No Loose Batteries in Checked Luggage as of Jan. 1, 2008

According to an article from the Associate Press, as of January 1, 2008 you cannot pack loose lithiam batteries in checked luggage.

You can check the batteries if they are in an electronic device such as cellphones, cameras and laptops. (Ummm... who checks those items?) If the batteries are not in original cases or a device you can pack it in a plastic bag and stow it in your carry-on bag- there is a limit of two batteries per passenger.

According to the FAA "fire-protection systems in the cargo hold of passenger planes can't put out fires sparked in lithium batteries."

The ban was put in place to affect shipments of non-rechargeable lithium batteries. I am personally a bit confused why shipments of batteries would be loose, but, hey, if it keeps my plane from bursting into flames...

I just added a note to my always prepared travel necessitis list: Small ziptop baggies for loose camera batteries.

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Passports- Information and Tips

In preparation for our upcoming overseas travel we had to get a passport for our youngest daughter. We learned a few tricks the last time we had to get a passport for a wee one- tips that definately saved us time the second time around. (The following tips for first-time applications only)

• Save time at the passport processing center by filling out your application online and printing at home.


• If the person needing the passport is under 2-years-old you cannot get the photo done at the passport processing center (or Walgreens or similar place) as the camera they use will "white out" a small child. Call local photography studios and ask if they do passport photos. If they don't they can point you to someone who does. It's relatively inexpensive.


• Make sure to take the correct documentation. You must provide a certified birth certificate (it will be sent in with the application and returned to you with the passport) and both parents must accompany the child to the processing center. If both parents can't accompany the child there are lots of hoops to jump through. It's easiest if you both go. Be sure to have your valid drivers licenses or state issued ID.


• Take a checkbook. There are over 9000 passport acceptance facilities, but most cannot accept the fees for the US Department of State. So you will write one check to the US Department of State and pay the execution fee to the acceptance facility.


• Fees: Age 16 and older: The passport application fee is $67. The execution fee is $30. The total is $97 . Under Age 16: The passport application fee is $52. The execution fee is $30. The total is $82 . The passport application fee includes the $12.00 Security Surcharge, which became effective March 8, 2005.


• When you get the passport you will see that it requires a signature. Of course your small child can't sign his/her passport. What you will do is sign like this: Child's Full Name by Paren't Full Name (mother/father). In Caelan's case it looks like this: Caelan Aibhlinn Hxxxxxx by Jody Lynn Hxxxxxx (mother).


• Make sure you fill out the emergency contact information in pencil. And make sure it'sup to date every time you use it.

If you are renewing your passport this link has everything you need to know. And I'll include, for convenience, the Passport Home Page.

Thankfully the passport backups that plagued early 2007 are through and it took about three weeks for Caelan's to come through. The "official" time is 5 weeks, although I prefer to give them three months- just to be safe.

And if you haven't gotten a new passport recently let me tell you that there are some changes you will notice. The pages are no longer blank, but include pictures of national symbols and landmarks along with some great quotes. Obviously not necessary changes but beautiful and inspiring.

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California Cafe, Mall of America, Minneapolis/St Paul, Minnesota, USA

The urge when you visit the Mall of America is to eat at one of theme restaurants such as the Rainforest Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp or one of the many other "fun" places that have mediocre food and kid friendly ambiance.

The biggest problem with that plan, especially if you visit on a weekend, is the wait time can be extensive. When we were there this past weekend waits were 2+ hours. And the food court was really no better as the tables were all full and the lines were long.

Did I mention that it was after 2pm? It was just insane.

I was going to fore go lunch and try to get by with a snack of some sort for the girls when we walked past California Cafe. I had never eaten there but had heard good things. I wasn't sure how the girls would like it as it presents itself as upscale but there was no wait so we decided to try it.

I was completely impressed. For what we would have paid at any of the so-so theme restaurants we had great food in a relaxed atmosphere.

The kids meals are presented in a bento box. Brenna thought it was very cool. She chose chicken fingers, fries, a salad and fruit but the other options, such as carrot & celery sticks, whipped potatoes, burgers and pasta, all sounded great.


There is also a daily adult bento box special. As well as the regualr menu. I highly recommend the artichoke & spinach dip and the bacon wrapped shrimp.


I highly recommend the California Cafe the next time you are at the Mall of America or near any of their other locations.

The food is fresh and delicious, the atmosphere is refined and relaxed and the staff is so professional. Don't overlook it because you have kids.

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Did You Hear?

I take my laptop everywhere with me. It allows me to download photos, keep in touch with friends and family and to update my websites.

So I study the places I stay very closely and look for free Wi-Fi or internet connections.

Marriott recently announced that they will have free Wi-Fi in lobbies and public areas at all Spring Hill Suites, Fairfield Inn and Courtyard by Marriott properties.

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Packing Tips

Knowing what to pack is key to any trip- whether it's a long weekend or a month long getaway. Budget Travel recently had an article featuring Clinton Kelly of What Not To Wear with some great packing tips.
Note: this article was written with a 3-day-weekend in mind but you can easily use these tips for any trip. Any wording in green I have added.

The big rule "Nothing gets packed unless it goes with at least two other pieces. In fact, be careful whenever you buy something that only goes with one thing. You get stuck."

Commit to neutrals on half the body "Let's do neutral bottoms. (ie: jeans, khakis, black, brown) "Gray is the easiest neutral to make work for day and evening. Brown is OK, but it can end up being too casual, especially for men."

Darker jeans are better He chooses darker jeans because they can be dressed up for dinner. "Straight-leg jeans are preferable to wide-leg ones, for the same reason."

The other half gets patterns "A shirt with a pattern goes well with a neutral bottom. I'm no big fan of jeans and a solid--even though I'm wearing it now." You can mix prints if they're in the same color family and you vary the patterns' sizes.

