tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83966821819878375892011-11-27T16:40:10.554-08:00Welcome to Jet Set Mom! Traveling with kids is not easy -- especially when you are alone. Here's some highlights of my trips around the U.S. and the world with my now 5-year-old son, Alex and his new baby sister, Serene.Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comBlogger1011100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-73731803609324623362011-09-10T01:07:00.000-07:002011-09-27T01:39:28.738-07:00

Move over Elle, Giselle, Cindy, Heidi, Kate and Christie.....Ladies, your days are numbered on the runway. Make room for Serene basking here in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-65163889012769002462011-08-20T20:05:00.000-07:002011-10-06T20:14:54.303-07:00

Serene is afraid of heights. We learned that the hard way when we took her to the top of the beautiful stone Galata Tower from the Medieval Ages over looking the Golden Horn in Istanbul, Turkey. We also learned that no matter how good the advertising, Pampers & Huggies just don't quite hold when a little baby girl is scared. The small viewing area circling the top of the tower has the best

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-30833195436570708832011-08-19T01:14:00.000-07:002011-09-27T01:41:49.394-07:00

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul has over 5,000 shops and attracts hundreds of thousands of people daily who barter for jewellery, ceramics, carpets, embroidaries and much more. But -- it does not have any toys. The Spice Bazaar across town is significantly smaller, but has more of the exotic flare tourists crave with sweets and spices that tantalize all the senses. But -- it is 'smelly' (

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-49375536133568326112011-08-16T21:29:00.000-07:002011-09-27T01:38:00.133-07:00

Alex managed to never eat a chicken nugget until he was over 4 years old, then his friends introduced him to fast food. Things haven't been the same since. In Istanbul, we visited McDonalds at least twice daily x 12 nuggets a day for a total of 84 nuggets, but then we added in a few miscellaneous nuggets for midnight snacks and the plane rides home. The grand total of nuggets consumed is around

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-78896277476931982932011-08-16T20:09:00.000-07:002011-09-27T01:49:51.517-07:00

There aren't any pictures of the children at the Sultanahmet (also known as the Blue Mosque) or the Hagia Sophia, two of Istanbul's most magnificant sites. They fussed, whined, cried, stomped and complained their way through the self-guided tours. Tip? You can stay home or you can see the world. Seeing the world means that you won't get to hire the tour guide and hear all the details from history

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-32560731456762233222011-08-15T20:35:00.000-07:002011-09-14T22:27:23.368-07:00

If you think that three airplanes from Los Angeles to Istanbul, Turkey with a travel time over 24 hours with a 5 year old and infant will be like experiencing hell, ....well, then you're right! But it is so worth it. Alex and Serene took in the sites, smells, and textures of Turkey this summer. The Bosphorus Strait is the boundary dividing the continents of Europe and Asia, cutting through the

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-29637420310182089622011-08-09T22:50:00.000-07:002011-08-09T23:29:50.218-07:00

The California Science Center is free. Just southwest of downtown Los Angeles at Exposition park, they'll charge you $10 to park, but it was worth the 35 mile trip from our house to watch Alex check-out the many interactive exhibits. Across from the Imax, the Coliseum and another half-dozen of other unique museums, the CSA will soon be home to the retired Space Shuttle Endeavor. The

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-87958864207576940842011-08-07T23:56:00.000-07:002011-08-10T00:16:22.452-07:00

The Santa Susana Depot in Simi Valley, California is the perfect stop for train aficionados of all ages. The quaint, little museum offers a glimpse into train stations of the last century back when the telegraph alerted engineers of the next trains entering the station. The museum also features a miniature train set built by hobbyists who can tell you the history of California through

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-35953179410365439502011-08-05T00:17:00.000-07:002011-09-16T20:16:57.851-07:00

El Capitan Theater in the heart of Hollywood opened in 1926. The elegant architecture is restored and maintained by the Disney Company and features kids shows with special productions. For Cars2, they turned the back lot into Radiator Springs. Lightening McQueen, Finn McMissile and Mater were on the red carpet for the the kiddopapparazzi & their parents. Children could race cars on their own

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-52534328410609466242011-07-22T20:22:00.000-07:002011-09-02T20:33:00.981-07:00

Haight Ashbury is a strange place to take kids in San Francisco, but if you are looking for comic books stores and Japanese toys, its got a few off-beat shops working hard to defy the trends. China Town features all the delights that China can offer from sharkfin soup to knock-off toys and cheap jade and silk. Alex and Serene actually gave up after a few hours of playing tourists and went

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-37826098161844006522011-07-21T23:36:00.000-07:002011-08-09T23:51:50.691-07:00

Roaring Camp outside of Santa Cruz, California offers two chances to catch trains in Northern California. The 90 minute steam train travels through narrow gauges into the Redwoods, while a Diesel takes 3 hours to make a roundtrip to the beach at Santa Cruz.

