Having a Magical Vacation with Kids

With summer fast approaching, so do family vacations. For most of us, it is a time of intense planning, followed by the holding of breath that all of the money and effort was worth it. This is especially true for the parents who decide to take their children to The Happiest Place on Earth - aka Disneyland or Disney World. The majority of families envision a vacation there that is truly magical, everyone is happy and smiling all of the time, and every moment will have a perfect memory attached to it. What most don't realize is that children can become overly stimulated, hot, tired, and irritable at even the most Fantasmic places. Here is a list to help avoid those break downs, and keep the trip running smoothly!

1. Get your child (or children) a pin. If they are celebrating a first park visit, birthday, or some other event it will help them feel special, and will notify any guests and cast members that something special is going on. Not only that, but the pins are free, and a form of a souvenir that all kids love and will still use once them come home.

2. Bring snacks into the park. Yes, there are venders galore who will happily sell you Mickey bars (and healthy snacks, there is also a bounty of fruit available), but having a few snacks stowed away in case of a cranky emergency is essential regardless of the age of kids you are traveling with. Kids always seem to get hungry at the worst times (i.e. after waiting in line for a while, not at a point where it is easy to get out), and that hunger can quickly make even the most angelic child become a whiny mess. Bring snacks!

3. Remove any expectations about your child happily greeting characters. My own two children are ages 6 and 8, and neither one would approach a character let alone pose with one. Prior to our trip we had purchased autograph books and pens, and simply had to put aside our disappointment and remember that this trip was for the kids too, and then let all expectations go.

My kids walking away from the line to meet Minnie Mouse

4. Give independence where possible. Kids are always trying to prove they are old/big/smart enough to do something and this does not stop while on vacation. As a matter of fact, it is even harder for most since mom and dad watch them like hawks to make certain nothing horrible happens (which we should do, no doubt about that). So, if your son or daughter has the chance to show they can do something, let them. For example, while standing in line at Autopia, we realized my daughter was tall enough to drive herself and we decided to let her so long as my husband was directly behind her. My son, sadly, was not able to do so, but we allowed him to drive while I reached the pedals for him which let him proudly announce to the world "I drove my mommy".

5. Even if everyone in the party is tall enough for all of the rides, they may simply not be interested in them. When that happens, Fast Pass what most of you want to do, and let the others take off during the fast pass time. They can choose to ride their own ride then, people watch, shop for souvenirs, or take in the sites. This way, there is no pressure on any child/adult to do something they don't feel comfortable doing, and that will create a much happier atmosphere. On this last trip, my daughter and I fast passed Space Mountain while my son and husband went off and looked around Fantasyland, and another time she and I rode Space Mountain while they went on Winnie the Pooh. In the end, all four of us were happy!

6. Regardless of where you live, California and Florida are hot. And where there is heat, there is crankiness. Try to do as much as you can at the parks in the mornings and late afternoons/early evenings. Leave the parks in the middle of the day and go for a swim. Not only will this help in removing all of the none stop sites and sounds from coming at your children, but it will cool them off and leave them feeling refreshed and ready to go back at it later that day.

7. Just because you're at Disney it does not mean you have to eat every single meal in the parks. Though most true Disney fans will argue that the food is one of the highlights of being at the Most Magical Place on Earth, pick and choose a few places to dine at the parks or resorts, and balance it with quieter places outside of the parks. Kids usually feed on other's emotions and actions, and a lot of the quick service places in the parks are loud and chaotic. By choosing to remove your children from that atmosphere a few times over the trip it will allow them to regroup, calm down, and enjoy a quiet meal.
 8. Let them be silly. Yes there are a lot of people around, and yes they are probably watching how you and your kids are behaving, but oh well. This is, after all, a vacation and your children should feel free to let loose and be silly while away from home. Let them try on the different ears, make faces, create their own silly photo bombs, you name it (or, in my son's case, take a video of the family's butts going through the parks).

9. Set expectations. If you are on a tight budget, let your children know. Once they are on that Disney property they will have the sites of things for sale coming at them from all angles. Being prepared in advance on what they can, or cannot, have will lower disappointment for them. Being aware of a budget can also help your children put a lot of thought into the souvenir(s) that they end up choosing, and will make them more excited when they do finally decide to make a purchase.

10. Follow the advice of Mrs. Incredible and try to be flexible. Your trip will be much more magical if you allow yourself to give up blocks of time to let your children be happy. They may end up begging for time to play with Legos at Downtown Disney, want to try on every ear hat that they see, or go on rides that you really don't think you'll enjoy. Just do it. Be flexible. Let them have those chunks of time to explore and push their own limits. They may end up learning things about themselves that they wouldn't have otherwise, like how to be courageous in getting on a scary ride, or how to stretch their creativity. In the grand scheme of things, 20 minutes here and there for your child is not much, and will make your trip much happier at the Happiest Place on Earth!

