The van is locked and loaded, and we are hitting the road for a few days of highway togetherness! I plan on blogging a lot of our travels this week, so stay tuned for our journey to deep in the heart of Texas!

I’m sharing some of my top road trip survival tips over on Land O’Moms today, and how we keep our sanity when we’re strapped and trapped!  Find out our go-to road munchies, ideas for creativity, and favorite entertainment distractions by clicking over to read more! 

I’m curious how YOU survive long road trips with your family…what audiobooks, iPad apps, DVDs, games, and other roadside entertainment saves your sanity?

This week we’re leaving on a 17 hour journey south to see some dear friends in Texas.  It’s sure to be a haul, but we’ve survived road trips to Florida twice, Alabama, Pennsylvania, and a handful of nearby states, so I’m sure we’ll make the best of this one too!

We like to celebrate like crazy people each time we come to a new state.  It would be fun to stop and take pictures at each state sign, but we are too “pedal to the medal” to stop like good tourists.  Instead, last time when we traveled to Gulf Shores, AL I made a road trip map. It was a great visual  geography lesson and a fun interactive way to track our progress!

Here’s How to Make a Road Trip Map for Kids:

1. Print off a map of the United States. (You can find great printable maps of the United States at Education Place.) 

2. Laminate it or put it in a sleeve protector.

3. Draw the route from your starting to ending point with a dry or wet erase marker.

4.  Find a car/truck/van sticker and place it on your starting dot.  (Bring some extra stickers along as back-up drivers if your sticker gets lost or looses its stickiness. )

5. Move your vehicle from state to state until you reach each destination.  (The sleeve protector or laminated surface allows your sticker to come off easily from state to state.)

6. Erase the lines and save for your next multi-state trip!

How do YOU make the most of a long road trip?  Do you stop a lot along the way?  Have you found any great apps or websites for places to stop?

The weather has been PERFECT for some easy KidVentures this week.  We even got to break out the sprinkler for the first time! Which is always a hit for about seven minutes….anyone else experience this?  I’m not sure if it’s because the water is too cold, or the sprinkler isn’t that exciting, or what the non-draw is!  {Vent it out with me in the comment section!}

There were melted marshmallow and chocolate mouths that come from the pure pleasure of ingesting s’mores…

There was a team effort bug hunt for butterflies, dragonflies, and spiders (eeeek!),

And we even a “magic” tree house discovered in the woods.

Hello, Simple Outdoor Pleasures of Summer!  Welcome back!

If you need some simple ideas for this upcoming season – KidVentures is chock-full of them!  From building a homemade sprinkler from PVC pipe, to how to skip rocks, to making chalk sidewalk people, to geocaching… great ideas that you can pick up and go!

As a fellow mom of four boys, I’m always looking for ways to keep my wild bunch active. When my boys get too wiggly and wild in the house, we say, “Are you acting like an animal? Where do animals live?”. They always run to the closet and grab their shoes and answer, “Outside!”. Kidventures is so comprehensive and detailed, Jen makes it too easy not to head out and play. I’m looking forward to putting KidVentures to use this summer, making sweet memories with my boys while keeping my house and sanity intact.

- Hayley Morgan,TheTinyTwig.com, Founder of The Influence Network

Oh and good news!  KidVentures is now available on Nook!  And I’ve had a handful of people who are new to ebooks asking if they could get a copy without a reader or tablet.  ABSOLUTELY!  You can download the PDF and read it on your computer, copy it off, or read it from an app on your phone! 

I was going to spend a few hours planning summer fun for my 3 kids, now I don’t have to. Jen’s book is PACKED with fun, simple experiences that are very well laid out and clearly explained. Honestly? I’m just as excited as my kids are about doing these activities!

-Kat Lee, InspiredToAction.com

So what KidVentures are YOU conquering first?

You might remember our early spring trip to Conner Prairie…we had such a great day, and couldn’t wait to go back.  Little did we know that the next time we would find ourselves at our favorite interactive history park, we would be filming a TV commercial! 

Who knew “working” could be so much FUN?!!! The boys spent the day on several “sets” which were really just set up for them to enjoy the park for the day.

From pretending to be Civil War soldiers…

To checking out the newborn piglets…

Making pottery creations…

And science experiments that were entirely hands-on! 

And that doesn’t even cover half of it! I can’t even describe what an excellent experience we had as a family.  The entire crew at Lodge Design were wonderful to work with, the staff at Conner Prairie were fabulous, the other “talent” family became our fast friends, and the boys did everything they were asked without complaint! And although we were exhausted at the end of the day, we couldn’t have asked for anything to have gone better!

Check out how an entire day of shooting was cut into this 30 second television spot! 

