tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64040981679286195922024-03-14T00:11:14.582-07:006 Andersons, 1 WorldFamily travel ideas and inspiration... We've been around the world and back, and still counting the miles. Join in for tips and tricks to make your next family adventure a learning success for TEENS, TWEENS and PARENTS, too. 6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-12743748606877049632013-09-26T13:57:00.001-07:002013-09-26T14:14:50.505-07:00How much travel gear do you really need?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As you gathered from this blog, our family obviously spends a lot of time travelling. So you might assume, we must have all the "gear" to hit the road, looking pretty spiffy as we go.<br />
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But that's simply not the case. <b>Top 3 Packing Essentials</b>?<br />
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Item #1: Pack your <b>BAG</b>.<br />
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Yes, we all have <b>a suitcase</b>. In fact, we have had many suitcases because I find that air travel is really hard on them. They break, crack, the wheels fall off, the handles jam, and you really can't get upset about it because that's just the way it is. If there's any suitcase company out there who'd like to prove me wrong, I'd gladly test their product out.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0D2mcg-ycmw/UkSa60O6JCI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/zd70GColysI/s1600/DSCF3587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0D2mcg-ycmw/UkSa60O6JCI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/zd70GColysI/s320/DSCF3587.JPG" width="320" /></a>For our round-the-world trip we took <b>backpack style luggage</b>, but that is a regret. If we did it again, a good wheeled bag would have been preferable since it was too heavy for the girls, and most places we needed to carry it, <b>wheeling one would have been easy</b> (... possible exception in the pouring rain at the ferry terminal in Civitivicchia, Italy, trying to find the train station over cobblestones in the dark. Come to think of it, a flashlight other than the iPhone would have been nice.)<br />
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Choose whatever makes you (and the kids!) the most <b>independent</b>, and if "wheels" are easier than "weight", that's the best choice.<br />
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Travel Essential #2: Then it comes to <b>shoes</b>.<br />
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Traveling, for our family, involves a lot of walking. Both as a form of transportation and as a past-time. We were very grateful for our decision to outfit each of us with quality, well-fitted footwear prior to leaving for Machu Picchu and beyond. For our family, that meant <b><a href="http://www.merrell.com/CA/en" target="_blank">Merrell</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.vasque.com/womens-hiking-boots" target="_blank">Vasque</a></b>. Not everybody has the same feet, and we chose what felt the best for each of us. The girls' Merrell's made it as far as Thailand, when the overpowering scent of Egyptian camels required us to leave them behind. The boys' were able to make it to Australia before the sand and sea destroyed the linings (I did tell them to not go in the water!) But my Vasque pair made it all the way around the world, and I'm still wearing them on hikes back in Canada. Invest in good shoes. Your feet (and your knees) will thank you.<br />
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Item #3: Protect your eyes... <b>quality sunglasses</b> for everyone, including the kids.<br />
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Everyone remembers sunscreen (goes without saying) but the <b>UV index is also meant for your EYES</b>. Sun damage starts when kids are young, and keeps accumulating as we age. Good UV protection is essential for travellers of all ages, and not just for the fancy photos... <b><a href="http://www.thevisioncouncil.org/index2.cfm" target="_blank">The Vision Council</a> </b>recommends eye protection even on those overcast days when the sun isn't as bright. And it is never too early to start wearing them.<br />
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All that other "essential" travel gear? Our family can either take it, or pack light!<br />
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6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-13554816554098717892013-09-13T09:28:00.002-07:002013-09-13T09:28:52.906-07:00Top 3 Reasons our Family Picks Travel (over just school)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's a question I hear a lot.<br />
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"<b>Why does your family travel so much</b>?" comes the casual comment. <br />
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Then the kicker. <br />
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"<b>Don't you think they are missing too much school?</b>"<br />
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We do miss an above-average amount of school days. In fact, the "number of absences" on the kid's report cards is usually right around the same as their percentage grade by the end of the school term (they actually count every block in the day in our district, if you can imagine.) But since both numbers are in the high 80's or 90's I don't get that concerned. They are still achieving great results, even though missing the daily routine. <br />
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How? Well, because I am a firm believer that experiential learning actually anchors the theory taught in books... and the world is a wonderful classroom. Why do we take our kids out of school during the year? Here's our top 3 reasons.<br />
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1. <b>Family Field Trips</b><br />
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When I was teaching middle school full-time (life before we had kids) I would usually anchor my social studies unit plan with a field trip. The "foods" unit in grade nine French had a trip to experience French cuisine, and the Fur Traders unit in grade 8 history went to <a href="http://www.fortedmontonpark.ca/" target="_blank">Fort Edmonton Park</a>, our local living museum. <br />
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Now that I'm a Mom, I still do it (though usually just for our kids, and maybe a friend or two). School budgets being what they are today, this kind of thing is no longer in the curriculum. But ask any teacher, and she probably wishes a trip to the <a href="http://www.tyrrellmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Royal Tyrell Museum</a> in Drumheller COULD be the activity in grade 8 science... We've gone to the places our kids have learned about and extended their knowledge. And we've gone both close and far, to enhance their learning. Are they missing school? I personally think it's bringing the book lessons to life.<br />
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<b>2. Sports</b><br />
Katie was asked to be the "absentee helper" in her grade four class this year. It is up to her to gather assignments for kids who are away. She asked for an assistant, since she realizes she is the one who will need the most help. This year we are headed to Vancouver for Western Canadians, and (hopefully) London, England for the World Championships at Easter.<br />
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Competitive sports have taught our children lessons about practice and perseverance, and the ability to achieve when it matters. All four kids have had the opportunity to compete at International Levels... whether in rugby, hockey or dance. It has taken them (and us!) to tournaments around the world, and they missed school because of it. We'll count that as "gym".<br />
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<b>3. Family Time</b><br />
Now that our oldest has graduated from school and moved out on his own, I am truly seeing how little time we have together! Between work commitments, and school, and sports, our lives are BUSY. And we don't want that "busy-ness" to be the only memories we have as a family.<br />
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There's a quote at the end of my book that sums up how I feel:<br />
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"<i>Of all the wonders in the world, the greatest wonder of them all, was sharing it with you."</i><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jGMrlngLY-c/UjM8v5gJVCI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/UQKvJ9bi9t8/s1600/trip+pics+3975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jGMrlngLY-c/UjM8v5gJVCI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/UQKvJ9bi9t8/s320/trip+pics+3975.JPG" width="320" /></a>Every day, we prioritize what is important in our life by how much time we spend on it. We all have the same 24 hours. But we don't know how many of them we will get. SEIZE THE DAY.<br />
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We get to choose what we do. Our "five months away" underlined for me that the most important wasn't all the stuff we collect, wear or purchase. It is our time together, doing things we love, sharing the world.<br />
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It 's pretty easy to practice spelling, and math, in the sand.<br />
