Mormon Life - Family Activities tag

Successful Winter Camping

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:04:00 -0700

by Emergency Essentials
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Camping is popular anytime of the year, but winter camping requires special preparation and equipment. Get educated about the precautions involved and prepare for a fun and successful camping trip.

Winter camping is a challenging adventure. A camper must have a healthy respect for Mother Nature and plan accordingly. When my dad and brothers go ice camping, they spend days beforehand planning for every situation and working out the smallest details. And their preparation pays off because they always have exciting things to tell us when they get back. Before hearing their stories, I never knew you could sleep safely in a hole in the snow, or stay warm even when you are soaking wet.

The main concerns for winter camping are staying warm and dry, and remaining hydrated. The best way to avoid frostbite or hypothermia is to conserve your own body heat. There are three ways to lose critical warmth. Keeping them in mind as you camp or hike through freezing temperatures will make you aware of what you can be doing to keep your body warm.

Radiation. The emission of body heat, especially from the skin areas exposed to the elements. A good set of gloves, hat, and scarf can help best in keeping bare skin to a minimum.

Conduction. The absorption of cold by the body when sitting or laying on cold ground, or handling cold objects such as metal cooking utensils and metal canteens. This is why a decent sleeping pad is required for cold weather camping. The same goes for wearing gloves. A camp stool is a must on a winter camping trip. Try not to sit on the ground.

Convection. The loss of body heat due to wind blowing across unprotected body parts. This situation can also be reduced by keeping bare skin covered with hats, scarves, and gloves. It is important to keep exposure to a minimum, ESPECIALLY in a windy situation. Convection heat loss can reduce body heat the fastest. Wet clothing will accelerate this process, making staying dry even more important.

Here are some other tips that will make your winter camping trip successful and free of accidents or emergencies that can prove to be life-threatening:

Tent placement. Whenever possible, place your tent in a location that will catch the sunrise in the morning. This will aid in melting off any ice and evaporating any frost or dew that may have formed during the night. This will also warm your tent as you awaken in the morning. Cold air sinks. Try to place your campsite on slightly higher ground than the rest of your surroundings. Try to choose a protected site if it is snowing or the wind is blowing.

Water consumption in cold weather. Dehydration can seriously impair the body's ability to produce heat. Drink fluids as often as possible during the day and keep a water bottle or canteen with you at night.

Cooking in cold weather. Cooking in cold weather will take about twice as long as normal. Always use a lid on any pots that you are cooking in. This will help to hold in the heat and decrease the overall heating time. Make sure you start hot cleaning water before you start cooking. The pots and utensils must still be cleaned. Try to keep your menu to good one-pot meals. Things like stews, chili, and hot beans stick to your ribs, lessen the cleaning time, and provide good sources of energy and fuel for your internal furnace. A good high-calorie snack before bedtime will also keep you warm all night. Stay away from an overabundance of sugar. Cheese is a good high-calorie bedtime snack.

Sleeping tip. Do not sleep with your mouth and nose in your sleeping bag. The moisture of your breath will condense in the bag, and cause it to become wet and ineffective as an insulator.

Buddy system. Buddies can help each other pack for a trek, look after one another in the woods, and watch for symptoms of frostbite, hypothermia, and exhaustion.

Checklist. Make a checklist of everything you need before you start to pack. Then check each item off as you pack it. This way you will not forget anything.

Taking this last idea to heart, we have included a checklist of some basic items that should be on every camping trip:

Backpack with straps to hold skis/snowshoes

Sleeping bag. A bag with a zero degree rating or less is best

Sleeping pad. Never sleep directly on the cold ground (see above definition of conduction)

Map and compass (every team member should have one)

Headlamp and extra batteries

Candles and matches

Shovel (or use a grain scoop or other substitute)

Sunscreen and sunglasses

Moleskin

Garbage Bags, 3 or 4 (to make emergency sleeping bags or shelters)

Boots, socks (wool is best)

Long underwear (polypropylene or other materials that wick moisture away are best)

Ribbons to tie to small gear so it can be found when dropped in the snow

Winter camping is a very rewarding sport because it requires so much effort. It is also one of the most dangerous activities you can engage in, if you are not prepared. With the proper preparation, it can be a fun activity for your family that teaches the value of hard work, how to work together as a team, and basic survival skills.

{Lifestyle} Bowl Game Family Night

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:18:00 -0700

by Molly Gray
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Next Monday is the BCS National Championship game. After you're done with your FHE lesson, make a family night activity out of it with this trivia game.

If your home is anything like my home, this coming Monday, family night is going to revolve around one thing: the BCS National Championship bowl game (the Alabama Crimson Tide vs. the Louisiana State Tigers). We love college football, so even though our favorite teams have all ended their seasons, we will definitely be watching.

If your family isn’t as college football savvy as we are, here is a fun game of trivia about the sport and the two teams that you can play with your family! Some are easier than other and some are just downright silly. But that’s what family night is for, right?

1. How many yards are needed for a team to get a first down?
2. Who is the head coach of the Crimson Tide?
3. Who is the starting quarterback for the Tigers?
4. What is the slogan of the state of Alabama?
5. Who was the state of Louisiana named after?
6. What are the Tigers’ team colors?
7. How many Heisman winners have come out of the Crimson Tide program?
8. What is the state bird of Louisiana?
9. What is the capital of Louisiana?
10. What does the Alabama flag look like?
11. What is the Tigers mascot’s name?
12. The first footballs were made out of the hide of what animal?
13. Both teams are in which conference division?
14. When was the last time that the Tigers won the national championship?
15. How many points is a touchdown worth?

Another fun thing to do as a family is to eat only foods that come in a bowl—soup, chili, cereal, ice cream—for the whole day.

You can also have each member of the family pick a team to root for and dress in that team’s colors. The losing team’s fans get to do dishes and clean up! Just remember to keep it a friendly competition!

