The Adventures of Yellowstone

We've been having a lovely time in Yellowstone. I would recommend this trip to anyone who has a love of outdoor life and the animal kingdom. Also, if you want a chance to get to know your family better, confinement in a car for 8 or more hours gives you that chance. That's my suggestion today. Plan vacations with your family often.

Thus far, we have enjoyed seeing many bear. One sighting on Sunday with Grandpa and Grandma Bennett (before Joey and Michelle arrived) we saw a mother grizzly with 4 cubs. A man told us that this is only the 4th known quad births since 1945. Wow! That day we saw black bear and cubs twice and another grizzly.

Of course, we have seen elk, moose, deer, buffalo, mountain goats, marmot, squirrels, muskrat, geese, pelicans, cranes, osprey, and much scenery. The weather has been cooperative with snow, rain, sun, wind, and cooler temperatures.

We were sad when grandpa and grandma announced yesterday morning that they were going home in time to see Roger before he leaves on his trip. I think grandpa just can't sit still for many days before he gets antsy.

Best wish to all. The vacations teach you a lot about loved ones and it certainly helps teach one how to open up and communicate more. Love to all.

Travel Fun and Interaction

I think the reason I love to get in a car with my family and go is because I then have them confined for a period of time. This means real togetherness. Travel time (anywhere) can be valuable if one recognizes the blessings of it and takes advantage of it. So, here are two suggestions.

1) Carry a small hymn book & a booklet of camp songs and silly songs. I keep mine in the glove compartment. Just sing, and sing and sing!

2) Make a Travel Fun Pack. Here’s what I would suggest you put in it: A) a ball (small and bouncy) B) a sewing kit for quick repairs, C) paper, pencils, pens, crayons, etc. D) finger puppets, E) a deck or two of cards, F) magnets, G) a yo-yo, g) travel games, H) a small mirror, I) snacks (make sure you rotate these often and that they are good in heat) J) a list of quick, interactive travel games to remind you what can be played. K) a few book to read, L) an almanac, M) Story CD’s—just be sure you turn the story off once in a while and talk about the story’s message. N) A flashlight. O)Some water, P) Some blankets. Q) Anything else that applies to the "likes" of your family. ***Please note that this is not a list of things for an emergency kit for your car. These are ideas for your family to have on hand for travel fun and added pleasure.