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6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-83167955583739474422013-09-10T14:49:00.000-07:002013-09-10T14:49:16.344-07:00California Dreaming<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Two thousand one hundred miles, plus change. 3400 kilometres in metric, just to make it seem even further. That's quite a road trip if you have six kids along. Which we did.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xf-fA6blVYU/Ui-MGOnEssI/AAAAAAAAAIw/QYj_tlxOci4/s1600/IMG_4078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xf-fA6blVYU/Ui-MGOnEssI/AAAAAAAAAIw/QYj_tlxOci4/s200/IMG_4078.JPG" width="150" /></a>This summer, we decided we would drive back from the National Irish Dance Championships in Anaheim, California in the first week of July. We counted a couple of extra days after the competitions to see Disneyland and the beaches, and then planned a week to drive home. Home being almost straight north, to Canada. It was a long way.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0OB8Y2U6hGg/Ui-PIQEPP-I/AAAAAAAAAJA/UKXl8havFLo/s1600/IMG_4018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0OB8Y2U6hGg/Ui-PIQEPP-I/AAAAAAAAAJA/UKXl8havFLo/s200/IMG_4018.JPG" width="200" /></a>One of the main reasons our family travels is our Kids' Sports. We have followed rugby teams to international matches in Las Vegas, and hockey teams as far as Germany and Austria. Dance has taken us to Chicago, Boston and Scotland (ironically, not to Ireland, yet!) It's a great opportunity to see new places while the kids participate in the sports they love, with their friends. Things childhood memories are made of!<br />
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And with all the beautiful young ladies, of course our son and his teenage friends don't need much convincing to come as a support crew. Go figure. Our California trip included our two dancing girls, and our son and three of his friends. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K6jwxJMJQPw/Ui-QaazBIVI/AAAAAAAAAJY/4JEl-wbKI-g/s1600/IMG_4086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K6jwxJMJQPw/Ui-QaazBIVI/AAAAAAAAAJY/4JEl-wbKI-g/s200/IMG_4086.jpg" width="200" /></a>Highlights? Well, not the traffic between Huntington Beach and Malibu. The scenic beach drive was a good idea in theory, but with street lights every block or two, not in practice. We were in high danger of overheating the RV. And saw mostly the back of the vehicles in front of us, during a never-ending rush hour. But it did give us a sense of just how incredibly big Los Angeles (and all its related suburbs) really is.<br />
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The beaches south of LA were just like the movies. We were shocked at how quickly they changed as we went even slightly north. The water temperature dropped, and by the time we had gone six hours, we didn't want to get into the water. Brrr.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_si4bdPHJ1s/Ui-PXrb27II/AAAAAAAAAJE/cilRmpVGdXA/s1600/IMG_4227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_si4bdPHJ1s/Ui-PXrb27II/AAAAAAAAAJE/cilRmpVGdXA/s320/IMG_4227.jpg" width="240" /></a>We made it through the streets of San Francisco, across the Golden Gate Bridge and up to the Redwood Forest. Very impressive, though of course our RV wouldn't fit through the giant drive-thru tree. We settled for a group photo instead.<br />
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The California coast is very pretty. But the road between Eureka and the inland highways in Oregon is not something I want to repeat, unless I am driving that cute little convertible next time. Logging trucks and holiday trailers on a narrow windy mountain road are not a good mix, and I managed to get a little carsick. The kids, thank goodness, were fine.<br />
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As we made our way north, we realized that the more direct Google-recommended route through Utah was worth heeding. By hour #18 we were still in California, and we could have been all the way home by then. But, we reminded ourselves, we had chosen the alternative scenic route. It was exhausting<br />
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Once across the US-Canada border, with home in our sights, we paused for a bit of a reward. After 30+ hours behind the wheel, we shook out our travel weary legs for a bit of water-water rafting fun! Great way to cap the long drive, and add a final zing of excitement. <br />
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Traveling with teens? Make sure to stop and do some of the activities they can talk about. Give them a "Kodak moment", and join in the fun. You are only as old as you act...<br />
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6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-34846675046810546682013-04-22T13:14:00.000-07:002013-04-22T13:14:00.529-07:00Boston on my Mind<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Boston is really on my mind. <br />
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And not just because it is has been front page news this past week, but because of the impact of disasters, both natural and man-made, on the people connected to it.<br />
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We were just there. My husband and our two daughters and I just walked those tidy streets and met those friendly people. Bostonians opened their arms to the World Championships of Irish Dance, and we flooded their hotels with wigs and sparkled dresses and tapping feet. We spent ten days in the Boston area, and we had an amazing time.<br />
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My travel blog was about to be posted on Patriots Day. I held back for a week, and now feel the best thing is to celebrate everything good about Boston. And encourage families to visit. We share your pain, applaud your strength, and admire your fortitude.<br />
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Our family joined friends, and we signed up for the <a href="http://www.trolleytours.com/boston/" target="_blank">"Hop On Hop Off"</a> Bus, and took advantage of the included admission to the <a href="http://www.bostonteapartyship.com/" target="_blank">"Boston Tea Party"</a> exhibit. Our kids ages 9-15 learned the history of the beginnings of the American Revolution, and the role Bostonians played in the birth of the United States as an independent country. The interactive play was both entertaining and educational, letting the kids act out characters, yell out encouragement in a big "Hazzah!" and throw the tea bales off the ships into the sea (earning souvenir feathers for their attempts). We got to experience the interior of a pilgrim's ship, and feel connected to the 17th century players. It was a highlight of the trip.<br />
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Another must-do (for Mom and Dad, anyway) was a quick lunch at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheers_Beacon_Hill" target="_blank">Cheers bar</a>. Iconic from the 80's sitcom, the small downstairs pub on Beacon Hill delivered with simple pub fare and good cold brew... Samuel Adam's just to be local.<br />
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The excursion to the New England State would not have been complete without taking in a Boston Bruins game. In fact, our Dance Dad would have probably called the trip a miss if it had not have been happening in the home venue of his all-time favourite hockey team, with a chance to visit the Boston Gardens. As luck would have it, with the NHL strike over and a condensed season in progress, we had a choice of three possible games that week, tickets bought <a href="http://www.stubhub.com/boston-bruins-tickets/" target="_blank">online</a>. Hubby picked the Original Six classic: Bruins versus the Habs. Complete with the rivalry chants, the crowds celebrated in full style both pre-game at the neighbouring <a href="http://www.hurricaneoreillysboston.com/" target="_blank">Hurricane O'Reilly's</a> and post-game as well. Families were welcomed into the pubs (YES!), so if a father-son game is on the itinerary, hockey in Boston is a must.<br />
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You can't predict the future. Or guarantee that you won't be in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you are familiar with our story, you already know that we experienced several instances of near-miss events, where a major tragedy occurred within weeks of our visit or immediately prior to our arrival. <br />
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Our hearts go out to all those affected by the horrible life-changing events in Boston last week. How easy it could have been our family, our event sabotaged by the twisted actions of others. But if we give power to those people, by living scared or intimidated, we give them more than they are worth.<br />
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Go hug your kids, your parents, those who are your world. And then go out and explore it. Together.</div>
6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-32710832076100432162013-04-08T10:42:00.002-07:002013-04-08T10:46:30.807-07:00Cape Cod, a perfect off-season retreat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Our girls are both competitive Irish dancers.<br />
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Their sport started modestly, with local classes from the age of 3, through the ranks of beginners and novice, prizewinners and Championships. The exchange for the hundreds of hours of practice and training has been the opportunity to compete on a World Stage - and this year, the 43rd annual "Olympics" of Irish Dance was held in <a href="http://www.irishmassachusetts.com/special_features_boston_dances.php" target="_blank">Boston, USA.</a><br />
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We arrived in Boston a few days early, and headed south to Cape Cod. Since it was our first adventure to the New England States, we hoped to explore a bit of coastline and sample the local seafood and chowder. Provincetown was still very quiet (end of March is early in the season), but still eclectic and colourful under the grey skies. <br />
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We had a wonderful cozy night at the <a href="http://www.provincetowninn.com/" target="_blank">Provincetown Inn</a>, excellent off-season value including breakfast for 4, under $100/night. Our amazing oceanfront view was transformed to a winter wonderland with a heavy dump of wet snow while we slept.<br />