Keep secondary colors consistent. He throws in an extra knit (a pink top), because it'll go with the jeans and the trousers. "The fewer colors you have, the more likely it is that different pairings will work."

Accessorize strategically "The right shoes and jewelry can take an outfit up or down." It's fine to mix gold and silver, but when you're traveling, it's easier to stick to one. "Dramatic earrings like these will make this outfit dressier."

On the actual packing "Wear bulkier items on the plane, so you have more space inside the bag." He puts the jewelry in Ziploc bags to protect it, then stuffs the bags inside the shoes. Next he packs the shoes, in shoe bags, in the bottom of the suitcase. Think about layers. Always.

An excuse to go shopping "A cotton or poly jersey dress, like a Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress, is great for traveling. You just roll it up in a ball." Finally, Clinton says V-necks are better than crewnecks. "They elongate the neckline, which makes you look taller. And that makes you look thinner. I've never met a woman who didn't want to look thinner!"

Of course these tips are catered towards women, but you can easily use them to dress anyone. Think Garanimals- coordination is the key.

Don't forget to track the weather before your vacation. The Weather Channel is great for this. You can get averages as well as weekly and monthly outlooks.

And don't forget to ship items ahead (as mentioned here and here).

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Fine Living's Top 20 Travel Tips

I was flipping through channels last night and happened to catch this program of travel tips on Fine Living.

It's a great list- some of the ideas you may have even seen here before! I have copied the info from Fine Living's website and have added my 2 cents worth in green...

Planning, Packing, and Vacation Rentals

Travel Tips #20 through #17 feature being skeptical of hotel brochures and websites, not packing what you can buy at your destination, booking a vacation rental for your family trips, and taking extra items in your carry-on bag.


Tip # 20: Research Your Destination

*Call and ask specific questions. I always do this, especially with places we will be spending the night. Use direct numbers when possible and try to speak with a manager.

*Consult a travel guidebook. Make sure your guidebook is recent. There is nothing worse than an old guidebook steering you wrong.

*Read online feedback from actual travelers. Trip Advisor is good for this. So is Googling the location. That's how many of you found me.

Tip # 19: Pack Lightly

*Purchase beach and rain gear as needed. Or bring multi-use items.

*Purchase toiletries after arriving at your destination. This only works if your destination is domestic. Often foreign locations will have the same items but different brands. If you are picky take travel sizes.

Tip # 18: Vacation Rental Benefits

*Significant cost saving measure Usually best for a large group.

*Everyone under one roof with common area and kitchen Great money savings to buy food and prepare it yourself!

Tip # 17: The "3-1-1" Rule For air travel

*liquids and gels in a 3 oz. (or less) container

*stored in a 1 quart sealable clear bag

*one bag per passenger


Preparation, Car-Rental Insurance And Fine Dining For Less

Travel Tips #16 through #14 cover what information you should have in the event of a travel crisis, how much rental car insurance is necessary, and how to enjoy the best restaurants without breaking your budget.


Tip # 16: Emergency List Contents

*credit card and bank phone numbers Keep a copy of this with your passport. And keep your passport away from your wallet or purse.

*health insurance and personal physician contacts Ditto. Also email a copy to yourself and someone at home.

*airline and hotel info Ditto and ditto.

Tip # 15: Ask Your Insurance Agent

*Do I have complete policy coverage?

*Am I covered for luxury and SUV rentals?

Tip # 14: Cut Meal Expenses

*eat a price fixed three course lunch for $20-30 at a fine restaurant

*make lunch the large meal of your day

* If you have a kitchen available eat in. The food is often better and you'll save money. Save the extra cash for one really great meal.


Tagging Your Luggage, Buying Travel Insurance, And Joining A Loyalty Club

Travel Tips #13 through #11 include the importance of tagging your luggage, knowing when you'll need travel insurance, and the benefits of joining a loyalty club.


Tip # 13: Identify Your Bags

*Attach a permanent label with your name and phone number.

*Include a label inside your luggage.

*Consider an additional colorful tag, label or ribbon. We tape our bags with blue painter's tape. It comes off easily and we can also tell if the bags have been searched.

Tip # 12: When You Need Insurance

*trips with large deposits

*fixed-date bookings

*adventure activities planned

Insider Tip: A typical travel insurance policy is priced between 3 and 8 percent of the total cost of your trip.

More information:
www.insuremytrip.com
www.travelguard.com
www.travelinsure.com

Tip # 11: Loyalty-Club Membership Benefits

*usually free to join We are members of every loyalty club of every airline, hotel and car rental agency we have ever used. It doesn't cost us anything and the benefits outweigh the annoyance of signing up.

*improve chance for an upgrade

*coupons amd last-minute deal emails

Home Swaps, Traveling In The Off-Season, And Mailing Your Luggage

Travel Tips #10 through #8 look at the rising popularity and advantages of home swaps, why people should consider traveling in the off-season, and why you might want to consider mailing your luggage to your destination in advance.


Tip # 10: House-Swap Benefits

*no lodging costs

*the comforts of a real home

*like a local, not a tourist I would love to do this but until Des Moines becomes a tourist destination I think I may be out of luck.

More information on house-swapping:
www.homelink.org
www.houseswap.com
sabbaticalhomes.com
www.1sthomeexchange.com

Tip # 9: Shoulder and Off-Season Upside

*sizable cost savings We always travel in the "shoulder season" and have had great trips

*no crowds The downside is that some restaurants and attractions may be closed

*authentic environment

Tip # 8: Why Ship Luggage?*

*Not checking bags saves time.

*no chance of delayed or lost baggage I also suggest this when you have children. There is so much stuff you need and much of it you may not be able to find. This is probably my favorite tip ever.

*no physical pain from lugging bags

*if you have large, heavy, or fragile items

Insider Tip: Shipping estimates: 30 lb. bag = $40; 100 lb. bag = $75
*rates determined by weight and size.