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-969722813021276882011-07-20T19:22:00.000-07:002011-09-02T19:54:30.535-07:00

Coyote Point is located just south of San Francisco in San Mateo, CA directly on the Bay. The beautiful eucalyptus trees line the park and provide stunning views great for walking, running & biking for big kids and little kids. Bring a picnic and hangout by the giant play area featuring a three story viewing point offering one of the best view of the Bay. Alex and Serene hooked up with cousins

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-86301192612088107072011-07-01T22:37:00.000-07:002011-07-01T22:43:19.376-07:00

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-22038052744058227522011-06-17T22:11:00.000-07:002011-09-02T20:07:12.665-07:00

The last day of pre-school was celebrated with a trip to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Garden with best buddies. As the pre-school buds searched for their favorite animals -- lions & tigers & bears (no joke!) -- they also took in a bird show, stretched their necks for the giraffes, and played like monkeys on the kids playground. The zoo's big features are the Elephants of Asia exhibit

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-37132445260404864732011-06-07T21:35:00.000-07:002011-06-17T21:59:02.562-07:00

The Americana in Glendale, CA describes itself as the ultimate shopping experience. It combines sophisticated shopping, movie theaters, fine dining, elegant tram rides and dancing fountains creating fun for everyone from infants to adolescents to octogenarians. The Americana is more like Disneyland than your average shopping mall. It is both perfect for date night and an afternoon walk with the

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-15670005590587604082011-05-29T22:28:00.000-07:002011-06-27T16:02:31.026-07:00

Legoland encourages lying. Ok, that's totally not true. I'm not proud of it, but I taught my kid to lie at Legoland. Legoland splits some its rides between children ages 2-5 and 6+. At five years, 5 months, Alex is really too big for the little rides, but not quite six years he is a little too small for the big kid rides. He wanted to do both, so we worked the system. We quietly whispered about

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-5111418661061974122011-05-29T21:59:00.000-07:002011-09-15T09:12:31.140-07:00

Legos are a wonderful opportunity for children to build, expand their creativity and improve their fine motor skills. If you google 'what can Legos teach you', you'll learn find articles on how Lego building can help with financial management, improve the tactical skills of Marines, engineering, robotics, real estate and more. Alex has discovered Legos recently and now there are hundreds of tiny

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-45447047135743178702011-05-19T23:24:00.000-07:002011-06-17T22:07:09.848-07:00

Alex, Superman, Batman, Spiderman and Ironman are ready for action! Or...maybe ready for bed.Long before the age of four, boys are boys and girls are girls. They've split into their own play groups and the competition begins for who is "the best." Once little boys discover superheros, they've got all the proof they need that they are more powerful. (Somehow despite the fact that we live in the

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-88340137711054693992011-05-19T23:10:00.000-07:002011-06-14T23:07:18.364-07:00

With the rest of the family racing NASCAR, Serene isn't about to be left out. At six months she is cruising in her walker at warp speed. By seven months, she can crawl. And, at not quite 8 months, she is can pull herself up and has all the mechanics to walk. It won't be long now until she is running around the house. For more on the differences between boys and girls, Dr. Anita Sethi says it far

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-11391693933921602011-05-19T22:46:00.001-07:002011-06-14T23:08:43.819-07:00

Mommies aren't the only ones that can race cars. Alex's own pint-size NASCAR can reach up to 1 mph or so on the sidewalk. As a young NASCAR wannabe he has already taken over the family fleet of vehicles as each is equipped with carseat, snacks, and fruit juice boxes.

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-54470103492489569432011-05-19T22:04:00.000-07:002011-05-27T10:19:47.191-07:00

At the Toyota Speedway in Irwindale anybody can race NASCAR -- even jetsetting moms who don't have enough adrenaline in their lives changing diapers and scheduling playdates. Strapping on a stock car for twenty laps around the country's shortest track takes less than 15 minutes at 100 mph (give or take) and is not for the weak at heart. A hour training session with the track all-time speed

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-8893120687525023642011-05-19T21:13:00.000-07:002011-06-17T21:34:36.257-07:00

The annual Open House hosted by the Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation teaches kids about recycling while letting them ride around in garbage trucks, lift garbage bins up & down (just like when the city picks up garbage at your house) and provides all-you-can-eat free burgers and hot dogs. Who'd ever thought that a "Garbage Truck Party" as Alex called it could be so much fun. Complete with swag --

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-41542368611251443972011-04-20T23:59:00.000-07:002011-09-15T09:13:47.695-07:00

PARADE Magazine featured Madison, Wisconsin's Bratfest (the world's largest) as one of the best summer food stops of 2011 where in just one weekend 209,376 brats were eaten by thousands of cheeseheads, breaking the world record in 4 days, 41 hours and from 1 tent. The State of Wisconsin Capitol Building is a magestic structure situated between Lakes Monona and Mendota. It's dome reaches over 200