My obsessive mouse ear baby girl.

Finally tore him away from Lego creations to pose with the Hulk.

About to ride Splash Mountain, eek!

Simple Poems for My Loves

Today, Mama Kat asks that we "[w]rite a poem to your love for Valentine’s Day". I am not a poetic person, and have always struggled with any sort of creative writing. What I can do, though, is write a cinquain.

While it says to write it about my love, I want to write it for my two kids as well, as they are a part of my heart and were given to me by my husband. A day about love would not be complete without them!

Ken

 Friendly, talkative, unique

Lover of all things nerdy.
Supportive, humorous
Hubby

Reyna
Creative, helpful, passionate
Animal helper in the making.
Huggable, cuddly
Reyna-Roo

Bub
Determined, intent, empathetic
The knowledge keeper of all things shark and dinosaur.
Playful, curious
Chef Bubba
 

The Key to the Best Winter Break Ever

I found a new writing prompt, and am loving it! It helps keep the creative juices flowing, while allowing me to not panic on coming up with my own topics (that will happen, I promise, some day).

This week's prompt is the "7 best ways to spend Winter Break."

 

After the last few weeks I've had, I can definitely tell you all of the ways to NOT spend winter break, but that kind of negativity isn't needed for the very first day of 2015 (lets be pragmatic, here, it is fit for the second day of the new year).

 

1. Invest in hot chocolate. Everything at my house is made better with this chocolate, liquid goodness. And, lets be honest, it's appropriate no matter what activity is happening, and is just sugary enough to feel like you're having a treat, while not so addictive that you do something horrible like eating the entire tub of ice cream (or half a cake). Trim the tree, drink hot chocolate. Child is throwing a tantrum, drink hot chocolate (for you, the tantrum throwing child deserves none and will receive their punishment by watching others enjoying this while they have a not so magical beverage). Clean the refrigerator, drink hot chocolate to congratulate yourself on finally getting that moldy junk to the trash bin. For our family, winter break involves hot chocolate while watching our favorite movies together. See, hot chocolate for all - winter break delight!

 

2. Mentioning movies brings me to the second best way to spend winter break: create memories with your kids in having those annual movies that you have to watch. For us, we watch White Christmas every year, I say all of the lines, my kids sigh at me, and my daughter prances around pretending to dance and dress like the sisters in the movie. This is such a huge part of our winter break that I made a whole post about our yearly must sees. Plus, it's a way for the family to come together and unwind when there is so much hustle surrounding the holidays. Take two hours to not worry about that present you have to get, whatever needs to be cleaned, or the absolute melt down you felt like having while stuck in holiday traffic. Breath, and White Christmas away!

 

3. Another way to have a great winter break is to take the time to choose a well decorated location, take the kids, and walk around. Yes, I said walk. For one, we're all stuffing ourselves with holiday goodies (admit it, there are cookies in abundance and NONE of us has the will power to say no every time), and need the exercise. For another, it takes an activities that could be over in a few minutes drive, and extends it out and involves each person in the family. The kids can run from house to house (or, exhibit to exhibit, your choice), and each of you can actually connect with one another and talk. Maybe share what your favorite decoration was. A big plus is that there is no radio (don't hate, I love Christmas music) to interfere with communication. And, being out in the cold is the perfect opportunity to break out some more hot chocolate!

 

4. Don't stick with the routine holiday baking crafts with the kids. Instead, take the normal and make it your own. For example, every year my kids decorate the same old gingerbread houses. We have the same struggle to keep the walls up (little tip, use this icing and that sucker will stay together as well as a brick house), and get the kids to put the candy on the house and not in their mouths. This year, my mom came up with the idea to bake her own traditional gingerbread in a cute house mold, have the kids decorate it, add some cute baking lights, and then send some delicious frosting home so the kids could actually eat the thing whenever they felt like it. Shocking to have a decorative activity that actually smells, and tastes, good, and uses up mounds of creativity.

5. Look up local activities. Trust me, there are so many options out there that are fun, have lots of participation, and are free (or pretty close to it). In our town, we have an annual Charles Dickens Festival that includes a kids run called Run Like the Dickens where everyone gets a prize. There's also an annual park lighting downtown, Beatrix Potter readings, horse drawn carriage rides, classic Christmas movies in the theaters, you name it. Google activities and your town and see what comes up. And, even if it's cheesy, give it a try. You never know what may send you and your kids into fits of giggles over, or create some pretty, classic memories.