Sanitize Your Hotel Room, Book A Room In A Sold Out Hotel and Get The Best Seat On The Flight

Travel Tips #7 through #5 discuss sanitizing your hotel room, ways to book a room in a sold hotel, and how passengers can get the best seats on airplanes.

Tip # 7: Sanitizing Measures

*Remove bedspread. Immediately. Put it in the closet.

*Use wipes. And wipe off everything.

*Use sealable bags for "icky" items. Put the tv remote in a clear zip bag and use it that way.

Tip # 6: Booking Strategy When Sold Out

*Reserve second choice hotel.

*Call sales manager at first choice hotel .

*Keep calling up to last days. Call, call & call again. Try to develop a relationship with the sales manager. Be polite, suck up a bit.

*When a room frees up, cancel second choice. Make sure you know the cancellation policy.

Tip # 5: Secure The Best Seat

*Book early and get assignment. Make sure you have it in writing. Many times airlines will try to switch you.

*Call airline often for a better seat.

*Ask again at check-in & the gate. Be sure to arrive early if you want to do this.

More information: www.seatguru.com


Avoid Toll-Free Hotel Numbers and Learn The Local Language

Travel Tips #4 through #3 detail why toll-free hotel numbers should be avoided, and why it's important to learn at least some key words and phrases of the local language when traveling to a foreign destination.


Tip # 4: Get A Free Upgrade

*Speak to the sales manager. Use direct numbers, not toll-free.

*Make them care about you.

*Ask them in person upon arrival. Greet them like a friend, let them know you have arrived and are looking forward to your stay.

Tip # 3: Phrases To Learn

*"Hello" and "Goodbye"

*"Please" and "Thank you"

*"My name is?"

*"Where is the bathroom?"

*"How much does it cost?"

*"Cheers!"

More information: www.bbc.co.uk/languages


Know Your Rights And Avoid Getting Lost

Travel Tips #2 through #1 reveal the two most important tips all travelers should know. #2 reveals the rule that airlines don't want you to know, and #1 tells you what you can do to avoid getting lost on your next trip.


Tip # 2: Legacy Airlines Honoring 240
What is rule 240?

*American Airlines

*Continental Airlines

*Delta Airlines

*Northwest Airlines

*United Airlines

*US Airways

*Be polite. Use a phone to call the airline while everyone else is rushing the gate.
* Not valid if weather is at fault.
* May not be valid on some of the newer airlines.


Tip # 1: GPS Facts

*price range: $200 to $900

*Travel kiosks offer day rentals.

*Telephone providers offer GPS service.

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Geisler Family Farm Corn Maze, Ankeny, Iowa, USA

Travel doesn't always have to take us far from home. Here's a bit of fun just minutes from Des Moines, Iowa:

This was written for my other blog Iowa Geek:

Last night was the Harvest Moon (the first full moon after the first day of fall). It is called the harvest moon because farmers were able to harvest crops long into the night by the light of the moon. This was, of course, before tractors with headlights.

Yesterday was a gorgeous fall day that became a perfect fall evening. I had reserved a fire pit area at Geisler Family Farm Corn Maze and invited a group of friends to join us for roasting hotdogs, toasting marshmallows and fun in the corn.

This is quite possibly the best corn maze I have been to. I love the layout- pictured below. You are given a picture of the maze with the locations of 10 numbered posts. If you find all the posts and stamp your card you get a prize.

But before that fun the kids wore themselves out on all the fun stuff the Geisler family set up. There is a huge tire swing (think rear tractor tire huge), a swingset with a "lookout tower" and slide, beanbag toss games and roping a (PVC) steer. The rope was also great for some impromptu tug-of-war.

Of course cooking over fire was a great hit. Here is my nephew Carter learning the fine art of marshmallow toasting.
The fire pit areas are set up with benches and a table to lay out your feast. There is an electrical outlet (with two plugs) if you want to bring something in a crock pot. (I brought Taco Soup. It was a hit. I'll share the recipe soon.)

After cleaning up and when the moon was high in the sky it was time to take the girls and navigate the maze. Here's Brenna at a crossroads.

I wish you could see how spectacular the moon was. It was huge and so bright. Unfortunately I didn't think to use the "fireworks" setting on my camera... I bet it would have worked.

And here we are deep in the maze. We had a great time. Caelan even stayed awake the entire time. She was bouncing around in the backpack as we went trudging along the paths singing "Old McDonald".


If you are anywhere near central Iowa some weekend during the next month I really recommend a visit to Geisler Family Farm. In addition to the fun stuff I mentioned they also have a soybean maze that the kids can navigate on their own, hayrack rides (handicapped accessible) and pumpkin picking! It's great family fun. I promise.

This just proves that you can have great fun in your own backyard. Here are some links to corn mazes around the US. This list is current as of 9/26/2007


Corn Mazes America
About.com: Puzzles
Cornfieldmaze.com
Corn Maze Directory

Alternately you can do a more specific search using your search engine of choice. Unless, of course, you decide to come to the midwest. I do promise a great time at our local maze.

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Minnesota Renaissance Festival, Shakopee, MN

I lived in the Twin Cities for 10 years and often miss so much of what I took for granted when I was there.

One event that we go back for annually is the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. The festival runs weekends from mid-August thru the end of September. Each weekend features a different theme with special themed attractions, as well as all the regular fun.

The grounds are designed to resemble a village from the Elizabethian Era. You enter this fantasy world through the castle gates and are immediately immersed in the village market day. People are everywhere, in and out of costume, and the desire to be part of the fun is overwhelming.

The village is full of shops, carts, wandering minstrels and entertainment. Seeing everything will take an entire weekend. It can't be done in one day.

As we enjoy a bit of fantasy we love to dress in period costume. This is not a necessity, however, and you are more likely to have the Festival characters interact with you if you are not in costume.

