Free Concert In The Park With The Kids

Last night we went to the Concert in the park with the kids.  We packed up a picnic and chairs and were off for the evening.  The kids were able to run all around and be kids and we were able to enjoy the music.  This is a 100% free event which is something that I always love.  The band was actually really good and played tunes from the beetles to John Lennon.  It is nice that there are still free things to do out there in the world.  With the economy in shambles and people struggling to put food into their mouths it is nice that there was something out there that could be enjoyed.  I think that sitting back, relaxing with the family while listening to some great music is what summer is all about.

Becca

Apple Picking in New York

I love fall. It is the best time of year. The leaves are changing here in New York and the air is crisp. It is not cold and it is not hot. It is just right. In this perfect time of year there are so many family fun things to do. Apple picking is usually on the top of our list for the fall. It is so much fun to go to the farm with the kids. They love getting on the hay ride and riding out to the apple orchards. It is the best part in their eyes. In my eyes the best part is that we are all together.

With all of the hustle and bustle of ballet, girl scouts, 4H, and drama classes it is nice to get away for a day of fun all together. The girls love picking their apples and I think that there is a certain pride that comes with doing it yourself. They go to school and tell their friends that they picked the apples all by themselves. To top it all of apples are quite healthy for all of us! We love to go to Soons orchard in New Hampton New York. It is just an hour ride from New York City and well worth the trip.

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Tinkerbell Movie is Almost Here!

Abigail, Emma and I have been waiting for what seems like years for this movie to come. Now we just have to wait 2 more weeks. Disney’s Tinkerbell will not be in theaters as we originally thought, but it will be on DVD.

We are so excited to hear Tink talk. This will be the first time that Tinkerbell will have a voice. The DVD ,which is being released on October 28, 2008, is the first of a four part DVD release into Pixie Hollow. Disney’s animation has come a long way since Mickey Mouse. I do not think that Peter Pan will be making an appearance this time. Emma is all set to be Tinker Bell this Halloween with her Disney Store costume.

I know we will be picking Tinker Bell out on our Netflix list and perhaps Santa Clause will think of us when he is picking presents this year! I hope that it is as great as it looks.

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Letterboxing

Letterboxing Guide

If you are like we are you are hearing more and more buzz about letterboxing. The local library is doing it; 4H is doing it, so now we are going to give it a try! Abigail and Emma are quite excited about this new potential for summer adventure. It is a wonderful way to have some family fun outside this summer

The first thing we had to find out is what exactly is letterboxing? Here is what we have learned so far…

Letterboxing is an exhilarating treasure hunt which involves stamping, maps and compasses. Individuals write the clues and maps to their letterboxes. Each letter box has at least a stamp and a logbook. I hear that some even have special treasures.

What do you need to go Letterboxing?

What you need is quite simple and cheap! You need a logbook. I was thinking that we would decorate ours. I figure that this will excite the girl that much more. Some diamonds always make thinks more fun! You also need a stamp and stamp pad. This is the mark you will leave once you reach your treasure. Some people recommend buying stamps but we are going to make our own. This will mean that no one else will have the same one. Making a stamp is also a great way to entertain the kids for an hour or so this summer. Some letterboxing hunts require a compass.

How do you find letterboxing clues?

Visit Letterboxing.org to find clues in America, Central America and Canada. Once you find the state and area in which you want to go letterboxing you simply click on a clue. You then print the clue and pack it for your adventure. Follow the instructions to the letterbox.

What do you do once you reach the letterbox?

Once you reach the letterbox you will want to make sure that no one else is around. You do not want to spoil it for others! Next you will open the box and inside you will find a logbook, a stamp and perhaps even a treasure. You will stamp you logbook with the stamp in the letterbox. This shows that you have been to this location. You may want to write the title of the hunt under the stamp. Once you have stamped your book you will then use your stamp to stamp the book. This is your mark that you made it to that letterbox. Some people also write a message. Once you are done place the logbook and stamp back into the letterbox and assure that it is sealed up. Hide it again so that the next person can have as much fun as you did!

How do you make a letterbox?

Putting together a letterbox can be fun for the whole family. You will need a waterproof box. I noticed that many people use disposable storage containers such as GladWare®. Make a stamp for your box and buy a logbook. Then hide your letterbox well. You can be as tricky or simple in your clues as you want. Go ahead and be creative. You then can post your clue on letterboxing.org and visit your letterbox to see who has stopped by to see it!

Family Hiking

Family Hiking

With children getting heavier and heavier these days it is important to go out as a family and have some healthy fun. A nice way to do this is to go hiking on a Saturday morning. There are some things that you should keep in mind.

Do not hike for too long: My kids are usually done after about three hours. You are the best judge of what your children can do. It is important that you remember that you cannot hike as hard, as long and as fast as you were able to without kids.

Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy half way through your hike: This will provide a break to sit and enjoy the nature around you. I have my girls make their sandwiches and pack the rest of lunch with me. This is a great way to get the excited about going.

Make sure that you have an emergency first aid kit: This is a scouting “Be Prepared” essential. You never know what can happen while hiking. It is important that you are ready for anything.

Bring plenty of water: Make sure that you pack enough water for everyone. You do not want anyone to dehydrate. This includes any 4 legged friend you chose to bring with you.

Make it fun: Make sure that you keep your trip fun. Play eye-spy or look at different things along the way. If you make it a stressful thing for your children they will not enjoy it. Kids like to touch everything so have a touch scavenger hunt where they have to find

Choose a hike that is family friendly: Children will not want to be rock climbing for part of their hike on their first time out. Make sure that the first few hikes are easy and increase difficulty as you go. Once you try a harder hike tell the kids what a challenge it can be. It is important to tell them what they have achieved.