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-37432993485453966562011-02-04T22:57:00.000-08:002011-03-06T22:56:59.567-08:00

Serene took her first trip in life at just 3 months old, traveling over 10,000 miles to the Middle East. She was celebrated by planting an olive tree, a symbol of peace, in the "Oasis of Peace," a community where Jews and Arabs, Israelis and Palestinians have made a determined effort to set an example for peace by living, working and educating their children together. I can't wait to visit her

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-32506570662933727922011-02-03T23:15:00.000-08:002011-02-23T23:19:53.201-08:00

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-69296295955923565522011-02-03T23:03:00.000-08:002011-02-23T23:11:47.198-08:00

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-14227702254226263062011-02-02T22:34:00.000-08:002011-03-06T22:40:17.250-08:00

Mommy blogs are meant to be sweet tributes to children and opportunities to brag about the most mundane things your little ones do, while showing off their cutest pictures. It is fun and challenging to jetset around the world with children, and in doing so I hope they will be instilled with a sense of deep curiousity, independence, cultural respect and political knowledge. A visit to the West

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-24763066628980777032011-02-01T22:20:00.000-08:002011-02-23T22:24:25.394-08:00

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-7387241612080833722011-01-31T22:44:00.000-08:002011-02-23T23:28:40.559-08:00

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-6538859418038135012011-01-24T22:27:00.000-08:002011-01-25T22:50:13.640-08:00

It was 85 degrees at our house in Los Angeles in late January, so we headed for the San Bernadino Mountains for some fun in the snow. Our goal was to make snow angels, snowmen and snowballs. At more than 7,000 feet, the California sun had already melted the feet of snowfall that arrived in December on most of the mountain range. Luckily, there was just enough to make snow tubing a blast. At

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-74658998041832726972011-01-22T23:43:00.000-08:002011-01-24T22:26:53.618-08:00

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-76747395326811784552011-01-16T23:40:00.000-08:002011-01-22T23:43:06.649-08:00

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-87279525145459928092011-01-01T23:30:00.000-08:002011-01-25T22:47:58.042-08:00

Thanks to our dear friends Diane & Pat who married on 1/1/11 in San Diego, we got to have our own mini-vacation. Top of the list fun activities in downtown are Seaport Village and the USS Midway Museum.

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-57316751399288424392010-11-26T22:20:00.000-08:002011-01-25T22:22:32.926-08:00

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-17317329978331339382010-11-20T22:04:00.000-08:002011-01-25T22:18:50.049-08:00

Alex learned to farm at Underwood Family Farms in Simi Valley, California. His second trip to the farm in the last few years, this time he took the wheel of a combine, rode the range on a pony and putzed around on Dolly the cow. Next time...we're going to have to pick some corn!

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-66516272494357997602010-10-22T22:00:00.000-07:002011-01-25T22:03:29.988-08:00

Jetsetting got a lot harder in October 2010 when Alex's baby sister arrived. Serene weighed in at 7.1 lbs, 20 inches. We're applying for the passport next week.

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-1146391521834545722010-08-08T22:45:00.000-07:002010-11-20T13:17:46.422-08:00

Take me out to the ball game,Take me out with the crowd.Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,I don't care if I never get back.Let me root, root, root for the home team,If they don't win it's a shame.For its one, two, three strikes you're outat the old ball game. The home team won the night of Alex's first trip to a professional baseball game. The Los Angeles Dodgers shut out the San Diego Padres

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-83155195134820871042010-07-24T22:48:00.000-07:002010-09-12T22:49:42.393-07:00

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-70483678268161641032010-07-23T10:46:00.000-07:002010-09-18T09:47:21.289-07:00

The NASA Ames Research Center in the Silicon Valley in northern California is one of 10 NASA facilities. In its Exploration Center visitors can experience space technology through a high resolution immersion theater and other interactive opportunities that allow children and adults to explore Mars and the rings of Saturn. In a short visit, Alex had an opportunity to see himself as an astronaut

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-40404354572234799592010-07-06T22:20:00.000-07:002010-09-12T22:24:08.183-07:00

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-31053469394141594192010-07-05T22:26:00.000-07:002010-09-12T22:32:05.779-07:00

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-23312597672347837322010-07-04T21:12:00.000-07:002010-09-12T21:14:28.854-07:00

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-14043900226965088062010-07-03T21:05:00.000-07:002010-09-12T22:58:24.679-07:00

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-6320237605022249602010-07-01T22:14:00.000-07:002010-09-12T22:59:18.854-07:00

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-84941193713004260822010-07-01T21:57:00.000-07:002010-11-20T11:32:06.286-08:00

Obsessed with trains, freight cars and all things related to railways, one of Alex's favorite stops during his summer trip to Australia was the chance to speed along a railway (as the rest of us held on and screamed for our lives) on one of Aussieland's oldest and fastest rails. Katoomba Scenic World, nestled in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia is about 100 kilometers west of