This beautiful faerie is probably the most photographed at the festival. She is silent and communicates with gestures and modest nods. She is terrific with children and they are drawn to her pipe playing and dancing. Our little faerie was mesmerized.
Because we go in costume we wouldn't be caught in a regular wagon. Nope, a chariot is necessary.
When people think of Renaissance Festivals they think of bawdiness and adult humor. Which there is a lot of. But the Minnesota Renaissance Festival is filled with kid friendly activities. From flying with the swans to galloping over the land in a giant wooden rocking horse there are plenty of fun rides. If your kids like to climb the Jacob's Ladder game is worth a try. For their competitive spirit there are loads of games like King of the Log, Dueling Buckets (prepare to get VERY wet!), rotten veggie tossing, and fencing, to name just a few.
And there is loads of family entertainment. Story tellers, jugglers, jousting, a petting zoo, pony rides...

There is also a Children's Realm filled with fun crafts, a magician and a special stage. And don't forget to take a walk on the Hobbit Trail to see where the "little people" live way back in the forest.

With all that great fun comes great hunger. And the Minnesota Renaissance Festival delivers anything you could want to fill that need. Soups, turkey legs, roasted corn, fresh pastries... the list is endless. My suggestions: have a Scotch Egg and an apple dumpling. Mmmmm... And don't forget beverages to cure that parched palate. Beer, wine and cider are available as well as soda, water and juices.

With all the fun you're having you may forget that the Minnesota Renaissance Festival also has great shopping. The crafters at the faire are the best of the best (for a list scroll to the bottom of the home page and click "crafters"). Apparel (go ahead, try on a costume!) glass blowing (most have artisit plying their trade on site), portrait artists, painters, sculpters, jewelers... Completely unique items- you're sure to find something to take home with you.
What you need to know to go:
*Where: Shakopee, Minnesota; south of Minneapolis about 30 minutes.

*When: Weekends mid-August thru the end of September; 9am-7pm Rain or shine

*How much: $18.95 for adults, $16.95 for seniors and $9.95 agest 6-12 (2007 prices, be sure to check website for correct pricing). If you have a AAA card you can get a $2 discount and discount tickets are also available at local Super America convenience stores. You can also order tickets online but once you add in the convenience fee it's not much of a savings. Only do this if you really don't want to stand in line to purchase your ticket.

*Who: everyone!

Things To Do
Minneapolis

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Cossetta's Italian Market, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA

If you are in the Twin Cities area you must make the trip into St. Paul to dine at Cossetta's Italian Market and Pizzeria.



Cossetta's has been written about by everyone from the New York Times to Frommer's Travel- and it never fails to make the "Best of the Twin Cities" list. For a perfect slice this is the place to go.



Cossetta's began as a grocery in 1911 and has not only survived for almost 100 years; it has become an institution. Housed in an historic building on St.Paul's W 7th Street (211 W. 7th) Cossetta's is right on the edge of a revitalized downtown. And you don't have to worry about parking- Cossetta's has their own (free) lot. It is only for use while you are dining; if you plan to shop in any of the great antique stores or wander along the river (both great activities in St. Paul) you will want to find someplace else to park.

The food is served cafeteria style. Grab your tray and peruse the menu. I recommend the Cossetta Sandwich- a spicy Italian sausage on thick sliced Italian bread covered in marinara. Yum. Doug enjoyed the Chicken DeBurgo with pasta. And Brenna was almost dwarfed by her slice of pepperoni.

Which Caelan also enjoyed.

After you have made your selection find seating. I recommend going upstairs and trying to get a seat overlooking W. 7th street. Enjoy the atmosphere. St. Paul and Cossetta's have a long history; much of it lines the walls.

Highchairs and booster seats are available- just ask one of the friendly busboys to get one for you. And don't forget to leave room for a cannoli, gelato or tiramisu. All are yummy.

After your meal wander through the market. Take something with you for later. Or just grab an interesting item from "the old country" as a souvenir.

Cossetta's is open daily at 11am, closing times vary by night. The entrees average about $10.

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Residence Inn, Eagan, Minnesota, USA

While we enjoy traveling with the girls we don't enjoy sharing a room with them. Sometimes we don't have option of a suite, but when we do you can be sure that we take advantage of it. On a recent get-away to the Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota) we tried the Residence Inn.

The Residence Inn is part of the Marriott "family" of hotels. The layout looks more like townhouses than an actual hotel, with about eight "rooms" per building. All rooms- from the studio to the penthouse- have a full kitchen and high speed Internet access. Most have a fireplace.

We chose the two bedroom penthouse suite. This provided us with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and convertible couch. One bedroom and bath were "upstairs" in an open loft while the other was off the living area and able to be shut off by French doors. Each bedroom had a desk, television, and lots of storage space. The living area also had a television, a chest of drawers and a closet.

Another great option is the one bedroom penthouse suite. This room is exactly the same layout as the two bedroom with a couple of small differences. There are no French doors to separate the rooms on the main level and the second bed is a Murphy Bed- it folds up into the wall and out of the way during the day. A small table is added to that room- great for puzzles or coloring books.

We really appreciated having the full kitchen. There are great restaurants in the area- as well as Byerly's, a local upscale grocery- and having the option of bringing back leftovers and shopping for necessities was wonderful.

One thing you won't need to shop for is breakfast. Residence Inn has one of the best breakfasts I've ever had included in your room rate. This is well beyond your "continental breakfast". Every day offered eggs, sausage, country style potatoes, oatmeal, Belgian waffles, a variety of cereals, fruits and pastries, yogurt, juices, coffee and tea. Each day also had a featured item. We enjoyed pancakes and omelets, biscuits and gravy and French Toast. My only complaint? No cocoa. But, honestly, it was August. Maybe they offer it in the winter?

Also available at this location: a swimming pool and a basketball/tennis court. If you want to work out at a gym they will provide complimentary passes to the local YMCA. If shopping is your bag use their shuttle service to the Mall of America. Flying in to MSP airport? They'll send a shuttle to pick you up.

