FAMILY FAVORITES FRIDAY: Colorado Springs

 When summer starts heating up in Texas, I am ready to head to the mountains.

Over the years we have visited Colorado Springs several times. 

There are many things to do as a family that are free, so it is easy on the vacation budget.

Ireland

We had to visit the Trinity College Library, because...books.  The Book of Kells is here, but the big attraction was this library upstairs.  Stacks and stacks of old books.

Scotland

Since returning from our trip to Scotland and Ireland, I have repeatedly heard, "Tell me all about your trip." 

12 Things People Don't Tell You About Visiting Scotland and Ireland

I recently returned from a 2 week visit to Scotland and Ireland. I did enjoy the trip, but discovered some things I did not know before I went, even though I did research travel tips. If you are planning a trip to the UK or Ireland, here are some things to know before you go.

Guest Post: 7 Reasons You Should Take Your Child on a Mission Trip

 There are many things you can teach your children at home, but some lessons are only learned by venturing out.  My new friend, Kathleen from {full of life}, is my guest blogger today.  She shares lessons learned from taking her daughter on two mission trips.

Going on a mission trip can be a mind-altering experience for a teenager, in the best possible way.

My Dream Trip

My dream trip has always been to visit Ireland and Scotland.  That trip is finally becoming a reality.  When my son was in Belfast, that seemed like the perfect reason (excuse) to plan a trip to Ireland.  Even though he is not there now, the plans moved forward and we are going!  Me, my husband, oldest daughter and her husband will be leaving soon to visit Scotland and Ireland.  Our itinerary is so full, I'm not sure when we will sleep, but I guess there will be time for that later.

We have planned our own trip, including car rental and vacation house rentals.  Be prepared for photos and reviews when I return.

While I am gone, I have lined up some guest bloggers for you to enjoy.  I will only have one post per week while I am gone, but I think you will enjoy these lovely ladies and their stories.

What is your dream trip?

Family Favorites Friday: Super-Duper Field Trip, Arkansas to Pennsylvania

This is Part Two of our trip from Arkansas to Pennsylvania twenty years ago. Part One, which reviewed our family friendly camping spots can be found as a guest post at 9PeasMom.

Originally, I had planned for us to stop at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park , which looked like a very fun place to have some hands on learning, but they were closed the day we were passing by. If you ever get a chance to visit, it still looks like a fun place to go!

Because we homeschool, our two week vacations are more like super-duper field trips. Due to the area we were traveling through, this trip focused mostly on forts and life in the 1800's.

Our first big excursion, however, was the U.S. Air Force Museum  in Dayton, OH. This was listed as a 'must see' by AAA and it did not disappoint. Lots of interesting history here and everyone enjoyed it.

Family Favorites Friday: Camping

Today I have the privilege of guest posting at 9Peas. 

 Kathy wanted to hear more about some of our family camping trips, so I wrote about a trip we took almost twenty years ago.  We camped from Arkansas to Pennsylvania and back again with 5 children aged 5 months to 6 years.

Head over to 9Peas to read about Family Friendly Camping From Arkansas to Pennsylvania.  You are sure to find some places you would like to visit.

That's Not Safe

This is the story of a young man with dreams of travel and adventure and of the mother who loves him.

Once upon a time a young man, only 17 years old, came to his parents and said, "Mom, Dad, I want to graduate a couple months early (for he was homeschooled) and I want to take a train to Chicago (from Dallas) and I want to stay for two weeks."

HOW TO FRUGALLY VACATION WITH A LARGE FAMILY

We like to travel.

When my children were younger we occasionally took a two-week vacation after Labor Day weekend.  Tourist areas are not crowded since school is back in session and the only other vacationers are usually retirees or families with preschoolers.  This is my favorite time to travel.

How did we do this without breaking the bank?