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-48863479890512465962010-07-01T21:50:00.000-07:002010-11-20T09:28:07.194-08:00

About a hour drive west of Sydney, Australia are the beautiful Blue Mountains. Often called Australia's Grand Canyon, the range boasts gorges up to 760 meters deep and the eucalyptus leaves of the forest create the effect of a blue hue over the region. The Three Sisters are the best known rock formations in the region. The three pointed range can be easily enjoyed from the viewing platforms or

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-71395819616383231882010-05-23T12:34:00.000-07:002010-11-20T12:40:02.063-08:00

The Island of Sodor is surrounded by beautiful blue seas. It has fields of green and sandy yellow beaches. It doesn't look much like Magic Mountain, a Six Flags Theme Park near Los Angeles, California, the roller coaster capital of the world. But Thomas the Tank Engine can ride the rails on both the fictional island and at the family theme park. In Thomas Town, children can loop a small track

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-65359611468473639082010-01-22T19:09:00.000-08:002010-01-22T22:44:24.517-08:00

If you hum along to hits by U2, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, but you still don't know Warehouse Mouse, then you need to turn off the Idol and switch over to the Disney Channel in the 'early morning' hours and look for the Cheese! The Imagination Movers may not be as big as the Beetles, but they are way better than the Wiggles (or that big purple weird dinosaur) using their imagination to

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-3592547158423897982010-01-13T21:30:00.000-08:002010-01-13T22:17:26.002-08:00

Maybe the coolest thing to do in Charlotte, NC is to iceskate. Well, if you're three-years-old, it's the middle of winter, you've flown all the way from Los Angeles for some serious fun, and you've waited all your life to race on the ice. Alex made it around the rink one full lap and then declared himself the "winner." He spent the rest of the time ordering pizza, popcorn, chips and more at the

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-28388656131034920242010-01-12T22:25:00.000-08:002010-02-13T18:02:21.583-08:00

The average temperature in Reykjavik, Iceland in December is 33 degrees Fahrenheit -- the same as Wisconsin. However, when Alex celebrated the New Year, the mercury peaked at 4 degrees on January 1, 2010 in Madison. The cold air didn't stop Alex from making snow angels and sledding -- well, for at least a few minutes. Definitely a California kid, he put on his snowsuit, threw a few snowballs at

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-50984216252956200852009-08-22T14:33:00.000-07:002009-08-27T22:21:40.195-07:00

At 66 degrees latitude, the northern most point in Iceland just grazes the Arctic Circle. This August, Alex ended his summer of fun with a trip to this cold, but beautiful country of Vikings, trolls and volcanoes.There are roughly 310,000 Icelanders and most of them live in the Capital City of Reykjavik, but another million people visit the county annually. At any given time during the summer

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-3259136258255713362009-06-21T18:41:00.000-07:002009-06-21T19:22:59.848-07:00

If you want to visit the 2nd Century, an easy day trip from Fes are the Roman Ruins of Volubilis. Once home to 20,000 people, the ruins were inhabited until the great quake in 1722 and then razed as an archaeological site in 1915.A marble, Triumphal Arch still stands marking the entrance to this illustrious city. It leads down the ceremonial road, Decumanus Maximus, lined by houses, baths,

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-13297803650338417672009-06-11T22:24:00.001-07:002009-06-11T22:39:45.771-07:00

North of Casablanca, along the Atlantic coast, is Morocco’s capital city of Rabat. The second most important city in the country (behind Casablanca), Rabat is home to the world’s embassies and tourists galore. On its highest hill is the Le Tour Hassan, an enormous minaret built in 1195 originally intended to be the largest and highest in the Muslim world. The project was eventually abandoned at

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-36077084516071540602009-06-10T19:52:00.000-07:002009-06-11T08:12:46.698-07:00

Alex ran, jumped, rolled and stomped his way through all of the four imperial cities of Morocco – Fes, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat. Fes is the oldest of the four cities with the old walled section known as Fes el-Bali (Old Fes). A UNESCO World Heritage site, this medina is the largest contiguous car-free urban area in the world. Donkeys and mules are the vehicle of choice. Alex got caught in a

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-60393590930801220982009-06-07T13:13:00.000-07:002009-06-10T18:09:25.584-07:00

Alex started his summer vacation to Morocco in the hip, modern city of Casablanca. A coastal metropolis, the city bustles with traffic, maintains a European-French flare and is home to the world’s third largest mosque. Built atop the edges of the Atlantic Ocean, Hassan II Mosque is the crowning achievement of King Hassan II. Opening in 1993, after seven years of around-the-clock construction,

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-69381865994248495632009-05-17T17:35:00.000-07:002009-05-17T17:40:18.510-07:00

