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As I got older, I started to realize that having an adventurous spirit was a necessity being a part of our family.  You see, my dad was a lot like Clark Griswold.  You guys know him right?  The guy from “National Lampoon’s Vacation”.    I am pretty sure he was modeled after my dad.

Whenever we took trips, it didn’t matter where we were headed,  we would always find ourselves with something going wrong.  On the particular trip I am thinking of, we were in New Braunfels, Texas for family vacation.

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New Braunfels was not that far from home, but we loved visiting there because of the water access.  I mean lets face it, when you reside in Texas in the summer, you want to live in water!  The rivers in New Braunfels were perfect for tubing and for exciting rafting trips.  They were especially exciting if your dad decided that you didn’t need a guide.

Yep, you guys guessed it!  My dad, mom, sisters and I headed down the rushing Guadalupe River without a guide because my dad “had it all under control”.   Unfortunately, that wasn’t exactly true.  Within 20 minutes of the start of the rafting trip, we got stuck underneath a small fall and our raft filled with water.  We watched as all our snacks and drinks raced ahead of us down the river.  All we could do was watch and wave goodbye:(

If you thought the story ended there, it didn’t.  We managed to somehow free ourselves and continue floating down the river.  The rest of the trip went fairly good.  Well,  except for the fact that we were pretty hungry and thirsty.  I’m fairly sure my dad thought he was in hell since he was trapped inside a raft with 4 complaining, hungry women for hours.    However, he was probably pretty used to being tortured since he was always outnumbered 5 to 1.  Did I mention that my grandma lived in our home with us as well?

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Anyways, on to the end of the story and almost the end of my life.  You think I’m kidding, but I’m not.

As we got to the end of the rafting trip, the water was moving very rapidly.  We were watching the rafters ahead of us as their guides managed to safely steer them to the side of the water to exit the rafts.  My dad, Clark Jr. was still feeling very sure of his guiding skills, however the rest of us in the raft had tunnel vision of an upcoming bridge that had no space between the bottom of the bridge and the rushing water.

Panic began to set in as we realized that we weren’t getting any closer to the edge of the river, but daringly close to the bridge.  Try as we may, the water was too strong for us to fight and we began to cry feeling sure that this was the end for all of us.  After all, if we got to the bridge, we would be sucked underneath.  Thank goodness that several of the guides finally noticed our impending doom and rushed in to help my dad get us to safety.

Needless to say, after that rafting trip, we have NEVER taken an unguided trip since.    Hey, even Clark W. Griswold knows his limits!

Do you have a Clark Griswold “Vacation” story to share with us?  We would love to hear it!

Camping provides families a great way to be together and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.  Whether you choose to tent camp, RV or rent a cabin at your local KOA, you are sure to share your own exciting fun and adventures together.

If you are new to camping there are KOA Campgrounds available all over the U.S.  To find a local KOA campground in your area, visit the KOA website.  We would love to have you join our KOA Community.  It is a great way to find out all about the ins and outs of camping as well as the ability to meet fabulous fellow campers.  Stop by and say hi!

I wrote this post as part of the KOA Community.

Colorado Sky

Surrounded by gorgeous mountains, the bluest sky I had ever seen and of course, white, soft flakes of precious snow, I guess you could say I always knew this would one day be home for me.

Fast forward ten years and my dream became my reality.  Even now, after living here for 15 years, I still am in awe of the beauty that is Colorado.

Since I live in the southeast part of the state, I try to get to the mountains as often as I can.  It’s not that where I live isn’t beautiful, but the crisp mountain air of the Rockies just calls to me.  One of the places that our family likes to visit most often is Breckenridge, Colorado.

Breckenridge, Colorado is only a short hour and half drive from the Denver area, so it is perfect for a quick day trip or a nice relaxing weekend getaway.

Being that I am a Texas native, I don’t do much skiing.  Unfortunately, I am the one that people are referring to when they mention the “Texan” on the ski slope.   However, we still love the snow and other winter/summer activities that Breckenridge offers our family.

BRECKENRIDGE SLOPES:

Let’s face it, the reason most people visit the mountains during the winter is for the slopes.  Skiing/Snowboarding provides families with great exercise, tons of fun and the chance to see the most beautiful sights possible.

For those of you fortunate enough to be allowed on the slopes, Breckenridge has everything you need.  With over 2,000 acres of ski terrain, this mountain provides perfect skiing for all levels of skiers. 

Breckenridge Slopes

Of course, if snowboarding is your thing, you can’t go wrong with Breckenridge either. When we recently visited the mountain, the kids had so much fun watching as the snowboarders showed off their skills on the slopes. 

