Lasso the Moon • Life is a Gift
Wanderlust is a state of mind, a deep feeling, a flame of desire to roam… that can be fed or extinguished. Below are articles that encourage curiosity and the love of travel in children. Embrace the classic Tolkien quote, “Not all those who wander are lost.” Teach your children to live well and EXPLORE.
We are heading into travel season. Are you and your family going anywhere special? Planning a family vacation requires a lot of money, effort, and mental energy. The pressure to document your trip can, in itself, become stressful. Don’t fret. We are taking Melissa & Doug’s Capturing Childhood initiative on the road! Below are 3½ SIMPLE ways to capture gorgeous vacation photos…. Read More
This month Shad and I celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary in Bayfield. During our visit I had the opportunity to do a solo photo walk. I spent 2-lovely-hours on a cold, cloudy, fall afternoon searching for details in this beautiful town. Where exactly is Bayfield? This little tucked away city is the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in… Read More
Thanks to Six Flags for graciously inviting my family to spend a day at Great America. You love your kids. I know you do. We spend money and vacation time to take our kids to theme parks. Yet, the stress of this type of special adventure often leaves parents frazzled (and snapping). My husband and I recently discussed our childhood… Read More
Twenty-five simple + helpful tips for a frugal family vacation! Disney by {N}Duran Photography | CC by 2.0 Some say there is a MAGIC AGE to visit Disney . . . an age when your child is young enough to believe in all the enchanting features the theme park has to offer, yet is old enough to remember the adventure…. Read More
{ding, ding, ding!} Suddenly kids are running and screaming, “The pineapple! The pineapple!” For a moment, chaos breaks out as a 10-foot-tall pineapple gushes a whopping 250 gallons of water down upon them. I watch the enormous mini-umbrella bobble back and forth as the bartender makes my strawberry margarita. He scans my wristband as payment, and I smile at the… Read More
Earlier this summer my family took an amazing trip to Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The most memorable adventure was a special sunrise adventure on the Wildlife Loop. The power of the experience caught me off guard. It was humbling and awe inspiring. Below you’ll find parent-to-parent tips for seeing the most wildlife possible during your… Read More
If your traveling on Highway 90 through (or to!) South Dakota, the Little House on the Prairie Homestead in De Smet is a wonderful afternoon experience for kids. Create lifelong memories and spend the day exploring Laura Ingalls Wilder’s childhood home. Get a photo tour below! . . . Growing up in Wisconsin, I’ve always been a fan of Laura… Read More
A huge summer storm has just swept through the Badlands. The dynamic landscape melts onto the walkways. Quinn clasps her hands together and asks, “Can we take off our shoes?” I hesitate for a moment. My first instinct is “definitely not.” Then I remember my girls need a lifetime of yes moments. “Go for it.” Let the toe oozing begin…. Read More
You’re cruising down the highway and your children are grinning from ear to ear with excitement. Three-hours later there’s crying, yelling, and suddenly you hear a scream from the back seat, “She won’t stop looking at me!” Your children may be well-behaved, but even an everyday sweetie can turn sour on a long road trip. As Modern Parents, we are… Read More
When’s the last time you had a sleepover? You… not your little one. My girlfriends and I talk all the time about taking our monthly Ladies’ Night Out to the next level. We start the conversation with Vegas or Mexico. As the wine in the bottle disappears, we’re dining in Italy. The flight never gets booked. How do you find… Read More
The forest was quiet as I walked across the long swinging bridge. It was nice to slow down and soak in our surroundings, after zip-lining through the area. As the bridge ended, I saw a marker welcoming us to Prosperity Mountain. My traveling partners admired the covered bridge full of wishes blowing in the wind. I was caught off-guard by… Read More
*Photo Credit: Clint’s BBQ & Southern Cookin’, image courtesy of Jill Krause The other day we talked about 5 tips for making dinner a rewarding part of your travels. When traveling don’t miss the opportunity to learn about the area through the food. Food is a central activity of mankind and one of the single most significant trademarks of a… Read More
No fast food on road trips. This was the rule my husband swore by during his college adventures. It is a novel concept which is easily thrown to the wind when traveling with children. I admit, McDonald’s pancakes can feel like an absolute godsend when dealing with the other pressures of a family getaway. Below are five tips for making… Read More
Seven life lessons learned while ziplining through the Smoky Mountains. “You’re going to what?” my husband asked when I told him I would be zip lining through the Smoky Mountains. I admit this type of activity is not generally my cup of tea. However, over the last year or so I’ve been trying to step outside my comfort zone. If you’re… Read More
My chest started to tighten and I could feel the tears starting to well up. “Do not cry in public,” I told myself. I held my breath as my face began to burn. People with suitcases walked around me as I stood still, afraid that if I moved the waterworks would begin. Over the last year, I’ve been trying to… Read More
Do you need a place to store books, markers and paper in the car as much as I do? Heck yeah. How cool is this backseat organizer? Today I am proud to introduce you to Yvette from Abernathy Crafts. She is this week’s Featured Mom. This pocket organizer can be easily removed and used to tote around books and stuff… Read More