The Marine Mammal Care Center at Fort MacArthur rehabilitates rescued sick, injured and orphaned sea lions and seals. Perched atop San Pedro, CA with an impressive view of the Los Angeles Harbor, the center treats dozens of animals annually. Seal Day gives visitors a behind-the-scenes peek at how the mostly California seal lines, northern elephant seals, harbor seals and fur seals are cared for

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-59753212846513835572009-05-17T17:00:00.001-07:002009-05-17T17:12:20.386-07:00

Day Out with Thomas is probably one of the coolest things a kid can do. Sir Topham Hatt and Thomas the Tank Engine ™ tour the country annually so kids and families can hop onboard. From Tennessee to Texas and Oregon to Ohio, children of all ages can experience their imaginations on a full-size tank engine. We climbed aboard in Fillmore, CA, which isn’t quite the Island of Sodor, but Alex did get

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-56431345708377758062009-04-09T22:21:00.001-07:002009-06-21T22:29:13.552-07:00

The Huntington Library in San Marino, CA covers 207 acres of gardens with more than 14,000 varieties of plant life. Its art galleries feature paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as sculpture, tapestries, porcelain and furniture. The Library’s collection of rare books, manuscripts, prints, photographs, maps, and other materials in the fields of British and American history and

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-66749231615931594282009-04-09T20:59:00.000-07:002009-04-09T23:20:33.852-07:00

It might have been a good idea to know that Alex was terrified of dinosaurs before I took him to see a giant Mastodon at the Page Museum La Brea Tar Pits. One roar from the mechanical mammoth, and our museum experience quickly ended.Crude oil seeps from the ground in the middle of the Los Angeles financial district on Wilshire Boulevard and every once in awhile, the paleontologists there excavate

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-20181601497439437862009-04-09T20:09:00.000-07:002009-04-25T13:45:13.837-07:00

Just about 45 minutes north of downtown Los Angeles, a city kid can get a taste of the great outdoors in Simi Valley at the Underwood Family Farms. Alex rode his first pony, went mining for minerals, fed the goats carrots and took a train ride. There are two locations, the Somis Farm and the Moorpark Farm. Both boast pigs, llamas, ponies, goats and other farm animals, as well as opportunities to

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-63440284049317453452009-01-11T00:00:00.001-08:002009-01-11T00:10:24.449-08:00

There is a beach in Nassau, Bahamas behind the Atlantis Hotel where the warm water rolls with shades of aqua, teal and marine blue. The sand is soft, fine and nearly white. Locals will work hard to sell all-you-can drink “Bahama Mamas,” a mixture of rum and fruit punch. You can sit on the beach and relax the worries of the world behind.Alex rolled in the sand covering every part from head to toe,

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-67864370052683768712009-01-10T00:33:00.000-08:002009-01-10T21:29:27.128-08:00

It turns out 2 ½ years is the absolute worst age for a child to board a cruise ship and expect to have some fun. Not quite potty trained, Alex was banned from any of the “Ship Mates” big kid activities in the Youth X-Club like the slide, ball pit, swimming pools and more. A little too big for the “Toddler Time” in the baby room, he wasn’t welcome to play with little ones there either. That doesn’

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-63893851764219807382008-09-14T00:06:00.001-07:002011-10-08T22:46:43.703-07:00

Dubuque, Iowa is the ‘Home of America’s River’ sitting on the Mississippi River at the corner of three states. One bridge out of the city will lead you to Wisconsin, while the other will take you to Illinois. The city is home to the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, the Diamond Jo Casino and you can still take an ole’ fashion trolley ride and stop at the soda fountain for a root

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-43593843658946089392008-09-13T09:12:00.000-07:002008-09-14T20:28:36.263-07:00

Wisconsin Dells is located in central, southern Wisconsin and is known for its beauty and family fun activities. The Dells were formed by glaciers during the ice age 15,000 years ago. With textured ridges, these steep cliffs are topped with tall evergreen trees. Since the 1950’s families have migrated to the Dells in the summer time to enjoy the Tommy Bartlett Water Ski Show and take a ride on

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-14179473208364239442008-08-30T09:23:00.000-07:002008-09-01T19:58:45.813-07:00

_______________When our friends got married at Big Bear Lake in California this summer, Alex got the chance to enjoy the scenery of the lake and the surrounding woods. Just an hour or two from Los Angeles, the Big Bear area is best known for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and jet skiing and boat tours in the summer. For a tamed down trip with a toddler, take a boat ride aboard Miss

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-63992355258046183532008-08-25T06:16:00.000-07:002008-08-30T10:04:31.126-07:00

The old days of the Mickey Mouse Club may be over, but Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Daisy, Donald and the gang can still dance the night away. Actually, it took Alex a little while to get into the swing of things during his first trip to Disneyland. The train and monorail tours were instant hits, and we went round-and-round the carousel. But, standing in line to fly with Dumbo took all the patience

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-47336902184479033422008-08-20T00:09:00.000-07:002008-09-07T09:26:55.135-07:00

