| Family vacations can be one of the most exciting | | | | that go along with each story. This way you can |
| times of the year. You have planned and anticipated | | | | print off new coloring books for each trip that you |
| your trip for weeks or months, and finally the kids | | | | take, and your kids can color pictures while listening |
| are off for the summer, and mom and dad are on | | | | to some of their favorite stories. They also offer |
| vacation. Its a time to unwind, relax and do some fun | | | | free coloring pages and mazes on their web site that |
| and exciting things together. Traveling with kids can | | | | are great when traveling with kids. These will |
| be great fun, or it can try your patience, it all | | | | entertain children both young and old. |
| depends on how well you prepare for the trip. | | | | For long trips, portable DVD players or video players |
| Children live in the present, and are not very good at | | | | are wonderful. If you really need to cover some |
| waiting for long periods or sitting quietly, so make | | | | miles and its going to be 2-3 hours till your next stop, |
| sure that you go on your trip adequately prepared. | | | | then the kids will love to watch one of their favorite |
| It may be a road trip to visit the grandparents or | | | | movies. These work well for entertaining the kids, |
| other relatives, visiting a theme park, visiting a | | | | the time will go by fast, and mom and dad can talk |
| national park or monument, or touring the United | | | | up front, while the movie is playing. We have a long |
| States. Whatever your vacation plans happen to be, | | | | cable with dual headsets that works very well for our |
| if you are traveling over 100 miles with kids, you will | | | | two kids. They can be comfortable in the back and |
| want to take along some things to help keep them | | | | control the volume of the movie, while my wife and I |
| occupied and entertained. | | | | have a normal conversation up front. This way we |
| We love to visit and interact with are kids as much | | | | do not have to talk extra loud to compete with the |
| as possible along the way. We make up songs | | | | movie. |
| together, play I Spy and other games. However, at | | | | Another thing to consider is taking along an |
| times mom and dad want to visit and the kids want | | | | inexpensive digital camera for the kids, or maybe |
| to relax, so we take along some things to make the | | | | getting them inexpensive disposable cameras for the |
| trip more enjoyable for everyone. | | | | trip. Kids love snapping off pictures, and you will be |
| Older kids are better at reading or keeping | | | | amazed at some of the neat shots that they may |
| themselves occupied, however some good music | | | | capture. |
| CDs are sure to be appreciated. Most of the things | | | | Last but not least, be sure you pack some pillows |
| that we will mention here are geared toward the | | | | and light blankets so the kids can get comfortable. |
| younger kids, but older kids will enjoy some of these | | | | Snap-on reading lights are great in case the kids want |
| things too. Be sure and take along some small toys, | | | | to do some reading after it gets dark. Also, make |
| games, coloring books, reading books, story and | | | | sure and pack a small cooler with bottled water, |
| music CDs, and a football or frisbee to toss around | | | | juice, and soft drinks, and take along some of your |
| when you stop to stretch your legs. | | | | favorite snacks. This will minimize the number of |
| Be sure to have a portable CD player with | | | | stops and everyone will be more comfortable along |
| headphones to take along. Kids will enjoy listening to | | | | the way. |
| stories or music and have a ball doing it; and is a | | | | Family vacations and traveling with kids can be great |
| great place for getting children stories. Each of their | | | | fun. Most of all just be safe. Have fun and do not |
| story CDs contains six short stories and some great | | | | stress yourself out. Remember, you are creating |
| music. They have Bible Stories, Classic Stories, and | | | | family memories that will last a life time. Have a great |
| Stories about Famous Americans. What we really like | | | | trip! |
| is that you can download companion coloring books | | | | |