Answers:

1. Ten yards
2. Nick Saban
3. Morgan Ogilvie
4. The Heart of Dixie
5. King Louis XIV
6. Purple and gold
7. One
8. The Eastern Brown Pelican
9. Baton Rouge
10. White with a red diagonal cross
11. Mike the Tiger
12. The pig
13. The SEC Western Division
14. 2007
15. Six, plus an attempt for an extra point after by kicking it through the uprights

{Lifestyle} Ultimate Guide: Winter Crafts for Kids

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:18:00 -0700

by SarahJo Ciotti
source: MormonLife.com

The best parts of being a kid are the endless energy and imagination. Give them pipe cleaners and craft glue and they’re creating masterpieces; though sometimes after a few months of being cooped up during the winter they need a little spark to get them going. Here are a few craft ideas to keep little hands occupied.

Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeders
With a spread of peanut butter and a sprinkling of seeds, this easy craft will keep kids who love the outdoors glued to the windows as they watch birds grab a quick bite for lunch.

Button Artwork
Finally, a use for that box of mismatched buttons! These works of art will look terrific on the refrigerator or even on a nursery room wall.

Pipe Cleaner Creatures
Tigers, chameleons, and squirrels, oh my! These adorable creatures may be found climbing all over the house after a few days with your wild animal.

Popsicle Puzzle
Whether you use family photos or magazine pictures, this little craft is fun for kids to make and play with for hours after.

Colored Pasta
Does your little one’s macaroni necklace need some color? Helping create colored pasta will be just as much fun as creating with the pasta after!

Painted Toast
That looks good enough to eat! Turn an everyday snack into something unexpected with paint-your-own toast!

Glow-in-the dark Jell-O!
A little tonic water never hurt anyone, and making jello cutouts with this stuff will make a classic dessert new and exciting!

Slime
Stretching and squeezing this sludge will create squeals of laughter, and kids will love to help create this monstery-goo.

Here are a few assembly-required projects that can create hours of entertainment for you and your children!

Indoor hopscotch
Getting those wiggles out will be like 1, 2, 3!

Puppet Theater
With some fun-colored fabric, tension rods, and a little imagination, kids will have fun creating little plays for friends and family with this new puppet theater!

PVC Playhouse
With this sturdy structure, creating a fort will be easier on you and the furniture!

Fabric roads
Simple to make, set up, and store, fabric roads keep little cars from veering out of control!

{Lifestyle} Christmas Crafts for Kids

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:59:00 -0700

by Ashley Evanson
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: 10 Christmas crafts to keep your kids entertained this holiday season.

Photo from Parents magazine Christmas Finger Puppets

Photo from Martha Stewart Snow Globes

Photo from The Other White House Handprint Christmas Tree

Photo from Pepper Design Blog Paper Ornaments

Photo from Back to the Drawing Board Stained Glass Tree Art

Photo from Classic Play Homemade Christmas Cards

Photo from Craft Rookie Footprint Christmas Tree

Photo from Parents magazine Simple Ornaments

Photo from Martha Stewart Peppermint Ornaments

Photo from Macula Paper Toy Elves

{Lifestyle} Summer Activities for Kids

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:05:00 -0600

by Ashley Jones
source: MormonLife.com

Are your kids bored? Here are a few fun summer activities for the family.

One perk of being one of the younger children in my family is that I have nine darling nieces and nephews. All nine of them, under the age of 10, and their parents will be at my house next weekend for a family reunion. My younger sister and I were put in charge of planning activities for the family to enjoy while together. It was a little difficult trying to come up with ideas of what we could do that would appease the variety of ages. Here’s a list of some things we came up with to keep the kids entertained. You may find some of them perfect for an FHE activity or just a fun summer night:

1. Movie and activity. Watch Tangled and make your own floating lanterns. I made a floating lantern just a few weeks ago and it worked so well! Check out this tutorial for more info on how to do it.

2. Relay races with eggs. Grab a few eggs, stick them on spoons, and race from one end of your yard/ driveway to the other without breaking the eggs.

3. Chalk it up to fun. An inexpensive box of colored chalk can keep kids busy for hours. Have younger kids draw pictures on the sidewalk or driveway. For the older children, try a game of Tic Tac Toe or hopscotch: draw a hopscotch pattern with eight squares; players toss a marker (try a stone or button) into a square and then hop over it on one foot.

4. Knock ’em over with backyard bowling. Find household items that will tumble over easily, such as empty cereal boxes, empty soda cans, or small stuffed toys and align them in a row like bowling pins. Then, using a smaller ball for older kids and a bigger ball for the young ones, have the children roll the ball. They score a point for each object they knock down.

5. Play Kick the Can. A variation on Hide and Seek, this game works best with at least three kids. One person is designated “it” and will guard the “can” (could use one of those metal food storage cans or a ball) which is set in an open space. While the other players hide, the “it” counts to 20 (or higher) and then tries to find and tag the other players. If captured, players must go to “jail.” Any player who hasn’t been caught can run in and kick the can, setting all of the captured players free. If the “it” finds everyone, he wins the game.

6. Create an outdoor canvas. (This is my favorite!) Hang an old sheet on a clothesline or tape paper to a fence for your budding artist(s) to paint on. Encourage them to try painting with different kinds of brushes or items. They could even try dipping grass into paint and swishing it on paper, then try painting with a leaf or a twig. The kids can also try painting rocks and creating little people or bugs with them. (Might want to dress them in play clothes you don’t mind them getting paint all over.)

7. Sleep under the stars. Pull out sleeping bags and blankets and arrange them on the grass so everyone is lying next to each other. Enjoy talking and looking at the stars before falling asleep. You could even check out a book from the library on constellations and have a contest to see who can find which constellation first. (Just don’t forget to turn off the sprinklers!)

--
Ashley Jones practices public relations for Deseret Book. She loves writing, emailing her missionary sister, and making/eating home-made popcorn.