Breckenridge has an impressive summit elevation of 12,998 feet.  It also provides the most experienced skiers and snowboarders with 772 acres of open-bowl terrain. 

ACTIVITIES:

When we visited Breckenridge at the end of April this year, we had absolutely beautiful weather.  It was sunny during the day and chilly at night, just the way mountain weather should be.

We took the kids up the Gondola so they could see the beauty of Breckenridge.  It was so fun to see how the ground went from being dry to covered in snow by the time we reached the top of the mountain.

Right outside the gondola, there were people getting ready to hit the slopes.  You never could have guessed it from the gorgeous weather we were having.  The slopes where a little bit icy, but the end of April is extended ski season, so that is to be expected.

T Bar on the Mountain

At the top of the mountain, there is a nice area for grabbing a bite to eat or having drinks with friends.  You absolutely couldn’t have better views than when sitting outside one of these establishments.

Gold Runner Alpine Coaster

While we were there, we stopped at the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster and took the kids for a ride.  The Alpine Coaster  provides riders with 2,500 ft of coaster track.  The two-seater coaster cars gives you the ability to ride alone, or as we did, two to a car.

The Alpine Coaster is great for any age, as you control your own speed.  Whether you want to be a wild daredevil or take it slow and enjoy the scenery, the choice is yours. 

If you are planning to stay on the mountain for the day, the best value is to purchase the all day pass.  The coaster takes less than 3-4 minutes to complete, depending on how quickly you take the track.  Since we only purchased a one time ticket, it definitely left us wanting more.  You can find ticket prices for the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster by visiting their website.  It is open in both the winter and summer!

On this particular visit to the mountains, our trip was cut short due to sick kiddos.  We were hoping to get to explore more than we did, but that just means we will have to plan another trip soon. 

For more family friendly activities, you can check out any of the following:

Dinner Sleigh Rides

Snowmobiling and Dogsledding

Colorado Rafting

Adventure Company

There is probably as much to do in the summer months as there are in the winter months in Breckenridge.  As a matter of fact, that is when our family visits most often.

LODGING IN BRECKENRIDGE:

It is always so hard to decide where to stay when visiting anywhere from out of town.  With so many places to choose from, it can be difficult to select a place that everyone can agree upon.  In a mountain town, you want a place that is close to town, skiing, activities and of course has killer views.  Pine Ridge Condominiums has all that and more.

Pine Ridge Condominiums in Breckenridge, CO

We were invited to stay at Pine Ridge Condominiums for our April trip to Breckenridge.  We stayed in a 2 bedroom condo with loft that sleeps up to 10 people.  Needless to say, I was in heaven the minute I entered through the front door. 

Wood Burning Fireplace

This particular condominium couldn’t have been more perfect for a stay in the mountains.  The decor of the home was exactly how you would expect a mountain home to be.  It was so warm and inviting with a beautiful wood burning fireplace for those chilly mountain weather nights.

The balcony from the living room opened to the amazing killer views I mentioned above.  From our balcony we could look out and immediately see the gorgeous snow covered mountains.  There was also a balcony located directly off the master suite.

Beautiful Kitchen

If you are looking to save a little money during your mountain vacation stay, the condos at Pine Ridge come with fully equipped kitchens. (check models for accommodations)  You can stock the nice sized refrigerators with all your favorites.  It is great for making a delicious meal before heading out to the slopes or other daily activities.   We had all the necessities for us to feel like we were in the comfort of our own home provided.

Master Bathroom in the Condo

The unit we stayed in came complete with two full bathrooms, which makes it perfect for a family stay.  The master bathroom had me begging my husband for a remodel of our own back home.  The shower in the master was huge and had a steam shower for relaxing those muscles after a long day of skiing.  The best part was that the floors of the bathroom had heated tiles.  I had never felt floors like this before, but now that I have, I want them!  On a cold night, it is so great to walk onto a tile floor and not instantly be cold.  Perfect for this mountain condominium.

There is nothing that Pine Ridge didn’t think of for making our trip as pleasant as possible.  Each room in the unit including the loft had a television with DVD.  The owners of the condo also had a fully stocked closet of board games to keep families entertained and spending time together.  After all, isn’t that what vacations should be about?

Pine Ridge Condominium Property

As for the property as a whole, it was nice, quiant and offered several amenities for the family.  While we were visiting they were doing maintenance updates to insure that the property continues to be one of the favorites in Breckenridge.  Be sure during your visit that you take full advantage of the Pine Ridge staff.  They are very knowledgeable about the best places to eat, activities and anything else you could need while visiting their property.  We chatted with them several times during our visit and they were always more than happy to assist us.

