3 Kids and Us

Grandparents Day: Fun Facts

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How much do you know about Grandparents Day? A little bit? You may know what month and/or week it falls in, but do you know any fun facts about it? No? Well, you are in luck because this article will share with you fun facts that will have you scratching your head and belly-laughing at the same time! So, have you ever had wild thoughts like how many grandparents have multi-colored hair and how many like to boogie down at the local night clubs? What about how many grandparents have tattoos and how many of those are new? Better yet, who has the most grandchildren in the US or even the world? Well, we don’t have answers for all of those questions, but you’ll be shocked at how many surprising facts about grandparents, you will learn from this article. So, jump a board and learn some fun facts that you can share with your own grandparents on their very special day!

How big is your family?

Another surprising fact about grandparents signed, sealed, and delivered to you for Grandparents Day is that there have been some pretty gigantic families (size-wise) throughout history. In fact, according to the Daily Mail, Indian-based Ziona Chana currently holds the record for the biggest family. To date, Ziona Chana has 39 wives, 14-daughters-in-law, 94 children, and 33 grandchildren. In addition, before he died, Samuel S. Mast had 11 kids, 97 grandkids, 634 great-grandkids and a whopping 82 great-great-grandkids, according to Kristen Sturt from the American Grandparents Association. The total of family members – 824! How amazing is that?!

Abraham is that you?

Another fun fact about grandparents is lurking around the corner. Did you know that President Abraham Lincoln was named after his grandfather, Abraham Lincoln, who was also killed! No, John Wilkes Booth did not shoot and kill grandfather, Abraham Lincoln, but American Indians did shoot him (and kill him), while he was farming in Kentucky. Wow, now that’s one heck of a coincidence!

How wild are you?

According to a recent survey published in Redbook, approximately 35% of grandparents still have sex at least twice a week. Not only that, but approximately 10% of seniors have been inked (tattoos), and about 7% admit having tried illegal drugs at least once in their lives. Mind-blowing, I know!

How well can you drive?

Ready for some more surprising facts about grandparents for Grandparents Day? Well, one study found that children are safer in vehicles driven by their grandparents than their own parents! No way! Grandma’s and Grandpa’s slow driving could be saving more lives than you think!

Who raised you?

Here’s a fun fact for Grandparents Day that will blow you away. Guess who raised these influential, world-renown leaders: Maya Angelou, Carol Burnett, Bill Clinton, Willie Nelson, Jack Nicholson, Barack Obama, and Oprah Winfrey? Yep, you got it – their grandparents. Look how well these grandchildren did in life! So, who are the most influential people in the world? Grandparents.

It has an official flower?

One of many surprising facts about Grandparents Day is that it has an official flower associated with it! The official US flower for Grandparents Day is the “forget-me-not.” This majestic plant bears small sky-blue flowers that bring to mind the old phrase “tiny but mighty.” You may not know this but “forget-me-nots” have been used for centuries, as a symbol of respect and remembrance. In fact, during the 15th century, German women wore these delicate flowers in their hair, as a sign of everlasting love.

Wait…there’s a song too?

Yes, here’s another fun fact that you can share on Grandparents Day. This special day has its own official song! “A Song for Grandpa and Grandma,” is the official Grandparents Day tune. It was written and performed by Johnny Prill, an award-winning and Grammy-nominated songwriter. “A Song for Grandpa and Grandma” became the official song on April 20, 1999. The thing that makes this heartfelt song standout is that it’s told from a grandchild’s perspective. Throughout the song, this sweet young child sings about how much he adores his grandparents. It’s now common for children to sing this song to nursing home residents, who can’t be with their families on Grandparents Day.

How I Was Traveling To My Nephew’s Football Game

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Ten years ago, when my nephew only was born, I lived with my parents in a little town in Massachusetts. My sister and her husband bought a house next door, so all our big family used to hang out together, watching tv, babysitting the little one and playing sports on weekends.