Summer Plans: 100+ things to do with your kids this summer

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 09:56:00 -0600

source: peoniesandpoppyseeds.com

With less than a month left until school gets out, I am making Grand Plans to ensure that we have something to do every day. (And I just counted, we only have 80 days of summer vacation. That is not even a full three months. I remember summer being so long!)

I am in the process of making a 100 Days of Summer advent calendar, and in each pocket, there is going to be a slip of paper that has what we’re doing for the day inside.

Of course, when I say Grand Plans, I mean that I am willing to go on a few day trips. The majority of the summer will be spent at home, and these are the things we will be doing (you know, in addition to our regular every day things like practicing the piano and swimming).

The Upside of Video Games

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:05:00 -0600

by Jonathan Poole
source: MormonLife.com

Note: This is an excerpt from "The Upside of Video Games" in the LDS Living magazine May/June 2011 issue.

Nintendo Wii. iPod Touch. PSP. Xbox 360. If your family is anything like the majority of American families, odds are good that your home contains some technology meant to entertain through virtual games.

Today, 70 percent of American families own at least one electronic that has the primary function of being a game console. It’s not surprising; after all, who doesn’t love a good game? Families can use their system to come together for virtual jam sessions, complete with seriously questionable hairdos and dad’s killer crooning. Or, when the weather doesn’t cooperate, brothers and sisters can burn off that cabin fever with wild tennis swings and party-till-you-drop dance-offs.

On the other hand, there are also video games with more than their fair share of graphic violence, excessive profanity, and other adult-oriented themes. So how can you, as a parent, teach your children about the fun and educational side of games while simultaneously protecting them from content they should avoid?

Gaming as a Tool
Sensationalist news stories and a fair amount of poorly researched disinformation have both complicated a seemingly straightforward process. Much like television, comic books, and movies before, video games have become the latest societal whipping boy—the “devil made me do it” scapegoat for all the world’s woes. Fortunately, as Latter-day Saints, we have access to living prophets, and they seem to be telling a less dire story than the one that mainstream media would have you believe. While it is true that modern-day Apostles have warned us that the excessive playing of video games is to be avoided, they have also reminded us repeatedly that any form of media is ultimately nothing more than a tool.

Like any tool, video games can be used for both good and evil. If we use games as an excuse to escape our responsibilities, ignore our obligations and church callings, or alienate our families, then there’s obviously a problem. Conversely, we can use video games as a medium to interact with friends and family, as a welcome diversion after a stressful day, or as an interactive teaching aid. And those are just a few of the ways that video games can be used to achieve positive results.

As gaming has increased in popularity, researchers have taken more time to study how games can influence and affect us, and some of the most recent results might surprise you. Studies attempting to show that video games lead to delinquency or violence have resulted in tenuous findings, but studies showing the positive effects of gaming have abounded.

Mental Health Benefits
A recent study at East Carolina University found that playing video games can reduce depression and anxiety in the clinically depressed and was also a source for improvement in moods among the participants. This study follows an article by Texas A&M professor Christopher Ferguson published in the European Psychologist last year, which showed that playing certain games can relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and improve players’ moods. He also found that adults who play games handle stress better than adults who don’t, and that after performing a stressful, real-life task, the gamers actually became less anxious and less hostile than their non-gaming counterparts. Facilitating Communication Of particular interest to parents, BYU professors very recently publicized two video-game–related studies demonstrating the emotional and physical benefits to gaming. In the first study, BYU professors Sarah Coyne and Laura Padilla-Walker found that girls who play video games with their parents show improved behavior, better mental health, and a better connection with their families. The professors also discovered that conversations started during game time greatly enhanced and facilitated communication between parents and children.

Improving Physical Health
For parents worried about the sedentary nature of gaming, another study by a BYU professor, Bruce Bailey, along with University of Massachusetts Boston professor Kyle McInnis, found that active video games can provide legitimate exercise for both adults and children. Games like Wii Sports and Dance, Dance Revolution were found to elicit moderate to vigorous energy expenditures while still being enjoyable and relatively easy to participate in.

Parental Guidance Required
You should know how games are rated, which games are age-appropriate for your children, and how to set the parental controls on the video game system or systems in your home.

Game Ratings
The Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) is a lot like the Motion Picture Association of America, but for video games. Following the same pattern set down by the film industry, the ESRB is a self-regulatory organization that rates video games. Its aims are the same that spurred the creation of the MPAA: to foster public goodwill and prevent government censorship of what they consider a form of speech. All of the major game development studios and most major retailers are voluntary members of the ESRB. This means that every game released on the market is reviewed beforehand and receives a rating.

The aforementioned rating is displayed on both the front bottom-left corner and the back of the game case. Games intended for older audiences will also have a suggested age for which the content contained therein might be considered appropriate, such as “13+” for games rated “T for Teen” or “17+” for games rated “M for Mature.” The rating on the back of the box will detail specific categories explaining the game’s rating such as “Comic Mischief,” “Graphic Violence,” or “Mild Language.” This gives parents a clearer picture of every game’s content and allows them to make educated decisions when completing a purchase.

Parents in Control
Of course, your children undoubtedly play at friends’ houses. Remember, just as with movies, it is not at all inappropriate to call the friends’ parents and explain the types of games you do and do not allow your children to play.

As an extra precaution, modern video game systems come with built-in, easy-to-use parental controls that can automatically limit everything from how long a system can be used on a daily basis to restricting playback of games and movies above a certain rating level. While these safeguards are no substitute for open conversation and clear-cut expectations, they are a simple and effective way to enforce the rules.

Play It Safe
As long as your family has a solid plan, video games can be a fun and engaging part of your lifestyle. By taking just a few minutes to do some basic research and compose a list of ground rules, you and yours can get the most out of this new and exciting medium.

*Click here to take our poll on video game usasge within your home.

Poll: Video Games in the Home

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:04:00 -0600

by LDS Living
source: MormonLife.com

Nintendo Wii. iPod Touch. PSP. Xbox 360. If your family is anything like the majority of American families, odds are good that your home contains some technology meant to entertain through virtual games.

