3 Kids and Us

Weekend in New York

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New-York-Skyline

Much like it being impossible to tour the full spectrum of the Louvre in one visit, it is virtually impossible to take in all that New York has to offer in one weekend. However, if you know what you want to see and have an understanding of where things are located you can cram a lot of New York’s tourist attractions with the family into one weekend.

Unlike the images seen on television and in movies New York is a sprawling metropolis with diversity, cultural attractions, and a melting pot of lifestyles all living attached to one another. The mass transit system can be a bit complicated to understand at first, but with a good subway schedule, some common sense, and great walking shoes you can get to just about anywhere. If you are interested in more of a historical view of the area here are a few not to miss sights.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The statue of Liberty sits in view of Battery Park, and has an abundance of tour companies available to take you across the bay and tour the exquisite lady and Ellis Island. Ellis Island was the original port of entry for all those immigrants looking for a new life in a new land. The museum offers great insights into the past that built America along with records of those who entered the country through this port.

Who knows, you may even see one of your long lost relatives names on one of the displayed documents. If you simply want a closer look at the regal lady, you can take the Staten Island Ferry and cross right by the amazing work of art and diplomacy for free.

Battery Park

As one of the first Danish settlements in 1623 Battery Park was erected as a “battery” of cannons to defend the new city of New Amsterdam. This defensive armory continued to grow and eventually built Castle Clinton in preparation for the war of 1812. The castle was renamed in 1896 to Castle Garden and turned into the city’s foremost concert hall.

Over the years Battery Park has been enlarged by renovating encompassing landfills, has been the welcoming center to 8.5 million immigrants as Ellis Island’s receiving center, and seen the castle turned into the New York Aquarium. This historic site now regularly hosts traveling art displays, and contains a variety of memorials for tourists and spectators alike to enjoy.

Twin Towers Monument and Museum

The Twin Towers Monument has two separate waterfall reflection pools which sit in the exact sites of the original twin towers and consistently run as a sign of never ending spirit. Circling the reflection pools are the names of every know person to have died as a result of the Twin Towers attack. During high wind situations the center most water fall will be temporarily turned off due to splash back caused by strong winds, but the second pool typically remains on at all times. The museum sits just between the two memorials and can have quite a line, so get there early.

The Twin Towers Monuments and Battery Park are within walking distance of each other and as you make the leisurely long walk from the towers to Battery Park you will come across strategically placed maps to guide you to your next destination. Between these two destinations sits the Wall Street Bull that is seen in many movies, such as “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”, the building that was used as headquarters in “Men and Black” and an eclectic variety of architecture that spans the history of the city.

Depending on how much time you wish to spend at each attraction and where you are staying within the city, all of the fore mentioned attractions, excluding the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tours, can be visited in one day, as well as Little Italy and China Town.

For the second day of your trip consider taking in some of the world renowned museums, checking out Time Square (best viewed at night or dusk), or tour some of the Central Park attractions. Whatever you do, just don’t forget to try the pizza and other fabulously made local ethnic cuisines that can only be found in New York.

5 Family Friendly Dog Breeds

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Picking a dog for your family can be challenging as there are so many different types of breeds. When looking for the right dog, you have to keep in mind your living space and the needs of your new furry family member. If you have children, you must be careful to pick a dog with a disposition that is suitable for kids. Here are five different dog breeds that are suitable for families with children.

Golden Retrievers

One of the most popular choices for family pets is Golden Retrievers. The reason why is they are loyal, loving, and patient with children. They have gentle personalities and love to play with children. They are high energy and do better in larger homes. The one downside is their long hair that sheds which make them bad for anyone with allergies.

Labradors

Officially known as Labrador Retrievers, these friendly and loveable dogs make great pets for families. Like Golden Retrievers, they are kind, loving, and playful with children while being calm and patient with them. They have lots of energy so they require lots of playtime and running or walking. Labs come in three different colors; chocolate, black, and yellow.

French Bulldogs

If you have children but live in a smaller space such as an apartment or condo the French Bulldog is perfect for you. They have a loyal and loving personality and do well in small spaces. They are not prone to bark, they have low energy levels, but are still willing to play, making them perfect for living in smaller spaces with children. They are also short haired making them less allergenic than longer-haired breeds.