Especially we all loved playing football. Therefore, as the second youngest member of our family, I was very close to my nephew, Steve. We both were about crying when I was leaving to New York for my Master’s degree. Vividly, I remember a scene, when my 7-year-old nephew stands with a football in his hands and asks me if I come to his first game. I made my promise and departed.

Three more years have passed, Steve joined the boy scouts, so I forgot my promise, as one day my sister called me.

‘Stevie has his first football game in a week’, she said. ‘Come Friday night’.
‘In a week?’, I felt really irritated. ‘And you’re telling me now?! I have other plans, I have a girlfriend, I have a job!’

‘Honey, calm down. If you don’t want to come, do not come then’.

And she hung up.

What did I have to do besides packing for my trip? I called my employer and arranged stuff with my girlfriend, apologizing so many times, and in a week, on Friday morning, I drew out of New York, heading North.

The music was playing loud, I was in a cheerful mood, imagining how happy Stevie would be when he sees me at the game. But suddenly my car stopped for no reason. I tried to turn on the engine, however, there was no luck. I stuck in the middle of the highway!

The road was quite empty, so somehow I pushed my car aside. Actually, all I was thinking at that moment was how would I get to the game on time. So, I couldn’t think of a better idea than to hitch-hike. I stopped by a local store to buy some helmet accessories for my nephew.

It is hard to say how long I was standing there with my finger up. For me, it seemed like an eternity. All those cars passing by with drivers, who do not give a damn about you and your trouble.
Suddenly an old green truck stopped. A small lady in her sixties waved to me in a friendly way.
‘Any problem, hun?’

‘I need to get to Boston as soon as possible’, said I. ‘Could you give me a ride?’

‘Sure. Get it. I am going to a football game of my grandson. The first one! And you?’

I have never believed in miracles until that day. Now I know that the most beautiful things happen to us in an unexpected way. The lady was going to another town in Connecticut, but she gave me a ride home and dropped me off by the front door of my parents’ house. She disappeared as fast as she appeared before, and I still don’t know her name. Maybe, she was just an angel? Who knows. But my nephew’s team won the game and it was one of the happiest moments of my life.

Top year-end holiday travel destinations you’ll surely love

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Already considering the many awesome sights to see and locations to shop during the Christmas holiday season this year? Seoul, Tokyo, Bali, Manila, Taipei, Melbourne – these are just a few of the places you should look forward to this year!

Check out these top year-end holiday travel destinations and pick one (or two) for your upcoming travel plans.

Seoul, Korea. Considered as Asia’s winter wonderland, Jimjilbang, Korea’s traditional spa for grooming and soaking is something you should definitely experience in winter. There are 24-hour ones available for you to scrub the old year blues away. During October, you can experience the autumn at full blast as the weather transitions from warm to cold, plus you’ll see some amazing colours. The vibrant Christmas trees are paraded starting November, coupled with festive carolling and free concerts. Seoul Plaza Hotel boasts a 20-metre Christmas tree, which is sure to put you in a good mood.

Tokyo, Japan. If you’re looking for something even more exciting, you can find it in Tokyo. If you’re looking for tradition, Japan offers you with Buddhist amazing hot springs and temples. You will love the colours of autumn and if you want something modern, the fantastic lanes of Shibuya and Shinjuku will instantly put you in a festive mood. Consider spending your New Year’s Day in Japan as it’s one of their biggest holidays.

Bali, Indonesia. If you feel like you’re about to burst from stress, the island of Bali is a perfect place for rejuvenation and peace of mind. You can spend your weekend relaxing in a spa or a yoga retreat for spiritual cleansing. Bali boasts amazing beaches and quiet mountainside retreats. Here you can find basically anything and everything you’re looking for in a holiday getaway.

Manila, Philippines. The capital of the Philippines is an up-and-coming destination for anyone looking for cosmopolitan chills and thrills on a budget. Here you can find some of the most beautiful tropical islands in the world. Communication is easy because English is the medium of exchange. If you’re in the mood for some shopping action, then consider Manila as your end-of-year holiday destination.