Be sure to sign up for the Marriott Rewards program. It's free and you can earn points for hotel stays or airline miles.

This hotel is in a great location for anything you may want to do in the Twin Cities area. Very close to the zoo and Mall of America. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. We'll be sure to try out other locations as we travel and will return to this hotel in the future.

Hotel Review
Minneapolis

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Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, Iowa, USA

It's listed in 1000 Places to See Before You Die as "America's Most Celebrated Ag-stravaganza". With a book, movies and a musical written about it,the Iowa State Fair draws millions of visitors each year from all ends of the earth. From the butter cow- sculpted from 550 pounds of butter- to the largest bull; from pork chops on a "stick" to the big pig; from riding behind a tractor to gliding above the crowd the State Fair is great for kids of all ages.

A bit from the official State Fair website:

A proud tradition since 1854, the Fair inspired the internationally-acclaimed
novel, “State Fair,” three motion pictures, plus Rodgers and Hammerstein’s
Broadway musical. Special features include one of the world's largest
livestock shows, the country's largest state fair foods department (approx.
900 classes), the state's largest arts show, hundreds of competitive events
and wacky contests; 600 plus exhibitors and concessionaires selling quality
and tasty treats, and 160 rolling acres of campgrounds.

I'm going to begin with tips.

• Bring something to push, pull or drag your kids around in if you plan to spend more than a couple of hours here. Wagons are available for rent if you don't bring one. If the kids are under 8 you will definately use it. We use the Baby Trend Sit N Stand Stroller because it has room for the baby, the toddler and all their gear. We also utilize our harness buddy, which you can read more about in this post.



• Pack a cooler with water, juice and healthy snacks that your kids enjoy. (Coolers are not usually admitted so hide it in your stroller or wagon. I've never had a problem with bringing in a cooler since I have little ones, but why flaunt it?) There are dual reasons for this: 1) it's spendy to eat at the fair and 2) you really have to bring something to keep little tummies settled with all the fried foods that surround you.



• Bring a blanket to spread on the grass under a shady tree. It will be hot and you will want to sit and relax. Luckily there are plenty of stages with free entertainment. Seating, however, is mostly on the ground. A blanket is perfect for relaxing.



• Bring changes of clothing. The fairgrounds have two water features (read: water that sprays out of the ground) that your kids will want to play in. Be prepared and let them.
  
  



• Parking can be tough. Plan to pay a local to park in thier yard and walk a few blocks. It's big business.



• Wear shoes you can walk in. If you have a stroller it is difficult to hop on one of the tractors that pull trailers full of fairgoers. And the Iowa State Fair is full of animals; you will encounter poo. I suggest tennis shoes- unless you like unidentifiable goo between your toes.



• Bring your camera. Who knows when you will get to see a 2 ton bull or your child cuddling a baby chick again.



• Don't forget sunscreen and hats. It's August and Iowa is hot and humid.



• Bring plenty of baby wipes and hand sanitizer. You - and the kids- will be touching plenty of animals, railings and things that others have handled. As well as messy food.

Now, what to do while you're there...

Kids love animals. It's just a fact. And the Iowa State Fair is full of animals. Rabbits, dogs, and cats reside on one side of the grounds while pigs, sheep, cows and horses are at the center of the action. The Avenue of Breeds gives you up-close-and-personal looks at everything from elk and llama to miniature cows and goats. You can also hold a baby chick and pet a new calf or piglet.

As I mentioned earlier, there are lots of stages with free entertainment which changes by the day. You can check the schedule for the day you are going online or you can pick up a schedule when you arrive at the fair.

Don't miss the Hy Vee Fun Forest. It's all about the kids here with a play area, a stage of kid-focused entertainment, and a garden to explore.

For hands on activities sign the kids up for Blue Ribbon Kids online or at the Des Moines Register service center on the main concourse (#8 on the map). Here's part of the press release from 2007:

Young Fairgoers looking for a new adventure with the classic thrills of the Iowa State Fair will want to join Blue Ribbon Kids, the Fair’s free club for children ages 10 and under. The 2007 Iowa State Fair runs August 9-19.

During weekdays of the Fair, kids’ club members will have the opportunity to participate in seven free fun-filled activities. All events start at 10 a.m. and will last 30-60 minutes. Children can sign up at any kids’ club event or at The Des Moines Register Service Center. Blue Ribbon Kids is sponsored by Bankers Trust, The Des Moines Register and KDSM FOX 17.

Also look for Little Hands on the Farm which lets kids 2-10 get involved in all aspects of farming from planting to marketing.

Just south of Little Hands on the Farm is the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center where you can see the miracle of life, up close and personal. Expectant animals will be housed here in the hopes of babies making their debut at the fair.

You won't want to miss the Butter Cow. There is usually a line to view it and the other butter sculptures (past butter carvings have included Tiger Woods and Harry Potter).

The museum complex will take you back to the fair's past- including crashing locomotives!

There is so much more... Grandpa's Farm, Expo Hill, the midway, the Giant slide and sky gliders...

As the song goes, "Our state fair is a great state fair..."

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Fun in an Airport?

Yes, it is possible. With more and more kids flying some airports are doing all they can to make the wait for your flight enjoyable for the littlest travelers.

Right now you can visit CheapFlights.com and download the Kids Airport Diversion Guide. You have to sign up for their newsletter but the guide may be worth the spam. And you can always remove yourself later.