6. Assign your kids specific jobs. By jobs, I do not mean chores (they should definitely have those too, though). For example, this year I gave my 8 year old the job of choosing our holiday Christmas card, along with the picture that would go in it (mom did have veto rights, though, and the ability to offer some suggestions). In doing this, the kids get excited for any activities that are happening since they had control of a portion of it. Basically, get them involved and show them that family is a working unit. Plus, while they are excitedly figuring out whatever job they were given, you get a few moments of being left alone!

7. Build in lazy days! Oh man, this is such a must for our family! These are the days we wake up with the goal of existing, and not putting on actual clothes - for anyone curious, we do still shower, keep up the hygiene, and put on clean pj's. And though this list may feel like it's practically filled with down time, or simple activities, but those things are meant to be fit in around the daily, busy schedules. So, give yourself permission to just be for a day or two in the few weeks you have with your kiddos. Wake up, have a weird breakfast (my kids choose top ramen, oddly), clean up into new, warm pj's, and do whatever makes you feel most comfortable and relaxed at home. If you don't have time for a full day, make it half a day, or dedicate a few hours to this. Trust me, in the end, allowing yourself to just be will save from all of those hair pulling moments that fill most down time with kiddos!



November Thanks Day 23 - My Son

I know I have already done a post about my kids, so this may seem a little redundant; however, please understand that my baby boy has been very sick for a over a week. At first we thought it was the flu, then maybe a bad cold, then bronchitis, only to find out he had the croup and another nasty virus attached. We went through breathing treatments, loss of work, and a lot of worry over how this little guy was doing.

At the dr's office

Then, yesterday, he randomly felt up to playing outside. We let him under the orders to take it easy (any action of any sort would leave him coughing so hard he would physically choke and start throwing up). After an hour, he was running like normal and not coughing at all. We were able to proceed as normal with his play practice this morning, and Sunday school. He seemed a little wiped out, rested on the couch a bit, and then headed out with us to a Christmas lights walk through. I had the inhaler with me, and a plan, in case he needed to stop and the last day and a half of his doing well went away. This kid went through everything like a champ. Walked two miles, laughed, acted like a normal kid and coughed maybe three times.

After play practice.

In line with his sister

Happy with the pretty lights!

Why is this blog worthy? For a mom, it's always a relief when the babies are getting their health back. I am very, very grateful that this is passing, and that we do not have to make an emergency trip that we were told to monitor for. God is good :)

The Best Mickey Waffles Ever

Every Saturday and Sunday I try to make the family breakfast from scratch. During the week, our routine is so crazy and time constrained that the kids eat at breakfast, my husband skips it, and I eat at work. The weekend is the time to make up for it all, and give the family a morning treat. It's hard, though, since everyone in this family likes something different, and the dislikes have a weird range and are very strong (like my daughter's massive aversion to anything with syrup, or eggs).

Last Christmas I received a Mickey Mouse waffle maker, and finally struck on a recipe that everyone in the family loves, and gets excited for. The basics of the recipe can be found on other sites, but I have added an extra ingredient that makes the flavor have a tiny bit of uniqueness to it. Also, these waffles can be tailor created to any holiday by simply sprinkling colored sugar on top for a festive look.

Christmas Mickey waffles

Ingredients:

2 cups of flour
2 eggs
1 3/4 cups of milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon white sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of almond extract

Beat the eggs until they are mixed well, then add the milk and oil. Stir together until they are mixed well. In a different bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add in with the liquids and mix well. Lastly, pour in the almond extract. Most recipes call for vanilla, but this adds a little extra to the waffle, and makes it special. Use a minimum of a 1/2 teaspoon, but can use more if you would like a stronger flavor.

Next, pour onto waffle iron. I use my Mickey shaped one that was gotten for me at a local store, but any will work. These waffles are done in approximately 3 minutes. Enjoy!

Must See Family Christmas Movies

Though I have been trying to ignore it (where did this year go, after all?), the Christmas season has arrived. With it comes cuddling up to seasonal movies with hot chocolate, and sharing with our kids what some of our favorites were as children (or adults, have to admit some of the new ones have been good, too). Here is a list of the top ten movies that your children must see during the holiday season!

