Family Trip to New Orleans

The Lay family had an incredible Spring Break this year as they embarked on a memorable trip to New Orleans. Each family member had the opportunity to select an activity, ensuring that everyone's interests were catered to.

AJ, with a passion for history, chose the National World War 2 Museum. This visit not only provided an educational experience but also allowed the family to reflect on the sacrifices made by previous generations.

Ben, always eager to explore new places, took them on a visit to LSU (Louisiana State University). It was a chance for the family to immerse themselves in college life and appreciate the vibrant campus atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Mom and Dad decided to indulge in local cuisine and explore the enchanting swamps of Louisiana. They savored delicious dishes unique to New Orleans while also taking in the natural beauty of the surrounding marshlands.

This Spring Break adventure was not just about relaxation and fun; it was an opportunity for the Lay family to bond over shared experiences and create lasting memories together. By combining learning with leisure, they ensured that their trip was both enriching and enjoyable.

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 8 (7 at the time of the trip) and 10. Photos from mom’s iPhone and taken from our @hellorascalkids Instagram.

New York City Spring Break Trip

Any parent knows that traveling with kids is never easy. We always find ourselves with a million back up plans, “just in case” supplies, and “what if” worries. Even with all this prepping, life is ultimately out of our control and things can still happen that have the potential to ruin a wonderful trip. It’s at these times, after you’ve exhausted all your backup plans and have no idea what the next step is, that having kids actually makes life easier. They remind you to see everything, even the unexpected bumps in the road, as an adventure.

Our trip home from New York took us thirty-six hours and, the entire time, our boys didn’t complain. Not once. We boarded our plane for almost four hours without taking off before the airline announced that we’d have to deplane and figure out another flight. Our flight was canceled while we were already on it and my boys stayed positive the entire time. Albert and I split up responsibilities, with him in charge of rebooking our flights and finding our luggage and me in charge of making sure we were fed and had a place to sleep. However, the most important role of all was the one Ben and AJ played.

I wanted to take this moment to brag about my kids because they handled the whole situation remarkably. They saw people yelling from all sides: at service workers, at airport staff, at each other. And they never lost it, and, in large part due to Ben and AJ, Albert and I held it together, too. We figured out our flight home. We had to fly into San Francisco rather than going straight home, but we made the best of the unexpected detour. We made it back to LA safely, and my boys were ready to take whatever our trip home threw at us.

I think, had it not been for Ben and AJ’s ability to see everything as an adventure, the whole trip would’ve registered as a bust for me in my memory. But, thanks to my amazing, sweet, endlessly positive little rascals, I am able to feel gratitude for every part of the trip, even the thirty-six hours it took to get home. When remembering the trip, I don’t think of how tired or stressed out we were. I think of my boys being all smiles throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Midtown. I think of them taking their first subway ride and being determined to hail their first taxi. I think of how kind my cousin (Ann) was to watch the boys for an evening so Albert and I could have one night for just the two of us in the city. I think of how my boys were so excited when their dad pointed out a location where the Avengers fought.

Every experience is made brighter with my boys. Even though we teach our kids everything, they still find a way to teach us lessons right back. Ben and AJ taught me the strength in positivity and seeing everything as an adventure. In fact, when we finally got home, they turned to me and asked, “Where are we going next?”

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 7 and 10. Photos from mom’s iPhone and taken from our @hellorascalkids Instagram.

Charleston, South Carolina

Last year we decided on a winter trip before the craziness of the holidays. The boys treated me to an early birthday trip to Charleston, South Carolina. I was torn when it came to writing about it. On the one hand, I love visiting the South. The South is beautiful and easy to fall in love with, and I really wanted to put a guide together for families seeking to visit Charleston. My family and I had a wonderful trip, and I wanted to be able to share that experience with my Hello Rascal Kids community. On the other hand, however, the South is more than a cute, touristy location. It’s easy to be fooled by the cobblestone paths and charm, but, beneath it all, there is a sordid history of enslavement that still impacts the lives of Black Americans today. Charleston was built on the labor of enslaved people, and flourished at the height of Jim Crow laws and KKK violence. It was actually the first place that started the slave trade, and was the slave trade capital when enslavement was legal. Because of this history, I struggled with my family visiting there at all, because I know what it represents. The recognition that we were somewhere different than our diverse SoCal life was almost tangible. We were one of the few Asian families in the city, and I can’t think of a time that has ever happened at home. The history is impossible to ignore, even – no, especially – today. 

However, the way that I valued our visit was by educating myself and my children, and by not shying away from the history as I now share the experience of our visit with my Hello Rascal Kids family. I struggled with this decision, too, because it’s difficult to talk about these things. However, failing to dive into its history and tiptoeing around it is unrealistic, and erases the real experiences of all the people who were immeasurably harmed.

When having these conversations with your children, it can be extremely difficult to know where to start. The truth is, our kids often know more than we give them credit for. I started by simplifying the history lessons that I already knew in my head. I started to talk to them about what the Civil War was, why the Civil War started, and what it means today. To my surprise, AJ had already read things in history books about Charleston, and had talked about these things in class. AJ even had places he wanted to see because of what he read or learned in class. There were so many things I had no idea they knew, and so much more they wanted to know. My boys had questions, and I let them ask those questions. We chose not to visit plantations because that is an aspect that I personally did not want to glamorize for my own family, but, of course, it is up to each family how they decide to take on their visit. 

How you choose to educate your children, yourself, and your family is fully up to you. At the end of the day, we enjoyed our visit to the South, and I’m glad that it served as an outlet to talk with my kids about important and difficult topics in history.

Our family time in Charleston:

Day 1

• Charleston Waterfront Park

• Rainbow Row

• Rodney Scott’s

• Fort Sumter and Aquarium Landing

• Charleston City Market

Day 2

• Drive to Beach town

• Kings Street for shopping

• Charles Towne Landing

Day 3

• Husk for Brunch

• Stroll down the Shem Creek Boardwalk

• Cooper River Bridge

• Sunday stroll on Kings Street

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 7 and 9. (Age during trip 6 and 8). Photos by mom on iphone.

Tips for Families Traveling to Cabo San Lucas

We were looking for a trip to wrap up summer. I didn’t realize how easy traveling could be until my family’s trip to Cabo San Lucas. We went the week before school started, and it ended up being one of the most relaxing trips we’ve ever taken with the boys. The flight itself was only 2.5 hours from LAX and there was no time change, which is always a plus with kids and parents.

Ben and AJ loved getting their passports stamped at customs, and, of course, my boys had questions. AJ noticed there were different lines for citizens and noncitizens, so it was a great chance for them to ask questions about international travel and what it means to be a citizen or a noncitizen.

