As important as they are, observation skills aren't just about our sense of sight. Kids can learn to name certain scents or odors, describe tastes and textures, and notice visual and auditory patterns. One of the many benefits of immersing ourselves in a natural environment is the fact that it can allow us to be completely saturated with an experience that appeals to all 5 of our primary senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. You can start by going on a nature walk with the p …
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I don't know about you, but mornings can be a bit harried around here. I get tired of repeating the same things over and over. And I'm sure my kids were tired of hearing it too. So I stopped. I evaluated. And I realized that we needed to train ourselves in the habits that make mornings go smoothly. So here's what we did. Remember, Practice Makes . . . Permanent I know, I know. We've all heard a slightly (but significantly different) version of that saying: "Practice makes perfec …
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If you have more than one child — or more than one person in your family — you've probably noticed that each person approaches the beach a little differently than others. In his simple poem, entitled "maggie and milly and molly and may," e.e. cummings describes for different girls who enjoy different aspects of the beach. (We're not the only ones enraptured by this brief, insightful poem; check out this adorable animation or this brightly illustrated printable.) Whichever girl you m …
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Is there anything worse than planning for a day at the beach, only to wake up to thunder and lightning? (Of course, a little summer rain never hurt anyone, but you definitely don't want to be in the water during an electrical storm!) Okay, so there are definitely worse problems in the world, but to your little one who was looking forward to going to the beach so, so much, the disappointment will be very real. While we agree that there's nothing like the experience of a real beach, t …
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What do fireflies, bon fires, and fireworks have in common? Okay, they all happen to include the word "fire," but what else? We all probably have fond childhood memories surrounding them, and they all happen after dark, during the summertime. Well, for parents of little ones whose bedtimes come when it's still light outside, the desire to create happy summer memories can, instead, create extra opportunities for melt downs. How do you achieve one while avoiding the other? We have a few …
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Especially if you have a baby or a toddler in tow, the prospect of taking a trip to the beach can be anything but relaxing. But it doesn't have to be that way. No, it won't be anything like it was before kids — not by a long stretch. But that doesn't have to be a bad thing. Like much of this parenting gig, once we adjust our expectations and plan ahead, we can have fun experiencing the beach with our little ones. Have a Designated Beach Bag I don't know about you, but just prepa …
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Perhaps 3D displays aren't quite your method of operation, but you still want to savor your vacation with a little more than photographs allow. Or maybe you want to come up with a single method that will allow you to record your travels, year after year. These 3 ideas can help you create simple, kid-friendly treasures you'll want to keep around. Travel Keepsake Kits These travel keepsake kits are perfect for those who want their kids to be able to easily sift through photo …
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In Part 1 and Part 2 we covered the basics of organizing and printing your vacation photos for preservation and display. If you're up for a little project and 3-dimensional display, then you're going to love these ideas that preserve your vacation memories in fun new ways! Collect Keepsakes Along the Way Do you love the way those wildflowers smell, how those stones feel, how the seashells look, or how the sand feels between your toes? A picture may not do those multi-sensory …
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We all say that vacations and other times we spend with our kids during these precious growing-up years are worthwhile for the memories. Well, why not plan ahead to maximize the memories you're going to create this summer. While we're focusing on the idea of vacation memories, these ideas will work for any type of summer fun — or any time of year, for that matter! In Part 1, we started with 3 tips for managing photos to make prompt printing of vacation photos possible. Now we're goi …
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Does your family love the beach? Or do you prefer places with plenty of high-impact activities or entertainment? This year, will you visit far-away family, venture to a new-to-you destination, or opt for a "staycation," instead? Whatever you decide to do, you'll be taking some time to focus on family fun, and you'll want to remember those special experiences. Even if you give in to that cheesy T-shirt in the tourist shop and snap more photos than you'll ever print, you'll want to be in …
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