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