Once we got to the hotel, everything was taken care of because we stayed at a resort, which really made all the difference. It was the easiest trip we’ve had because we didn’t have to worry too much about figuring things out once we were there.

Our trip was so hassle-free that we wanted to share some things that worked for us in case your family was hoping to plan a trip to Cabo anytime soon. Here are our top three tips for traveling to Cabo San Lucas with kids.

1. Location, location, location!

Whether your family is the type to spend most of your vacation exploring the city or taking advantage of all the hotel has to offer, I cannot stress enough how important it is to choose your hotel wisely. No matter where you’re traveling, be sure that your hotel is located in a safe area. Do your homework: read hotel reviews, check out local news or crime alerts, and consider how you’ll be traveling to and from the hotel when you arrive.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Do you have friends who have travelled to the area before? Don’t be afraid to ask what worked for them (or, sometimes more importantly, what didn’t work). Our friends recommended we use a shuttle service, and it ended up being really great for us.

3. Keep it simple.

This is the most important tip to keep in mind. I think that we as parents are so used to things being complicated that we feel this pressure to over-complicate things that are supposed to be carefree. Remind yourself that this is a vacation. Don’t be afraid to make it as easy as possible on yourself and give yourself the opportunity to relax and truly enjoy your time.

Even though public transport was available as an option, we opted for a car service. We stayed at a resort that had five different restaurants so plenty of food options during our vacation. It was so much fun because we quickly became familiar with the staff and other guests. Ben and AJ got to make friends, and Ben even got the staff to play football with him. We didn’t choose the all-inclusive option this time around, but we definitely will on our next trip to Cabo, so we can try something new.

One final thing to note is the importance of staying true to your limits. When we first planned the trip, we had concerns about safety because that’s always something to consider with kids. Ultimately, we knew we weren’t going to be roaming around late at night or frequenting dive bars, and that we’d spend all our time at the resort, so we felt safe taking this trip. But there is no shame in having reservations, no matter where you’re traveling. If you don’t feel comfortable with something, you don’t have to push yourself. Feeling safe and comfortable is the foundation for planning a trip; without that, you can never relax.

We hope that, if your family does make the trip to Cabo or anywhere else, our tips help you and your rascals have a restful, relaxing vacation.

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 7 and 9. Photos by mom on iPhone.

Glamping at The Retreat RV & Camping Resort

I hear it all the time - go on vacations with your kids. Take them on trips. Travel. You’ll see wonderful places and make memories to last a lifetime. I wholeheartedly agree with this; I want my kids to see the world. I want them to experience cultures, languages, people, traditions, history, art, nature, and so much more. However, my kids are 4 and 6 and taking them anywhere farther than an hour and a half in the car is daunting. We just aren’t there yet as a family. Maybe in another year or two … or three, or ten. We’ll see!

In the meantime, I have found a love of exploring the areas around the city we call home. We live in Houston, Texas, and one thing to note about Texas is that it is LARGE. Fun note: it takes around 12 hours to drive across Texas (west to east) along I-10. We have so much to explore in our very large backyard.

To celebrate the end of the rascals’ first year in elementary school, we took our kids GLAMPING. The glorious and easy way to camp, explore nature, and not have to pack an entire house into a small SUV. I mean, I really did go for easy when I booked our trip at The Retreat. (We didn’t even roast the marshmallows for the s’mores; we just ate them as deconstructed pieces.)

The Retreat RV and Camping Resort is located about an hour from Houston in Huffman, Texas, right on Lake Houston. It offers a variety of lodging options, swimming in the lake or the pool, kayak rentals, boat docks, daily offerings for kids and adults alike, yard games and activities, walking trails through the wooded areas, and, of course, relaxation.

To begin any nature trip, we first secure a map of the area. We cannot go anywhere without two copies, one for each kid, as they like to make markings of what they’ve seen and where they’ve been. (Note the hand drawn black circle around C3 - that was our cottage for the weekend. My 6 year old said he had to remember which one we stayed in so he can compare it to our next cottage. Clearly, we will be returning for another glamping adventure!) Late Friday afternoon, we explored the grounds of The Retreat - beautifully tall trees, a boardwalk along the lake, and a close up of a lily pad (thanks to my 6 year old amateur photographer).

Lodging at The Retreat can be as “camping” or as “glamping” as you’d like. You can book tent sites where you bring your own tent and sleeping supplies to cozy up with family and friends. Or, you can book one of the Glamping Tents that include AC because Texas temperatures can be HOT (or at least you can do so in the very near future, as they were in the final phases of construction when we were there).

You can also bring your own RV, or you can try one of their permanently on-site Vintage RV rentals. How cute are these?!

If you want to feel a little bit more in touch with nature (and the wild, wild west), you can book your stay in the AC equipped Covered Wagons handcrafted especially for The Retreat.

I told you we went for ease, so I booked a cottage! AC, bathroom (toilet, shower, and sink), full kitchen stocked with pots, pans, silverware, plates, bowls, grilling utensils, and beds. Actual beds! My husband said this was NOT glamping, or even camping; this was a step towards a hotel resort stay!

We had a wonderful weekend of putt putt golf, gaga ball, corn hole, jumping on the inflatable air mat, swimming, playing bingo, taking nature walks, besting each other in foosball, grilling burgers and hot dogs, eating deconstructed s’mores, cooking breakfast, and making memories.

Written by Brandi Stanton, mom of two rascals ages 4 and 6.

Weekend Trip: Tips and Ideas

Taking a weekend trip is incredibly underrated. First, it gives you a chance to escape daily stress, unwind, and relax. Second, it offers time with your family to explore an entirely new region without spending a fortune and not worrying about missing school or work. Whether you’re traveling a few hours away, or to the next state, Hello Rascal Kids shares some tips to become a weekend traveler.

Where to Go for a Weekend Getaway:

Think about what type of getaway you're looking for when planning a weekend getaway. This will help you narrow down your options and get creative. For example, if you're looking for something fun and love the outdoors, then perhaps look for a nearby farm or ranch that has outdoor activities for the entire family. Here are a few easy weekend trips that your family can enjoy:

• Beach trip to your local beach town

• Wine tasting or brewery hopping

• Visit a new city for a special sporting event

• Hiking through new trails

• Visit a new museum or local events

Packing for a Weekend Away

Before you grab everything in your closet, take a deep breath and remember to pick the right bag, to pack light, and pick clothing that fits the activities and weather at your destination.