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Dinner was recommended at a local eatery called <a href="http://www.napis-restaurant.com/" target="_blank">Napi's</a>, and was artfully prepared with fresh ingredients then served by a friendly hostess. Our daughters enjoyed the collection of seafaring treasures displayed on the walls and shelves, and had a rousing game of "I Spy" while we waited for our meals. <br />
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The hotel featured a turn-of-the-century fireplace with sofas pulled close, and the quiet of the building created a perfect refuge from the storm. The next morning, we headed for a quiet seaside hike across snow-covered paths to the water's edge, where only a few gulls braved the chill.<br />
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Travel doesn't have to mean going full speed ahead. Sometimes the best part is allowing yourself some down time, without over-scheduling your family into every possible activity to see and to do. Kids need to learn to sit and engage in thoughtful conversation. They need to be given time to rest and focus, especially if their daily life is hectic. We all need balance. <br />
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This quiet, reflective time, especially before a major competition with its accompanying stress and pressure and physical demands, allowed our family to "refuel". Cape Cod in March. Ideal!<br />
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6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-41016731984137494662013-01-21T16:10:00.000-08:002013-01-21T16:10:14.467-08:00Warm up in Panama, perfect for teens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Let's face it. By January, those of us living in the Northern parts of the planet are getting pretty tired of the dark and the cold. A winter getaway boosts our Vitamin D levels to help us beat those winter blues, naturally.<br />
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If you are looking for a new destination that is both family friendly and affordable, why not give Panama a try?</div>
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We found daily flights routed out of the major airline hub of Houston, TX which connected daily to our home airport. Though long in travel time, the direct routing and good connections actually reduced our time spent in transit. We landed in Panama City, but in the next couple of years international flights will become available at the new airport closer to the resorts, now under construction. A taxi service offers at the airport shuttled us safely across the (very busy) city to the resort area of <a href="http://www.decameron.co/promosite/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2257&Itemid=1513">Decameron</a>. Resorts by Sheraton, Riu, Hilton and all the majors offer many economical choices, several 5* with inclusive options, depending what your family craves. Most are located on uncrowded sand beaches where searching for shells is just as enticing as playing in the gentle waves. There are also privately owned condos and houses available, and grocery shopping is easy.</div>
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Rent a car</div>
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We had no troubles with driving in Panama. The highways are mostly new, and though can get crowded with trucks and buses, it is easy to navigate and enjoyable to explore. Once in Decameron, there are a couple familiar rental agents to choose from, without the stress of driving through the unbelievable traffic of Panama city (we saved that for the experts!) If you have a smaller group, or prefer to leave the driving to others, the local bus system is every efficient and economical, but a basic knowledge of Spanish would make it easier.</div>
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What to do with teens?</div>
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<a href="http://www.extremepanama.com/canopy_zip_line.html">Ziplining</a> through the jungle canopy was at the top of our list. When in Hawaii a couple of years ago, Katie was too young to participate and has never let us forget it. This time, she sailed above the trees and over the waterfalls with the guidance of our guides. We drove up to the mountaintop to El Valle de Anton - Cocle province, a beautiful scenic drive in itself. The tropical rainforest was lush and musical with birdsong. </div>
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If your teens are into extreme sports, then a visit (or even a stay) at <a href="http://www.nitrocitypanama.com/">Nitro City</a> is a must. We enjoyed our late lunch in the chilled atmosphere of the outdoor patio and watched as a quad towed wake-boarders across the infinity pool. Skateboarding, jet skiing, kitesurfing and a realm of other outdoor adventures are available, and the pool tables and video games entertain on rainy days. Though we didn't choose to stay long, our teens were happy to have visited even for a short time.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_RMTZqt91yU/UP3UQThNGpI/AAAAAAAAAGM/ZEkjYv4PTJo/s1600/IMG_2438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_RMTZqt91yU/UP3UQThNGpI/AAAAAAAAAGM/ZEkjYv4PTJo/s320/IMG_2438.JPG" width="320" /></a>Diving with whale sharks in the right season (November to Feb) and world class surfing (Feb - May) are other options unique to Panama. A few hours to the village of Santa Catalina. A <a href="http://fluidadventurespanama.com/SeaKayaking.html">day trip</a> to the island of Coiba offered top notch snorkeling with the biggest fish in the sea, followed by a geography lesson at the National Park on Coiba, the island that was once a penal colony and is now one of the best diving locations in the world. We managed to swim with sea turtles, schools of fish of every size and color, and even spotted a seahorse while floating in the calm, clear waters of the Pacific.</div>
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A trip to Panama would not be complete without visiting the Canal. The <a href="http://panamacanalmuseum.org/index.php">Panama Canal museum</a> had an interactive exhibit where visitors can steer their ship through the locks, controlling the throttle and the wheel in an attempt to not smash into the sides and sound the alarms... it was great fun, like a shipping game of Mattel's "Operation." Next, in <a href="http://cascoviejo.com/canal-museum/">Panama Viejo (Old Town)</a>, a follow-up visit to the international version of the canal museum explained the construction of the major shipping channel from another perspective. The contrast allows visitors to see two sides of the same story, a valuable lesson about history in itself. </div>
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With the best of beaches, history, sports activities and cultural exposure, Panama offers families a safe, relaxing winter getaway at affordable prices. Oh yeah, did I mention beer costs about 70 cents... #goLearn.</div>
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6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-67593465409248829212013-01-08T12:04:00.000-08:002013-01-08T14:33:24.756-08:00Jasper in January, Alberta Canada<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Since the release of our family adventures, many folks have asked me for recommendations of the perfect destination for an educational trip with their kids. The world is full of opportunity, but I am going to start with something right in my own backyard...<br />
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<b><u>Jasper Alberta Canada <span id="goog_160401917"></span></u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
A three hour drive west of the city of Edmonton, Jasper National Park is nestled along the Alberta - British Columbia border in Western Canada. And in January, it is a winter wonderland.<br />
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To get there: Our family travels in our SUV, equipped with 4 wheel drive and winter tires. This allows us enough space for luggage, and makes for a safer, happier trip. It also allows us the freedom to explore independently once we arrive. ViaRail offers a passenger train service, and there is the MagicBus ski transfer, but we prefer the freedom of our own vehicle.<br />
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What to pack: Think winter in the mountains... the temperatures are unpredictable and can fluctuate more than 40 degrees Celsius in 24 hours. Seriously. So be prepared for anything: ski pants, warm coats, hats, mitts and boots. We always add a swimsuit for the hot tub. And bring whatever gear will match your planned activitiy: skiing or hiking, skating or sledding. First plan your "to do" list, then pack what you'll need to do it. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yxLw8IBvXb0/UOxsRgnz-MI/AAAAAAAAAFM/dbP0jkOermE/s1600/405972_10200187375436825_653751570_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yxLw8IBvXb0/UOxsRgnz-MI/AAAAAAAAAFM/dbP0jkOermE/s320/405972_10200187375436825_653751570_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Family Fun: <br />
SKI: <a href="http://www.skimarmot.com/">Marmot Basin</a> offers downhill skiing for all ages and abilities. It is a world class resort, with high speed quad lifts and chalets. Rental packages are available on the hill. Lessons are offered for kids, and there is babysitting service for younger ones. Our kids started skiing at about age 3, and there are many children on the lower "bunny slopes." It is a great place to learn to ski. Teens will be challenged by the double-black runs and terrain park, and the many trails through the woods. The snowboarders in the family will have a lot of options as well. Rentals plus lift tickets and a hot lunch for our family of 5 was about $500. Pretty high for multiple days, but was okay when the next day, we planned to do something "free."<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZzmCZg2Vw8/UOyeay6Z1NI/AAAAAAAAAFs/QP_8dRqyx_s/s1600/jasper+waterfall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZzmCZg2Vw8/UOyeay6Z1NI/AAAAAAAAAFs/QP_8dRqyx_s/s320/jasper+waterfall.jpg" width="240" /></a>HIKE: Maligne Canyon is frozen, and a walk from Bridge No.5 will take you along the frozen river up to the waterfalls and caves. Tours are available, complete with ice grips for your boots. Your family will learn the geology of the Rocky Mountains, and may even spot ancient fossils imbedded in the canyon walls. Deer and elk frequent the area, so keep your eyes open for wildlife, and experience the beauty of nature. Make sure to take your camera! Check <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jasper-Trail-Alliance/168509399845259">Jasper Trail Alliance</a> on Facebook for current trail conditions, cross country ski trails and other hiking locations.<br />
