Fun for the Road: Treasure Bottle

Prepare this one ahead of time. Use a large soda bottle or a large clean peanut butter jar. Fill it no more than 2/3 full with uncooked rice or birdseed. Then put in about 20-25 small objects (for example: safety pin, plastic bugs, button, M&M, nut, bolt, paper clip, penny, bead, piece of macaroni, tiny lego, and other misc. toy pieces or stuff that is probably rolling around in your kitchen junk drawer.) Keep a count of the items and write down the number of items on the outside of the bottle, or make a list of the items. Put the lid on tight (you may even want to superglue it shut).

Let the kids take turns rolling the bottle around in their hands until they find them all. You can also make more than one treasure bottle so kids don't have to take turns - put different items in different bottles. Kids of all ages love this game.

This activity is now included on the Car Games for Big Kids and the Toddler page!

Trip to Alaska

This past July I had an opportunity to see Alaska! My cousins put me up (and put up with me) for a week at their home. We toured glaciers, hiked, fished, went moose watching, and participated in local Fourth of July festivities. Here I am at the top of Flattop Mountain (and on top of the world!) in Anchorage, Alaska on a beautiful July Afternoon.

Take a look at the video I shot of our fishing group while we were charter fishing with Alaska Northern Outfitters.
It only took me about 15 years to take my cousin up on her offer to visit her in Alaska. I have no idea what took me so long. I can't wait to go back and bring the kids next time. Best travel tip ever: If you have family living in cool places, go visit them!