What to pack:

• 1-2 pairs of pants

• 1 pair of shorts or a skirt

• 2 base layer tank tops

• 2 tees or blouses

• 2-3 soft fabric bras

• 1 hoodie or cardigan

• 1 jacket

• A pair of flats and another pair of shoes

• Booking confirmations

• Personal items

You can mix and match each item to create dozens of outfit combinations, so even this short list is already way more than you need for a weekend getaway.

Budgeting for the Weekend Travels:

With all of life's monthly expenses, saving up for a weekend getaway can be challenging. It's simple to plan a weekend getaway within two days, but your budget will significantly influence where you go. You may want to put money aside for your vacation before you even start to plan it. You can set up automatic deposits into a vacation savings account and make weekly or monthly deposits to help make budgeting easier.

Creating Memories:

Nowadays, snapping thousands of pictures from your phone is not uncommon, but not many of these make it to print. A great idea for capturing memories from weekends away is to create a specific photo book and add to it every time you have a weekend away. One album can hold multiple adventures and makes a great gift for a loved one who has shared in creating those memories. When you’re ready to create your photo book, connect with services like Printique or Shutterfly.

Making the Most of the Weekend:

No matter where you go, make the most of the weekend away as a family or with your loved ones. Getting away for the weekend can be done easily on a budget when you prepare.

For family traveling tips and much more, visit Hello Rascals!

Sponsored Post by Courtney Rosenfeld of Gig Spark.

Visit Santa's Village

When I was a kid, I would see the Santa’s Village commercial on TV and wanted to go on an adventure. The opportunity never came around until just last year when I took my two boys there for the entire family’s first time! My husband and I try to raise our children to have the most “normal” life possible, even during a pandemic. To accomplish this, we often find ourselves imagining what we would want to do if we were kids our boys’ age. These past couple of years, we’ve also had to add on how to do those things safely and really put our adult imaginations to work, which led us to visiting Santa’s Village at Lake Arrowhead here in Southern California. Our visit was right before the second big pandemic shut down of 2020 in Los Angeles County.

Santa’s Village was very committed to still providing this experience for families during the pandemic. The entire experience sent a wash of nostalgia over me, and, although the trip was intended for the boys, I even found myself excited visiting the “Sweet Shoppe,” snacking on gingerbread people, and admiring the big beautiful Christmas tree.

Beyond the nostalgia, my boys were able to experience the wonder of Christmas the way I always imagined it should be experienced: surrounded by snow-topped buildings with candy canes, bells, and holly adorning every storefront. We made the trip a mini family staycation, and we loved every moment of it. My boys were able to go ice skating for the first time, and – of course – they saw Santa! I wanted them to meet Santa and take a picture with him, even if he was wearing a face shield. The face shield was an indicator of the times, which I felt was important for my kids; when they look back on their childhood, they’ll remember these memories with small signs of the pandemic sprinkled throughout. It’s been a huge part of their lives, even more so than ours because of their young age, and I want them to be able to remember the happy stuff, too.

Our trip to Santa’s Village transported us to a magical place where Christmas and building family memories take priority, so we’re very excited to provide this experience for free to one family!

We love being able to give back to our Hello Rascal Kids community, and we’re grateful that Santa’s Village is providing us with the opportunity to share the magic. We’re going to raffle the experience off to one of our readers who writes to us and tells us why they want to go to Santa’s Village with their family. Get creative with it! We’d even love to see a handwritten letter from one of your rascals. We will share details about this giveaway on our Instagram Page @hellorascalkids

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 6 and 8. (Ages during our visit: 5 and 7)

Staycation at The Woodlands Resort

Staycations are often my favorite kind of getaway because they can be quick, they don’t require a ton of time in the car, and they are easy to plan last minute. The Woodlands Resort is our go-to for a night or two away. It is less than an hour’s drive from our house, it is surrounded by beautiful and lush trees, and everything you could possibly need is on site. It isn’t a far stretch to call this place our home-away-from-home.

From the moment of our arrival, the entire focus is relaxation, fun, and playing with our rascals. This kid-friendly resort provides lots of options for all members of the family. The property is expansive with lots of areas to walk and explore in the cooler mornings. My early risers don their socks and shoes before heading out quietly while other guests sleep. This property has many animal statues throughout the grounds, so one morning we tried to find them all.

The majority of daylight hours are spent in or near the water. The Woodlands Resort has a waterpark area that is perfect for little and big kids (and most adults). A splash pad area shoots water out of the ground through little fountains. A lazy river gives you a chance to relax and float under the canopy of trees (and has its own enclosed water slide). A one foot deep pool is close to lounge chairs (parents can sigh with relief) and is a great option for young toddlers. Two fully enclosed water slides twist and turn until they deposit you into a smaller pool that also has a small slide that lands you into one of the two larger pools. The other larger pool is separate from the waterpark area for the kid-free folks.

With three restaurants on site, you don’t have to leave the resort unless you want to. We usually choose the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet and eat lunch poolside, but we like to leave the property for a local dinner option.

The property has other amenities such as two golf courses, a full-service spa, a fitness center, tennis courts, bike rentals, poolside cabanas, daily and nightly activities for kids, and firepits to roast marshmallows for s’mores. Located in The Woodlands, Texas, you can also take advantage of local lakes, hiking trails, shopping, concerts and performing arts, a children’s museum, restaurants, and pedal boats.

The goal for our next staycation: breakfast in bed (watching cartoons) courtesy of room service!

Written by Brandi Stanton, mom of two rascals ages 3 and 5.

Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch in San Antonio, TX

Some days we need a change of scenery, an opportunity to mix up the routine, and the chance to have fun! For my family, this sometimes looks like a quick trip to a kid-friendly resort. For this excursion, I made a middle-of-the-week reservation at the Hyatt Residence Club Wild Oak Ranch in San Antonio, Texas. This property is my ultimate go-to for a quick getaway for these reasons:

• It is a 3 hour drive from our house (and my kids are those kids who ask, “Are we there yet?” after being in the car for only 30 minutes).

• A reservation at this property automatically grants you access to the sister San Antonio property Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa (pay attention to holiday black out dates).

• You can reserve a studio, one bedroom, or two bedroom unit with FULL KITCHEN. Cereal anyone?

So, let’s break this down.

CAR SURVIVAL TIPS

Three hours in the car is not long for many kids - and I applaud those parents who started long car drives earlier than I did! My kids are just not used to it yet. I am crossing my fingers that one day, one day real soon, they will enjoy car rides. To make the ride a bit easier, I do the following:

• We eat a meal in the car because it gives the kids something to do (and because we need to eat).

• We play the ABC game in which everyone works together to identify the letters of the alphabet in order on cars, trucks, billboards, signs, etc. I encourage you to modify the rules as needed so everyone enjoys the game.