Just when you think you are the only woman on the planet crazy enough to drag her kid(s) from one end of it to the other, be reassured that there are others like you, including some of the women of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Softball Team. This story, A Journey Toward the Games, With the Kids in the Back, tells of how gold medal winners didn’t ride with the team around the States for the qualifying

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-47365923567126356472008-08-05T21:21:00.000-07:002008-08-05T22:30:53.778-07:00

Two years ago, when Alex was not yet 6 months old, he made his second trip half way around the world and back. At less than three months, he’d already been to the Middle East and now double that age, he took on Singapore and China.Beijing was literally marking the days until the 2008 Olympic Games with a large countdown clock rolling back the hours in Tian'anmen Square. On that muggy July day,

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-23459600585296658592008-08-03T20:55:00.000-07:002008-08-03T22:17:37.576-07:00

Travel Town is like heaven for little boys who love trains. Founded in the 1950s, the outdoor museum is situated on the edge of Griffith Park in the center of Greater Los Angeles. It features retired locomotives, freight cars, cabooses, passenger cars, dining cars, and more. The grounds are shaded, easy to walk and you can climb on nearly every engine. Alex was so overwhelmed with excitement that

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-30235010357904529062008-07-28T22:34:00.000-07:002008-08-03T20:15:33.130-07:00

Tel Aviv and Jaffa share the Mediterranean shoreline. One is the modern city of skyscrapers, open-all-night clubs, great shopping and traffic jams. The other retains its old city stone finish, crumbling streets and is famous for baklava and fish restaurants by the sea.But the best thing to do if you're only 2-years-old in 100 degree heat is enjoy some ice cream and take a nap. Alex slept to,

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-75329031937192581152008-07-27T22:42:00.000-07:002008-08-03T20:16:09.453-07:00

Alex's preferred method of getting through life is to jump. Running and climbing are both excellent too, but its not any fun at all to walk. So, how tired do you have to be to fall asleep standing up? Alex didn't grasp the concept of hours of airline travel that took him speeding through timezones across the globe and switching night to day. Try explaining the concept to a 2-year-old when its 3am

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-30139960408213267952008-07-26T11:37:00.000-07:002008-08-03T22:51:03.360-07:00

Alex saw a dolphin in the Dead Sea.....and a Humpback Whale. Since the sea is so saturated with salt nothing can live in it and its saliency allows your body to float without effort, its hard to imagine how he saw these creatures, but I'm his mom, so I believe him!The Dead Sea is the lowest point on the planet at 420 meters (1378 feet) below sea level, and the second saltiest place on earth.

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-82334773513994818742008-07-17T04:33:00.000-07:002008-08-03T22:53:44.063-07:00

The Old City of Jerusalem is holy to Christians, Muslims and Jews. Inside its ancient walled City, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Al Aqsa Mosque and the Western Wall, the holiest of sites for the Abrahamic faiths, are just footsteps apart. Nevertheless, its not so easy to navigate by stroller. The ups-and-downs of the uneven stone steps, its small passageways and the seething heat of the

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-83545153546999700512008-03-08T19:38:00.000-08:002008-04-08T22:16:29.563-07:00

More than 7 feet of snow have fallen in Southern Wisconsin this winter, and when Alex arrived it was only 7 degrees. For a little boy from Southern California such cold weather takes some time to adjust. But, neither snow, nor rain, nor gloom of night shall keep Alex from a trip to Gramma’s House. Actually – it seems like any trip to Wisconsin last year required a double booking. First, for the

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-51737609101038539742008-02-05T22:51:00.000-08:002008-02-05T23:07:18.099-08:00

When traveling with children, it seems like you might have done better to just pack up your entire house, ordered a moving van and driven across the country for your three day weekend away. It's impossible to 'go light' no matter how hard you try. So, at least be sure to bring the right suitcase. Here some obvious tips:Don't go any bigger than you absolutley must.Wheels are essential.Don't use

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-3628278369362541102008-01-21T22:38:00.000-08:002008-01-21T22:46:47.651-08:00

The Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, is the agency responsible for maintaining all aircraft safety in the United States. They have determined that all travelers should listen to safety instructions at the beginning of every commercial flight. The frequent flyer can recite the announcements in unison with any flight attendant. Buckle your seatbelt, follow the lighting to emergency exits,

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-90123514712928784222008-01-12T10:34:00.000-08:002008-01-12T10:48:37.681-08:00

After Santa made his stop on Christmas Eve, Alex hustled onto to North Carolina to wrap up the end of 2007 in Charlotte. As one of the fastest growing cities in the United States, Charlotte is a great for children of all ages. Alex took it easy visiting family, looking for after Christmas deals at the Mall and strolling in local parks. But, for a 2 year old, it can’t get much better than

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-91594584163794697972008-01-05T19:48:00.000-08:002008-01-21T22:36:58.574-08:00