 1. For me, Christmas is not complete until this movie has played at least once, and the songs from it listened to over and over again.  White Christmas is the ultimate family Christmas classic! Yes, it is an old movie, and yes young children (under the age of five) will probably not like it. That being said, both of my children sat down and watched it multiple times at the ages of 5 and 7, and have become obsessed with the movie, forcing all of their friends who came to visit to sit down and watch it. Between Bing Crosby's voice, Vera Ellen's dance moves, the hilarity of Danny Kaye, all of the songs, and the gorgeous Christmas scene at the end... I've had a hard time not watching this already. Give your kids a piece of the past, and have them watch this gem!

Photo courtesy of www.supertran.net

2. Who could let their children grow up without showing them A Charlie Brown Christmas? This is just one of those movies that is a right of passage - all must see it, and know of the sad, pathetic little Christmas tree that Charlie Brown got and couldn't even decorate on his own. Plus, Linus does a great job sharing the Christmas story!

Photo courtesy of www.blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com

3. You either love it, or you hate it, but at least give your kids a chance to decide what they think. Our second must see Christmas movie is A Christmas Story. Our family roars with laughter over the Red Rider BB Gun, and the dad's grief over his lost turkey (which my husband can empathize with, only substituting ham for the turkey).

Photo courtesy of www.achristmasstoryhouse.com

4. A Muppet Christmas Carol is another movie that you simply have to show your kids. It takes a classic, and puts it on a much more understandable and approachable level. Plus, as an adult, the Muppets are great at bringing back childhood memories! Besides, seeing Michael Cain, serious actor extraordinaire, interact with a bunch of Muppets if pretty priceless!

Photo courtesy of www.news.doddleme.com

5. The last on my list is a newer classic. Christmas with the Kranks was released a few years ago, and is absolutely hilarious. Jamie Lee Curtis and Tim Allen are a delight that will leave you, your spouse, and your kids snorting from laughter. And who can forget the cat! My own daughter refers to it as the cat movie, and is requiring I put a picture of said cat in this post. Watch it, you'll never look at Hickory Honeyed Ham the same way again, or Christmas Cruises, or umbrellas for that matter!



Photo courtesy of www.looplr.com

6. Frosty the Snowman is another must see. Adorable cartoon, magical story, and the voice of Jimmy Durante. It is important to note, though, that someone had the bad idea to make a new Frosty cartoon. Do not, I repeat, do not see that one. It is terrible, misleading, and not at all full of the joyous Christmas spirit that fills the original Frosty!

Photo courtesy of www.classicmedia.tv

7. This is a movie from my own childhood, which I used to love. No longer one of my own personal favorites, but it is great for kids. Not only does it cover the interest of two age ranges (a character who is second grade and one in 8th grade. Any kid likes watching another kid near their own age accomplishing something), but it has the elegant Lauren Bacall (who sings, by the way, and it is not to be missed), cute little mice, kids helping each other solve a family problem, an awesome Santa, and references to The Nutcracker.

Photo courtesy of www.opensubtitles.org

8. Two versions of this film, and both are great! Our personal favorite, though, is the Jim Carey version of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. He is the epitome of what a Grinch should be, and all kids (no matter their age), will love watching him terrorize Whoville.

Photo courtesy of www.fanpop.com

9. Tim Allen makes the list again with his film, The Santa Clause. Technically, this is a series as there are parts 1-3, but I am a fan of the original. Scott Calvin (note, initials S.C.) has his son for Christmas Eve, and the two hear Santa fall of the roof. They find his business card, which says to put on the suite. After Scott Calvin does this, he becomes Santa. Permanently. This is a magical, happy movie, complete with some laughs (all I have to say is fire extinguisher and turkey).

Photo courtesy of www.films.mcvane.ge

10. The last movie on our list is a new one. Usually, I am not a fan of the newer Christmas movies (some are cute, don't get me wrong), but this one was watched on repeat after our first time seeing it. The fantastic new Christmas movie is Arthur Christmas. Santa has a son who is kind of clumsy, and not at all as polished as he needs to be to fit in with the family operation. What he does have, though, is heart and plenty of it. Watch the movie, you and your kids will love it!

Photo courtesy of www.aceshowbiz.com

November Thanks Day 14 - The Grandparents

Today, I am thankful for the role my parents have taken with my kids. Though I know they were not in love with the idea of being Grandparents so soon, they have truly taken on every aspect of loving their Grandchildren that is humanly possible.

When we have not had a way of transporting the kids to different lessons, events, appointments, etc my parents have done it. Whenever the kids perform in anything (even a five minute skit at school) my parents and Grandmother are there. They have made every single effort possible to let the kids know that they mean everything and are important, worthy of spending time on and with.