• I tell stories about the road trips I went on as a girl. I think this one is often the most powerful because it gives my kids a view into what my life was like when I was their age. It creates images in their minds of my childhood and their grandparents.

• SNACKS! See the first bullet point above.

• The kids have special “car crayons” (which are Crayola Twistables Crayons, but they only come out during car rides) and blank sheet notebooks for them to write and draw.

THE PROPERTY(IES)

Once we’ve arrived and checked in at Wild Oak Ranch, it is time to explore. Having access to 2 properties literally doubles the fun!

• Wild Oak Ranch is a Hyatt timeshare property, but we are not timeshare owners. Hyatt rents out the unoccupied units as they would any other hotel. I like this property because we can rent a one bedroom unit where the boys sleep in the living room on murphy beds and sofa beds, dad and I sleep in the king bed in the bedroom, the bathroom is very spacious and accommodating, and the balcony provides nice views of the property.

• The full size kitchen deserves its own bullet point. Full size refrigerator. Full size stovetop and oven. Full size dishwasher. Full size microwave. Kitchen sink. All the cookware, serving dishes, dinnerware, and utensils you may need. Full disclosure: I don’t actually COOK when I am on vacation, but I appreciate having the full kitchen for things like storing snacks, reheating leftovers, chilling water bottles, and serving cereal with milk for breakfast. It makes life a little easier.

• Wild Oak Ranch has an indoor swimming pool, an outdoor swimming pool, a lazy river, beach access to the lazy river, cabanas, a walking trail, fire pits for smores, restaurants and a snack shop on site, and tons of green space to play.

• Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort has many of the same amenities as Wild Oak Ranch, along with a golf course, a spa and fitness facility, water slides, an adult-only pool, and hotel owned bikes to borrow for free.

• You can also leave the property to visit the many San Antonio area attractions.

Staying at Wild Oak Ranch in San Antonio has become a twice-a-year tradition for us, celebrating the start and end of each school year with a family-friendly getaway.

Written by Brandi Stanton, mother of 2 rascals ages 3 and 5.

Oah'u and Aulani Family Trip

As parents, we know that a relaxing vacation with kids is a bit of an oxymoron. But, when you’re going on a family trip, all you need is a little bit of planning, preparation, and, most importantly: flexibility. I wanted to share a few tips from our Hawaii trip that helped make traveling with kids more manageable. We spent the first half of our trip in the busy Waikiki Beach area of Honolulu and ended our trip at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, located on the west side of the island in Kapolei.

Packing Tips

Packing cubes are a lifesaver. They worked well for switching hotels because we only unpacked the cubes we needed for that particular hotel. We had different cubes for outdoor clothes, pool clothes, and pajamas. They were even helpful for sorting our clean and dirty clothes so I didn’t have to subject myself to the mom “sniff test” that we all know so well.

Pre-Trip Research

Take time to research places to eat, but don’t give yourself a strict list that’ll feel like a letdown if you stray away from it. Give yourself plenty of options that can fit whatever mood you and the family are in at that moment. Be sure to take time to enjoy the local eats that you can’t get at home! We make sure to avoid chain restaurants when we travel so we experience new things, while also supporting the local businesses who are trying to make a living. Our philosophy is that when we visit a place, we want to really experience it, so we use our meals to do just that.

Prepare for Time Change

If your trip involves a time change, make sure you discuss how to prepare for this because time differences are hard on kids! Even though it was only a three hour difference, the boys were asleep long before sunset and awake at 6:00am for breakfast. It took us a few days to adjust but we took advantage of being up early and started our day before most of the travelers were out and about.

Beach and Poolside Planning

Spending time poolside or at the beach in the sun is draining by itself, so pool time planning is essential to make sure you don’t over exhaust yourself on day one. During the pandemic, our haven became the beach, so we have a system down that makes the experience much easier and more enjoyable.

○      Pack light. When you’re not weighed down by a ton of beach or pool items, you’re able to get to the other essentials much easier, such as finding a chair or a place to set up a towel.

○      Bring activities so you and the kids don’t get bored. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming; we usually brought along a kite, a ball, or a shovel.

○      Assess what you need the more you go. We went to the beach about 20 times in 2020, and we figured out that we were more comfortable when we had chairs, a mat, and an umbrella. Find what works for your family!

○      Check in with yourself and your family to make sure you’re not overstaying what your body can handle.

○      Stay hydrated. It’s always hard to remember this one because you’re in the water, but hydration is necessary to keep up your energy levels. Constantly carry water when you’re at the pool, and make sure you hydrate the night before, too.

○      Divide and conquer when it comes to responsibilities! Assign tasks to your family while on trips so you don’t feel overwhelmed on your own. You can even give your little ones small tasks – even though they can’t do the big things, taking care of the little things (like picking up the toys or folding the towel) will take a surprising load off of you.

○      Bring snacks. The second the kids get out of the pool, they realize how hungry they are. The sooner they get some snacks in their belly, the better the day is for everyone.

○      Sunblock is a MUST, whether you’re in the pool or not.

○      Take any extra measures you need to protect yourselves and your family from the sun, because a nasty sunburn can ruin an entire trip. We personally use rash guards for the boys so they aren’t always shirtless, which gives them a little extra protection from the sun.

Making New Friends

Don’t be afraid to meet people. On this trip, we went to a sushi restaurant and saw an elderly man sitting alone, completely enamored by the boys. He was interacting with Ben and AJ, so we started talking to him. One thing led to another and, next thing we knew, Albert was buying the man a drink! We found out that he went to Dartmouth, John Hopkins Medical School, and that he even served in the Navy. Albert talks to people all the time. It used to strike me as weird, but I’m so used to it now and it’s given us the chance to meet many different people whose stories we would have never known otherwise.

Some Plans Don’t Go As Planned

Try not to get discouraged. Travelling with kids is extremely difficult, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still be an amazing time. Sometimes they’ll get tired or fussy, but try to make the best of it. We made the trip up to the Lanai lookout, and I was disappointed because the boys were fast asleep by the time we got there. I wanted to wake them up, but Albert suggested that I go out there and enjoy it anyway. I was able to climb over the cliff and figure out the best path so, by the time the boys did wake up, it was easy to navigate and find our way around.