*To read "The Upside of Video Games," click here.

Spring Break: Family Style

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 00:05:00 -0700

by Ashley Evanson and Jamie Cline
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: The words “spring break” may bring to mind some things that make you want to shut off the TV and lock yourself in the house. But we’ve got you covered—this year, we’ve come up with a list of family-friendly spring break vacation sites for you to consider. Nickelodeon Family Suites:
Orlando, Florida
Staying at the Nickelodeon Hotel in Florida is a vacation in and of itself. After all, daily activities, an on-site mall, and gigantic water parks are all available. The hotel offers great entertainment (like games where kids and parents compete to see who knows more about the other), rock band competitions, live nightly entertainment in the Nick Studio, slime time, and more Nickelodeon-inspired fun.

The resort offers great amenities for kids, like the mini golf course, a kids’ spa where they can get a manicure, two pool complexes with a 400-gallon dump tank and slipping slides, and an arcade. Even parents can enjoy their own retreat with the resort’s “Nick After Dark,” which provides fully supervised activities for kids and evening entertainment packages for adults.

As far as the actual “suites,” Nickelodeon has gone above and beyond to make your stay comfortable. Even the 1-bedroom suite has a private master bedroom, a full-functioning kitchen (including dishes), and a parlor with a flat screen TV. If you want to give your kids more privacy, upgrade to a 2-bedroom suite, which includes all the amenities of the 1-bedroom plus a semi-private Nickelodeon cartoon-themed room for the kids with bunks or twin beds.

The hotel can get booked pretty quickly, so make reservations early. You can do this at nickhotel.com.

Although the hotel itself is amazing, take at least a couple days to explore the rest of Orlando! If theme parks are your thing, you have various options: SeaWorld Orlando, Disney World, and Universal Studios just start the list. If you would prefer to do something a bit different this vacation, consider one of the fun museums Orlando has to offer. WonderWorks has hundreds of interesting exhibits for your family to enjoy. Experiencing a 5.3 earthquake, creating your own roller coaster, and landing a spaceship are only the beginning of WonderWorks’ kid-friendly interactive displays.

Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital has a lot more to offer than news and politics, even if your kids won’t believe you at first. It can actually be a very fun place for the family if you know where to go. Of course, there are the typical tourist sites like the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial—which are still great places to take the kids—but there are other options kids will especially enjoy.

The great thing about museums and parks in D.C. is that admission is usually free. The National Zoo is one such place. It’s located in the Rock Creek National Park and is home to over 400 species of animals. Your kids will become wildlife biologists for the day!

The Smithsonian Museums in the National Mall are also free, but even better, they’re educational as well as entertaining. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History easily inspires curiosity of the natural world. The museum includes a variety of artifacts, including an 80-foot dinosaur skeleton, a 45-and-a-half carat blue diamond, and photographs of never-before-seen places in the Amazon jungle.

The National Air and Space Museum is out of this world. The collection of air and spacecrafts is the largest in the world, and can be seen hanging from all over the museum’s ceiling. Learn about the Apollo missions, see how much you weigh on different planets, and enjoy the planetarium show or IMAX film. The Discovery Theater in the Ripley Center is a live theater for children. Daily puppet shows, musicians, actors, and dancers will make your kids—and even you—smile. Also, there’s the Imagination Stage, another theater that puts on both modern and classic plays, dance, and music for children.

Don’t miss out on seeing real money being printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for you to show your kids once and for all that money does not grow on trees!

Grand Cayman Island, Caribbean
This island, located off the coast of Cuba, features beautiful Caribbean waters and pristine sands. Noted as one of the three top diving spots in the world, it’s a fantastic place to visit with family as it features hotels and resorts for many budgets. It’s also got a fantastic opportunity to swim with dolphins, so if your kids are a fan of Flipper, this might be the spring break for you. Dolphin Discovery has three different “Dolphin Experiences,” depending on the amount of interaction you want and, of course, the price you want to pay. Dolphin Discovery is different from other dolphin excursions because participants actually swim with the dolphins—they are not limited to standing on an underwater platform, like other companies. In two of the three experiences, the dolphins take participants on a ride, and during all three, participants are given free time with the dolphins. The company also gives a free pass to their Turtle Farm for all those who participate.

While you’re there, don’t miss out on the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. Admission is only $10 for the whole day, and there’s so much to see, you’ll want to take advantage of it! The park is home to endangered blue iguanas, which are a real treat to see. They also feature several different gardens boasting gorgeous tropical flowers. You can bring your own lunch in and eat at the picnic tables available by the picturesque lake, which is home to many rare birds, such as the West Indian Whistling Duck.

If you’d like to continue enjoying the simple beauty of Grand Cayman, don’t forget to visit the Butterfly Farm. Go early on in your vacation, since your admission ticket is good for your entire time at Grand Cayman. This tropical garden is bursting with beautiful butterflies from around the world. This exhibit will teach you about the lifespan of these amazing creatures and, if you take care to arrive early, you might be able to see a butterfly break free from its cocoon and take flight for the first time!

Once you’ve spent a few relaxing days, it’s time for some excitement. And what could be more exciting than swimming with friendly stingrays? Stingray City is one of the most popular attractions in Grand Cayman. Docile rays will swim around you and “nestle up to you like puppy dogs,” says one reviewer. Participants are even taught how to properly feed them—right out of hand! Thousands of people safely swim with the rays each year and come away with lasting memories. To have these wild but friendly animals brush up against your legs and arms is truly an amazing experience. A friendly and professional purveyor of this trip is Frank’s Watersports.

Don’t forget to visit Seven Mile Beach, an enormously long stretch of sand recently voted “The Caribbean’s Best Beach” from Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine. It’s a fantastic spot for you and your family to relax and enjoy. There are few regulations for this public beach, which makes it very enjoyable for visitors. Visitors can easily walk the length of the beach and have the option of stopping at one of the restaurants. Or, take the opportunity to rent a couple of jet skis or even some horses for a few hours.