We love that at Conner Prairie it’s ALL hands on and that questions are encouraged!  Learning comes so naturally when you’re having fun, which is why we’ll be back several times over the summer! Who’s coming with us?

I’m the one out of five people who suffer from allergies or asthma.  Lucky me.  And like most allergy sufferers, I’ve tried it all – medications, nose sprays, air filters, etc. without much relief. So when Airocide contacted me and wanted me to give their fancy smancy NASA developed air purifier a whirl, I didn’t have a thing to loose!

First off, I was impressed with its sleek design.  It didn’t say “Look out, ugly plastic air purifier in the middle of the room”. It was more of “Hey, aren’t you all cool over there all blending in and looking hip with those clean simple lines?”.  

Next, I was blown away by its easy functionality.  You simply plug it in and let it do it’s magic.  No changing filters every month or crazy instruction manual.  It has 3 simple options – low/high/auto.  Here’s the thing I love about the auto setting….so say you aren’t into white noise while you sleep, the air purifier has a light sensor and when the room darkens, it automatically switches to a quiet low setting.  Every once a year or so, there’s a reaction chamber that needs replaced, but that’s the only maintenance required.

Lastly, I love the results.  My throat and nose have been clearer this allergy season than any I remember.  Because Airocide eliminates (not filters) virtually 100% of all airborne pathogens including the main allergy triggers: mold, fungi, pollen, dust mites, viruses, bacteria and VOC’s — basically the harmful gasses emitted by products like aerosol sprays, cleaning supplies, dry-cleaned clothing, building materials, pesticides, carpet, furniture and even air fresheners (a claim traditional air filters can’t even come close to making). I love the peace of mind that our family is breathing cleaner, purer air.  Most people report feeling better overall in the first few days of use!

The only downside would be the price, but if you look at it as kickback for your health, and a savings from potential medications, illnesses, allergic reactions, it’s definitely worth the initial investment.  That to me would be worth the 65 cents to operate it per day, and Airocide stands behind their product and offers a money back guarantee!

{You can find out more about breathing clearer on the Airocide website, or also find them on Twitter and Facebook. }

So how do YOU attempt to breathe clearly during allergy season? What works for YOU?

*Thanks to Airocide for providing the air purifier for review purposes, as always my opinions and overall impressions expressed are my own.

Yesterday was my 7th Mother’s Day, but I’m far away from figuring out this motherhood gig.  How did our moms make it look so easy? 

It’s a game of trial and error, making something out of a mess, and asking for forgiveness in the process. It’s a dance of receiving grace and extending grace. (And sometimes it’s not the most elegant or pleasing to watch dance.)

We need those cheerleaders on the sideline telling us “good job” even when we know how miserably we’ve failed.  We need a hand to pull us back up, when we sink with guilt and defeat.  We need a cold cup of water when we are breathless. We need some high fives and “atta girls” in this thick, sticky, and tiring race when we feel like throwing in the towel. We need a pat on the back just for getting through another day.

There is no prize money or accolades at the finish line, but the rewards are hidden in the race.   Perhaps it’s come in the form of a smile during a midnight feeding, or a hug after you’ve bandaged a knee, or a fist bump after a soccer game, or a thank you from a teenager who you didn’t know noticed your extra effort, or maybe it’s another mom who holds the door so you can make a quick escape with an uncooperative toddler.  It may be found in realizing that you’re more courageous now than ever.

Let’s continue to rally one another and cheer each other on, instead of throw darts of discouragement or judgment.  Let’s stand on the sidelines with grace and reassurance, because this motherhood race is a marathon, not a mile.

And after all, high fives, fist bumps, pats on the backs and applause are free.

You guys, I’m astonished. In just a few days from release, you’ve put KidVentures on the top charts of Amazon. 

Currently it’s #1 for “Homeschooling” Books, #1 for Kindle “Family Activities” and in the top #50 for both Education/Reference and Parenting.  Could you guys be more awesome?

We took a KidVenture out to Eagle Creek Park yesterday for a picnic by the reservoir, and some time at the Nature Center before the rain set in {again}. Feeding the birds peanuts, touching tadpoles, and some fresh air was just what our week needed!

I LOVE hearing about how YOU are planning on using KidVentures with your kids! Erin and her boys made their own summer bucket lists, Kristen is keeping a “Summer Box” with all the supplies and a copy of KidVentures, Alli is giving it to her babysitter to keep her kids busy while she’s working. 

“Remember, it doesn’t have to be dangerous, expensive, complex, intimidating, or mud-covered to be an excellent KidVenture.”

As a “Thank You” for Mother’s Day weekend KidVentures will be on sale for just $2.99 through Sunday night.