Tips for Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

We knew we really wanted to maximize our three days/nights at Aulani. When we decided on going to that resort, we knew we were gonna stay and experience everything the resort had to offer in our limited time. Rather than explore the area, we took advantage of Aulani being all-inclusive. We had everything we needed and it worked out really well for us. Because we never left, it actually made our time there seem much longer. If traveling there during COVID, make sure you set your expectations realistically. For our entire Hawaii trip, we knew there were a lot of things we weren’t going to be able to do because of the pandemic, so we went with the mindset that we were going to make the most of it. The same goes for Aulani. Don’t expect the full Disney experience, because a lot of things have to be different for safety reasons. It can still be an incredible experience with the right expectations.

Final Thoughts

Make a list of 3 things that each person wants to do, so everyone has a voice on the trip. Be open-minded to the plans that other people have, because it’s their trip, too! Albert and I made a list before we left, and we were a bit at odds about the things the other wanted to do. I wanted to go to a Luau, but he was doubtful that the boys would be able to sit through it. He wanted to see the turtles, which I wasn’t too excited about. When it came down to it, we were both pleasantly surprised – the boys loved the Luau, and I enjoyed myself while watching the turtles.

This was our first long family trip during the pandemic, so a bit of planning came in handy. We made lasting memories that this mama will forever cherish.

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 6 and 8. Family Photos by Alice Anh Photography.

An Enchanted Fairy Trail (with Trolls!)

Oh, the magical feeling of observing young kids explore their imaginations! Sometimes this happens in the course of a typical day: day care drop off, grocery shopping, cleaning, or making dinner. Other days you take your kids to a place full of adventure, creativity, and surprise.

Recently, my family visited the Friendswood Fairy Trail (in Friendswood, TX) and had a splendid outing chasing fairies, trolls, and critters throughout Stevenson Park. Adventure on the trail aside, this park is glorious - lots of green space for picnics, throwing a ball around, resting in the shade, playing on the playground, enjoying the splashpad, and so much more.

Our adventure began by entering the fairy trail through a child size wooden door (with a smaller door - bottom left - for the fairies, trolls, and nature critters).

Before grabbing a paper map to track our progress (the teacher in me just yelled “MAP SKILLS!”), we literally stopped to smell the flowers and listen to the gurgling fountain. The day was just warm enough for a couple of monarch butterflies to flutter past.

My 5 year old could not wait to get his hands on a map. He used the map to scout out the area, plan our route (you can’t get lost!), and then took off to find the first “friend” at Star #1. Some friends were more cleverly placed than others, making the search perfect for both of my kids.

The back of the paper map illustrates each tiny friend and describes what they do to protect and enhance nature and our environment. These residents are also described on the website.

Finding the tiny friends was so much fun for everyone: mom, dad, 3 year old, and 5 year old. The images are colorful and fantastical, and safely placed by arborists into the trees. Learning this led to a conversation with my rascals about tree health and protection.

The Friendswood Fairy Trail is a wonderful outdoor learning adventure. We read the map, learned about the native trees and plants, and observed wildlife scurry around. We developed a greater appreciation for nature and animals; we talked about respecting Mother Earth and taking care of Her. At the end of the day, we had pure fun.

Written by Brandi Stanton, mother to two rascals ages 3 and 5.

A Walk Through the Lavender Fields

Each summer, 123 Farm at Highland Springs Ranch & Inn celebrates the beginning of the lavender harvest season by hosting the annual Lavender Festival. This year, they pivoted to “A Walk Through the Lavender Fields” event instead of the full festival.

What is the Walk Through the Lavender Fields?

Visitors of all ages are invited to stroll through the winding paths of organic lavender fields, participate in guided tours in an antique tractor-drawn wagon, learn how lavender essential oil is extracted, and taste lavender-inspired dishes. The organic herbs grown at 123 Farm are featured prominently throughout the family-friendly event in various refreshing lavender-inspired favorites such as lavender lemonade and lavender ice cream. The organic flower market showcases specialty items - many of them made with lavender - including honey, balsamic vinegar, essential oils, fresh bouquets, plants, and even lavender-stuffed toys.

At the home of the largest organic lavender farm in Southern California, you can wander the 20 acres of organic lavender fields and view the sample garden, which boasts more than 90 varieties of lavender. The farm grows primarily three varieties of lavender - Provence, Angustifolia, & Munstead - which they use in their own aromatherapy products, in floral arrangements, and in the kitchen.

Our rascals took on this lavender farm adventure in style. They explored, played, and ate their way through the day!

They discovered a few books at the gift shop and of course we had to add them to our collection.

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 6 and 8. Collaboration with 123 Farm and Highland Springs Ranch & Inn. Photos by Simply Adri Photography.

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Omni La Costa Resort

When looking to plan a quick family getaway, what do you look for in a destination?  Drivability?  Kid-friendly? Things to do in and around the hotel?  All of these factors came into play when planning my family’s recent staycation. One of our favorite places to visit is the Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, CA.  We love this resort so much; we have been going annually and inviting our friends to join us each year. This summer we hope to return for a third time (pending on COVID restrictions), which officially makes it a family tradition in our books.

The property is really family friendly; each kid even receives a goody bag at the front desk during check in. Each afternoon, they host a s’mores making activity station by the fire pits and there is plenty of water play during the day for our rascals.

There are over 30 fountains on the property and we had a scavenger hunt to search for each one. AJ loves maps and “helping” us find our way around the resort. Ben just likes throwing pennies in each fountain and wishing for a pet.

Carlsbad is a small seaside town in San Diego County that is within a short drive to the Omni La Costa Resort. There are numerous fun activities in the local area for the entire family.

Interested in a trip to a baseball game? Sure thing! Petco Park (home of the San Diego Padres) is a easy drive. It’s easy to explore downtown San Diego before the first pitch. We purchased tickets to the park area of the ballpark; this allowed the kids to run around and play in the sandbox during the entire game. Very kid friendly!

This was the reaction of my boys when I told them our staycation was ending and it was time to go home…until next summer, that is!

Whether you like playing on the beach, relaxing at the spa, golfing, swimming, or making s’mores, the Omni has something for everyone. We have visited this hotel with different groups of friends who like to do different activities, and it’s always a good time for each family.

Please note: some activities and locations may have certain restrictions or closures due to Covid guidelines.

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 6 and 8. Photos from our first trip in July 2018 and second trip June 2019. Our next trip coming up soon!

Top 5 Kid-Friendly Activities in Austin

Last spring break (April 2019), we decided to visit Austin, TX because I wanted to see Magnolia Market and all it involves. 

Magnolia Market itself wasn’t necessarily a kid-friendly adventure, but one thing I have always found is that every city has something adventurous for kids. Once you start looking, you can find things for kids everywhere you go, even if they’re nontraditional. I did my research in advance (a key to success) and picked a few things I thought the whole family would enjoy. 

Based on my research, and our experience, here are our top 5 kid-friendly activities in Austin. 