Park City, Utah
This little ski resort town is tucked into Utah’s Rocky Mountains and boasts having the best snow on earth. Park City has recently become the “it” place to visit during winter, especially now that the Sundance Film Festival—which takes place in Park City every February—brings Hollywood to this small mountain town.

Spring break in Park City is a winter wonderland, with the snow still heavy on the mountains and lots of winter activities for you and your family. Deer Valley, The Canyons, and Park City Mountain Resort have some of the best runs in Utah, and skiers and snowboarders come from all over the world to shred the snow.

While here, make sure to check out the Utah Olympic Park, a venue for the 2002 winter Olympic Games. The park now serves as a training and competition ground for some of the world’s best athletes, whom you can watch practice and compete. Your kids will love watching skiers twist and flip through the air.

Gorgoza Park is the best place for extreme tubing. This sledding hill features a lift service that takes tubers to the top of the ultimate tubing hill, which saves you from weary legs and preserves all your energy for the crazy ride down. The hill features seven lanes, each ranging from beginner to expert level. Without tiring from hiking up the hill every five minutes, this fun winter activity can last for hours.

For some other fun winter sports, All Seasons Adventures offers guided activities like snowshoeing, sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, and even hot air ballooning! You can find them located in the Snow Park Lodge.

And after a long day of playing in the snow, head over to Main Street—the life of Park City. Along this street are restaurants, shops, and art galleries, all with old-fashioned facades. The night life is great, and your family will enjoy the cozy, mountain resort atmosphere.

Great Wolf Lodge Water Parks
Ever been to a water park when it’s 35 degrees outside? No? Well, welcome to Great Wolf Lodge—a year-round water park, built inside, where the weather is a constant 84 degrees. Most of the 12 different locations are located in cold climates (such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and
Wisconsin), which will keep your plane ticket rates down when everyone else is spending big bucks on flights to warmer places.

The Great Wolf Lodges offer comfortable suites for up to eight people and have optional cabin- or tent-themed rooms for younger visitors. “Fort Mackenzie,” a four-story interactive tree house, features several water slides, spray stations, and a 1,000-gallon soaker bucket that dumps on swimmers every few minutes. A lazy river, lounge chairs, and hot tubs are some of the other wet and wild options.

When your kids are settled at the water park, steal away for a trip to the Elements Spa. Enjoy a massage, facial, manicure, and whatever else you need for a pick-me-up after the long winter. If your daughters are envious of your spa treatment, arrange for a pedicure at the Scoops Spa, an ice cream–themed kids spa.

If this sounds like the vacation for your family, check out the discounts offered for both suites and the water park on the Great Wolf Lodge website, greatwolf.com.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Preschoolers

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:06:00 -0700

by Julie Christensen
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Last summer my friends and I met with our preschoolers weekly at a local park. We chatted as our kids cavorted in the sand. But when fall came and cold weather followed, our play dates at the park were disbanded. The prospect of a long winter stuck inside brought out the grizzly bear in all of us. We missed visiting with each other, and our kids showed serious signs of cabin fever. It was only November. In desperation, I came up with the perfect solution: a field trip club.

Twice a month we go on an outing together. Going as a group is much better than going alone. We can participate in activities that aren’t available for individuals, and most of our activities are discounted or even free. At our local natural food store we watched the butcher make sausage, learned about bread making in the bakery, and helped stock milk in the dairy section. Each department offered us a yummy sample—all free of charge.

Our local doughnut store invited us to bake doughnuts with them. We helped roll out the dough and, after the doughnuts were fried, we dipped our doughnuts in frosting and sprinkles. We made individual pizzas at an Italian restaurant.

We made birdfeeders at a hardware store and planted flowers at the local nursery. We sipped hot chocolate at a bookstore while the owner shared her favorite picture books. We marveled at the huge copper pots used to make caramels and candies at a candy factory and tromped through the fields of a pick-your-own berry patch. We came home from that field trip with full tummies and purple mouths.

Local community services also generally welcome groups. We climbed on the hook and ladder truck at the fire station and checked out the dispatch equipment at the police station. Veterinarians, dentists, and pediatricians are also great choices. Almost any local business or service can become a wonderful educational opportunity.

Come January, when the snow is two feet deep and we haven’t been outside in days, I’ll be ready to take the next flight to Mexico. Unfortunately, my budget doesn’t allow for a week on the beach. Maybe our field trip club can visit a Mexican restaurant instead. Guacamole, anyone?

Tips for successful field trips

1. Take turns scheduling and organizing the trip.
2. Schedule field trips at least two weeks in advance. Some businesses require even further notice, and most have a maximum number of people they allow.
3. E-mail participants the location directions ahead of time.
4. When scheduling the field trip, ask for specifics about rules and guidelines. Talk with the children ahead of time about behavior expectations and safety rules.
5. Take naptimes and meals into account when scheduling. The last thing you want is a bunch of cranky moms and preschoolers. Come prepared with more snacks, wipes, and diapers than you’ll ever need.
6. Fill out forms. We printed half-page size emergency forms that include medical authorizations, allergies, and emergency contact information for each family. We organized these into a small booklet to be kept with the person in charge of the activity, just in case.

Do you have a great idea for a field trip? Leave a comment below.

For better work/life balance, make time for 'dates'

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:15:00 -0700

source: deseretnews.com

If you're a working parent, you've likely heard — and probably participated in — the debate about quality time vs. quantity time when it comes to your children.

This column is not going to settle that debate.

However, as I try to bring my work life and home life into better balance, I have recently rediscovered something that helps me satisfy both my own quality and quantity concerns.

It's the father/child outing.

Six years ago, these were known as daddy/daughter dates in our family, and I was doing a pretty good job of spending some time with one of my girls every Saturday. I looked forward to these events as much as they did, even if they consisted of only a quick trip out for breakfast or time in a store running errands.

