Family travel | Life Elevated Mom

Great Canadian Road Trip Leg 4: Sandpoint, ID to Calgary, Canada

July 27, 2011 by Amber

I’ve had many people ask me just what does 31 hours in the car by myself with two kids look like? Take a gander:

It wasn’t pretty but certainly was functional. I packed oodles of snacks, DVDs, DS games. travel easels and books (see the full list of activities here), which I plopped in a large laundry basket in between the kids’ seats for easy access.

We caravanned with my parents from Sandpoint, Idaho to Calgary and stopped in Sparwood, British Columbia to check-out “The Titan,” the world’s largest truck.
I couldn’t have asked for my kids to be better behaved and our final seven hours in the car were seamless except for two factors:

1) The Hail Storm.

We’ve had pretty great weather the entire trip with the exception of a stretch of road leading into Nanton, Alberta when we passed through a horrendous rain/hail storm. At one point, the hail was pounding my windshield so quickly my windshield wipers couldn’t keep up and my 70-year-old father didn’t slow down. As I sweated profusely (and in places I didn’t know I could sweat), the only reassuring words were from Hadley: “I CAN’T HEAR OUR MOVIE!”

Remind me not to bring her along when in extreme diress.

2) The U.S.-Canadian Border.

I’ve traveled with my kids to Canada many times by myself but never by car. When flying, Customs requires I provide a notarized letter from Jamie stating I have his permission to take the kids out of the country.

Since I was driving this time, we called the border to ensure I didn’t need the letter. They assured me I was fine but I was still paranoid (I’ve spent many past lives being detained in the “Taliban room”) so I schooled the children prior.

“Now Bode and Hadley, when we get to the border, you need to tell them that Daddy is coming later.”

I didn’t tell them any more than they absolutely needed to know. I figured dropping the word “attempting kidnapping” could lead to trouble but as it turns out, trouble is what I got by withholding information. We waited about 45 minutes in line at the border and when it was finally our turn, I pulled up to the Customs officer who initially looked friendly.

Him: “Hello, Ma’am. Where are you traveling today?”
Me: “Calgary.”
Bode: (Frantically Interrupting) “OUR DADDY IS COMING ON THE AIRPLANE LATER!”

From there, our easy-going exchange turned suspicious. He peered into the car at Bode and Hadley.

“Ma’am, what is your license plate number?”
“Err…. I can’t remember.”
“Please step out of the car.”

After a painful interrogation, we eventually crossed the border but I learned an important lesson. When relaying important information to the kids, I need to disclose, “Only speak when spoken to.”

Come to think of it, I’ll make that our family motto.

Filed Under: Bode, Canada, Family travel, Humor, travel

Great Canadian Road Trip Leg 3:Boise to Sandpoint, ID

July 26, 2011 by Amber

Since we’re still on the road, I simply don’t have the time to do our trip to Sandpoint, Idaho justice so I will write a more extensive article upon my return.

Outside magazine named Sandpoint as one of America’s Top Dream Towns. Here is glimpse of this paradise in the North Idaho Panhandle….

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Our lakeside retreat at Dover Bay Bungalows with Grandma and Grandpa.

Biking the 9 miles of trails at Dover Bay along the lake, across wetlands and through forests.

Discovering a secret hike at Verwolf Vista Park (crossroads: Shannon Lane and Lakeshore Avenue).
That led to these views of Lake Pend Oreille, one of the largest inland lakes in North America.
And arguably one of the most gorgeous as Dad and I witnessed during an early-morning bike ride.

No trip to Sandpoint is complete without an afternoon at 18-acre City Beach with huckleberry ice cream.

Topped off by my mom’s delicious birthday dinner on the cossetted patio at Trinity overlooking City Beach.

A glimpse at Sandpoint’s grandeur, yes. But justice has not yet been served.

Filed Under: Family travel Tagged With: Idaho

Great Canadian Road Trip Leg 2:Utah to Boise

July 24, 2011 by Amber

I’m not one of those people who stops at every roadside historic marker but I’m always delighted to stumble upon local treasures. That is exactly what we found at the Sublet Fuel Stop off exit 245 on I-84 in Idaho. First, there were the alpacas outside of the gas station.

Then the baby rattlers inside the door.
Caged, thank goodness.

Then there was the sign “Beware of Bats” as we entered the bathroom. After what we’d already seen I braced myself for some flying mammals but chuckled when I saw this:

A baseball bat.

The proprietor had a warped sense of humor.

