I’m thrilled to be co-hosting a blog hop with a dozen other bloggers who are all sharing some wonderful ways to help others this holiday season. 

We’re sharing ideas for everyone — young or old, individual or family, those who want to help kids or animals — to make this a true ‘season of giving’ in Kansas City! 

Each of us has chosen to feature a charity of two and highlight how people can get involved — we are sharing more about how families can help other kids in Kansas City by working with the Salvation Army and Children’s Mercy.

The holidays are a great time to introduce kids to the idea of giving.  It’s important that kids of all ages understand that no matter what your age or income status, EVERYONE can help give to others and help their community.

Next week, we will feature some fun activities, crafts and cool ideas for the monthly Online Kids Book Club. 

If you missed last month’s feature, you can read more about the Family Conversation Jar and October’s author, Amy Krouse Rosenthal.

I love the month of November! 

I know that most kids think it’s just the time between Halloween and the beginning of the holiday seasons, but for me it’s a great time to be thankful for a number of things. 

I hope as my kids get older, they too begin to appreciate some of the following:

Are you raising curious kids?  You know, kids who love to ask questions, search for the answers and learn new things?  If so, BRAVO! Curious kids are the result of ‘thinking families’ — You must be a ‘thinking’ family!

Thinking families encourage kids to ask questions.  When your child asks ‘why’ or ‘how’, thinking families enjoy the exchange of ideas and the hunt for ways to answer the questions.

What do you do when the rain spoils your plans?

We were all set to visit the pumpkin patch last week and what happens — rain!  Twice!! 

Are you crazy for carving pumpkins?  Or maybe your have a killer recipe for pumpkin bread?!  We’ve got a great group of bloggers who want you to showcase your ‘pumpkin creations’!

It’s time to choose your book for our October Book Club! 

You can learn more about our Online Book Club for Kids or visit our September book and activity for more fun ideas!

Our author this month is Amy Krouse Rosenthal.  She describes herself as “a person who likes to make things”.  To learn more about some of Amy’s great books, visit her YouTube channel to see some fun videos.

To celebrate World Animal Day on October 4th, I’m joining a wonderful group of kid bloggers from around the world to share posts about why children love animals! We are definately an animal family!  We have pets, love to visit attractions that feature animals (from National Parks to local nature centers) and enjoy watching those …

 I love Autumn!  It’s my favorite season – cool days, beautiful colors, fun things to do with the kids and a great time to enjoy nature!

My family will tell you that I love to plan for visiting new places (they’ll actually say I spend more time planning than I do visiting ;).  What can I say, I like to be prepared.  So, I thought I would put together a guide for those of you getting ready to visit SEA LIFE Aquarium in Kansas City.

Take a look at some of these FAQs (frequently asked questions) and tips before your visit!