Poodles

Poodles are intelligent, caring, and mild-tempered dogs making them good for playing with children. They also do not shed making them perfect for families who need a hypoallergenic pet. Poodles come in two different sizes, standard and miniature. The Standard is one of the most intelligent dogs and is loyal to its family. The Miniature is also loyal but tends to be so with one person rather than its family. Both are good with children.

Bulldog

Finally, the bulldog is a kind, patient, and loveable dog who does well with children. They do not have a lot of energy but are affectionate with children. They are comfortable living in small or large spaces. Thus, the bulldog is also perfect for living in an apartment or condo with children.

Welcoming a dog into your home is a big decision, therefore, it is important to consider the personality, size, and energy needs of a dog before welcoming them home. With this list of five different breeds, there is something for each type of family.

Parental Advice on Teaching Your Kid How to Drive

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It’s no secret that teaching your kid how to drive requires tons of patience. Of course sending your child off to a driving school would make matters a lot easier, especially on you, but the overall memories and quality time spent together will be priceless. Who doesn’t remember who taught them how to drive? For most of us, it was an unforgettable experience, whether it was positive or not.

Get yourself acquainted with our list of to-do’s and you will be able to ride shotgun with much more ease.

Keep your cool

It’s going to be extremely easy to lose your cool. This entire process will be a test of your patience in its truest form, so keeping your voice down and approaching each lesson with a calm attitude are musts and should be practiced as frequently as possible.

Make sure you’re in a calm state of mind

If you’re not in the right state of mind, there is no telling what mood the lesson will take you. It will help to remind yourself that you too once learned how to drive and probably tested the patience of a parent or an older sibling. Check your worries and negative thoughts at the passenger side door.

Brush up on the rules of the road

As your child’s driving guru, you should be up-to-date on the rules of the road, so hit the books and refresh your mind. Being able to properly inform your kid on safety and regulations will not only be important for the driving test, but for the written test as well.

Be exemplary

Practice what you’re preaching. Teaching your kid the right way to perform on the road shouldn’t be restricted to when they’re behind the wheel, rather you should be setting a good example. Think twice before you decide not to use your blinker when changing lanes on the expressway or expressing your road rage to someone that cuts you off.

Drive on roads you’re familiar with

Take your kid to a road or street that you frequent. Know the speed limit, the signage, and the traffic levels at specific times of the day. Having this knowledge is only beneficial to knowing what to expect and the level of preparedness your child will need to be.

Put them in real-life situations

You’re essentially putting your child through a driving bootcamp, so try to be as realistic with your lessons as possible. Once you think they are ready, have them turn the radio on and off. Bring their siblings or your spouse along for the ride and carry on a conversation. This will assist in them not feeling overwhelmed when the time does come for them to turn the radio on or go on a road trip with passengers.

Make them find their own way around

Make them find their way around town by providing them with minimal to no hints. Being a passenger is a different perspective than that of a driver, and it will therefore be crucial for them to gain a sense of direction. Their patience may run up with this pointer, but we promise that it will only benefit them as a driver.

Provide honest and positive feedback

The process of learning how to drive is not easy and not to be taken lightly. Be honest with your child and don’t sugarcoat things. Constructive criticism may not always be easy for them to accept, but it is extremely necessary. Follow your constructive criticism up with a positive remark and be sure to provide them with enough positive feedback.

Being a teacher isn’t for everyone, but teaching your kid to drive can be! Keep your patience, give honest and positive feedback and test your kid with real-life situations and they will surely be fit for their driving and written test!

San Francisco Family Road Trip

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Looking to get away with the family and leaving the home life behind for a bit? Try taking a road trip along California’s Pacific Coast Highway. Whether you live along the coast or not, starting in San Francisco and working your way down the California-1 highway will help you escape the crazy traffic of busier interstates and it will provide scenic views of the California coast.