We were originally going to stay in Rexburg but my friend Jason bailed at the last-minute so we rerouted to Boise. My friend Kiersten (a former radio hottie from my days on the airwaves) met us at a playground for a couple of hours and then the kids and I stayed with my friend Katie, her husband Wayne and their four beautiful daughters. Haddie and Bode had a BLAST and I loved reconnecting with my dear friend.

“Soeur (Sister) Ingy” and I were LDS missionary companions in Bienne, a little village in the heart of Switzerland. We had only been on our missions for a few months when we were put together and forced to fend for ourselves with our faltering francais. Soeur Ingy was the ying to my yang. She spoke really softly and was super sweet. I was…not. But one day, I was bellowing out my favorite song about prayer “He Hears Me” for the thousandth time when Katie interjected:

“Yes, and so does everyone else, Soeur.”

This sweet Idaho girl was (and still is) a force to be reckoned with.

Filed Under: Canada, Family travel, Humor, travel Tagged With: Idaho

Calgary Stampede: The Truth Revealed

July 16, 2011 by Amber

The revelation is not that these rascals of mine can be troublemakers. I’ve known that for a while.
The truth that was revealed at the Calgary Stampede yesterday: I’ve been struggling FOR A YEAR to get Bode to smile for a camera and I was going about it all wrong.

Put that kid on a “wanted” poster and he shines.

Filed Under: Bode, Canada, Family travel, Humor

Rocking it in Frisco, Summit County’s Hidden Gem

July 15, 2011 by Amber

With laudable Summit County neighbors such as Vail, Breckenridge and Keystone, the town of Friscooften gets overlooked when, in actuality, we should be putting “Frisco: The Main Street to the Rockies” at the top of our list.

My family recently stayed at Tiger Run Condominiums, located halfway between Frisco and Breckenridge. This is one of Rocky Mountain Resort’s many rental properties that range from ski condos to townhomes to private home rentals in Summit County.

In the peak season (winter), our well-appointed 3-bedroom, 2-story condo runs about $335 per night. In the summer, expect to pay only $235, a great deal for this property that sleeps eight. We never wanted to leave but unfortunately, we only stayed one night.

Better luck next time.

My very favorite network of paved, non-motorized paths in Colorado is located just a stone’s throw away from our condo. With more than 80 miles of trails connecting Summit County resorts like Breckenridge, Dillon, Keystone, Copper Mountain and Vail, there is no better way to explore Colorado’s most epic resorts.

On Friday evening, we biked a portion of the 10-mile trail from Frisco to Breckenridge. It was my 7-year-old daughter’s first adventure on her new mountain bike and she squealed with glee as we crossed bridges over the raging Blue River and wound along the serpentine trail.

Once in Breckenridge, we nestled up to the firepit as we ate Crepes a la Carte and later leisurely strolled along the popular Riverwalk. The next day, we parked our car at the Frisco Adventure Park and followed the trail to the Frisco Marina where we were thrilled to discover a futuristic playground.

A few other things to do:

Frisco Adventure Park

The Frisco Adventure Park opened December 2010 and adventures are, indeed in abundance. During the summer months, there are loads of hiking and biking trails, the Peak One Disc Golf Course, a free skate park, the Frisco Fun Club (a daycamp for kids 5-12) at the Day Lodge, baseball fields, horse stables for dinner rides, picnic facilities, camping via the forest serves and a free BMX bike park had e a soft opening on July 4. The Park is located 1/2-mile south of Frisco on Highway 9 overlooking Dillon Reservoir.

Frisco Bay Marina

Add mountains and the highest marina in the state (9,091 feet) with over 330 acres to explore by sail, motor or paddle, and you have a recipe for adventure. The Frisco Bay Marina offers rentals, sales and services for everything from sailboats to kayaks to boats. Grab some coconut shrimp or blackened fish tacos on the patio of The Island Grill or cool down with an ice cream sandwich after playing on the Marina’s futuristic playground. Open seven days a week, all summer long.

Fantastic Playground

If the futuristic playground at the Frisco Marina (see above) doesn’t float your kids’ boat, Frisco’s Funtastic Funground will. Located on the grounds of Frisco Elementary School (800 E 8th Ave, Frisco), this playground ranked up there as one of my kids’ all-time favorites. A castle in the wilderness, this massive grey structure offers umpteen secret hideouts, climbing walls, monkey bars, tires, swings, slides and so much more.

Live Music

Grab a blanket and head over to the FREE Concert in the Park series at Frisco’s Historic Park. The sunset show is held every Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. through August 18 and features tunes the family will love—from folk to rock to bluegrass.

Frisco Kayak Park

Whether you’re a kayak pro and want to practice your rolls and rodeos or spectators like us, be sure to check-out the Frisco Kayak Park. Located on the west end of Main Street, you’ll get the best view of the action from the walking bridge.