My girls were all little then, but I treasure the memory of those outings. They gave us a chance to talk one-on-one. I learned so much about what my girls were doing in school, what they liked and disliked, what they hoped for, what they feared.

Daddy Daughter Date Night

Sat, 05 Feb 2011 00:04:00 -0700

by Dana Alan Koch, LDS Living staff & readers
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: What begins with a prayer and ends with ice cream? If you ask that question at our house you'll hear three young girls enthusiastically shout, "Daddy-daughter date night!" That response would quickly be followed with, “Whose turn is it next?” While Monday night is set aside for family home evening at our house, Thursday night is set aside for dad to have some special one-on-one time with one of his daughters.

Daddy-daughter dates can positively influence a young girl’s emotional and spiritual life. President Ezra Taft Benson taught us that daddy-daughter dates are one of the ways “fathers can give spiritual leadership to their children.” A young girl’s sense of self worth, sense of acceptance, and understanding of how males and females interact, are all significantly influenced by the relationship she has with her father. This relationship carries on into adulthood and influences other relationships she will form later in life.

Getting Started

Our approach to daddy-daughter dates is simple. Each Thursday night, one of my daughters and I have a simple activity –a date. We rotate whose turn it is from oldest to youngest. Here’s what we do:

1. Early in the week I remind one of my daughters that this coming Thursday is their turn for a daddy-daughter date. I ask if she has some ideas on what she would like to do.

2. When Thursday evening comes we kneel down in prayer and ask Heavenly Father to bless and strengthen our relationship and to help us have fun!

3. We enjoy our activity.

4. We have a treat, usually ice cream with toppings.

We have found that daddy-daughter dates don’t need to be long. Recently my three-year-old daughter, Rebecca, and I made a simple craft that took about twenty minutes, the ice cream took as long as the craft! Usually the activity is the choice of my special date. It should be something she enjoys and something she wants her Dad to be a part of.

Date Ideas:

Run errands together: “Going to the hardware store to pick up random things for Saturday projects, then getting a milkshake on the way home was always my favorite growing up,” Ashley Jones said on our Facebook page.

Have a tea party: Invite her and her dolls to have “tea” (aka lemonade or hot chocolate) and dessert. You can even dress up for the occasion!

Go to the driving range: “My dad was a big golfer and he used to take me to the driving range. I was horrible at golf but I had fun and loved spending that time with him,” said Ashley Evanson, the Online Editor at LDS Living.

Have a picnic at the park or playground: Pack a meal together and head out to the playground. Play on the swings, throw a Frisbee, or see what kind of shapes you can make out of the clouds.

Try a new restaurant: “When my mom went out of town every once in a while, my dad would take me out to dinner to an exotic food restaurant. We would go eat Indian food, Moroccan food, and stuff like that. It was fun to feel like we had our own little tradition, and that we were trying new things together,” said Kate Ensign-Lewis, the Associate Editor at LDS Living.

“Pinewood Derby!” Katijo Allred Meyers said on our Facebook page.

Visit the library: Have her pick out a stack of books, find a quiet corner, and read them together. See if you can find some of your favorite childhood books and show her what you used to love.

Play a sport: “My dad and I would play basketball or go on bike rides together,” said Ruthann Cunningham, the Circulation Coordinator at LDS Living.

Go bowling: This is a great activity for young girls or teens. Make it fun by having silly contests: who can get the most pins down by rolling the ball through your legs, who has the best warm up routine, etc.

*What is your favorite daddy daughter date? Leave a comment below.

For the kids: 5 things you'll find at the new Church History Museum exhibit

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 10:07:00 -0700

source: MormonTimes.com

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently unveiled a new exhibit at the Church History Museum specifically designed for families.

This exhibit, called "A Book of Mormon Fiesta: A Latin American Celebration," celebrates the extensive Latin American heritage within the church and portrays stories of faithful Latin American members, according to a press release issued by the church.

The first section of the exhibit, “Learn Truths,” depicts stories of ancient prophets found in the Book of Mormon. The second section, “Share Truths,” is a replica of a Latin American home and encourages visitors to share church teachings with others. The third section, “Live Truths,” recreates a Latin American plaza where stories of modern-day Latin American Saints are told.

Following are five things families can expect from the new exhibit:

Indoor Camping Trip

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 00:04:00 -0700

by Ashley Evanson
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: It’s the middle of winter and your kids are probably starting to feel a little cooped up in the house. This weekend, pretend like it’s summer again and plan an indoor camping trip, s’mores and all! Setting up Camp

Whether you choose to set up camp in your living room or bedroom, make sure to pack sleeping bags, flashlights, and maybe even a tent. If you don’t have a tent, build a fort out of blankets and sheets.

The Dinner Menu

Oven Hot Dogs
Ingredients:
8 hot dogs
8 hot dog buns
1 can of chili
1/2 an onion, diced
cheddar cheese
mayonnaise
mustard
sweet relish

To read the full recipe, click here.

No-Bake S'mores Pie
Ingredients:
4 (1.55 oz) milk chocolate bars (I used Hershey
8 ounce(s) of Cool Whip
13 ounce(s) of marshmallow creme
8 ounce(s) of cream cheese
1/4 tsp. of french vanilla flavoring
1/8 tsp. of coconut flavoring
1 prepared graham cracker crust
2 tbsp. of crushed graham crackers
1/4 cup(s) of mini chocolate chips

To read the full recipe, click here.

Campfire Activities

Story time is essential to all camping trips. Read your kids’ favorite books, or maybe even tell of few stories of your own. Kids love to hear stories about their parents when they were kids.

Pull out Monopoly, Scrabble, or another board game your family loves. Make sure to play inside your tent!

The great thing about indoor camping is that you can cheat a little. Pop in a movie, or maybe even have a family competition with your Wii, Rock Band, or another video game.

*Do you have any other great ideas for an indoor camping trip? Leave a comment below.