San Francisco

Start your coastal get-away in the fantastic city of San Francisco. Grab some fresh seafood for lunch at fisherman’s wharf, see the famous sea lions sunning themselves on the docks and then hit the road. Drive across the golden gate bridge, and do some hiking in the golden gate park before setting off on your adventure.

Monterey

Four hours south of San Francisco on the California-1, you will arrive at your first stop; Monterey, California. Here you can take a break from driving and engage in some fun water activities. Monterey’s coastal location makes it perfect for scuba diving, whale watching, kayaking, surfing, and many other fun water activities. If you prefer to stay off the water but want to learn about the local marine life check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium or the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. If history is your thing, Monterey has you covered. As one of the oldest cities in California, you can check out the first theater in California or the site where the California constitution was written.

Santa Barbara

After spending the night, continue south on the California – 1 for 5 more hours and you will arrive in Santa Barbara. With great dining and wine drinking on quiet streets, Santa Barbara is a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of bigger cities. Its location is picturesque as it’s surrounded by mountains and beach. You can stroll on the beach or take a horseback ride along the sandy beaches. Explore art galleries or eat fresh food prepared with local ingredients from the area’s farmers. Looking for new wines to drink? Take a tour at a local winery or time your road trip with a wine festival and let your taste buds do the exploring.

Whether you live in California or not, taking a scenic trip on the California-1 offers adventure or rest and relaxation. Taking your new car on a scenic drive can be the perfect way to discover the California coast and a few of the wonderful places it has to offer. You and your family may even discover a new version of yourselves on this trip!

7 Christmas Gift Ideas for Baby Girls

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Christmas shopping is one of those tasks that leave us mixed with emotion, wanting to get just the right gift for each person on the list, yet not wanting to break the bank. If you have baby girls on your list, then you may be feeling like falling into the same old baby doll trap. But, here are seven ideas for the baby girls on your list that don’t include dolls.

Gender Neutral Gifts

If you really don’t know the child that well, this is your safest gift option. Gender neutral gifts such as books, blocks, and snuggly stuffed bears are a good way to meet your gift giving obligations without purchasing something that may not mesh with the child’s personality.

Athletic Options

Contrary to the old saying, not all girls are dressed in pink and want to play house. Depending on the age of the baby this may be more difficult than some other gift options. Consider a year membership to Gymboree or some type of organization that works on the child’s motor skills and then wrap a sporty little outfit in the box with the gift certificate.

Stretch Their Brain

It’s never too early to stimulate a child’s brain. Check into one of the many learning toys on the market. There are toys for all ages that will stimulate brain growth and aid in their development.

Homemade

Baby’s may be too young to truly understand the sentiment behind homemade gifts, but if you give a baby a one of a kind homemade stuffed animal, or cozy blanket, they will find the sentiment in it all on their own. For most of us some of our fondest childhood snuggle friends and memories were simple homemade gifts that we drug around for decades.

 Movement Toys­

Once a baby becomes mobile there is no stopping them. Consider some type of walker or push toy that helps the child in their physical development. Just remember they don’t walk for long before they are running and you are trying to keep up with them.

Creative Outlets

Children are never too young to learn how to create things. Again, be conscious of age appropriate safety limitations, but think about getting the child one of the many age appropriate arts and crafts kit toys on the market. This could be something as simple as a fasteners blanket that teaches them how to tie shoestrings, and button buttons, to something more advanced like coloring books and washable crayons. Avoid the scented crayons for younger age groups however, since they will not have a sense of food versus smells like food.

Entertainment

Consider getting the child one of their favorite movies, or books. Reading to your child at an early age helps stimulate their minds ability to form sounds and read. Some shows meant for toddler age children such as “Baby Einstein” are great gifts that engage young children in music, reading, and adventure entertaining them while they learn from a very early age.

The most important thing to remember when buying a gift for a baby girl is to keep in mind the child’s age, and possible interests so that you can give them a gift that is not only safe for them to handle, but something they will cherish for years to come.

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We left our home in Sydney, Australia many moons ago in May 2012 and, other than a brief stint back in Perth for Christmas and a wedding in early 2014, we have been travelling the world nomadically ever since, running a business from our laptops and we’re here to show you how to do it!