When does something you do become a tradition? After you do it the once, twice? Or, must you spend a life time doing the same thing year-after-year before it is forever a part of who you are? Closing in on 2-years-old, Alex’s Christmas tradition takes him to San Francisco.With mom’s sleigh (aka Ford Escape) loaded with presents, and the California I-5 Freeway clear, the six hour journey north

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-32412424345930285162007-12-18T17:01:00.000-08:002007-12-18T19:41:07.208-08:00

There are lots of fun things for tiny-tots to do in Baltimore. The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Port Discovery Children's Museum, and the Maryland Science Center are all within walking distance in downtown Baltimore's beautifully restored Inner Harbor, one of America's oldest seaports. Unfortunately, we didn't get to visit any of these places. With blistering winds whipping the cold air around

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-57555773467706587522007-12-14T23:07:00.000-08:002007-12-15T09:38:18.544-08:00

If you want to be the hip, high tech mom this Christmas, then skip the trikes, trains, and treehouses. Go for the gadgets. But beware -- if its not the real thing, you won't fool the kid.The New York Times reports (November 29) that For Toddlers, Toy of Choice is High Tech: "Cellphones, laptops, digital cameras and MP3 music players are among the hottest gift items this year. For preschoolers.

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-24797549610374435152007-12-03T22:32:00.000-08:002007-12-14T22:10:23.032-08:00

The table was set, the family was there, the turkey was stuffed....and then the tennis ball was lobbed into the air. It recoiled off the glasses and richocetted off the salad, then it sliced across the plate and landed with a plop. As the family circled the table with giving thanks and counting blessing, it was the bounce of the ball that made Alex's Thanksgiving Day complete.But, as the family

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-54992094877521281772007-12-03T21:29:00.000-08:002007-12-14T22:07:42.354-08:00

Every 21st Centurty kid needs the basics: cell phone, laptop, skype address, Facebook page, personal website and email account. Alex is 100% covered with all forms of technology. You are guaranteed to reach him 24 hours a day, 7 days a week...just don't call at nap time when all communications are temporarily suspended by mom. Perhaps I should have worried at 6 months, when Alex knew how to work

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-33611501811626906632007-11-29T01:04:00.001-08:002007-11-29T01:04:42.308-08:00

When Alexander was only 2 months old, he took his first trip to the Middle East where he visited the Old City of Jerusalem and the village of Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam, the only place in the world where Palestinians and Jews have made a determined effort to live, work and educate their children together with mutual respect and genuine equality for all people. Here is a video -- with special

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-83352906717803922952007-11-19T20:43:00.000-08:002007-11-19T20:46:15.365-08:00

Alex may have traveled the world, but he didn’t make it far on Halloween. Trick-or-Treating at only a few houses in the neighborhood, Alex was the best astronaut ever. Maybe by this time next year, he’ll have explored the solar system. In the meantime, we prefer to keep him on planet Earth.

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-81225143075382256262007-11-19T20:25:00.000-08:002007-11-19T20:58:57.688-08:00

Having hope isn’t always easy. And, Walking for Hope also takes a lot of work – especially when you are only two feet tall. Alex may be the youngest peacemaker logging miles on a pedometer for the sake of saving the planet. But working for peace will come naturally for Alex. His given name, meaning “defender of humanity,” leaves him a daunting future.One Saturday this fall, Alex walked three

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-48820170313411743692007-09-21T22:57:00.000-07:002007-09-21T23:01:51.069-07:00

For every mom who travels, the worst part is leaving baby behind. Alex spent the first year plus of his life tagging along with me on every long haul and short overnight. As a result, one of his first words is “vamos,” Spanish meaning “to go.” He can already snap himself into his car seat. And, he’s not the kid that can stay home even for a day without at least a trip to the park, the market, the

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-2986762263119680362007-09-20T21:03:00.001-07:002007-09-20T21:03:53.067-07:00

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-85535591988211201082007-09-11T21:40:00.000-07:002007-09-11T21:58:51.611-07:00

Some trips are more fun than others. Traveling for work, visits to family faraway and the rarely experienced (but often fantasized about) vacation each have their own levels of preparation, anxiety and pleasure. Alex’s latest outing, taking him exactly 1.2 miles from home, was just as anticipated as journeys far away – a trip to the dentist! I enjoy selecting docs according to how cleverly their

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-54434693513362989042007-09-03T22:46:00.000-07:002007-09-21T23:10:06.065-07:00

It was quite literally 106 degrees outside, and I was quite literally stuck in an ant hole with my little son, Alexander. Even for a mom willing to try anything, this was an uncomfortable predicament. I haven’t read any of those “how to be a good mommy” books yet, but I started to wonder if they’ve got this covered in their survival sections.Labor Day Weekend is the one weekend a year when this

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-33285257029391148102007-08-27T23:04:00.000-07:002007-08-29T21:57:04.019-07:00