Hot Tub

When staying at Pine Ridge, be sure to check out the pool, hot tub and fitness center.  We didn’t get the chance on this visit, but we certainly will the next time we have the pleasure of staying.

There is so much more I could share with you about the beauty of Breckenridge, but I will have to save that for the next time.  Whenever you are feeling the need to escape for a day, a weekend or forever, Breckenridge is the perfect getaway.  During the winter it is a winter wonderland and during the summer it is everything you need to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city.

I received a free nights stay at the Pine Ridge Condominiums in Breckenridge.  I was not asked to write a review.  All opinions are 100% my own.

Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck makes it a priority to eat a hearty breakfast, like oatmeal, as part of his morning routine to fuel up for the day and recently collaborated with Quaker at the NFL PLAY 60 Youth Football Festival to help motivate young athletes to be active and choose wholesome foods. Quaker Oats has become one of the most trusted and iconic brands in food and continues its commitment help youth and families to be active and choose wholesome foods with the NFL partnership.

The Quaker Oats Company, headquartered in Chicago, is a division of PepsiCo, Inc., one of the world’s largest consumer packaged goods companies. For 134 years, the Quaker brand has served as a symbol of quality, great taste and nutrition.

Quaker Oats has always been a brand my family trusts.  I love that after having a nice hot bowl of oatmeal, I stay full and satisfied until my next meal.  How about you guys? Do you incorporate Quaker Oats into your daily routine?

You can keep in the know about any new products that Quaker offers by “Liking” them on Facebook.

Now for something really fun for one of my readers.  Quaker is giving one Guessing All the Way reader 6 boxes of Instant Quaker Oatmeal and 6 boxes of Quaker Chewy Bars.  In addition, you will also receive an official Andrew Luck signed football.  The football was signed just last week at the NFL PLAY 60 event ahead of the draft, the day before he was drafted first overall by the Indianapolis Colts.  Pretty cool, huh?  Think what a great Father’s Day gift this would make:)

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Back when I was younger, if you lived apart from family you wrote letters, mailed pictures and paid a fortune in long distance phone calls to stay connected.  Since these were the only methods we had available to us, it was what you did.  Of the above mentioned things, I will be honest, I still miss running to the mailbox looking for that handwritten note from a loved one.  I don’t however imagine that my parents (since they were the ones paying bills back then)  miss the expensive phone bills. 

Video Chats with Family

Today, technology has made things so much simpler for families that can’t be together.  For example, this is what our families current situation looks like:

Mother-in-law #1:  Arizona

Father-in-law and Mother-in-law #2:  Nebraska

Sister #1:  Texas

Sister #2:  Texas

Sister-in-law:  Texas

Other relatives:  Salt Lake City, Iowa, Kansas City, Georgia

As you can see, we have family spread out all over the map and that doesn’t include friends that we like to stay in contact with.  If we were to try to write letters each week to stay in touch with one another, it would become a full time job.  There would also be a lot missed, because a letter can only be so many pages long.

So what is our solution for staying close with each other?  Skype…..

Skype is a program that allows our family to be a part of each others lives through free chats, phone calls and video chats.  It is such a great way for our children to know their cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents that can’t be with us on a daily basis.

Because I love Skype as much as I do, I have become a Skype Ambassador through Mom Central Consulting. Over the next couple of months, I will share with you some of the awesome features Skype offers, as well as why it is so important to our family.

With Mother’s Day being this weekend, it is the perfect time to download Skype and begin using it.  I still believe in sending Mother’s Day cards to the important women in your lives, but a card is nothing compared to actually seeing the smile on a loved ones’ face as you “tell” them Happy Mother’s Day in a video chat. 

Skype is currently running a “Mom You Rock” charity campaign.  Hop on over and create a video message for your mom, grandma, aunts and friends.   They will love seeing you rock out in a Mother’s Day message made special just for them.

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Skype. I received Skype credits to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.”

I have learned through parenting that there isn’t always a right or wrong way to handle a situation.  I have also become aware that it doesn’t hurt to be open to different solutions to different scenarios as well.

I recently read a children’s book to my kiddos called “Because Your Mommy Loves You“.  As I read it I had to laugh to myself at how differently I do things with my kids most of the time.    However, the more I read, the more I realized that perhaps while my way of parenting isn’t wrong, it may not hurt me to be a little bit more like the mommy in the book.

Because Your Mommy Loves You is all about helping your child to understand that doing things for themselves builds confidence within them.  It helped me to see that independence even as a young child is important.

The book is about a mom and child who go on a camping trip together.  During their trip things happen to where the mother could step in and fix everything.  Instead, she provides her child with the knowledge he needs to succeed at the tasks on his own.