The airports listed are large: (Airports with links are in red)
Atlanta Click fun things to do in the right column
Baltimore/Washington Intl
Boston Logan In terminal C
Charlotte Diversions but no "designated" play area
Chicago O'Hare Past security in terminal 2 check out the "Kids on the Fly" exhibit
Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky
Dallas/Fort Worth Click on a terminal and then click the services tab. Terminals B, C & D have play areas
Denver
Detroit Metropolitan There are 7. Click the terminals for a closer view
Las Vegan McCarran
Miami Gate 35 on the D concourse has a play area
Minneapolis/St Paul
Milwaukee Click Family Care Room. There is also an aviation museum with free admission.
Nashville Lots of renovations going on here. Look for additional music stages and play areas!
JFK Go for a ride on the AirTrain
Newark Another AirTrain
Orlando Intl The entire airport is fun. Art, mosiacs, a 3,000 gallon aquarium by the food court, Kennedy Space Center Stores, the Power Arcade and a central atrium outside the Landside terminal.
Phoenix Play areas in terminals 2, 3 and 4 as well as kid friendly art in terminal 4 on level 3.
San Francisco Click amenities for the museum. The Kid's Spot in in terminal 3 near gate 87A.
Seattle
Heathrow, London

For airports not listed I've found that it is best to look under "airport services" or "customer services" and search for "things to do" or "family services". Or, if the website has a search engine, type in "kids area"or "family facilities".

Finally a reason not to dread the airport!

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Navigating the Airport With a Toddler

Navigating the airport with a toddler can be a true test of patience. With so many sights and sounds expect to stop and look at, well, everything. Plan to arrive the recommended 2 hours early for your flight- just to be safe. Maybe more if the airport is very large. I can tell you from experience it takes much, much longer to walk in the Dallas/Fort Worth airport than in does in our little airport in Des Moines.

Brenna is our fearless explorer. She will stop to examine anything that catches her eye; and will talk to anyone- whether they want to talk to her or not. She will run ahead and lag behind. While we love her open nature and her inquisitiveness the last place we want her wandering off alone is in an airport.

We invested in the Eddie Bauer Harness Buddy. Available in adorable puppy or cuddly monkey, we loved the soft feel of this harness, the small "backpack" pocket and the fact that Brenna enjoys wearing it!
It was great fun to see Brenna walking through the airport, pulling her carry on (because if they are big enough to walk they are big enough to help) with her favorite cuddly-buddy-of-the-moment tied on top.
As you can see, she's a seasoned traveler. And safe.

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The Ramsey Farm at Lesanville Update 2007

One side of my family holds it's reunion at Lesanville Farm practically every year. It's always a big hit with the kids. And this year was no exception.

And the farm has made an addition:
Heritage House
This house has a large kitchen and a dining room. If you stay at one of the farmhouses this is where your breakfast will be served. If you have a large group, like we did, you can make use of the kitchen and dining area.

The rear of the house is obviously a new addition but it was done beautifully and blends with the historic home.
The windowed wall offers a beautiful view of the pond and green fields. It will be amazing when fall arrives and the leaves are changing.
Like I mentioned, the farm is always a hit with the kids. Here they explore some old farm machinery.
And here Brenna feeds one of the draft horses some clover.

For more information on The Ramsey Farm at Lesanville visit my previous post.

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Flying? Lots of Stuff to Take?

I actually included this tip in another post but I think it deserves it's own.

With so many restrictions on baggage weights and items that you can take this tip is more handy than ever:

When we flew to Ireland we had lots of stuff that was necessary for our trip that I just wasn't sure we could easily (or afford-ably) find in Ireland. So I contacted our first B&B to inquire about sending a box of items. It arrived a few days before we did and was waiting for us.

What did I send?

• Diapers
• Wipes
• Reusable/disposable baby plates and bowls with sealable lids, disposable sippy cups and disposable utensils
• Dried fruits, baby snacks and scissors for cutting them up

All of these items were used during our trip and didn't need to come back with us. It also gave us a box to use for bringing home the goodies we purchased.

Tips:

• Be sure to call ahead and inquire before sending a package.
• Pay to confirm delivery of your package and call to check on it's arrival. If you are sending it to a hotel be sure to get the full names of the people you speak to. Try to always speak to the same person.
• Do not send anything you can not replace at a reasonable cost. Why tempt fate?

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Staying Sane On Those Long Drives

Everyone has tricks that work on their kids during those long drives. And we are no exception. Here are a few things that keep us sane:

1) In car DVD player. We don't have a vehicle with a built in, which is actually a good thing as Caelan is currently in a rear facing seat. We purchased a two-screen model so each girl can have her own screen. Pack a few movies and you're on your way. A portable DVD player is also great for hotel rooms that don't have good children's cable selections. Just make sure you get one that can plug into the wall, too.

2) Leave at nap or bed time. Nothing ensures quiet as much as a sleeping kid.

3) Pack spill-proof drinks and snacks that are small and easy to eat.

4) If the drive is long plan to stop every 3 hours- at least- for potty breaks and leg stretching. Plan ahead and find parks or interesting attractions. The AAA TripTik comes in handy for that. It will show you gas stations, detours, attractions; everything you need to make your trip as easy as possible.

5) If you know an overnight stay will be involved plan ahead. Nothing will fray your nerves more than driving around to find a hotel when you have fussy kids in the car.

6) I try to buy a few cheap, new and car-friendly toys and books. To add to the fun, wrap them like a gift and give them out every 50, 75, 100 miles.

7) Travel games. No matter how much stuff you have, if you are on a long drive you will eventually have to play some sort of game. Brenna loves to count "Macks" (semis). Or we say the colors. We point out animals, cars, buildings. As kids get older the "I Spy" game or the "license plate game" are fun options. For lots of options visit Mom's Minivan. Some of her ideas are not suitable for all kids but she is creative!

8) The most important advice I can give on driving is: Plan Ahead. Plan for the trip to be longer than it should be. Plan for potty breaks. Plan for hunger. Plan for everything that could go wrong.

Plan, plan, plan. And everything will be a breeze.

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Amana Colonies, Iowa, USA

The Amana Colonies are one of our favorite day trips from home. We go at least twice a year.