Bat Bridge

We were batty for Austin’s Bat Bridge. Bats are in abundance in Austin, drawn to the plentiful supply of insects (eating roughly 20-30 thousand pounds of insects each night), so you may not need to travel far to see one swoop through the skies. If you’re on the hunt to make sure you have a bat sighting, you need to look no further than the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. At dusk each day, you might be able to see them looking for those tasty bugs while traveling 60-plus miles per hour with flight patterns over 2 miles high!

There have been reports of more than a million Mexican free-tailed bats in flight each night around 5:30-6:30 p.m. To get the most of your adventure, try these tips: 

• Emergence typically peaks in mid-August, but you can see them any time from early spring to mid-fall.

• Weather often affects the bats’ appearance, along with lights and loud sounds. Carefully consider which night you want to view, or call the “bat hotline” at (512) 327-9721 for more information on their visibility.

• Best viewing spot: try sitting on the lawn or standing on the bridge. There will be lots of signage around telling you more about the bats, so getting there early will give you a few things to see and do.

• The fun flight patterns and feeding typically lasts about 45-60 minutes, from 5:30-6:30 pm (ish).

There’s even a Bat Festival! It might be a great time to head out to Austin and look for a few of those night fliers. 

Disclaimer: We didn’t actually see bats. I know! We were bummed too. But turns out, the boys didn’t even care. We brought ice cream and there was ample space for the boys to run around, watch the sky, and even enjoy the possibility of seeing the bats. If you go, I have to warn you that there’s no guarantee you will see bats flying in the night sky. The most important thing that I realized is if you keep it fun, even when it’s not what you want or expect, your rascals will be excited just for the adventure. 

Public Library

I love finding public spaces that are kid friendly. The Austin public library has a huge children's section with an amazing rooftop deck and view lookout. This was a fantastic find, especially since our whole family enjoys reading. 

The first destination was the lovely rooftop lookout, where they had plenty of games to play, like a huge chess board. Then, we explored the rest of the library, which was open, airy, and inviting for a long stay. There’s even a coffee shop on the first floor, allowing you to enjoy a cup of coffee (or hot chocolate) while you read your newly borrowed book. 

Ben and AJ particularly enjoyed the comic books section of the library, where they were able to explore and peruse as much as they wanted. We didn’t spend a penny on this stop, and it was a highlight of our day. Even though most of the library was quiet, they could have fun in the noise-appropriate areas. This will definitely be a return spot for our next trip. 

Barton Springs Pool

Barton Springs Pool is located within Zilker Park and is one of the hidden jewels of Austin. The pool itself is three acres in size and is filled from an underground spring source. 

There’s a history of excitement at the Barton Spring Pool, with various folklore and infamous stories that you can hear about as you visit. You can learn all about this in the “Splash!” exhibit that is housed next door. We went through the exhibit first, and learned all about what we were about to see. 

Then we went to explore the springs! No matter what the season, or weather, the pool is open for use. The facility says the temperature maintains 68-70 degrees, however when we were there it was too cold to be in there for more than a couple minutes. I believe we made it 10 minutes, to be exact, but it was still exciting to be able to say we were able to go in! 

There’s plenty to explore around the springs, so don’t let the fear of cold water deter you from visiting. You might also explore the park, where you could find many surprise gems, like the Zilker Zephyr Miniature Train.

One word of warning- if you do go swimming in the warmer months, the pool’s depth wildly fluctuates, from 0 inches (perfect for the sunbather) to 18 feet (serious swimmers only please). 

While this spot is absolutely kid-friendly, you also want to make sure to identify and communicate clear boundaries with your kids to keep them in the safest areas for their swimming abilities. 

College Campus

This may be a less traditional option for some families, but is one of the Lay’s favorite things to do in a new city! Okay let’s be honest, I have a personal addiction to visiting them. In addition to being a life-long advocate for higher education, having worked in the university system most of my career, I have so much fun strolling different college campuses and taking in their architecture, student life, and general atmosphere. 

In addition to my personal love for campus exploration, I like exposing the boys to this world of possibility. Statistically, the best way to help kids decide they want to pursue higher education is to expose them to all the possibilities and dreams of college by fifth grade. This is how I want to encourage them to reach for the stars! 

On this trip, we visited the University of Texas, Austin. Albert wanted to see the football stadium, so off we headed to where we could people watch, let the boys run around, and appreciate all that their athletic department has to offer. There was so much to do on this short visit - we visited the turtle pond, hung around the main quad area (my personal favorite), and generally gave the boys as much liberty to run around as possible.

We had lunch before we left, finding one more reason to stay, before moving on to the next part of our day. Our visit was a relaxing and easy way to spend a few hours. Once again, it didn’t cost us anything to explore and enjoy the campus. 

Thinkery

The Thinkery is all things hands-on! It’s also a children’s museum, where science, technology, engineering, art, and math become toys, activities, and ideas to explore. We love the way that the Thinkery explains their mission; “Thinkery is Austin’s home for “why” and “how.” A place where science and families play side by side.”

Friendly for all ages, there are labs with glow-in-the-dark legos, places to build and take apart toys, and plenty of stations that explore science topics like wind, currents, and space. As a bonus - if your kids are getting squirrely, there’s an entire outdoor playground where they can let off some steam and let their imaginations soar. 

This was a stop that was fun for both the kids and adults. 

There are so many more places in Austin that could have made this list, like the Congress State building, where we swung by on a Sunday and to our delight, found that there weren’t many people there. We were able to walk around and let the boys explore, while explaining the importance of where we were (even though they don’t full understand why yet), without the added stress of weekday crowds. 

Did we miss a wonderful kid-friendly spot in Austin that you think should have made the list? Let us know in the comments below!

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 6 and 8. Trip from April 2019, kids ages 4 and 6 at the time of the trip.

Visiting the Silos and Magnolia Market with Kids

Our trip from April 2019

When you travel with kids, you have to be okay with the fact that what is interesting for you still has to be interesting for your kids. It’s a fine balance to find and can be tricky when planning a trip. Here’s what I do: instead of always expecting my kids to act like adults (don’t touch, be quiet, etc.) in these adult places, I find opportunities to let them express themselves in ways that allow us all to learn, be curious, and enjoy. 

Recently, I had to find this balance when we went on a day trip to Waco, Texas. We were already in Austin, TX for spring break, and since I adore Chip and Joanna Gaines, it seemed like kismet to make a special trip to their hometown to see Magnolia Market at the Silos.

There were definitely things there for the kids, but for the most part, this was for me. That meant I tried to find things in advance that the boys could do during our visit - like running around a garden, picking out their own lunches at a food truck, and playing in a giant greenhouse area. 

