Traffic pro

I have been so busy that I have not shown any pictures of the camping trip James and his dad took the girls on. To my surprise the girls loved every bit of it. They went to a small campground that no one really hears about. That was a big plus for them.

We have a really hard time finding places to camp since everything we do is last minute. We can not plan too much in advance since James runs 9 or 10 stores in Chicago. All of our trips are planned about a week in advance. If everything is going smoothly and all of his store managers are working we quick go somewhere before the next problem happens.

I am glad that they found this place. It does not take reservations so you can just show up at that day. The site they got was perfect! I really want to go there with them soon. The site was huge, full of grass, and right on the water so they could fish anytime. Oh yeah, They also had their very own port-a-potty. The girls called to tell me that as soon as they got there.

We have a winner in the Fun Family Ideas category!

Ryan Simonsen and his family have been geocaching for years in Wisconsin. I knew Ryan and Sheila back when we were young but lost contact with them during the years that we lived in Arizona. I am very glad that Ryan sent this entry to me. He has a great little family that loves spending time together.

Our family has done some geocaching in Arizona and Wisconsin. We really like that it is outdoors and free. Anyone at any age can do it and kids love looking for treasure. James and the girls have even done some of the caches Ryan has set up and really enjoyed them.

Here is a portion of the winning entry...

Geocaching 101

by Ryan Simonsen

Ever have that thirst for adventure? Have you ever dreamed of finding hidden treasure? Have you ever wanted to go for a hike, but you didn't know where to go? Have I got a family activity for you......Geocaching.

Geocaching is a world wide treasure hunt played with a GPS reciever. This is a fun activity for the whole family and the best part is that it is free. There are over 500,000 caches in over 33 countries and it grows bigger everyday.

Geocaching on the main site

If you would like to see the full entry with all of the information about geocaching you can go to the main site and read all about Geocaching.

This morning came way too early. We had a late night with our guests. So here is our next installment of camping things to get you ready for the Great American Backyard Campout on the 28th. If anyone is interested... the above picture is a T shirt design that is available at one of my stores.


Crafts & Activities

PINE CONE BIRD FEEDER

Supplies:
Pine cone
Paper plate
Butter knife
Smooth peanut butter
Birdseed
Ribbon or yarn
Scissors

Instructions:
Cut a long length of yarn or ribbon to use to hang the bird feeder.
Tie the ribbon in a knot around the pine cone near the top (about 3 sections down).
Tie a knot in the end of the ribbon.
Use the knife to get a large clump of peanut butter on the paper plate.
Use the knife to spread peanut butter inside the pine cone and around the edges.
Sprinkle the birdseed over the pine cone.
Roll the pine cone in the birdseed that collected on the plate.
Hang the bird feeder on the tree.
Enjoy watching the birds eat their treat!

Pet Rocks

Supplies:
Rocks or pebbles (cleaned)
Glue gun
Paint
Brushes
Eyes, pipe cleaners, ribbon, markers, yarn, etc.
Acrylic varnish or other shiny finish (optional)

Instructions:
Using a few rocks and pebbles, make an animal shape. Be creative!
Glue the rocks together and cool.
Paint the rocks. Let them dry.
Add eyes and other features using markers. Apply the acrylic varnish if you want a shiny finish.
Glue on eyes, pipe cleaners, ribbons, yarn, etc.

RUSTIC STICK FRAME

Supplies:
12 Sticks
Low Temp Glue Gun or white glue
Twine

Instructions:
Gather sticks from your backyard or a walk in the woods. Look for straight sticks from 1/4" to 1/2" thick.
Strip off any leaves or branches and break 6 of the sticks to 11" length. Break the other 6 to 9" length.
Arrange the sticks to form your picture frame using a glue gun to tack the sticks in place. Wrap the four corners with twine and glue the ends in place on the back.
Trim your photo to fit. Glue to back of frame at corners. Cut and glue a 6" piece of twine to the back of photo for hanging.

TERRARIUM

Supplies:
Plastic 2 liter soda bottle with cap
Very sharp scissors or craft knife
Dirt or potting soil
Seeds
Water
Permanent black marker

Instructions:
Remove the label from the bottle. Discard label. Save cap!
Wash and rinse out the bottle and cap.
Cut the bottle close to the bottom. I found a "line" about at the end of the label and cut there. You can cut it higher if you wish.
Lightly place dirt or potting soil in the base.
Plant a few seeds in the dirt.
Lightly water.
Put the cap on the bottle.
Cover the base with the top of the bottle. You will have to fiddle with it a bit to fit back inside the base.
Place in a sunny spot and watch for your seeds to grow.
When the plants are ready, repot them or plant them in your garden.
Enjoy!

For more camping tips and activities you can go to the Great American Backyard Campout website.