The history of the Amanas is an interesting one, centered around religious freedom and escaping persecution in their native Germany. After 10 years near Buffalo, New York the Inspirationists came to Iowa in 1855 and established 6 villages, a mile or two apart (in a circular fashion). The village of Homestead was established later to give the communities railroad access. The Amana Colonies would go on to become one of the longest lived and largest communal religious societies in America. Soon Amana became synonymous with high quality goods (think Amana appliances and woolens). The Amana Colonies are now a National Historic Landmark; be sure to visit the seven historic sites maintained throughout the colonies.

There are always great festivals and events in the Amanas. You have to expect, with the German heritage, that the Oktoberfest is a big bash. And Maifest welcomes spring. Our favorite time to visit is during Prelude to Christmas.

The shops and streets of the Colonies are decorated for Christmas. The
barn in Amana is full of Christmas trees and "live" rag dolls and toy soldiers. Santa is on hand for photos (no charge! Bring your camera!) and traditional treats are available.

But the Amana Colonies are great any time of year. I've eaten in every restaurant there (some of the best German food outside of Germany) and haven't found one that I dislike. My favorite is The Colony Inn. It was the first restaurant in the Amanas; "where family style dining began".

Amana is the main town of the colonies and that is where you will find most of the shopping. The main street is lined with wineries offering free samples. You'll also find The Chocolate Haus- hand made candies, The Amana Stone Hearth Bakery- some of the greatest breakfast pastries I've had, plus lighter fare for lunch and The Amana Meat Shop- some of the best meats in the country. And, of course, lots crafts and hand made items you just won't find any where else.

There are plenty of places to stay while in the Amanas. We love the B&B's but with the kids you will probably want to make a reservation at the Holiday Inn and Wasserbahn Water Park. Just minutes away from the Colonies the Holiday Inn is located in Little Amana right off I-80. If you golf you'll definately want to stay at Colony Oaks. The condos are very nice and the golf course is one of the best public courses in America. The condos at Colony Oaks are also great if you are a bicyclist or a nature enthusiast. The trails that run through the Colonies are easily accessible from there.

Honestly, there is so much to do in the Amana Colonies that I can't begin to list it. Download the Visitor's Guide and start planning your trip. I promise you'll have fun.

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My Favorite Travel Diaper Bag

I received this Oilcloth Changing Tote as a gift when I had my second daughter. And,to be quite honest,I didn't think I would ever use it. But soon we were preparing for a flight- our first with the new baby and a two-year-old. And that is when I realized just how wonderful this tote is.

Because it is oilcloth anything you might get on it wipes right off. Plus, it's all-in-one. No changing pad to pull out; just unfold and you have all your diaper changing necessities in easy reach.

It is lightweight and so easily portable- no lugging a bulging bag (you already have enough in your carry on!). And because it folds so nicely I didn't have any difficulties about it being an "extra bag".

And it's chic. I get so many compliments on it. When we are at home it resides in the "mommy vehicle", packed and ready to go.



The Oilcloth Changing Tote is available from The Essential Bebe. Right now it is not listed on their web page so drop the ladies a note and they can take care of you. And don't forget to check out their other great stuff. We also have the Petite Love; it goes everywhere with us.

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Dublin, Ireland

I have mixed feelings about Dublin. Well, it's more than that. I really wish we hadn't gone into Dublin. I wish we had explored other parts of Ireland instead.

That said, Dublin is a great city. It's vibrant, has great public transport and amazing history. It's just not a great city to explore with a one-year-old. Had it just been my husband and I, I am sure we would love it the way we love London. We had two days in Dublin.

Our final B&B was located outside Dublin in Dun loaghaire (pronounced leery). Lissadell Guest House was very nice. The room was spacious, with an ensuite bath and wonderful breakfasts. The owners are not on site but are only a phone call away. We spoke with John Goldrick at length one morning as we enjoyed our breakfast; he is a warm gentleman and exudes Irish Charm.

We were close enough to a DART station to leave the car at the B&B. Public transportation in Dublin is exceptional. We had no problem hopping on and off the trains or catching a bus or cab if we needed one. Dublin is a terrific city for walking; everything was closer than we thought it would be.

Because of Brenna's age she didn't really appreciate our attempts to view the Tara Brooch; we didn't even attempt Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. And DIT (Dublin Institute of Technology) was holding their graduation at St. Patrick's Cathedral the day we planned to visit.

So we spent our time trying to find things that would keep her amused.

We visited the Dublin Zoo. Dublin has a wonderful zoo. And because we were there in November it wasn't at all busy. We were able to get up close to everything. And we timed our visit just right- the monkeys were being fed. It's great fun to see monkeys eat.

Dublin is full of parks, the most well known being St. Stephen's Green. If you're a shopper there is a mall right next to it. But we were there for the park. We wandered around for quite a long time. Brenna had great fun picking up leaves and watching the ducks in the lake.

But mostly our time was spent just wandering around the city, taking it in. And shopping on Grafton Street. Tip: go early.



Dublin is beautiful:
Ha'Penny Bridge: in the 18th century it cost half a penny to cross- now it's free. Which means that this is possibly the only thing in Dublin that has gone down in price.
Dublin's icon (whether they like it or not): Molly Malone
Old Dublin: It's a museum called Dublinia and has much about the Vikings and Normans.
The original wall of Dublin.
A bridge across the lake in St. Stephen's Green.

And I really look forward to visiting again... When the girls are much older.

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Eating Around Ireland

You can get anything you want in Ireland. But why would you want McDonald's, TGIFriday's or anything else you can get at home? Open yourself to Irish food.

If you stay at a B&B- and possibly even a hotel- you will be offered a traditional Irish Breakfast. There is enough food offered at this meal to get you through early afternoon.

You will be offered eggs along with sausage, bacon, grilled tomatoes, black pudding, and white pudding. On the side is Irish brown bread served with sweet Irish butter and the famous Irish preserves. Top off breakfast with a cup of Irish breakfast tea. Quite often oatmeal, cereal and yogurt will be an option, too. Which was terrific for our daughter.

