Teaching Kids about Helping Others with #SimpleGiving

During November, we will be sharing a number of ways that kids can learn about gratitude and giving to others.  I'm thrilled to be part of the #SimpleGiving Champions for Kids campaign sponsored through Collective Bias® and share my i...

A Great Way to Help Girls Grow to be Leaders

  Disclaimer: I am being compensated by Girl Scouts for sharing my thoughts on the #ICantWaitTo campaign as part of the Mom It Forward Blogger Network.  As always, all opinions are my own -- I only share programs that we really l...

Family Adventures - Tips for Picking and the Capri Sun Big Pouch Picking Contest

    We are HUGE fans of American Pickers -- I mean big!  In our house, it's a family show and we all watch to see what cool things can be found when you head out on a pick.  Needless to say I was thrilled when I was...

Moms Fighting Hunger: Host a Neighborhood Food Drive

  Today's post is one of those that I'm both excited and sad to write -- Excited because I'm working with a group of amazing moms who are all focused on making a difference in the lives of children! But also sad because it means tha...

Explore the Forest - Tips for Hiking with Kids

We are a big hiking family - love to explore the forest on foot.  And we've been treated to some great encounters during our family hikes -- moose in Colorado, wildlife in South Dakota and even some out-of-the-ordinary highlights clos...

The Essential Guide for Homework Help & Afterschool Activities

  I'm always so overwhelmed once the school year gets into full swing.  I think it's coming off of those laid back summer days and then WHAM! -- it seems like there's hardly any time to relax.  One of our challenges is find...

Camping Activities & Adventures for Families

I'm not going to lie to you -- I don't do tents!  Sorry, there's just something about a thin piece of material and the possibility of bears or snakes in the area that kinda freaks me out! But family camping doesn't always mean tents....

Kids Love a Curse: Fun Non-fiction Stories to Engage Young Readers

Both of my kids are huge fans of non-fiction books & stories.  When they were younger, neither was interested interested in the fiction readers that came home from school.  It was a big struggle to get them to practice reading...

Playgrounds - Invitations to Play for PARENTS

Attention Parents:  What do you do when you see something like this?   Do you send your kids over to play and explore?  Or do you pick up a mallet and make some music?...

Amazing Ideas for Creative Backyard Play this Summer

Try these backyard games & activities for awesome summer fun this year!We love spending time outdoors during the summer.Well, I LOVE to be outside no matter what!  Our kids really enjoy it as long as there's something fun to do.&nb...

Our Summer Bucket List

  Well, today's the day!  It's the last day of school for the kids here.  As I put the finishing touches on this post, my oldest is completing his final exams and my youngest is enjoying the school talent show.  They ...

7 Fun Nature Walks for Kids

Getting the kids more time outside is always a goal these days. Especially on school days when they're stuck in a building for 8 hours :( with the exception of a 25 minute recess (if you're in elementary school) which I think is waaayyy to...

Flying a Kite: Hands-on Science & Books for Kids

We headed out this weekend for a few hours to fly a kite - a spur of the moment idea to enjoy some outdoor time on a windy day. Have you ever gone kite flying with the kids? It's such a great family activity for those windy, Spring aftern...

5 Tips for Raising a Reader & Great Book Resources for Kids

Did you know that March is National Reading Month?  It's a great time to think about what it takes to raise a child who reads and loves books....

Dr. Seuss Activities, Facts & Resources

March is a big month for The Cat in the Hat and Dr. Seuss activities with many book & reading celebrations at schools and libraries across the country. If you have kids (or remember being a child) than you are very familiar with The Cat...