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SKATE: At the JPL and Pyramid Lake Resort - free. There are a couple of lakes where the snow is removed, revealing the smooth ice surface of the mountain lakes... skates can be rented, and hot cocoa is available to share in front of a roaring bonfire. You can even challenge your kids to pond hockey, or a quick game of curling once your feet get sore. <br />
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Other ideas: Dog-sledding is something we have always wanted to try. There is also a wonderful <a href="http://www.mountainwellnessdayspa.com/">Day Spa</a> at the Sawridge Hotel for a Mom's Time Out, and our kids always love the hotel pools. If you go mid-day, you will probably have the whole place to yourself! The town of Jasper offers unique gift shops and restaurants of every price... try <a href="http://www.fiddleriverrestaurant.com/Fiddle_River/Home.html">Fiddle River</a> for a taste of elk or buffalo, with kids menu offered as well.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8EKF3OW0cJ4/UOx7O84Q6-I/AAAAAAAAAFc/JfIQ90yqMiI/s1600/sawridge+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8EKF3OW0cJ4/UOx7O84Q6-I/AAAAAAAAAFc/JfIQ90yqMiI/s1600/sawridge+photo.JPG" /></a>Where to stay: With our family, we prefer a kitchenette suite with a wood-burning fireplace. This trip we found the <a href="http://www.bestwesternjasperinn.com/">Jasper Inn</a> for $140/night. It has a great pool and indoor hot tub, and a restaurant with breakfast buffet for $10/person. If you'd like a secluded mountain experience, the <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/jasper/">Jasper Park Lodge</a> is unbeatable (though pricey) and Pyramid Lake Resort is now open year round. Check out TripAdvisor.com for our reviews.<br />
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Jasper in January - many special deals offered by hotels, and free activities planned for family fun. It's a great time to explore the Rockies, whether you live just up the road or continents away.<br />
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***<br />
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When we think family travel, we don't have to go far. Some of the best destinations are only an hour or two (or maybe three!) from home. The biggest thing is to take the time, whether it is for a week or just a couple of nights, and spend it with your kids. Play together, learn together and build the relationships that will carry forward with the best memories of time well spent.<br />
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6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-77392404111662036062012-12-27T18:12:00.001-08:002012-12-27T18:12:18.563-08:00Book review from an International reader<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Thank you Lubna for taking your time to review our story, and for your readers' encouraging comments. And I was grateful for the opportunity to pass forward two copies of our book for your school project in India. For a former teacher, any chance to encourage reading in youth is a rewarding action, indeed.<br />
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The Bookworm Review:<br />
<a href="http://booksonmyshelves.blogspot.ca/2012/12/mom-theres-lion-in-toilet.html">http://booksonmyshelves.blogspot.ca/2012/12/mom-theres-lion-in-toilet.html</a><br />
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To get our full story, you can either download the six novellas on www.smashwords.com<br />
<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/219500">https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/219500</a><br />
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Or it is now available internationally on Amazon as a complete set:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AEBX8EK">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AEBX8EK</a><br />
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When writing, an author puts her soul on paper, open for the world to read. It is even a greater risk when the subject is not fiction, but her own family who is exposed. I suppose that is why there is no biography in our story. It was my hope you would learn to understand the characters though the five months of spending time together as we explored the world in our journal. Plus, how do you sum up those you love in a few introductory paragraphs? It is something I continue to struggle with each time I am asked to write a biography.<br />
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We are not defined by what we do, or what has happened to us in the past.<br />
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We are, I suppose, a hard-working, determined, active living family. We are blessed to have a lot of opportunity, and the drive to capitalize on it. We are Western Canadian, and I guess following in that stereotype, we say please and thank you a lot, we drive pickup trucks, can tolerate really cold weather (though we do not like it) and we are self-sufficient and resourceful. We like both country and rock music and strong-minded, intelligent conversations. And though we can plan ahead, we are spontaneous, quick thinking and decisive. We like to have fun, and love to laugh. And can find humour in the worst of situations... that came in handy on our trip.<br />
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Are we rich? I think everyone is rich if he is counting the right things. Travel can be done in many ways, and not all of them are expensive. It costs very little to go camping in the woods. Hiking is free. And groceries cost the same (or even less) in any place you may eat, including home. Did our trip require an investment? Yes. And a series of choices. Everything is a trade-off. It required sacrificing one set of things for another.<br />
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Mostly, it required the courage to change our priorities. And to put time spent with our children first. Everyone has the same 24 hours in every day. It is a matter of choosing how you will spend them. And everyone makes that choice each day. <br />
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Time is our most precious resource. Thank you for spending yours reading our story, and taking the time to encourage others to do the same. I wish every family could share the world with their kids, like we did with ours, and yet realize that is not always possible. <br />
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That is why I wrote the book: to encourage, to entertain, to educate, and to share the world with you, and yours.<br />
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6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-8818392266038738522012-12-11T11:49:00.000-08:002012-12-11T11:54:17.485-08:00Heartfelt letter from a non-Reader<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I opened my email this morning, and received the best present any (new) author might wish for. Truly, I have read this letter several times, and each time my heart sings anew. <br />
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Thank you Pat for taking the time to write to me... I am thrilled you enjoyed our story, and the teacher in me rejoices that I could share with you the world in a book :) You truly made all the (blood, sweat, tears) months of work, worthwhile. You reminded me why I had to write, and why I shouldn't stop. Thank you for being my inspiration. Cheers! Lisa xox<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Good Morning Lisa, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Pat here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I have just spent the last two weeks with your beautiful mother
and I have to say it has been an amazing time getting to know your mother and
learning more about each of her two children whom she loves tremendously. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we were talking about the vacation, I was
wondering what in the world I would do for two whole weeks away with doing not
much than R&R. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most people that go
away especially women tend to bring a couple of books and read, relax and enjoy
quiet time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well I would not be one of
those women, you see at the age of 56 I have yet to read a book from front to
back, as I hated reading in school and was not encouraged when growing up. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reading to your children is so important when
they are young; this gives them a basis of enjoying books and wanting to read
more. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">With books you can go anywhere in the world you want. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a gift any author can pass on to the very
young and old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Well, your aunt Denise had her copy of your book at the Villa we
stayed at. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I thought what the heck I
will give it a try and see if it would keep me interested enough to at least