My mom cooks with the kids, and decorates cakes for them. My dad builds things and takes them hiking. My mom rides roller coasters, and buys them any clothing she thinks they may need or like. They have both built traditions with the kids, and my kids know that my parents will always be there for them so long as they are living.

Thanks mom and dad for being the best grandparents these kids could ask for!

November Thanks Day 6 - The Kiddos

Last day of sports camp

Making kiflis with Grandma

I couldn't very well spend a bit of each day giving thanks, and not mention my kids. They are, after all, the greatest gifts God decided to bestow upon me (although, they do drive me nuts a lot of the time). Instead of focusing on all the reasons I am thankful for them, I have decided to focus on some of my favorite things about them this year, and do that with pictures since no amount of word manipulating would be able to replace the looks on their faces.

Posing in front of the tooth fairy letter

Valentine's Day

Getting little brother ready for his birthday at school

First week of school

Letter my daughter made to the tooth fairy for her brother

A super hero and his side kick

Posin' with the space dude at the Museum of Flight

Finding shells on the beach at Vashon

Easy Peasy Pizza Dough

The best part of this pizza is how fast it is to make, and how easy it is for kids to help with. Not only is it easy, but the kids love to get in the mix and create their own food. Definitely a must do for any night of silly, family fun!

 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups self rising flour (or regular flower if that is all you have)

1 cup of plain (we use Greek) yogurt

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda (if not using self rising flour)

3/4 teaspoons salt (also if not using self rising flour)

Combine ingredients, and knead the dough with extra flour. This dough will be VERY sticky and soft, so do not worry about whether or not there is too much extra flour during kneading and rolling out. After the dough has been kneaded, roll out with rolling pin (I gently rub mine with flour several times during this process) to fit desired baking sheet - we use a cookie sheet for a thin crust, or a cake pan for deep dish. Please keep in mind that if the table was not covered well with flour, that transferring the dough from the table to the sheet will be an absolute bear! Before moving the rolled out dough, spray the sheet, or lightly cover with oil (butter could work as well). Then, place desired toppings and bake for approximately 10 minutes at 400 degrees!

The Last Few Days of Summer

Kids and I at Union Station with some Chihuly glass.

For most people, the last few weeks of summer are filled with preparation for the upcoming school year, maybe sneaking in a last minute vacation, and generally counting down the minutes until order comes back into the household. Well, not in this family! As someone who works in the education field, I know that as soon as September second hits, the stress will begin again. Please note, I love my job, I really do. It is just very hard being around students all day, only to come home and help my own kids with homework, and then begin doing homework of my own. Draining, that may be the better word!

At any rate, the last few weeks of summer are crammed full of things that cannot be done once fall comes. It has helped that some friends and I have created an online group to share different local activities that are family oriented. Some of them are learning based, and some are just for fun. Take a look at some of the things we've done, hopefully it will give you and your family some ideas for the last little bit of freedom and sunshine!

Why not sign your kids up for a last minute swim course? Ours was fun, and very informative, and was able to be completed within a week!


My son and his swim instructor



My daughter getting some last minute tips
 



Or, take the kids to go berry picking. It's relaxing, and they are able to save these for healthy snacks throughout the week!

The excited kids after picking a few berries

Another idea is to head to the zoo and check out any summer only exhibits. A lot of zoos will have items on loan from other states, and will promptly send them back once school resumes.

Touching a bamboo shark

Oh so fuzzy and weird!

Feeding the budgies with Grandma

In addition to those fantastic ideas, why not take the family for a fun mini golf outing? It's inexpensive, fun, and something even little ones are able to enjoy for short spurts. Another benefit is that, usually, mini golf is in the shade and moves slowly enough that, though exercise, it will not be horrible in the summer heat!

Mom, Reyna, and dad discussing angles

Posin' Reyna

And who can forget the beach? Not only is it relaxing, but most beaches have fun things to explore, shells to find, rocks to skip, and possibly some seals to spot!

Kids in front of a lighthouse on the beach
at Maury Island

Beach time at Vashon

 

Big crab shell my daughter found

Kids on the ferry ride to the beach!

And, lastly, why not check out some local museums? Many are free certain days of the month, and offer fun things for kids of all ages to do. Not only that, but museums are easy to take at your own pace, a refuge from the heat, and full of awesome learning opportunities!

Helping friends try on bonnets

Discovering a rotary phone

Wonderland exhibit

In these buildings we go "shhhhh"

Fun trying on pioneer clothing

I hope you all have had a wonderful summer, and take these last few, precious, weeks to spend quality time with your kids. Hopefully, this has provided some ideas of what to do next!