Use the Promo Code “MOTHER” to download the PDF for only $2.99 or find it on Amazon HERE.

Thank you for believing in us, and continuing to share KidVentures with your friends!

It’s LIVE!  KidVentures: 50 Outdoor Experiences of Wonder, Discovery, & Childhood Memories can be yours for the reading on your computer, phone, tablet, or reader TODAY!  {My fingers are literally shaking as I type this post!}

Friends, there are so many creative, active, hands-on-learning activities packed into these pages… plenty of adventures to keep you busy all summer long! No need to be intimidated, spend a lot of money, or take a wilderness survival course.

But don’t just take my word for it… These words speak volumes, and I’m so honored by each of them.

Here’s a sample of the Table of Contents organized by categories: weather, exploring, creative, etc. :

(Click on the pages for larger view.)

Here’s a sample of just one of the fun 50 experiences contained in this ebook, along with a printable to accompany the activity:

(Click on the pages for larger view.)

{I cannot thank Brad enough for his coding, design work, and overall patience and support as we tackled this project together! He’s incredibly talented, You Guys. }

I know you readers here at 4tunate are going to be amazing supporters of this project, and I’m so grateful for your eager enthusiasm. {I’m also splitting my earnings with all affiliates, so you would earn a 50% profit on sales that you share – to learn more and sign up check out the Affiliate page on KidVentures. }To show my appreciation, I wanted to put together an incentive for sharing KidVentures with your circles!  Thankfully, I had some awesome sponsors who were willing to share some of their products that were an excellent fit for KidVentures.

1. A Ninja Mega Kitchen System -The Ninja® Mega Kitchen System™ gives you the power & convenience to live a healthy lifestyle by combining Ninja blade technology with an extra-large 72 oz. pitcher, 64 oz. processor bowl, single serve drinking cups & easy to use attachments for all your kitchen needs.  Perfect for on-the-go smoothies!

2. A case (48 pouches) of GoGo Squeez Applesauce – The leading squeezable, re-sealable, 100% fruit in a pouch. GoGo squeeZ’s products are crafted with high-quality natural ingredients to provide wholesome goodness for sipping, squeezing and enjoying, wherever life takes you. My favorite snack for outdoor adventures!

3.  A Shark Steam Pocket Mop – Shark® steam mops have changed the way the world cleans hard-floor surfaces. Say “goodbye” to the hassles of traditional mopping. Using powerful, super-heated steam, Shark® products clean and sanitize in seconds – making the chore of cleaning easier, faster, and better. Cleaning up summer messes just got so much easier!

4.  A lunch container set from EasyLunchboxes – Pack your child’s favorite lunch recipes or make healthy, homemade “Lunchables.” Our bento-style, 3-compartment container ensures that foods don’t “touch.” Kid-friendly, easy-open lids come in fun, colorful colors. These are great for picnic lunches!

5. A family 4 pack of tickets to Cedar Point – The best amusement park and roller coaster capital of the world, located on Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio.  We had an incredible adventure here last year, and cannot wait to return to ride their newest coaster, GateKeeper.

6. Land O’Frost Minis, Wrap Kit, and Cooler -  Land O’Frost offers delicious taste and ultra convenience with our new Wrap Kits and Premium Minis. Looking forward to trying these out for snacks and meals to go this summer!

7. A Mabel’s Labels Combo Pack – Award-winning Mabel’s Labels is the leading provider of personalized labels for kids and adults. We use these on EVERYTHING – shoes, backpacks, flip-flops, toys, water bottles, you name it!  We haven’t had one come off yet – washing machine and dishwasher tested!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

{This giveaway will close May 15, 2013.  Winners will be notified through email, must live in the US, and have 48 hours to respond before another winner will be chosen. }

Cannot WAIT to see the KidVentures you come up with, and which ones you try out from the ebook first!  Feel free to tag your pictures with #KidVentures all summer long on Twitter and on Instagram!

Never a dull moment around here… Can you guess what we are up to today?
Stay “tuned”…

Spring is in full swing at our house.  The boys are on a constant hunt for our next bug, animal, or other critter to study and beg us to keep as a pet.  Snails were first this spring, and we discovered a new friend this Friday morning, a box turtle.

The boys are trying to come up with a name for him, and we need your help!  Their first attempt at a name was “Turdy”, but they don’t understand how gross that name is.  (Or maybe they do, but don’t care.)

Here he is:

Could you or your kids give us some name suggestions?  Leave them in the comments section, and we will have the boys choose their favorite.

Also, don’t forget the upcoming launch of our new eBook, KidVentures!  Check out the post about it here.  We are so excited to push it live next week and share it with you all!

Have a great weekend!