read a couple of chapters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Well my dear Lisa, I have to thank you for taking me around the
world in eight days on such an adventure. It is beyond my wildest dreams that I
would be so fortunate to complete reading a book of 454 pages in one week. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your writing is amazing, as it is very very
easy to read, and while reading your story I laughed, was scared for you and
your family, as well as was speechless at some of your adventures. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">There was a lot of teasing by your uncle as the book went
everywhere except to dinner with me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is something that is new to me and something that I felt would truly never
happen in my life. I did not like reading in school as I was a slow reader and
could not complete some exams because of my reading so slow. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That became a thorn in my side and I just left
it at that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Your book has given me a reason to continue to find books like
yours that has taken me on adventures that I could imagine in my mind. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The colors were so vivid to me while reading,
it was almost like a movie in my mind. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
could not put the book down, as I could hardly wait to see what was going to
happen next. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your writing is so clear and
helped me to visualize so much of the world that I will probably never see,
other than through the words in your book. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Your children are so very fortunate to have parents that put
their day to day lives on hold so that the family could really get a chance to
know each other on such an intimate level that would have never happened at
home with everyone being so busy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Lisa my dear, your book has inspired me at 56 years old to start
to read books, a whole new world has been opened to me just waiting for me to
experience journeys that only one can imagine while reading a book. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How my life would have been enriched if I
would have been fortunate enough to have had a teacher like yourself while
attending my first years of school. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have a gift for writing, I hope you continue to write and open up the world of
reading to lots of others that are just like I was before reading a book cover
to cover. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Mom! There's a Lion in the Toilet, has opened a door for me that
I have never opened. Now I don't want to close it. I am beyond grateful for
your book and your decision to write it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WOW I had such an adventure, all because of
going on holidays with your mom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Again, thank you and take care. I am using your mothers Facebook
because I don't have one. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too much confusion
for me. LOL<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Pat Racine</span></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-70318656997621861892012-12-06T10:07:00.001-08:002012-12-06T10:07:26.943-08:00Travel Tips - Educating Kids through Travel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Our kids were thrilled this week to find themselves on the front cover of the Edmonton Journal, our largest newspaper in our local city. <a href="http://www.edmontonjournal.com/life/story.html?id=7634713">http://www.edmontonjournal.com/life/story.html?id=7634713</a><br />
<br />
Chris Zdeb spoke to us about the impact of long term family travel, and how leaving our traditional school setting for extended travel may have hurt our children's education. It seems some people hold the belief that the only place learning can happen is within the walls of a classroom.<br />
<br />
Thank goodness our school district disagreed.<br />
<br />
Deciding to take our children on a trip around the world was a personal decision. It came from a deep realization that life was worth living, now. We worked, and had worked hard, for many years. And though we had built a great "normal" life, we were not completely satisfied. It seemed that life was passing us by. I love the quote "we travel not to escape our life, but so that our life does not escape us." That pretty much summed it up.<br />
<br />
Our schools, thankfully, understood. Yes, it did help that as a trained teacher, I was able to assure the administration that the five months away would not be a big "waste of time." But truly, I didn't need an education degree to be able to teach our children about the world. I believe strongly that life is about learning.<br />
<br />
Every day, we should learn at least one new thing.<br />
<br />
Seek out knowledge.<br />
<br />
Explore.<br />
<br />
Discover. <br />
<br />
Understand.<br />
<br />
It is our philosophy of life.<br />
<br />
The knowledge our children gained may or may not have matched the specific curriculum of each of their grades in our specific region of the world. But they learned about culture, history, geography and life in a way that was relevant and meaningful. And not to mention, fun. <br />
<br />
And most importantly, they learned how to learn, which for us was the most important lesson of all.<br />
<br />
Try these <b><u>Family Travel Tips</u></b> to make your next vacation a learning one:<br />
<br />
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">1. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Choose a
new destination</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you love to
travel, you can share that love with your children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn't have to be only "kid
places" like Disney.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Choose
activities you love, and pick a new place to try.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">2. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do
something new</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pick an activity your
family hasn't done before, and learn it together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">3. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Don't
overpack</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kids don't need to have
everything from home. Laundry is done everywhere, and you are their favorite toy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">4. <b>Hire a local guide</b>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Often the cab driver or waiter would love to share his city, or take you to her family's favourite museum or surf beach. Don't be afraid to ask to discover the best local "haunts".</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">5. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let the kids help with the planning</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Older children can have great ideas, and will
often enjoy the trip more if they are given some control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will share in their interests, and they
just might surprise you!</span><!--EndFragment-->
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">And my favourite place for recommendations: TripAdvisor. Just search for the "Top 10 things to do with families" in your destination, and let the ideas inspire you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Happy Travels! 6 Andersons 1 World</span></div>
6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-73009601189007878192012-11-27T14:25:00.000-08:002012-11-27T14:57:17.513-08:00Read in Week classroom visits<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Was there really a lion in the toilet?" asked a sweet little first grader at the fifth school we visited during Read In Week in October.<br />
<br />
"Yes," Katie nodded. "There really was."<br />
<br />
Katie and I toured several schools in the Edmonton area, sharing stories of family adventure with children ages 5 to 15. Every age was captivated, whether it be by the tale of swimming with sharks at the Ningaloo Reef, or what happened when the kids took their mom sandboarding down the dune of Huachachina outside Ica, Peru.<br />
<br />
Our task was to challenge young writers to put pen to paper and share their stories, the same way Katie did in her journal and now her coming picturebook "Katie Rounds the World." And several schools responded with envelopes that delighted us in their efforts.<br />
<br />
If children are passionate about their topic, writing can be easy. <br />
<br />
"Have you ever been on an adventure to see an animal in the wild? Have you ever played in the sand or the jungle or the ocean? Have you been caught in a storm or lost in the wilderness? What happened? Did it turn out okay in the end?"<br />
<br />
Hands waved wildly in the air.<br />
<br />
"Will you write us a story about your adventures?"<br />
<br />
The excitement was barely contained as the classes returned to their desks, in immediate search of paper and a pen.<br />
<br />
Thank you AL Horton in Vegreville and Lamont, Pollard Meadows and Woodbridge Farms. You have inspired us to write more, too.<br />
<br />
And yes, we would love to visit you again, soon :) Send us an invitation, and we'll be there!<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br /></div>
6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-35633331578094390142012-09-28T08:42:00.001-07:002012-11-27T14:00:47.478-08:00The birth of a series of e-Books<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Any one who has delved into the new world of publishing will probably tell you the writing was the easy part.<br />
<br />
After completing the story (writing and editing, over and over), there is still the task of format. How should this story be made available to its audience? There is more to books, than books.<br />
