Reader Mail

I love fan mail! Who doesn't?! I got a really nice letter a while ago from a reader who had a great road trip. She sent me a list of some of the specific activities from MomsMinivan that were a big hit with her kids, and I thought others might like to know what worked well --

"I just wanted to thank you for your great ideas! We went on a roadtrip through Utah/Arizona in October - seeing 4 national parks and "4 corners" along the way. I prepared many things for the kids to do, but the biggest hits were:

• Counting cows game - my kids still say "your cows are dead" whenever they see a cemetery, and finding a man with a peg leg has become a big family joke.
• Fortunately, Unfortunately - they could do this all day.
• Pipe cleaners! My kids made strange hanging contraptions all over the backseat of the car. They want more, more, more!!
• Battleship - The kids love it, we even sent copies of it to a friend in Iraq to share with his soldier friends.

Thanks again - I love your site!!"

I'm so glad I could help! I wish you many happy travels! Readers, if you're looking for the list of where she got these activities, head over to the article with my big list of kids car games.

Friends at BlogHer

My friend Devra from Parentopia got to meet Katie Couric last week in New York! Katie invited some of the Blogher attendees to her office for an informal meeting.

Check out the YouTube video that her studio posted about Katie and the bloggers she met! Here's still shot from the video so you can find Devra in the group. Go bloggers!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEXOLbNhiQc

BTW, this now makes me only 4 degrees from Kevin Bacon.

*I am very good friends with Devra.
*Devra met Katie Couric in NY with the bloggers.
*Katie Couric was in "The More You Know" (1989) with Courtney Cox
*Courteney Cox was on The 64th Annual Golden Globe Awards(2007) with Kevin Bacon

Get Your Costumes Ready

Today I'm a guest-blogger over at my friend Becky's blog Deep Muck Big Rake. Check out my post titled "Get Your Costumes Ready", where I have written about my adventures at Mardi Gras and the importance of being properly dressed in a Mardi Gras Costume.

I also wrote about other fun things to do at Mardi Gras like singing karaoke, or using a trash can. Try it. It's fun. Really. Are you still reading this? Get over there and read the post already.

Then get your costume ready.

Pirates of Kentucky Lake

Who knew there was treasure hidden in the Land Between the Lakes!?

The ship: A pontoon boat from a resort at Kentucky Lake.

The crew: Five adventurous moms (former college roommates), and 9 swashbuckling children (ages 3 to 13).

What's more: A real message in a bottle. A treasure map. A secret treasure chest!

Read the entire tale and see pictures of our family's adventure on the high seas: Pirates of Kentucky Lake. ARRRH!

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!