Vacation

Just back from a desperately needed vacation.  The kids stayed with Grandma so this was real bliss!  We went to Key West, FL.  This is a great spot to head to for anyone needing a change in latitude for a while.  Imagine a smaller version of New Orleans but on a tropical island!  Everything is in walking distance with plently of restaurants and bars that feature live music.  If you are not one to just hang out by the pool or beach all day fear not there is plenty to see and do there. Explore an old lighthouse or old Civil War Forts, and visit a garden center or the butterfly conservatory,  Hemmingway's house, art gallerys, museums of all sorts.  There is also snorkeling, parasailing, jetskiing sunset cruises and much much more.  Key West celebrates the sunset daily with vendors and performers all  in Mallory Square.   We also took a day trip out to the Dry Tortugas National Park,  a bit on the pricey side but well worth the trip.  There is some great snorkeling out there and an amazing Civil War Fort as well!. 

If you are looking for a great place to just get away for a while this is the spot !  Just a note try not to go in July or August unless you REALLY like heat  it was in the 90s the enitre time we were there. :)

Summer Vacation, How to Keep the Kids Occupied....

Summer vacation is half way over, the kids are starting to get bored and parents are pulling out all the stops.  Here is a list of suggestions for activities you can do with your kids this summer. 

1. Have a picnic in the park 
2. Create a scavenger hunt
3. Catch fireflies
4. Put the sprinkler on let the kids play under it
5. Make homemade ice pops using juice or yogurt and ice trays with toothpicks
6. Make huge ice cream sundaes
7. Have a sleep over
8. Build a castle from boxes and paper towel rolls
9. Visit a new playground each day/week
10. Take  photos of different kinds of bugs or animals you see and make an album
11. Do the same for flowers
12. Build a tent fort
13. Make fairy houses
14. Go to the beach and collect shells
15. Go to your local zoo
16. Check your local paper for summer fairs or concerts
17. Make silly sock puppets
18. Fly a kite
19. Ride your bikes in the park
20. Go hiking
21. Take a field trip to the local pet store to look at animals
22. Ask if you can visit the fire station or post office (you may need to make an appointment)
23. Do puzzles
24. Make your own board game
25. Have a weekly game night
26. Watch a movie marathon
27. Use sidewalk chalk to decorate the driveway or sidewalk
28. Make collages from cut out photos in old magazines
29. Put on your own play
30. Run relay races

Feel free to add to this list...