<br />
"Mom! There's a Lion in the Toilet" is a global story, and it has, by its very nature, an international audience. How can we best get that story to Peru, Greece, Sweden, Bali, Australia and New Zealand? Well, we could print it in Canada, and then ship it there. That is pretty expensive (but still do-able). We could contact in international print-on-demand company, and have the book printed in its destination, and we are looking into that. And we could make it instantly available as an e-book, which is a growing, economical (and environmentally friendly) phenom. <br />
<br />
Did you know that more people will read a book in e-format than in paperback this year? Wow.<br />
<br />
So, that learning curve got steeper, and the formatting got more complicated. Thank goodness I am related to a great computer-guy... when the "simple" directions made my eyes cross, I can "phone a friend."<br />
<br />
We decided that it was best to bite off the e-book market in small chunks rather than all at once. We wrapped up each continent of our trip into a novella, and created an e-book series of six. Each novella is about 80 pages long, and features all the stories that occurred in one part of the world - easier to "Tag" as a non-fiction travel destination, and easier to market for the same reason. Once all six novellas are completed, we will "bundle them" together as the whole e-book, "Mom! There's a Lion in the Toilet" which will be available in print form.<br />
<br />
We published the series first on www.Smashwords.com, which distributes to Apple, Barnes & Noble, Nook and other smaller market e-readers. To access Amazon, we had to publish directly with Kindle Direct Publishing (Thanks to Rob, my PC buddy, I bow to your expertise!) And once we managed to have one "clean" e-book up and running, we can continue with the next in the series. Sorry, eager readers, for the slight delay, but I promise my progress is steady, if slow.<br />
<br />
Introducing: <br />
Book 1 - "Americas North to South" <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/219500">https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/219500</a><br />
Book 2 - "A Whirl Through Europe" <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/228315">https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/228315</a><br />
Book 3 - "Gasp! The Middle East" <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/246116">https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/246116</a><br />
Book 4 - "Southeast Asia for the Holidays" <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/250693">https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/250693</a><br />
Book 5 - "Off to the Land of Oz" <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/252340">https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/252340</a><br />
Book 6 - "Paused in Polynesia" <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/259041">https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/259041</a><br />
<br />
I hope this is an affordable way to reach the world! Happy travels!<br />
Lisa<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-89608947540386665402012-08-14T08:58:00.001-07:002012-08-14T08:58:47.402-07:00Early Praise for Mom! There's a Lion in the Toilet!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We are honored to receive such encouragement from our Advance Reading Copy reviews. Thank you for your time, and your feedback. Merci! Gracias! Shukran! Kah Poon Krap! Ta!<br />
<br />
****<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Mom, There's a Lion in the Toilet" is thoroughly
enjoyable and a must-read for travel lovers of all ages. The stories of the
Anderson's fascinating cultural encounters and remarkable travel experiences are
so good they're better than fiction.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Andrea Phare,
Communications Specialist, Elk Island Public Schools<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">****</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mom! There’s a Lion in the Toilet! is a fun read for
families and those who love world travel. The book might bring back memories of
your family vacations... the good, the bad and the happenings that made great
stories. In fact, after reading this delightful book, you might just start
packing for your ‘round the world adventure. This book weaves in memories from
the family blog, the children’s journals and the family’s recollections of a
trip that has painted memories that will last a lifetime!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Charmaine Hammond,
Bestselling Author of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">On Toby’s Terms</b></i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>****</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An inspiration to all those who seek to follow their dreams
and those who are struggling to find "lift-off". I can't wait to read
the whole adventure!"<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Vicki Barnes,
Christchurch, New Zealand<o:p></o:p></i></div>
</div>
6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-18085840680980819702012-08-08T19:51:00.002-07:002012-08-08T19:51:40.915-07:00Take a Look at the Book!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
With the help of an amazing graphic designer, we have the cover to our book. Thank you Katie Dooley for sharing your talents with us. We love it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PKUzBQCDCSM/UCMkpy4MctI/AAAAAAAAACw/ZEnQ3gfBxds/s1600/Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PKUzBQCDCSM/UCMkpy4MctI/AAAAAAAAACw/ZEnQ3gfBxds/s1600/Front.jpg" /></a></div>
Available for pre-sales now.<br />
Official launch October 27, 2012. Alberta Litfest International Non-fiction festival. Strathcona Library, Sherwood Park, Alberta.<br />
Stay tuned for upcoming book events in and around you! Now taking requests!<br />
<br /></div>6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-86608791113939059922012-06-09T11:28:00.002-07:002012-06-09T11:28:46.787-07:00Book Release Date October 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Life is about accomplishing your dreams. <br />
<br />
We are not here just to survive, but to contribute something that might be timeless, a legacy that shares our gifts, whatever they happen to be. Some can build, others can lead. Some people enrich our lives in wisdom, kindness or strength. Everyone must follow their own pursuit to happiness.<br />
<br />
Our eldest son graduates from high school next week. This has made me feel very reflective (and honestly, rather old as well). I worry if we did enough to prepare him for life, because the world can be a cruel place. Does he have the tools in his toolbox that will enable him to be not only successful in the material sense of the world, but also HAPPY. It is an elusive goal we all chase, and some are better at that realization than others.<br />
<br />
As parents, we all wish to show our kids the way, and help them find their own path. I think one of the most important ways to do this is to model it by following our own. We each have a "life list", or a "bucket list" of things to do before we, well, kick the bucket. And since we don't know when that day will come, it is best to be already working it through.<br />
<br />
What inspired us to travel around the world with our kids? The fact that we are aware life is finite. Everyone is born, and everyone dies, and what we do in between those things is in our control. The only limiting factor we have is TIME. The rest is just attitude.<br />
<br />
We each have different dreams. What we have in common is the desire to fulfill them. And the wish to see our children do the same.<br />
<br />
I always dreamed I would one day write a book. Thanks to Linda and Dream Write Publishing, my dream is now a reality. The book is written, and will be released this fall. I am learning about all the hard work involved in the process, and am appreciating all the brave authors who exposed their souls in their work. They achieved their dream, and now I am following in their footsteps.<br />
<br />
My wish for our children is that they, too, will follow their dreams, each and every day of their lives.</div>6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-11989436153111521202012-04-02T09:40:00.002-07:002012-04-02T09:40:49.860-07:00How Sharks Clean Their Teeth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It took everything I was made of to let go of the side of the boat and drop down into the blue water of the Indian Ocean. Rick was following close behind our carefree guide, swimming with our youngest Katie on his back. In spite of my nerves, I smiled at their resemblance to the stacked frogs we chased in Thailand. Travis and Jaclyn were paired together, with our oldest son acting very brotherly as they headed out toward the "shark zone". That left the two most reluctant swimmers at the rear; our cautious Derek, and me.<br />
<br />
Derek has a right to be cautious. When he was about five, he had a negative experience while we visited my brother and his family in Grand Cayman in the Caribbean. Aaron had treated us to a day trip to Stingray City, a large lagoon in the center of the island where the rays congregate in shallow waters. Unfortunately, the water was rough and Derek had been swarmed by stingrays anxious for the squid lunch most visitors offered. In his panic, he ended up perched on Rick's shoulders, balancing on his head in an effort to be as far out of the water as was possible. Ever since, he is not a big fan of the creatures in the sea.<br />
<br />
"Are you sure this is safe, Mom?" he asked me as we swam towards Asher's Gap.<br />
<br />
"Well, the guide said the sharks are sleeping," I answered. I'm not entirely buying the line myself, but I wanted to put him at ease. I mean, if this was dangerous, I would think that the tour guide would not be leading us in this direction, right?<br />