Once you announce “you’re expecting,” baby toys, baby clothes and baby stuff begin invading your home long before the baby is born. If you don’t yet have a kid, the list will overwhelm you; and if you do, you already know it can go on ad nauseam.Back in my pre-baby days, I was committed to blocking off certain rooms, keeping things in their place, and not letting the bright yellow, red, and blue

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-16853398458871675082007-08-19T22:52:00.000-07:002007-08-19T23:27:25.574-07:00

The State of Utah boasts a lot more than magnificent national parks, excellent skiing and the Great Salt Lake. For some real adventure with your tiny tot, you can dig for dinosaurs that roamed the land millions of years ago or catch a glimpse of one of the rarest creatures of our time. On a weekend getaway to visit friends, Alex and I opted to do both!We rushed immediately to Utah’s Hogel Zoo in

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-42944593903273816072007-08-02T22:41:00.000-07:002008-08-03T22:41:50.653-07:00

Have you ever stood on a busy street corner and blown kisses at the cars? Probably not. People would think you're crazy.Have you ever jumped into a fountain at the entrance of a world famous museum and splashed about? Probably not. Security would escort you off the property.A few weeks ago, my little son Alex and I stood in downtown Anchorage, Alaska on a busy weekday morning blowing kisses to

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-33701728681855974102007-07-24T23:12:00.000-07:002007-07-28T19:13:16.975-07:00

“Attention shoppers, there is a small boy who has lost his stuffed puppy. If you see this small, light brown dog, can you please advise a clerk immediately,” blasted the announcement on the store’s loud speakers.When did I become this woman? I am frantically and meticulously retracing every step I took through a huge warehouse store searching for my son’s favorite toy, Coco. Alex doesn’t even

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-71805368538063783162007-07-24T01:27:00.000-07:002007-07-28T19:30:23.581-07:00

Denali National Park in Alaska is an area as large as the state of Massachusetts. It has one road leading 89 miles into the park, and the same road leads you back out. There are only two real choices to visit the park – hike it or bus it. We took the bus. But, before you sign up for the 6, 8 or 11 hour tour, make sure you know your child’s breaking point. We took the 8 hour tour. Alex had enough

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-54151446771100865932007-07-15T23:06:00.000-07:002007-07-28T15:05:10.519-07:00

If you ever want to know what it feels like to launch into outer space, then you’ll have to take your aspiring astronaut to Kennedy Space Center (KSC), and ride the new Shuttle Launch Experience that will lean you back, blast you off and make you feel like you are traveling at 4g’s into the Milky Way. Since I tend to get freaked-out by something as tame as a tilt-a-whirl, I used my “

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-15207120391685459642007-07-12T22:39:00.001-07:002007-07-28T19:15:28.101-07:00

It happened again. Another mother was thrown off of another plane with her baby by an intolerant flight attendant who thinks she's got superpowers. Alex and I haven't been thrown off of any planes ...yet. But, I'm convinced its just a matter of time. A child can fly on your lap until he's 2-years-old. You haven't really experienced plane travel until you've tried to confine your 18-month-old to

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-88023869840915272632007-07-08T12:18:00.001-07:002007-07-28T19:19:34.529-07:00

When families visit Orlando, Florida, most kids go to Disneyland, Epcot Center, Universal Studios or SeaWorld. Alex got to go to Gatorland for some “swamp stompin’ adventure!” Gatorland is the alligator capital of the world. Visitors can catch the Gator Jumparoo Show where alligators jump several feet vertically out of the water to compete for lunch. Or, you can get your photo snapped on the

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-43432884966325467392007-07-06T00:36:00.000-07:002007-07-28T19:24:49.455-07:00

At the Southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore is just 85 miles north of the equator. It takes about 19 hours to fly from Los Angeles to Singapore. If you have a 6-month-old baby on your lap, that’s 1140 minutes or 68,400 seconds. You’ll start counting the time somewhere over Hawaii, but you still won’t be half-way there. Singapore Airlines gave Alex a welcome bag filled with diapers, wet

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-91573084052355501882007-07-04T07:29:00.000-07:002008-08-05T19:01:45.824-07:00

The Forbidden City was the Chinese Imperial Palace from the mid-Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It is located in the center of Beijing, China. The complex is comprised of 9,999 rooms -- and, what feels like that many tourists. But, there are no babies allowed inside the Forbidden City. (OK, that is absolutely not true. But, I didn't see any. In fact, I

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396682181987837589.post-37230463680374526652007-06-25T21:37:00.000-07:002007-07-06T09:24:37.944-07:00

I've been watching Sex in the City in syndicated re-runs on late night network television. Since I never watched as each episode premiered, its easy to get lost when one night the show's central star and narrator, Carrie, is dating Mr. Big, but then the next night she isn't, but wait no..... somehow they magically get back together again. Or when Charlotte (the cute, perky one) is married to tall

Deanna Armbrusterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588477093480419598noreply@blogger.com