Special thanks to Rocky Mountain Resorts for hosting our family. If you’re planning a family vacation to Summit County, be sure to check-out their properties in Copper Mountain, Dillon, Frisco, Keystone and Silverthorne at www.coloradormr.com.

Filed Under: biking, Colorado, Family travel, travel

So many updates, so little time

July 14, 2011 by Amber

Our past week in numbers:

*2 Countries (Canada and U.S.)
*2 Provinces (British Columbia, Alberta)
*4 States (Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Idaho)
*31 hours in the car
*1,729 miles

So much could have gone wrong but didn’t. The kids and I not only survived the longest road-trip of our lives but I’m proud to say my intrepid travelers thrived.

I have many stories to share of tearing down the steepest zipline in the world at Utah Olympic Park, visiting dear friends in Boise, Sandpoint, ID’s glorious lakeside retreat and, of course, Calgary’s many charms including the world-famous Calgary Stampede tomorrow.

For now, I am happily tucked away in my childhood home in Calgary. The temperatures are what I live for in: mid-70s and mild. Denver’s 90+-degree summers are my personal hell because I cannot sleep in our bedroom’s inferno and my mop of hair serves as an electric blanket.

On high.

My parent’s place is an entirely different story. Their backyard is an oasis of shade trees and beautiful flowers. The kids and I are sacking out in their cool and dark basement. In fact, the kids were downright cold last night and I closed their door to keep the room completely black. I was woken up at 8 a.m. by a little voice next door:

“Mommy. Is it morning yet?”
“Yes, it’s time to get up!”
“It’s so dark in here we can’t find the door to get out of our bedroom!”

I may never leave.

Filed Under: Canada, Family travel, Humor

10 Activities to Keep Your Kids Entertained on Long Road-trips (and share your ideas)

July 11, 2011 by Amber

This week, I am embarking on a multi-state road-trip by myself with two kids.

If you have never been impressed with me, now is your opportunity.

I am already nine hours into it and am currently in Utah where i attended Evo Conference last week. Over the next few days, I will drive to Sandpoint (one of Idaho’s hidden jewels) and we will ultimately spend the duration of our vacation in my hometown, Calgary (check-out our fun-filled itinerary).

While I have traveled extensively with my kids (ages 4 and 7), I have never tackled a vacation of this magnitude. For our extended road-trips, Jamie and I have tag-teamed but being the lone member of the entertainment committee is daunting, especially because I’ll be consumed with the task of not veering off the road and killing us.

If you’ve ever played referee to your kids in the backseat, you know what I’m talking about.

Here are a few activities I’ve CLICK TO READ ON AT MILEHIGHMAMAS.COM

Filed Under: Family travel

10 Activities to Keep Your Kids (Ages 3+) Entertained on Long Road-trips

July 11, 2011 by Amber

This week, I am embarking on a multi-state road-trip by myself with two kids.

If you have never been impressed with me, now is your opportunity.

If you’ve ever played referee to your kids in the backseat, you know what I’m talking about.