<br />
Derek looked at me with all the skepticism I was feeling reflected in his eyes. I know, son, I am nervous too.<br />
<br />
"I see a shark!" Katie yelled from her position on her dad's back. <br />
<br />
"Look!" Travis lifted his head out of the water. "Derek, you gotta see this!"<br />
<br />
Derek and I continued our swim. We admired the beauty of the corals beneath us, and the water was still shallow in the bay. All of a sudden, the sea floor dropped away,the water dropped a few degrees in warmth, and the blue color deepened. This was Asher's Gap.<br />
<br />
A large cabbage coral was the main feature, looking, well, just like a gigantic cabbage, with its "leaves" gently opening to provide shelter for scores of small fish. And, as promised, there were the sharks.<br />
<br />
I raised my head in alarm, trying not to swallow the large mouthful of water I involuntarily inhaled in my panic. Don't choke. Don't splash. Don't wake the fish. Oh, god, how far to the boat?<br />
<br />
Swimmingly docile, they circled, round and around. Eyes open, mouths relaxed, they did have the appearance of sleeping. I stilled as best as I could, using my arms and hands to scull backwards, away from the Gap. I looked across at Derek, and signaled him "Okay?" under the sea. He nodded.<br />
<br />
We stayed there, on the edge of the Gap, watching the sharks circle around the cabbage coral below. How many are there? At least ten, no, more. Twelve, sixteen? They were swimming in a pattern, all the same direction, from small two foot versions, to larger than Rick times two. Maybe 12 feet long? <br />
And sure enough, the little fish swarmed around their mouths. Little fish were actually swimming inside their partially open jaws, picking off the bits in between the sharp, jagged teeth of the large predators. The longer we watched, the more we watched this bizarre fish behaviour. <br />
<br />
"It was like a shark visit to the dentist."<br />
<br />
"A shark spa."<br />
<br />
"How sharks clean their teeth." The kids all joked about today's highlight.<br />
<br />
"That was amazing!" Travis gushed when he returned to the boat. "Now let's find the Rays!"<br />
<br />
Thank goodness for kids. Their spirit is what keeps us encouraged, to push the limits on what is my "comfort zone". There was nothing scary about this experience, except for my own preconceived notions of "Swimming with Sharks". No cage, no vicious attacks. Just a calm, peaceful swim.<br />
<br />
Do something that scares you every day. After this day, I think I was covered for a year.</div>6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-82595687189271723392012-03-25T08:55:00.000-07:002012-04-02T09:03:50.984-07:00Let's hear it for Ningaloo!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There was a documentary on Oasis last night that brought back many happy thoughts. Jaclyn, now 14, was particularly fond of this remarkable reef in West Australia, where the water is as warm as a bathtub and the fish school in abundance. Here, she had the amazing experience of gliding with the Mantas.<br />
<br />
We hired a day tripper to take us out from the Coral Bay docks up north toward the reef. This area of Australia is virtually uninhabited, as the desert is merciless and the sun extreme. We had traveled for a full day to reach this destination, to experience the sense of swimming in an aquarium with the tropical fish like Nemo. We got that, and more.<br />
<br />
The whale sharks are the real attraction at Ningaloo. The biggest fish in the sea, they open their four-foot wide mouths and calmly swallow everything that swims in their path. But after we arrived, we learned we were too early. It was January, and the whale sharks are only visiting Ningaloo from March to June. The Manta Rays, however, frolic here year-round. The largest of the Ray family, they grow over eight feet across and though able to sting, they are not aggressive. Dive boats take tourists out to their "play place" daily.<br />
<br />
Our first stop was a brief snorkel to get used to the equipment, at an area abundant in cabbage corals and massive clams, which would close when we cast our shadows. All six of us jumped in the water, Katie with a floater to help her navigate in the waves. We partnered up and followed our guide as she pointed out her favorite spots, then had a bit of time to explore on our own. The two boys came back with a tale of spotting a reef shark off in the distance. Travis was excited. Derek was not.<br />
<br />
"Sharks?" Jaclyn asked.<br />
<br />
"You like sharks? Great, have we got a treat for you then. On to Asher's Gap," she called up to the Captain.<br />
<br />
Whale sharks are out of season. Those are the harmless kind. I'm here swimming in the deep blue sea with my four kids. Did she just say she is taking us to swim with the sharks?<br />
<br />
That is not what we signed up for.</div>6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-13719619500374450252012-02-25T08:40:00.000-08:002012-02-25T08:40:17.770-08:00The Book is Almost Complete!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Almost a year has passed since we have returned from our incredible adventure, and our life has returned to the normal routine, with the exception of incredible stories and photos to share. I think, too, that all six of us has been changed by the experience. I would say that yes, it was life-changing.<br />
<br />
The blog itself began as an on-line journal. I wanted to be able to document our travels and the stories of the "road trip", since the details and possibly entire events could be easily forgotten with passing time. I also wanted to share our experiences with family and friends both back home and those we met along the way. <br />
<br />
The project has grown, and I now wish to encourage other families to take a page from our story, and dare to try something like this themselves! Yes, there will be obstacles since everyone comes from a different situation, but there are also many solutions, many opportunities that can be embraced. <br />
<br />
The key is to remember that how you live each day is how you live your life. You have the power to make a change.<br />
<br />
Lots of things happened along the road that I didn't post, due both to security and in order not to alarm our "Moms" back home. I am looking forward to sharing our story (in its FULL version!) If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the book, please let me know and I can put one aside in your name.<br />
<br />
Thank you for your encouragement. It's so good to be home!</div>6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-25811348742303894532011-03-24T11:53:00.000-07:002011-03-27T08:43:14.573-07:00Re-entry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Gone for that long, there was a list of items to get back to where we left off. Cell phones to reconnect, cable tv off stand-by, where is the silverwear drawer again? Our vehicles needed to be retrieved from the farm, but first the driveway needed to be plowed to get them out. And food, yes, I think Chris (our wonderful house-sitter, college boarder) was happy for the inevidable re-stocking of the shelves. Poor guy, he had more than he bargained for when he was left with the "shovel the driveway" request this year. I think one of the worst snowfall years on record. Man, it is still waist deep, and still snowing.<br />
<br />
On the way to dance class last night I asked the girls their impressions of Edmonton, our fair city, now that they have other places in the world to compare. Jaclyn said: Clean. Wealthy. Katie said: Good bathrooms. We all laughed.<br />
<br />
The boys? Derek has vanished - in his room with friends, over at the neighbors, on his cell texting away. He had hockey at school yesterday, and proudly held a shutout. Said it was like he never left at all, and shocked his classmates, as they thought they might be able to score on the rusty goalie. Not a chance. Travis and I had an appointment with the guidance counsellor at the high school on Tuesday and he will start school again after Spring Break. His rugby coach has asked him to help with the team, since he can't play this year - his knee surgery is booked for April. He is looking into summer school to catch up on missed classes, but in likelihood will graduate at 18, rather than 17. We are all good with that. He's enrolled in a course to learn how to edit his video clips into a movie, so is excited to start that.<br />
<br />
We have lots of stories to share, and it is great to listen to the kid's versions. They have gained a lot of maturity in the past weeks.... and we are very proud of them. They have grown, in many ways. The world has been their classroom, and they all passed with flying colors. <br />
<br />
It has been, undoubtably, the greatest field trip ever.</div>6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-6061395192380793772011-03-21T11:21:00.000-07:002011-03-27T08:45:51.238-07:00Jet Lag<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Flight Day: Mokolele Kauai to Honolulu 35 minutes<br />
Air Canada Honolulu to Calgary 6 hours (overnight flight, 4 hours time change)<br />
Air Canada Calgary to Edmonton 1 hr (prop plane, in a blizzard, landed at 7:30 am)<br />
<br />
Bags packed, we headed to Mike and Deb's for a farewell breakfast. We gave them the last of our food stocks, except for the mac chocolates, which we had for dessert - everyone should have chocolate for breakfast I think. We hope to catch up with them again in the summer, as we have been promising a trip to visit them for 12 years, and still haven't followed that one through. Jaclyn has qualified to dance at Nationals in Nashville so maybe we can do a loop of that part of the States in July... been around the world but not sure how far it is from Michigan to Tennessee, will have to look that one up...<br />
<br />