Church History Museum unveils new children's exhibit

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 11:21:00 -0700

source: Newsroom.lds.org

Mormon Life says: How fun! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints unveiled a new interactive history exhibit today designed specifically for families.

“The Book of Mormon exhibit represents a higher caliber exhibit than we’ve ever done before,” said D. Kurt Graham, Church History Museum director. “It is the first step in reimagining the museum.”

A Book of Mormon Fiesta: A Latin American Celebration celebrates the rich Latin heritage within the Church and portrays stories of faithful Latin American Saints. The exhibit is divided into three interactive sections where children and adults can understand and appreciate the inspiring stories of Latin American members of the Church.

Day 12: Kid-Friendly Nativity Script

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:06:00 -0700

by LDS Living staff
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: It's the last day of our 12 days! If you've missed any, make sure to check them out here.

Today, round out the 12 days with our script for the story of Christmas itself - the Nativity.

What better way to bring in the true spirit of Christmas than reminding the family the reason for our celebration?

Unfortunately, children sometimes lose interest faster than we would like. The key is to keep it simple. Here are some other tips.

Use as many fun props as possible. Baby doll as Jesus, Dad as donkey, faux gold and trinkets for the wise men to hold and present, a pet dog or stuffed animals as sheep for the shepherds, wings and glitter for the angel, etc., will all add interest and excitement for the children involved. Dress ups can be easily made with bathrobes and towels.

Allow the children to exhibit their talents. If you have one that can play a Christmas song on a musical instrument, work it into the program. If one of them likes to read, help them to be the narrator.

Have one of the adults be the “director.” Make sure one of the adults can whisper or remind children of their lines and give direction to them. (This can be the narrator.)

We’ve given you a couple options. You can follow the part-scripture, part-paraphrase scripts (for younger children) that have more songs from the Children’s Songbook. Or, read the script that outlines as the scriptures tell it (for a closer reading), which has a mixture of children’s songs and traditional Christmas songs; this script would work best with children mostly 9 and up. The songs suggested may be cut if you think they will be too difficult. Consider using songs you know your children have been learning in Primary or other places.

Close the nativity reenactment with testimony from parents and anyone else who would like to share.

Nativity Script #1

Part scripture, part paraphrase:

[Direction: Mary should be in place, with the angel nearby and ready to appear.]

Narrator:

Gabriel the angel was sent to Mary, who was engaged to marry Joseph, to tell her she would be the mother of Jesus, the son of God. She was afraid, but he said:

Gabriel (Luke 1: 30-31):

Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And thou shalt bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

Mary (v. 38):

Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.

[Direction: Mary gets ready to come in on donkey with Joseph leading them.]

*To print the remainder of Nativity Script #1, click here.

Nativity Script #2

All scripture:

Scene 1: Narrator, Angel, and Mary

Narrator (Luke 1:26-28):

Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.

[Direction: Angel Gabriel comes; Mary should show fear at first seeing him]

Angel (v. 28, 30-32):

Blessed art thou among women. Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And thou shalt bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be called the Son of the Highest.

Mary (v. 34):

How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

*To print the remainder of Nativity Script #2, click here.

Discussion:

Does your family perform a Nativity? Tell us about it in a comment below.

Day 10: Plan A Christmas Outing

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 00:06:00 -0700

by LDS Living staff
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Family activities to make your season merry and bright.

(For all other days, click here.) Get out of the house and enjoy one of these fun, holiday family activities.

Ride the Polar Express

“The Polar Express” is one of the most famous and beloved children’s books around on the Christmas theme. There are lots of train rides that provide caroling, hot chocolate, treats and, of course, a meeting with Santa. Here are the five best polar expresses of the west:

Heber Valley Railroad (UT). According to their website, “Passengers enjoy hot cocoa and cookies while caroling and hearing a traditional, holiday story. Santa joins the audience to meet each child and present them with a special gift.”

Grand Canyon Railway (AZ). In addition to their polar express rides through November and December, they also provide a special Christmas Eve ride.

Royal Gorge Route (CO). This Santa express is a place where “children are encouraged to wear cozy pajamas and relax with family and friends while they sip homemade cocoa and listen to classic holiday stories read by Santa’s elves.”

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (CO). All the fixings: reading “The Polar Express,” caroling, eating treats and drinking hot chocolate, and receiving gifts from Santa.

Mount Hood Railroad (OR). All children receive their own bell and a picture with Santa. According to their site, “This is a magical trip for the whole family and one you will want to ‘BELIEVE’ in.”

Don’t live close to any of these? Find your state here to see if there are any other polar express rides available. Or make your own, by bringing cookies and a thermos along on the trains or subway or other sorts of public transportation available, and read the story together as a family.

See the Nutcracker ballet

Tchaikovsky’s famous classical suite comes to life across the country and the world in ballet theaters everywhere. If you live in Utah, Ballet West is showing a traditional version of the Nutcracker ballet as well as a fun “Nutty” Nutcracker version. You can see one or both by purchasing tickets here.

Visit your local zoo

Many zoos provide special Christmas activities during December, and some of them do so for free. The Oakland, CA, zoo is famous for their ZooLights show where visitors can see the light show, “enjoy a fantasyland of giant toy soldiers with over-sized candy canes, lollipops, and gingerbread cookies in the rides area,” and “mingle among hundreds of thousands of energy-efficient LED lights” while listening to Christmas music. Zoo Boise provides a day of free admission with a visit from Santa and special animal enrichment activities. Call your zoo or look them up online to find out if they have any seasonal events scheduled.

Provide service

    1.    Go caroling through your neighborhood, especially visiting those that are elderly or ill.
    2.    Visit your local hospital or nursing center (but make sure to arrange the visit ahead of time) and just visit with the patients or put on a musical recital or Christmas family home evening for them.
    3.    Work at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter. You can find homeless shelters in your area here, or by looking them up in your phone book.

Tour Christmas lights

Take a drive as a family to view all the Christmas lights and decorations in your neighborhood. Many cities have areas and neighborhoods famous for their decorations, and if you’re lucky maybe you’ll even get to see a house synced to music, like this one in Lindon, Utah.

