mentioning again. Day trips are great, even on short notice! This morning my husband I just looked at each other and said “day trip” at the same time. So, we are loading everyone and everything up and going to a nearby historical park for the day. I do have to make a stop at the store to get some bread, but everything for lunch is already on hand. This is one of the times that keeping extras in the vehicle comes in very handy. We can just pack lunch and go! Everyone has been working so hard a day of family fun is in order.

I have been thinking of the possibility of taking the family on a cruise this summer. I have looked into a few things and would have never expected so many family centered cruise options. The biggest obstacle I can see is finding the PERFECT cruise. I see many busy hours on the internet in my future.

Family vacations, sooner or later, will require flying with your kids. With all the changes since 9/11 flying with kids could be challenging. The best advice would be to plan and prepare well for the journey, and then be patient with the authorities, with your kids and with the other travellers.

Vacations during the school year are hard, but can be done. Thankfully there are some breaks that are perfect for getting away from it all, Winter Break, Spring Break, a few long weekends for National holidays. Here are some tips for a perfect school vacation.

1. Get the school schedule at the beginning of the year from the schools office. (Just because they send it home, doesn’t mean you will get it.)

2. Make your plans around the breaks and schedule your or your spouses time off accordingly.

3. Make it educational. Go someplace with a museum or national park.

4. Many places offer discounts for off season stays.

5. Enjoy!

Due to the fact that most of my family has been sick, we stayed home this weekend. That does not mean we didn’t have fun though. Here are some ideas for family time in the Fall.

1. Make a leaf pile. Don’t you remember the bliss of feeling yourself surrounded by the crisp, colorful leaves?

2. Start a “Beautiful Leaf” collection. Try to find as many colors of each kind of leaf as you can.

3. Plant some Fall flowers!

4. Watch the animals as they prepare for winter.

That is just a short list of easy, fun and free things to do!

One thing I have found very helpful when preparing to take a vacation, long or short, is a checklist. This list should have everything you need on it so you can check it off as you pack.
For example:

1. Shampoo and conditioner

2. Toothpaste

3. Toothbrushes

4. Deodorant

5. Hairdryer

6. Sunblock, lotions

7.Extra towels. (never seem to be enough in the hotel)

8. Pillows! Everyone sleeps better for some reason!

9.Snacks (Of course)

You also need to make sure you have a list of any medications you may need to bring as well as double check that everyone has packed enough clothes, underwear, socks, etc.
Hope you find this little list helpful!

When I woke up this morning and glanced out my bedroom window, it hit me. Autumn is in full bloom. The colors are intense this year! The golds, reds, oranges, yellows! What a great time to take an extend weekend trip to the mountains. Weekend getaways are so very wonderful for quality family time. It gives the whole family a chance to get out of our daily routine and just relax and enjoy each other.

As I mentioned in my post yesterday we went to the apple orchard and harvested this past wekend. Today we continued our exploration of the many things you can do with apples. Although I am admittedly a health “nut”, some things are just to good to pass up. Two of which are candy apples and caramel apples! What fun to make and what a mess to eat. Ha, ha. What used to be a project that took hours can now been done in minutes. With all the premade kits available, there is really no reason not to partake of this fast and easy activity. The candy apples are less messy to make, but with caramel now available in fat-free, sugar-free versions it’s the lesser of two evils! Plus, it’s fun for the whole family!

Wow! This past weekend was so packed full of fun! We went and rode horses, picked apples, and enjoyed a hay ride. I don’t think we could have fit another activity in. Jacob especially seem to enjoy picking the apples and learning how many different things can be made with them. All the children LOVE apples pie, but did not seem very impressed with the fresh apple cider. Guess it did not appeal to their sweet tooths. I suggest that if you live close to an apple farm you take the children and help harvest. Watching them pick and sort and learn is most enjoyable.

I think that it is about time to take the family and do some horseback riding. It’s something we all enjoy and a great way to get out and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. Fall foliage is blooming all around and that chill in the air is so envigorating! It is one of my families favorite times of the year.

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