The way the book was written showed me that not doing everything for your child doesn’t mean you aren’t a good mother.  As a matter of fact, it showed me just the opposite.  Hopefully the next time I have the chance to lead by example, I’ll take it, rather than just stepping in and doing it myself.

BECAUSE YOUR MOMMY LOVES YOU

By Andrew Clements and Illustrated by R.W. Alley

Ages 4 and up

About the author:

Andrew Clements is the author of many best-selling books, among them the middle grade novel Frindle. He lives in Westborough, Massachusetts, and can be found at www.andrewclements.com.

About the illustrator:

R. W. Alley is the illustrator of many beloved picture books, including the Paddington Bear series. He lives in Barrington, Rhode Island. Visit him at www.rwalley.com.

*I received a copy of this book for my review.  I received no other form of compensation.

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Happy Little Campers

For starters, what is this 10 month timeframe stuff?  My whole life I was told pregnancy lasts 9 months, until I became pregnant.  What’s that all about?  I know it’s just one more month, but it is the longest month of your life when you are ready to meet your new bundle of joy.

As far as what I expected when I was expecting, I don’t think I went into pregnancy expecting too much.  I had hoped that my hair would start to grow really fast like you hear other women talk about.  I was pretty sure that I would worry most of the ten months.  I was right.  I expected to be standing in the middle of a crowded room when my water broke, just like I see on every television show I ever watch.  By the way, I learned that rarely ever happens, other than on t.v.

It turns out that it wasn’t the things I expected that threw me for a loop, it was the things I wasn’t expecting that made the biggest impact on me. 

I wasn’t expecting to cry the first time I heard my babies heartbeat at my ultrasound.  I had no idea what it would feel like the first time I felt my child move inside my body.  I couldn’t have foreseen loving someone with all my heart and soul that I had never even laid eyes on yet. 

I didn’t know I would be terrified on the day I gave birth.  Not because of the reasons I had originally thought I would be scared about, but instead because I was about to meet the person that would change my existence forever. 

I’m not quite sure as I look back on both my pregnancies that I could ever have known what to expect when I was expecting.  However, what I do know is that whatever my expections could have been, they would have never measured up to what I actually received.   Hang in there ladies, 10 months is worth the wait…..

The new movie “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” is heading to theaters on May 18th.   Centrum Specialist® PreNatal is partnering with Lionsgate to host an early screening of the film for new and expecting moms here in Denver, CO on May 14th.  They are working to share with moms the importance of taking prenatal vitamins as part of pregnancy nutrition.

Centrum Specialist®  Prenatal is a complete multivitamin specifically designed to support your baby’s growth and development, plus your own pregnancy health.* It provides all the health benefits from Centrum®, the #1 doctor recommended brand. 

 For more information on Centrum Specialist® PreNatal, visit the Centrum® – Nutrition Possible Facebook page (Facebook.com/CentrumNutritionPossible).

If you live in Colorado (pregnant and new moms highly encouraged to enter) and would like the opportunity to see the advanced screening of “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” on May 14th 7pM, I have some good news for you. 

I am offering 5 locals the chance to see the screening at UA Denver Pavilions 15.  You will meet me at the theater where you will each be given two tickets to the advanced screening and a gift bag from Centrum Specialist PreNatal.  The gift bag will include a free month’s supply of Centrum Specialist® Prenatal and a custom maternity t-shirt for you to wear the night of the premier.  Winners must arrive by 6:30 p.m.

HOW TO ENTER:

 Centrum Specialist® Prenatal is on the look-out for soon-to-be or new moms!  Tell me in a comment ”What you expected when/if you are expecting.”

Example: During my pregnancy, I expect to develop a craving for carrots. I love carrots already so I imagine my little one will increase my appetite for them!

There are two other local bloggers hosting this giveaway.  Be sure to enter on their sites as well.  This is going to be a fun night!  Visit Mooseandtater.com and  Twohandstwofeet.com

This giveaway is open until Thursday 5/10 at 5PM MST.  It is open to anyone who would be able to attend the screening in Denver, Colorado on 5/14th. Below are the official rules of the contest. Winners will be notified on May 10th. 

• NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY.  PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
• Must be 18 or older and a legal resident of the 50 United States and DC to enter. Not eligible: employees of  selected bloggers posting the giveaways, Ketchum, Wyeth LLC (“sponsor”), and each of their parent, affiliate or related companies (“Sweepstakes Entities”), or their immediate family or persons living in the same household.
• Enter by submitting the required information, specified by the host blogger. Use of automated or scripted programs to submit entries are prohibited. 
• Five winners will be randomly selected by the blogger to win two advance screening tickets of the feature film What to Expect When You’re Expecting!; each winner gets two tickets (one for themselves and one for a friend.)
• Host Blogger will choose winners from all eligible entries at random. The winner will be contacted via email by blogger. If a winner does not respond within 24 hours, the blogger will select another prize winner. All decisions are final. Winner must respond with a preferred t-shirt size for themselves and their guest (ranging from S-XL maternity size.)
• All winners are requested to wear their t-shirts on the day of the advance screening.
• Odds of winning depend on the number and timing of the entries provided. Failure to respond to prize notification or provide required information may result in forfeiture of the prize and award.
• Except where prohibited, winners agree that the Sweepstakes Entities have the right to use their name, city and town and likeness in any advertising and marketing material, without compensation or any right to review and approve.
• Sponsor: Wyeth LLC, 5 Giralda Farms, Madison, New Jersey, 07940

I am participating in a sponsored campaign hosted by Centrum Specialist® Prenatal multivitamins. I received compensation for this post. While all opinions stated are my own, I make no claims about Centrum Specialist® Prenatal as a product or its effectiveness.

I have mentioned Nichol from Kiddies Corner Deals on my blog in the past, but I don’t know that I ever really told you all how special I think she is.   She has become a person in my life that just seems to get me, even though we have never actually met in person.  Somehow she always knows just the right times to support me as a blogger and as a friend. 

She did this for me recently by selecting me as the person to ”Pay it Forward” to with a beautiful bouquet of flowers from the  Better Homes and Gardens line at FTD.com.  I had the most amazing floral arrangement show up at my home about a week ago.  It arrived in a gorgeous square vase, full of Gerbera Daisies, Carnations and Tulips.  

The Better Homes and Gardens arrangement I received were stunning.  When my mom saw them, she thought it was one of the prettiest flower arrangements she had ever seen.  Of course, we both love Gerbera Daisies and Carnations.  Carnations were my grandmother’s favorite and they always remind us of her.

As a mentioned above, Nichol somehow knows when I need a pick me up.  This arrangement couldn’t have come at a better time for some serious cheering up.  I’m telling you, there is nothing like having friends that truly care about you, just for being you!  Thanks so much Nichol.

The flowers I received from FTD.com’s Better Homes and Gardens line are just one of the beautiful arrangements they offer.  With Mother’s Day coming up next week, flowers are a great way to say “I love you” to that special lady in your life.   Even if you just know someone that needs something beautiful to make them smile, flowers are a perfect choice.

FTD.com has a new Mother’s Day Getaway Sweepstakes on the FTD Flowers Facebook page.  One Grand Prize winner will receive a trip for two to Morgan Bay Beach Resort in St Lucia. Prize includes a 4-night stay in a one-bedroom (double occupancy) Oceanview Suite with Morgan Bay’s all-inclusive program for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, unlimited beverages, all on-site activities, nightly entertainment, and more!  Of course, there will be other great prizes given away as well.

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Imagine two+ hours of gazing at stars like Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo.  Not to mention the talents of Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson and Jeremy Renner.  I would say this movie is perfect for any gender, male or female.

When earth is attacked by an unwanted guest named Loki, Nick Fury brings together forces to create The Avenger team.   The Avengers consist of Iron Man, Captian America, The Hulk, Thor, Black Widow and Hawkeye.  Together the characters provide viewers with great banter, excitement and of course action!

My husband and I have seen every Marvel movie made, so we have had The Avengers on our radar for a while now.  Needless to say it was everything we had hoped for in the movies we have come to love.  Iron Man was definitely a favorite for me, because most of what came out of his mouth made me laugh.

A few things to know before you head to theaters:

1.  I don’t normally enjoy 3D, but with this movie it was pretty amazing.  We were able to see it on the IMAX screen and it was like being a part of the movie.  This time around, 3D was worth it.

2.  The last 30 minutes of the movie is a pretty intense fight scene with lots of action.  If you need to take a potty break, you may want to do it before this part hits.  The final part of the movie is sure to get your adrenaline pumping!

3.  Be sure to stay until all the credits are complete.  There is a little something that you won’t want to miss after the credits roll.

4.  You may want to see it first before taking a younger kiddo, as there are some very intense fight scenes that could be a bit much for younger kids.  Some of the characters are a little creepy for a younger audience as well.  You know your children best, so my advice would be to see it and then decide if it is something your child would enjoy.

If you are a Marvel fan or enjoy action films, then I say get a sitter and plan a night out with the hubby.  It’s probably been too long since you’ve had a date night anyway.