Vinyl USA map

We try lots of different things to help our kids learn about where we are and what we're doing, and one of our favorites is the Vinyl US map on the side of our trailer. It helps us keep track of where we've been, and gives the kids a visual on where we live, where we are now, where grandma and grandpa are, stuff like that! The only down-side is the kids all want to put every state on, and since Dad and I can't remember who did what state last, we get a little arguing! Sometimes Dad even sneaks out and puts the state on before the kids remember....I know, I know, we're bad....but our mental health counts for something!

Ginormous S'mores

My Mom sent a little care package for the kids that included these GINORMOUS MARSHMALLOWS! The photo doesn't even do justice...they are at least 4 times bigger than the normal marshmallow. So, we had a family s'more roast, and everybody got good and sticky!
These Marshmallows are made by "Campfire" and are called "Giant Roasters." I have no idea where she found them, but I'm sure you could find some on-line. Anyway, these are not only giant, they are also the best marshmallows I've ever had...and super soft, they are easy to roast to perfection! So, If you're planning a camping trip this summer, these are a must!

Travel Tip: Look OUTSIDE candy Jar!

Okay, so after 3 weeks of traveling in the car, almost every day, I started feeling bad about all the beautiful, interesting, fun and exciting things that my kids were missing out on as we drove by. They were too busy watching a movie (not that I'm knocking DVD players for the car, I love them!), coloring, reading, vomiting, or arguing with each other. If Dad or I pointed out something interesting, by the time they actually looked out the window, we had passed it. So my hubby, awesome dad that he is, came up with the Jelly Bean Jar Idea!

The Rules are pretty basic. The kids try to find interesting things OUTSIDE of the car, and if they're the first person to see something cool, they get a jelly bean! Of course, Dad and I are the ULTIMATE judges of what is really cool, and (sorry Limber) signs and trees DO NOT count! I painted a jar with the words "I Spy, See my Eye," since that's what Bushkin (2) says whenever we play I Spy.

This has really opened my kids eyes to see the beautiful things around them. However, I caution any readers who use this idea. It can be irritating when your 3 and 5 year old yell out every half a second whenever they see a sign; "look, a sign with a bear on it," "Look, a sign with a letter A on it," "Look,....you get the idea! But it's worth putting up with the silly stuff (which they don't get rewarded for), since we found a way to get them to interact with the world around them.