Unbeknownst by us, a book launch for “We Are Gardeners” by Joanna Gaines, was happening the same time we were at the green house. Because of this, the green house was like a manifestation of her book. It felt so purposeful and educational, and still maintained the energy of the entire property.

There was a grass area with tons of lawn games like cornhole, giant jenga, and balls to throw back and forth. It was simple, but even just having an area to toss a ball around helped balance the “adult” things that we asked the kids to do (like walk through the store without touching things) and the things we could encourage them to do. There was also a very family-friendly picnic area.  

Our last stop was at the Magnolia Table, where we enjoyed a delicious meal together. The food there was just like Joanna Gaines’ cookbook - and the kids loved it as much as the adults. It was so authentic to the brand, the person, and the place.

Ultimately, you have to find your own balance when you take your kids to adult-aimed activities. I try to think about it like the grocery store: I have to teach my kids how to act, what to look for, and what it means to be there, all while finding ways to engage them at their level in the activities that I love. On this trip to Waco, the winning combination was taking it slow, being attentive to when they were getting antsy, and mixing in plenty of kid-time breaks so that when they needed to be more “adult,” they had more patience to try. 

Since this is constantly a work-in-progress, I’d like to hear from you! If you have any tips for how to enjoy museums, stores, or other experiences with your kids, please share them below.

We Shopped, Shared and Played!

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 4 and 7. Trip taken in April 2019.

3 Practical Tips for Experiencing Smooth Family Travels

Memories are a gift that will last a lifetime; there is nothing that creates a memory quite like travel. A family trip leaves a lasting impact and may be just what your family needs to bond and have fun.

In order to make travel with your kids more fun and less stressful, Hello Rascal Kids shares some tips below to put your mind at ease and make sure things go smoothly (or as smoothly as they can go with children):

Prepare Your Home

We’ve all done it. We leave the house and we wonder, did we turn off the oven? Did we even use the oven? Did we lock the front door? Is anything plugged in?

In order to help put your worries to rest before they even begin, there are some things you can do to reduce your stress and ensure that your home is protected while you are away. You can install automated locks, motion sensors, and/or a doorbell camera that notifies you when there is movement at your door. You can also use smart outlets for programmable lights that you can monitor and control remotely.

You can even trick burglars by making it look like someone is home when you’re on vacation. For instance, consider getting a fake TV (yes, this is a real thing) and/or using timers on your lights. Moreover, you might consider asking your neighbor to park their car in your driveway and check in on your property each day.

Stay in a Vacation Rental

Sure, hotel rooms are clean, and they come with nice amenities. But they’re also small, especially when you have a family. Instead of stuffing your whole family into a single hotel room (or having to book multiple rooms), opt for renting a vacation house. Not only will you have a lot more space and privacy by staying in a vacation rental, they’re often much less expensive than a hotel. You’ll also have a full-sized kitchen, which means you can save money and eat healthier by cooking your own meals. Some rental management companies also offer their tenants hotel-quality cleaning services and 24/7 support.

Discuss with your family members about what kind of activities you are interested in, and book a vacation rental near those activities. The convenience of having a vacation home near the activities you’re most interested in will be a game changer when you’re visiting sites with the whole family in tow. 

Bring Snacks and Medications

As a parent, you certainly know the importance of snacks. They can be the difference between your kids being happy about life or having a full-on meltdown. It’s not any different when traveling. In addition, the change of routine and environment can make some children uneasy. Here’s the point: bring plenty of snacks. And make sure they are healthy snacks without too much sugar. You want your kids to be satisfied, not bouncing off the walls.

Also, remember to bring a first-aid kit and any prescription medications that your children take. Research the hospitals on your route and near your destination so that you can have the fastest access possible to an ER or urgent care if the need arises.

Planning a memorable vacation with your family doesn’t have to be overly stressful or expensive. Make sure your home is protected while you’re gone by putting smart security features in place. Opt for a vacation rental near the activities your family wants to enjoy. Lastly, be sure to pack lots of snacks and any medications necessary for everyone to stay safe and healthy. Before you know it, the whole family will be loving life in paradise!

Sponsored Post by Courtney Rosenfeld of Gig Spark. Image via Pexels

Nature in the City

I am constantly surprised by the hidden pockets of nature within the great big city of Houston. Yes, Houston has a ton of great parks, playgrounds, and even splash pads. These are easy to find in the city and they draw big crowds on cool weekends. What I didn’t realize for the first few years of living here is that there are many protected areas of natural, wooded ground that is home to a host of animal and plant species - and they are INSIDE the city limits.

Less than 2 miles from my home is my favorite hidden gem: the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary. Walking paths are covered by fallen leaves. Squirrels criss cross on the branches above our heads. Cicadas perform their mating songs from the trees. The flowing Rummel Creek is just steps below. Birds tweet and trill from where they are perched. It is quite surreal to close the car doors, walk through a gate, and immediately stop hearing the sounds of the city. It is a sanctuary for animals and plants, but also a place for humans to escape to nature.

As much as we go to the Nature Sanctuary for the open space, towering trees, and real wildlife, I also encourage my boys to stop and listen while we are there. I want them to take a deep breath and smell. I want them to stand still and watch the natural world around us. This heightens the awareness of their senses and their place in the world. We are literally, physically, so much smaller than what has been here before us and what will be here long after us. This realization is humbling, probably more so for me than for them, but I hope the foundation of respect for nature is being introduced on these visits.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Each visit to the Nature Sanctuary begins with my oldest son taking a picture of the Nature Map. He then guides us through the sanctuary, keeping track of our progress by noting where on the map we are, which bridge we just crossed, and which side of Rummel Creek we are on. My sons challenge each other to find the largest fallen branch that they can carry. They often gather leaves of various sizes and colors, filling their pockets to the brim. We call out each time we find a stump in the ground and make a prediction as to what happened to the tree. Does the stump have jagged edges? Does it have a fungus or parasite? Is it a smooth top, possibly indicating it was cut down by humans? We also look for fish in the pond, identifying the connection between their lengths to the depths of the water. We look through the canopy of the trees for the sun and clouds, watching which way they are moving and predicting if it might rain.

These visits are a joy for so many reasons, and I am grateful for a piece of nature in what feels like my backyard.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Written by Brandi Stanton, mama of two rascals, ages 3 and 5.

Christmas Tree Farm

We started the holiday season a bit early this year by decorating our home with garlands and lights, because adding a bit of joy into 2020 was much needed. This upcoming holiday season is undeniably different than any previous year, which is why I wanted to create a new holiday tradition for my family to bring some holiday cheer into our household.