Here are a few activities I’ve rounded up to keep the kids entertained:<!–more–>
<a href=”http://www.milehighmamas.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/66/files/2011/07/audio.jpg”><img title=”audio” src=”http://www.milehighmamas.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/66/files/2011/07/audio-263×300.jpg” alt=”” width=”263″ height=”300″ /></a>
<li>Books on tape. We’ve never tried listening to audio CDs so my fingers are crossed this will be a new favorite. We rented several from the library including Flat Stanley, various Magic Tree House Collections and Classic Fairy Tales. For a fantastic age-by-age guide on the best audio books (starting age 2), check-out <a href=”http://www.travelsavvymom.com/blog/resources/the-best-audio-books-for-kids/”>Travel Savvy Mom</a>.</li>
<li>Summer journals. At the beginning of the summer, I gave each child a notebook we dedicated as their summer journal where they could write and draw their favorite activities. Our goal is to be on the lookout for fun roadside treasures to sketch in our travel journal, which is where we will also preserve many of our souvenirs. We also like to make funny signs and pictures to display when we pass cars.</li>
<li>Maps. My kids are not directionally-challenged like their mother and they adore maps. I always print out Google maps and we also follow our route in our Rand McNally book of maps. When I’m really organized, I do some research and share fun things the children who live in that area like to do. Many times, this is where we’ll stop for our regular breaks.</li>
<a href=”http://www.milehighmamas.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/66/files/2011/07/easel.jpg”><img title=”easel” src=”http://www.milehighmamas.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/66/files/2011/07/easel.jpg” alt=”” width=”300″ height=”300″ /></a>
<li>Coloring/craft projects. I have a travel easel for each child where they draw, make crafts and play games (I used a cookie sheet when they were younger because constantly picking up dropped items gets old, fast). This time around, I have a big ol’ laundry basket in between the kids’ car seats replete with coloring books, notebooks, crafts, tape, pipe cleaners, crayons and markers. Easy access means mama won’t be turning around every five minutes to help (in an ideal world).</li>
<li>Movies (and lots of them). We are not fortunate enough to have a DVD player in our car so will bring our portable one. Because the car is noisy, I always bring a head phone splitter so both of my kids can listen with their headphones.</li>
<li>Nintendo DS. We have a Wii at home and my kids are only allowed to play the DS on road-trips so it is a privilege they look forward to. At home, their recent addiction is the new Wii Play Motion (12 crazy-fun games and our favorite is bonking the garden vermin Linkon the noggin’ is a Whack-a-mole game on steroids). Since we don’t have the Wii Play Motion on the DS, the kiddos love Super Mario and also Mario vs. Donkey Kong.</li>
<li>Dollar Store. I am convinced the Dollar Store was made expressly for kids on road trips. The week prior to our vacation, I assigned my kids various chores around the house. With the money they earned, I set them loose at the Dollar Store to relish in the glory of cheap plastic toys that I do not care if they get broken.</li>
<a href=”http://www.milehighmamas.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/66/files/2011/07/hippo1.jpg”><img title=”hippo” src=”http://www.milehighmamas.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/66/files/2011/07/hippo1-297×300.jpg” alt=”” width=”297″ height=”300″ /></a>
<li>Travel Games. We have a great collection of travel-sized games that ranges from Hungry Hungry Hippos to magnetic playing cards. After losing numerous game pieces to our car’s Black Hole, we now keep them in an enclosed container. You can also find a lot of great printable car games online and don’t forget about the old classics like “I Spy” or the license plate game.</li>
<li>Books. My kids aren’t big readers yet so this won’t hold their attention for long but I’m hoping to spend at least a half-hour each day listening to them read.</li>
<li>Healthy snacks. In the past, our road-trip offerings have been solely junk food. While we will have treats, my goal is to take plenty of fresh fruit, nuts, trail mix, Pirate’s Booty and granola bars. I’m also giving each child their own snack bag so they don’t fight over the food (I speak from experience.)</li>
What are your must-have items for long road trips with your kids?

Photos:<a href=”http://www.americanprofile.com/articles/road-trip-tips-kids/”> American Profile</a>, <a href=”http://www.journeyetc.com/travel-tips/top-travel-tips-for-road-trips-with-kids/”>Journey Etc.</a>

Filed Under: Family, Family travel, Humor

My Summer Travels: The Great Canadian Road Trip

July 6, 2011 by Amber

On Monday, I am embarking on our cross-country road-trip to Canada with the kids. The Lord of the Gourds may-or-may not be joining us near the end. He has to work and it is, of course, the peak of pumpkin season.

I’m so thrilled about this trip because we will be spending a couple of weeks in my hometown Calgary and camping in my favorite place on earth.

As previously mentioned, Grandma invited Hadley to fly out early and spend the 4th of July in Utah. Bode and I braved the long drive (we’re not bitter) where we will spend some time with Jamie’s family before I head over for the social media Evo Conference July 7-9 in Park City!

Then, it will be onto Rexburg, ID to visit my dear friend Jason and his family who were like surrogate parents when I went to Ricks College (now BYU Idaho).

Let’s hope Hadley has a better day than our visit with him a few years ago.

Then, we’re driving eight hours north to one of Idaho’s hidden gems: Sandpoint, ID where we will be meet my parents to celebrate my mom’s (ahem) 29th birthday. I’m looking forward to some downtime at Dover Bay Bungalows on the banks of magnificent Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest lake.

Photo: R.J. White, Sandpoint Magazine

Well, if downtime consist of checking out the darling shops in Sandpoint, kayaking, hiking the 9 miles of trails in the area, swimming and biking lift-serviced Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

From there, it will be homeward bound to Calgary with oodles of cousin time, the zoo, biking along the Bow River and of course, The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, The Calgary Stampede July 8-17, 2011.

Photo: CBC.ca

Calgary will also likely consist of my brother Pat dragging us out on the lake where it will be confirmed that I suck and will always suck at water-skiing.

From there, we’ll begin our drive back to Denver via my favorite place on earth. I’ve traveled the world and for me, there is no greater destination than Waterton Lakes National Park, located just north of the U.S. border. I’ll have many details to come about my favorite childhood haunt in this hauntingly beautiful enclave.