Because breakfast was so filling we often just stopped at a market to grab yummy Irish cheese, bread and fruit for lunch and snacks.

At dinner we asked the B&B owners for their recommendations. We had delicious fish and chips, wonderful stews, amazing foods freshly prepared from local produce. Always ask a local where they like to eat. They will never steer you wrong.

We did plan to eat at one restaurant: Gallagher's Boxty House in Dublin. Boxty is best described as a thin potato pancake filled with meats, vegetables and sauce. So yummy.

Open yourself up to the traditional tastes of Ireland. Try the black pudding. Enjoy the brown bread. And take afternoon tea.

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Some of the Best Stuff in Ireland is Unplanned

As I said in a previous post, driving is really the best way to see Ireland. Some of the greatest sights were unplanned.

Like the beautiful village of Fethard. We were driving from Cashel to Dublin and decided to do a bit of exploring along the way. Somehow we lost our way and came upon this lovely walled town.

After departing Fethard we soon found ourselves on roads with no signs. Completely unsure of where we were we pulled off the road to attempt to get our bearings.

With our map open on the hood of the car we tried to "find" ourselves. And almost missed this beautiful view of the mists on what I assume are the Slievardagh Hills. The mist burned off soon after but it was spectacular when we saw it.

After figuring out- kind of- where we were we noticed that Kells Priory was between us and Dublin. I had considered that as a stop but, had we not gotten lost, we probably wouldn't have made the stop. Kells Priory is an enclosed medieval site. It sits along King's River and features a lovely walk to the site if you park by the old mill. Like most Irish ruins the land is privately owned but the owners graciously allow visitors (and the ruins are maintained by the State). We did have to dodge some sheep droppings but the site was so impressive and expansive that it was worth it. There is lots of room for kids to run about. Since you have to be your own guide here take a minute to stop by the post office in town and purchase a book about the Priory's long and embattled history.

Outside the Priory walls are St. Kieran's Church, a lovely ruin for exploring as well, and Hutchinson's Mill (you can see it behind the Priory three photos up) which sits on King's River.

Leaving Kells we got onto a main highway and pointed the car toward Dublin. Soon, however, we began seeing sings for the Moone High Cross. Now,I don't know about you, but to me High Crosses are one of the great sights of Ireland.

Moone High Cross doesn't disappoint. At 17 1/2 feet high it is one of the best preserved High Crosses in Ireland. It stands, protected, in the ruins of the abbey along with fragments of another cross as well as descriptions of the carvings and the significance of the High Cross.

The cross sits back about a quarter mile from the road; to enter you walk through a cleft in a stone wall. You can almost feel like you are stepping back through time. When we were visiting a very friendly horse was penned next to the path. He let me pet his nose; I wish I had known he would be there, I would have taken an apple for him.

So, on my advice, take your time and stop for anything that looks interesting. It may be one of your favorite memories.

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Getting Around Ireland

The best way to see Ireland is by car. Yes, you can take a bus or a train but then you are limited in what you can do and see. Many of the best sights are off the beaten path. (Unless you are in Dublin, then use the public transport!)

Our car was included in our package from Brendan Tours. It was a small 4-door manual transmission with a hatch back. And, honestly,you don't want anything too big. Many roads you will travel are narrow with hedgerows or even stone fences on either side. Many times we had to pull off the side of a road so another car could squeeze by going the opposite direction. But such is the joy of the Irish countryside. (Signs are in kilometers per hour. I was told by an Irishman during my first trip that the speed limits are "just a suggestion". Let me suggest sticking to them.)



Because we had our then-one-year-old daughter with us we came prepared with an in-car DVD player and DVDs. Just a note on that: the power outlet in the car we had (and probably most European cars) was larger than what we have in the US. We were able to tighten the plug by folding up paper and inserting it beside. **I am not suggesting you do this but only explaining what we did. I am not liable for any damage you may cause** I can't imagine what the driving could have been like without the entertainment for Brenna.


And speaking of Brenna; she was in a car seat. We brought ours to use on the plane but you can reserve one if you don't want to lug yours through the airport. Just make sure that you request it in advance and be sure to confirm it when you confirm your reservation (either with the rental company or have your travel agent handle it).





We made sure to plan our driving to coincide with Brenna's nap schedule. We did short trips when she was awake and made sure she got a lot of time to burn off her energy when we stopped and we did our longer drives after lunch when she napped. This worked really well and we didn't experience any tantrums or melt-downs.



In Ireland and the UK you drive on the left. The driver's seat is on the right side of the car and you shift with your left hand. This actually sounds more difficult than it is. This is your smallest worry. More importantly you need to remember to look right, then left, then right again. This is very easy to forget when you are walking in a city. I have found that the best advice I can give is to just pause before you turn or cross a street. Look everywhere. Look again. Then proceed.


As a final note: Be prepared to abandon your itinerary and follow interesting signs you see along the road. Some of the best memories are unplanned.

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Cahir Castle and Town, County Tipperary, Ireland

Cahir (pronounced 'care') makes a terrific afternoon trip out of Cashel. The castle-complete with a moat- is especially nice for children as it sits on a small island and both the grounds and the castle are very open and perfect for exploring.

Once inside the main keep you can enter the castle through a rather sinister looking portcullis.

You can walk on the battlements, explore the upper levels of the castle or imagine dining in the great hall. Across the outer ward are the residence cottages, built after the main castle, also available to explore. This is a great stop for wandering through a castle on your own as it feels like (almost) nothing is off limits. You really get a feel for what it could have been like to live there.

The village of Cahir is lovely. It looks just like you imagine all Irish towns look. Perfect.

And if you enjoy antiquing you will be overjoyed. Cahir is full of antique shops. We saw absolutely amazing things here. We spent a lot of time "furnishing" our imaginary manor. Brenna especially liked this 18th century fish tank.

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