One of the most famous light displays in Mormondom is the Temple Square Christmas lights display. Even if you can't make it, share some beautiful photos with your family. (Click here to see some.)

Discussion: What is your favorite family outing during the holidays?

Day 9: Read a Christmas Message

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:05:00 -0700

by LDS Living staff
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Read or watch a Christmas story with your family.

(For all other days, click here.) On a more spiritual note, here are some great resources for Christmas stories, devotionals, and even a little family history.

Missionary Christmas Stories

Missionaries, like the wisemen of old, travel afar bearing gifts. And they find that when they’re miles away from friends and family at Christmas, they grow closer to Heavenly Father and catch a glimpse of their celestial home.

The Church magazines asked readers to share with them their own experiences with Christmas in the mission field, and responses came in from all over the world. Christmas traditions, situations, and climates were different, but the overwhelming spirit of the Savior’s love was the same.

To read the missionaries’ Christmas stories, click here.

Christmas Devotional

Watch the 2010 First Presidency Christmas Devotional

To watch President Henry B. Eyring’s talk, click here.

To watch President Dieter F. Uchtdor’s talk, click here.

Or, read the talks from this year's devotional:

President Monson, "A Bright, Shining Star"
President Eyring, "The Gift of a Savior"
President Uchtdorf, "Seeing Christmas through New Eyes"

Or, read other Christmas messages from members of the First Presidency in recent years past. Here are some we like:

President Thomas S. Monson, "Christmas Gifts, Christmas Blessings"
Presdent Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Wondrous and True Story of Christmas"
President Gordon B. Hinckley, "To Do Good Always"
President Henry B. Eyring, "Home for Christmas"
President James E. Faust, "A Christmas with No Presents"

A Christmas Carol 101

Put together your own reading of A Christmas Carol. You can print out a radio play version of A Christmas Carol and read it with your friends and family here.

Make a traditional feast as seen in A Christmas Carol!

Non-alcoholic plum pudding recipe
Roast Goose recipe
Wassail recipe

Write Your Own Christmas Stories

Have an activity where you write down some of your family's favorite Christmas stories--you can even submit them to magazines for publication or save them for competitions, like the Deseret News annual "Christmas I Remember Best" competition. Or just type them up, print them out, bind them at your local copy shop, and give copies to your family for Christmas.

Discussion: What is your favorite Christmas story?

Gingerbread Service

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:11:00 -0700

by Julie Christensen
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: The Christmas season can compound any difficulty. While a casserole or a plate of cookies goes a long way, I know from my own experience that sometimes a beautiful gingerbread house can go even further. A few years ago, we received a huge gingerbread house from friends during the Christmas season. I had recently undergone surgery and certainly appreciated the casseroles brought by ward members as I recovered. But the gingerbread house (or castle—it covered our entire dining room table) made me, and my children, smile. That sweet, unexpected gift lifted our spirits during a trying time. Our friends confessed to us that the gingerbread house was an annual tradition that had somehow grown over the years.

Since then, we’ve developed our own tradition based on that kind gesture. In early December, we invite friends over for a gingerbread decorating party. We pre-assemble the houses and ask each person to bring a bag of candy to share. We take an hour or two to decorate the houses, talk and have snacks. The children work carefully, making fences out of pretzel sticks and roofs out of small candies. I’m always surprised by the creativity that emerges. No two gingerbread houses are alike.

Once the decorating is complete, we photograph the houses and pack them carefully into boxes. Then we deliver them to someone in need of a little holiday cheer. Sometimes we visit families in the ward. Other years, we visit neighbors or shut-ins. We’ve even visited local hospitals and retirement homes. No matter where we go, the responses are always the same. Adults and children alike are delighted to receive the gift of a gingerbread house—such a simple thing, really, that brings so much pleasure.

Tips

Make the gingerbread houses a day or two ahead of time, using royal icing. The royal icing hardens to a cement-like consistency.

Cover a large table with butcher paper or tablecloths to control the mess. Place the candies in bowls for easy access and make several batches of royal icing. Keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to use it, because it dries out quickly.

Fragile gingerbread houses easily break. Reinforce them for young children. Use frosting to attach graham crackers or real gingerbread panels to a small milk carton. Attach the bottom of the milk carton to a clean paper plate or tray.

Several companies make gingerbread house molds, which will simplify your work considerably. Additionally, many bakeries make gingerbread houses ready to be decorated. Pre-order them if you need more than one or two.

Children under the age of 10 may find it difficult to give away their beautiful creations. When working with young children, make a group gingerbread house to give away and allow each child to make a smaller one to take home.

Call ahead of time and get permission before delivering gingerbread houses to an organization, hospital or retirement home.

Try this activity for a family home evening activity or for a mutual, scouts, or activity day party.

Thankful Jar

Sat, 13 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0700

by LDS Living staff
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: “Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted.” ~Aldous Huxley Sometimes it feels like the two least-used words in the English language are "thank you." It's sad how busy we get and easily forget to be thankful. But that can change!

In General Conference this past October, President Monson taught:

"A grateful heart, then, comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives. This requires conscious effort—at least until we have truly learned and cultivated an attitude of gratitude. Often we feel grateful and intend to express our thanks but forget to do so or just don’t get around to it. Someone has said that 'feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.'”

Teach your family the importance of showing gratitude on more than just Thanksgiving Day. Here's a family activity that will teach them to be more aware of their blessings, whether great or small.

Create a Thankful Jar--a jar you will fill up with notes of gratitude. From now until Thanksgiving, encourage your family to write things they are thankful for on a piece of paper and place it in the jar. Small children can draw pictures of these things, instead. On Thanksgiving, open up the jar and read together as a family the things everyone wrote.

Dedicate a family night to teaching your family about thankfulness, and then decorate an empty jar as your Thanful Jar. This is a great way to set the mood for the following weeks.