Photo: Kevin P. Rauch

And of course, the other side of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is glorious Glacier National Park where we will camp, play and marvel at one of the most beautiful drives along the lower 48: Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Photo: St. Mary Lake, Jon Tester

Our summer will consist of lots of family time, driving and camping. I’ve been asked if Jamie will be dismayed we’ll be gone so long and he alleges he will be. But to be honest, I’m usually a single mother in July because he’s slammed with his pumpkins, work and church responsibilities. Plus, unlimited time in the pumpkin patch without the wife nagging about family responsibilities?

It’s his version of a bachelor party.

Updated: Jamie and I were featured on the premiere of NBC’s The Marriage Ref regarding his pumpkin addiction. For a behind-the-scenes glimpse, go here.

Filed Under: Canada, Family travel, Humor, pumpkins, travel Tagged With: Idaho

Happy 7th Birthday Letter to Hurricane Hadley

May 25, 2011 by Amber

Hadley,

I find it amazing that Aunt Tammy’s twin toddlers have swapped personalities several times since they’ve been born. You, on the other hand, have been a constant from day 1 (well, as constant as a Hurricane could be). Always spirited, ever stubborn, forever fun, unceasingly vocal and frequently frustrated with limitations placed upon you when conquering your world.

No wonder you were such an irascible newborn; who could blame you when you couldn’t even scratch the top of your own head?

You successfully completed first grade and have grown a lot this year. You’ve improved leaps and bounds in your reading, and love (in this order): art, gym and music. Your best friend in class is a darling red-head named Cameron who’s one of the smartest and cutest boys in class.

Thus far, I approve of your choice in men.

You’re a great swimmer, an accomplished artist and are excited for your week-long art camp this summer. In fact, you’ve already surpassed Mommy with your drawings. Disclaimer: It doesn’t take much.

Participating in Destination Imagination was another highlight because it combined some of your very best talents: Imaginative play, ~~bossing people around~~ being a leader and performing for a crowd.

Though you’re still bitter you performed in an uninspired classroom and not on the stage for the world to see.

While other girls are wasting away playing Barbies and other feminine fluff, you spend hours, days conjuring up worlds and parties for your many stuffed animals and Fat Kitty. You talk often of what you want to do when you grow up. Sometimes, you’re a veterinarian. Other times you ~~are a crazy cat lady~~ run a cat hotel. You’ve recently become passionate about cooking and aspire to be a chef at Casa Bonita.

Locals will understand just how uninspiring that ambition is.

You’re already an intrepid traveler and are counting down the days until you ride the plane by yourself to see Grandma J. this summer. We took multiple ski trips and you conquered the intermediate runs at Park City Mountain Resort, Telluride, Echo Mountain and Crested Butte.

You’re always looking for new adventures and absolutely loved Disneyland, your Disney Cruise to Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta and our mommy-daughter trip to Puerto Rico.

Basically, your life does not suck.

A couple of my favorite memories occurred in Puerto Rico. We failed miserably at flying kites on El Morro’s expansive bluff overlooking the ocean but on our final night, we stood on the Marriott’s wind-whipped balcony. At that raw hour, it was tough to distinguish ocean from sky and the reflection from the hotel’s white lights pierced the ocean’s black. Our 20-story perch almost seemed to shake but then I realized it was just the air vibrating.

An idea took flight.

I grabbed our grounded kite and hurled it into the void. It dropped out of sight and then, almost as if it was mustering up courage, it swooped higher and higher. You squealed with delight as we marveled at the kite that had finally taken flight to sketch our good-byes in the sky.

I’m sure the hotel staff had differing opinions on our contraband kite-flying activities.

In the evenings at the San Juan Marriott, you loved to hit the dance floor. You’ve inherited my lack of rhythm but that did not hold you back. Hair and arms flailing, you rocked out to the music, causing everyone around you to stop and marvel.

Another mom on the trip tried to urge her insecure daughter to join you. “But I can never look as good as Hadley out there!” she protested. I looked at her incredulously. She obviously wasn’t really seeing you.

Or was she?

Through her eyes, you were a self-confident, hilarious and fearless girl who didn’t care what you looked like or what anyone thought of you. You were simply lost in the moment and living it to the very fullest you knew how. This quality is one of the things that makes you special…and unstoppable. Whether you someday become a “chef” at Casa Bonita or if you’re dancing by yourself, one thing is certain:

You will always fly.

Love,
Mommy

P.S. For a stroll down memory lane, read letters for your 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 birthdays.

Filed Under: birthday, Family travel, Hadley, Humor