I’ll be honest: we don’t actually have any solid holiday traditions that we have done for the boys every year. Our families and friends would typically gather and enjoy a meal together while sharing gifts. It was simple, I but LOVED our gatherings so much and this holiday season might be a bit different. This year, I wanted to start a small tradition with my boys. We have never really had a Christmas tree in our house because we have always celebrated at our parents' places on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This year, I wanted to get our own tree and spend time decorating it together because the holidays are not just a few days, but a whole season worth celebrating.

We visited a Christmas Tree Farm together and I encouraged the boys to find their own tree. Peltzer Pines allows families to start (or continue) the tradition of picking out and cutting down their own holiday tree. They focus on family values and building community, so I was excited to take my boys here to experience what I hope is the first of many years of picking out our family tree.

I was very happy with our first year of picking out a tree together, and my boys were too. If you and your family have to forego some of your favorite traditions this year, don’t hesitate to start a new one that fits into your lives now. 

Written by Ngoc Nguyen Lay, Head Rascal. Mother of two rascals, ages 5 and 7. Photography by Simply Adri Photography.

Postcard Trade

As summer travel plans come to a complete stop, my family and I have been brainstorming new ways to creatively make memories. It almost seems as if we’ve traveled to a different time period with the activities we’ve thought of under the stay-at-home orders. With so many videos and stories of families baking bread from scratch, I know we’re not alone in that feeling.

This back-to-basics era that we’re in reminded me of my own childhood memories of writing and collecting postcards. As a kid, I loved postcards. I wouldn’t even send most of them; I just loved collecting them. All the fun colors and faraway places kept my spirits high, even when I was stuck at home. I collected postcards from every single place I visited with my family, near and far. Even when we re-visited the same places, I’d pick up a new postcard because they were all special and represented a different memory of a particular place. For example, when I think of San Francisco, my mind immediately goes to the Golden Gate Bridge. But I also have postcards from SF with beautiful images of Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, and Lombard Street, all capturing the unique perception each photographer had of San Francisco in that moment.

I figured, if homemade bread is making a huge comeback, why not postcards? Now is as good a time as any to return to the beauty of the written word and instill in our children the value of a handwritten sentiment over the immediate digital responses we’ve become accustomed to.

Nowadays, our kids don’t necessarily collect things that withstand time. My kids collect video games and BeyBlades, but by the time they have children of their own, the gaming systems that were required and the different components of the BeyBlades may be long gone. My postcard collection, on the other hand, can be passed on like a family heirloom. I can pull them out and share memories of my favorite childhood travels with my own children, and it’s like I’m experiencing those memories all over again, only now I get to share them with Ben and AJ.

Since we’re all staying at home for the time being, this is a great opportunity for our rascals to trade postcards with friends in another city. Encouraging our kids to write, keep, and trade postcards can offer them the chance to make their own memories, mirroring the experience we had growing up. It will also help parents feel excited about mail again. So many of us have grown used to dismissing mail as an addition to our task list: another bill to pay or simply another nuisance to handle - I know I have. My kids, however, get so excited to see their names on our mail.

One activity you can do with your kids this summer is to pick a city they would like to visit every week and have them mail a postcard to a friend in that city to (hopefully) get one in return.  This captures the wonder of the postcard trade and receiving mail while incorporating a written, sentimental touch. Remember to pick a postcard with your child’s favorite place in their hometown; kids have such a wonderful imagination - they only need a good picture to “travel” there.

Here are a few tips for writing postcards with your little rascal:

1. Encourage them to draw a picture. Do they have a favorite park? A favorite local spot or monument? Tell your kids to paint a picture of what their city looks like through their eyes and share this vision with their friends.

2. Brainstorm tips about future trips to your city. Maybe you and your child take a more scenic route through the park. Or maybe your child has discovered the perfect spot to crunch leaves beneath their feet. Sharing these details with their friends will get them excited to visit once it is safe to do so. 

3. Share about your city. Prompt your kids to share a bit more, such as a fun fact about their city that not many people will know, like the best place to bird watch or spot people walking their dogs. Encourage your children to share fun facts that are meaningful to them.

4. Share a favorite memory. Get your kid thinking about a favorite memory they made in their hometown, whether it’s the first time their parent walked them to kindergarten or their favorite time playing outside.

5. Good eats in town. Write about food trends in your town, or your child’s favorite restaurant. They can even share recipes that they’ve mastered during quarantine that are kid-friendly.

6. Share something special. Is your city known for anything special? Be sure to share it!

The neat thing about postcards is that they’re short and sweet. You get the meaningful, handwritten note without the stress of writing a full-blown letter. We hope you and your rascals are able to trade a few postcards, start your own collections, and create wonderful memories along the way.

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 5 and 7.

Animal Thrills Around Houston, Texas

I don’t know what it is about kids and animals, but there is a strong connection of adoration and love - and it goes both ways. There are many articles about the positive effects animals have on humans - tiny humans especially. Pets give unconditional love while possibly decreasing stress, improving heart health, and helping children develop emotional and social skills. Go ahead and snuggle your furry friend! They find security and peace in our comforting hands too!

My husband and I are not ready to bring a pet into our house just yet (two human rascals often prove to be exciting enough), so we are supporters of our local zoo. Recently, I started thinking about animals my kids wouldn’t normally see, experience, or encounter.

Thus began our three road trips to see new critters.

Peeka Ranch

First, we headed to Peeka Ranch in Burton, Texas, to meet alpacas. Yes, ALPACAS! This privately owned ranch offers true Southern charm with private visits to see, pet, and feed the alpacas. What a treat is was for my rascals to see these soft and friendly animals up close! Feeding them was the experience of a lifetime.

Franklin Drive Thru Safari

Next we headed to Franklin, Texas, for the Franklin Drive Thru Safari. Yes, you read that correctly. You stay in the comfort (and maybe even safety) of your vehicle as you travel through acres and acres of open land with hundreds of animals. We purchased animal feed before embarking on the safari; the friendly (and hungry) creatures come right up to you! After the drive thru safari, you can park your car and visit with a host of other animals. Did I mention that most of these animals were rescued by and now cared for by Franklin Drive Thru Safari?

Gator Country

Our final animal trip this summer was to Gator Country in Beaumont, Texas. Yes, gator as in alligator! This place is fantastic because they rescue these animals and provide them with a place to live and grow, as well as offer educational programs and internships to schools and universities! We had a blast feeding the alligators, touching baby reptiles, and spending time in their petting zoo.

Written by Brandi Stanton, mother of two rascals ages 2 and 3.