As parents of 3 kids, Kristi and I find one of the biggest parts of what makes raising kids challenging is the sheer logistics of it all — from soccer practice to music lessons, parent-teacher conferences to birthday parties. Heck, just getting them ready in the morning is an exercise in logistical planning and execution worthy of a battalion commander. While there are no simple answers, here are some tips and tricks that can help keep you sane. 1. One calendar unites all. En

One of the benefits of taking the “Florida Plunge” is year round outdoor living.  If you are looking to get the kids out of the house and experience some new parks and playgrounds, we have just the list for you. In no particular order, here is our recommendation for a few playgrounds in the area that you may want to check out. 1.  Azalea Lane Playground – 1045 Azalea Lane, Winter Park, FL 6.  Trailblazer Park – 550 Rantoul Ln, Lake Mary, FL These are just a few that we have c

I recently saw a conversation on facebook by a few Disney Community Photographers about that state of the Community. They were discussing the abundance of photographers that do the traditional Disney landscape HDR shot. Now these type of shots are always something I struggle with. I understand the need for them but I can just never get the proper composition down or get the photo to tell any type of meaningful story. So on my last trip I decided to avoid these types of shots

Traveling with kids can be an adventure to say the least.  Taking a long car trip with children can be enough to drive you insane!  Here’s a car ride game that can make those long car rides a lot more manageable and (dare I say it?) fun!  I came up with this simple car ride game for a recent road trip to Orlando and my kids loved it!  It’s easy, inexpensive and works for any age child. Here’s how it works: Take a look at your route and see how many states you will cross durin

Today is Lane’s birthday!  It should be a great day for him, but we had to give him so very disappointing news.  Before I get into that, I should explain that Lane is a very loving young boy who loves to make people smile and laugh.  He never wants to disappoint anyone and wants no one disappointed in him.  It truly breaks his heart when that happens. After enrolling the kids in school, we were very excited for the kids teachers, well almost all of their teachers.  We had con

Wow!  What a last couple of days we have had.  School officially ended for the kiddos last week.  I think we were as ready for the break as they were.  On Friday night, we went to Altitude Trampoline Park.  Our neighbors were kind enough to schedule one last meetup for our 3 kids and several of their friends.  The kids loved it and could have stayed playing Trampoline Dodgeball all night!  There were lots of smiles and hugs and everyone had a great time.  We have great neighb

I just watched this video presented by Orlando Attractions Magazine and I just had to share it.  Did you know that guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom can now become Wilderness Explorers?  They can!  Guests are provided field guides that they will use to explore Animal Kingdom.  Along they way they will complete challenges to earn badges.  There are more than 30 badges available and finding them all gives guests a chance to see Animal Kingdom in a fun and educational way.  I ca

When moving, ALWAYS expect the unexpected.  Movers are coming Sunday, we close in just over a week  and now we have this minor incident to deal with.  Yep, that’s me looking directly into my neighbors back yard.  You have to love Texas in the Spring. #Disney #movingtoFlorida #Florida #Texas #Kids #Change #Family #MovingwithKids #Orlando #WaltDisneyWorld #Adventure #TexasWeather #Moving #MovingtoOrlando #OrlandoFlorida

I still can’t believe it, we are TWO weeks before move date. Here are FIVE must do items for this week! 1. Change Mailing Address (Put Mail on Hold Until We Arrive) 2. Gather Supplies (Nothing worse than not finding tape, scissors, etc. at the last minute. 3. Scout Essential Stores (So excited, we are near a Publix, Whole Foods Market and a Home Depot) 4. Pack a 72 hour kit to avoid tearing through boxes when you arrive. 5. Call Old and New Utilities to reconfirm end dat