We returned our last rental car, and went through our airline procedures. One bag per person, one carryon no liquids, laptops out through security, shoes off, pat down (lucky Rick) and board another plane. Quick up, quick down, shuttle, another line, another security (lucky Rick again), and hey! Canada eh! When we landed in Calgary, the first thing we saw was Tim Horton's..... and yes, it tasted awesome. And, we had to walk outside to board our plane to Edmonton. Boy, do we live in the bush. Calgary airport (which I hope is under renovation) had a plywood walkway, not heated and the wind was whipping the snow right inside. We were still in shorts and flip flops. Frozen toes! Static charge! Welcome home!<br />
<br />
Janice, Paege and Chris, and mom, and Anita were all waiting at the gate when we walked into Edmonton International. We stand out, being very brown in this white world. The snow drifts are still 8 feet high in places, and there were a lot of cars in the ditch... freezing rain makes for slick highways. It was wonderful to see everyone, and even exhausted, we were charged with energy. Derek was the funniest. We had only walked in the door and moved in the bags, and he was already in and out of the shower and dressed for school. He must have ran there, because he arrived only 20 minutes late for class, and apparently caused quite the stir in the hallway. He was the most anxious of us to resume his social life. Travis has a weeks worth of dates lined up. Jaclyn is dancing non-stop, trying to gear up in a hurry for Nationals, and Katie is in doll heaven. Rick and I just needed a nap.<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-1780501846414276412011-03-20T11:10:00.000-07:002011-03-24T11:21:12.057-07:00We're Going Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Last day. Wow. As we packed our bags for the last time, I was overwhelmed by the reality of our trip. It has been such an adventure, and I know the kids are excited to get home, see friends and family, but myself, I feel sad.<br />
<br />
I can truly say that I have loved the family time we have had together. That for me is as great, or even greater than seeing the world. Five months with my children and my husband, not distracted by school, friends, sports, work, any commitments that takes us in different directions in our normal life. For five months, I have got to play, too. We have learned together, experienced common events, laughed at the same jokes, and now have these memories that will bond the kids together, and to us, forever. We have learned about the world, and we have learned about each other. It has been amazing, and I am sad it is coming to an end. A part of me doesn't want to give them back to their "real" lives. <br />
<br />
We have been working on our slide shows so that we can share pictures and video once home, so that has given us time to reflect. Hawaii was a great "in between" - culturally similar yet not quite engaged. There will be "heaps" to do, I am trying not to think about all that yet! I am looking forward to family, friends, my own bed! And I am so incredibly grateful that Rick enabled this trip to happen for us, and that we took the leap. It was so worth it. And off we go. <br />
<br />
Home.</div>6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-41671840504320414512011-03-19T22:59:00.000-07:002011-03-24T11:10:31.553-07:00Pigs.... and Pig Hunting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">When most people visit Hawaii, they don't have a hunting expedition in mind. But, when you come from a farm in Western Canada, and have an interest in the more traditional arts of tracking, archery and skeet, well, a good pig hunt is what you might call fun.<br />
<br />
There are many feral animals on the Hawaiian islands. With no native predators, introduced species like mongoose, cats, turkey, goats, donkey and pigs have gone wild. They have multiplied in the lush jungle environment, and have no natural controls so are truly destroying the natural environment. The pigs, in particular, are an extreme nuisance as they root up the soil killing vegetation in swaths of destruction, and they are vicious when approached. They are no longer the cute little piggy with the curly tails, they are instead big and black with large tusks and think nothing of killing dogs and would attack children or even small adults if cornered. They need to be controlled. The pig hunt is on.<br />
<br />
By special invite, our Hawaiian friend Stan invited Rick and our boys as well as Mike and a few of the Michigan mates to join them Saturday to their ranch. With the dogs wearing kevlar vests, they headed on foot up Ma'kai (mountain side) to track their prey. I know they sighted at least five, and had some good "fishing stories", but no luau for dinner.... still, a very unique experience and they saw some country that is normally inaccessible to tourists. Maholo Stan, what a great day!</div>6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-2839456272517697462011-03-19T14:31:00.000-07:002011-03-24T14:57:51.417-07:00Reading Lists.... "world schooling" for us all<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I love to read, and on this trip it was great to choose titles that were set in our places of adventure. Here are a few of the novels and children's/youth books, as well as movies, we tackled along the road...<br />
<br />
The Voyages of Captain Cook<br />
The Chronicles of the Inca by Garcilasco de la Vega<br />
Eat, Pray, Love<br />
The Murder of King Tut, James Patterson<br />
The Social Network, the story of Facebook<br />
The Beach<br />
The Thorn Birds, Colleen McCoullough<br />
The Forgotten Garden, Kate Morton<br />
Only Two Seats Left, The Incredible Contiki Story by John Anderson<br />
The Touch, Colleen McCoullough<br />
<br />
Katie's (age 6)<br />
Magic Treehouse Chapter books - Afternoon on the Amazon, Vacation under the Volcano, Mummies in the Morning, Dingoes at Dinnertime<br />
Bindi's Wildlife Adventures, Trouble at the Zoo - featuring Bindy, Steve Irwin's daughter<br />
Dr. Suess - Oh! The Places We'll Go, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop<br />
<br />
Jaclyn:<br />
The Diary of Charlotte Doyle<br />
The Murder of King Tut (she loved it too)<br />
The Clan of the Cave Bear<br />
<br />
Derek:<br />
The Lost City of Z<br />
The Hunger Games series<br />
Tomorrow, When the War Began, John Marsden (also a movie now, just released)<br />
The Dead of the Night, John Marsden<br />
<br />
Travis:<br />
Guinness Book of World Records 2011<br />
PADI Scuba Dive Course manual<br />
Lonely Planet guidebooks: Peru, Egypt, Thailand<br />
<br />
Also enjoyed these classic films:<br />
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (set in Peru)<br />
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (set in Petra, Jordan)<br />
Crocodile Dundee I and II<br />
The Castle - great Australia film, and I'm not dreamin'!<br />
Emperor's New Groove<br />
Finding Nemo<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-60392555073270440932011-03-19T12:24:00.000-07:002011-03-19T12:34:25.877-07:00We've Been Here and There, Man<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">An alphabet poem, composed in the car by the Anderson family, driving to the next place down the road....<br />
<br />
A - Aguas Calientas<br />
B - Boggabilla<br />
C - Cairo<br />
D - Denmark (a town in West Australia, home of Uncle Rob)<br />
E - Edmonton<br />
F - Fiji<br />
G- Geelong<br />
H - Hilo<br />
I - Ica<br />
J - Jordan<br />
K- Koloa, Kauai, Koh Samui<br />
L - Lima<br />
M - Melbourne<br />
N- Noosa Heads<br />
O - Olympia<br />
P - Poipu<br />
Q- Queensland<br />
R - Rome<br />
S- Spain<br />
T- Thebes<br />
U - Urubamba Valley<br />
V- Volcano National Park<br />
W- Warnambool<br />
X - Exmouth<br />
Y - Yarra<br />
Z - Zoo... Australia Zoo, that is.<br />
<br />
</div>6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404098167928619592.post-58163304508741698552011-03-18T10:39:00.000-07:002011-03-19T11:12:09.693-07:00Body Surfing with Sea Turtles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">We got moving early this morning, and met up with Mike, Deb and Marsha over at Kapa'a for breakfast at the iconic seaside buffet at Scotty's. The berry pancakes and crispy bacon were consumed by the plateful, and again I had to notice how much the kids have grown over the past four months. Sunshine and sleep, I'm guessing that was the ticket. From Kapa'a, we made our way through the snarl of traffic over to Poipu on the sunny side of the island of Kauai.<br />
<br />
Across from Brenekke's there is a beach with the smooth, high waves perfect for body surfing. Though it rained en route, we had a cloud-free day of sun and enough wind to keep us from over-heating. We were met by the entire Michigan contingent, Mike and Deb's friends who have met here for holidays, all great people who love to laugh and have fun- can you guess that Rick fits right in? And the best part: turtles, within feet of the shore, playing in the water with the people-fish. From spot above the rocky shore near our picnic table, where I laid my towel to watch the surf beneath, we spent the whole day delighted by the antics of at least ten turtles (including some BIG turtles, the up to 300 pound variety) as they too rode the waves and then popped up for a breath, only to ride again.<br />
<br />
Rick and the kids had a great time in the surf, and had a few close encounters of the reptilian kind. They were all wearing masks and more than once came face-to-face with a turtle smile as they both caught the same ride. Derek had a large one bump him a couple times, and at one point landed with his foot on a rock on the bottom, only to have the "rock" swim away and surface further out a ways. Katie was thrilled to watch the turtles "wave" with their front flippers then glide across the surface of the wave. Her last experience with turtles was in a quiet bay andor laying sleeping on the shore, so this playful variety was very appreciated. It was hard for all of us not to laugh at the antics of ten turtles on a play date.</div>6andersons1worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14191457063171212385noreply@blogger.com0