Taipei, Taiwan. The climate in Taipei is perfect during the year-end. It’s cold enough for tourists coming from a tropical climate, but not too cold to stop them from enjoying. The city boasts a lot of activities and experiences, including shopping and dining, plus culture lovers will find many fantastic finds in the rich traditions of this Asian country. Taipei is a worthy place to close out the year with everyone you love.

Melbourne, Australia. Looking for a European winter trip this year without the matching cold, then consider the fabulous city of Melbourne. Despite the lack of winter in Australia during the year-end months, it still has plenty of chilly wind coming from the South Pole. The city itself is active and friendly, and the tram system makes it easy to move around to experience European-style Christmas, old-fashioned Aussie barbecue, or a trip to the beach. If you happen to visit in November you can even go to the Melbourne Cup where massive horse-race event happens throughout the nation.

End Note

Found a destination you, your family, or friends will love going to? Time to plan as early as now, and to make sure you can avoid the most common travel hitches, don’t forget to secure travel insurance for you and everyone travelling with you. This way, you can focus on the fun and less on worrying about any likely issues you might encounter while having a blast out there.

How to Pack for a Trip

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When you are going on a trip, the way you pack can have a big influence on how the trip turns out. This is more than just about getting to your destination only to find that your shampoo or lotion bottle came open and your clothes are all gooey. It also has to do with what goes into the suitcases. You will pack differently for a business trip than for a trip to the beach.

Let’s take a closer look at how to pack for different trips.

Business Trips

When you are going on a business trip, you will need to be sure to dress smartly in order to impress your colleagues and close the deal.  That said, it might be a bit intimidating to try and decide what to pack. If you mess up and pack the wrong clothing items, you can be overdressed, or uncomfortably cold or hot.  For this reason, it will always be a good idea to pack performance dress shirts for any professional setting. These shirts are made from comfortable materials that are resistant to wrinkles. They are great for that business meeting as well as for going out for a happy hour at the end of the day.

Colors

You might also want to go with a few articles of black clothing. This is because black goes with everything and can be dressed up or down.  You can make it through extended trips with a suit or two, and some basic black clothing items for when you aren’t in meetings. This is one of those business travel hacks that can go a long way toward saving you trouble when you pack and trying to decide what to wear while you are on your trip.

Luggage

Luggage is also an important element. You should decide on your luggage based on how long you will be gone. Most of the time, a suitcase measuring 22 inches will be ideal. If you will be lugging it everywhere, you might want to invest in a suitcase that has wheels.  If the trip will only be overnight, you might get by with just a briefcase and a small tote. Remember to leave space in your luggage for things like devices, special equipment, work files, and a laptop.

On the Plane

Decide what you will be wearing on the plane if you will be flying. If you only pack a single suit, consider wearing the jacket while you are on the plane so that you will be able to save space.  Wrinkles will fall out of it when you get to the hotel and hang it up for the night. Also, most of the time, hotel amenities will include an iron. While you are packing, remember to set aside what you will be wearing on the plane and try to wear shoes that slip on and off easily so that there won’t be a hassle with security at the airport.

Traveling for Recreation with the Family

Sometimes, tips for traveling with kids can coincide with those for packing for a business trip. One of these things is to make a checklist before you pack so that you don’t leave anything out. Make sure that your list includes rental car and hotel info, reading material, toys, guidebooks, maps, paperwork necessary for the trip, toiletries, shoes, clothing, and maybe a few snacks for while you are on the road. The checklist will keep you from forgetting simple necessities easily overlooked such as deodorant, razors, pajamas, hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, socks, and even underwear.

Space and Activities

You might also want to not underestimate the amount of space it will take for everything that needs to be packed.  Consider leaving out extras. For example, if you will only be gone for the weekend, do you really need 5 pairs of shoes or 3 coats? Take the weather into consideration so that you will be prepared for anything that might come your way. Also, think about the activities you and the family will be doing. You wouldn’t want to head to the beach with clothes for skiing, and yes, if you let children help with the packing, that is exactly what might happen if you aren’t careful.

7 Tips for Taking a Road Trip With a Teen Driver

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Did your teen just get their driver’s license? Are they more eager than ever to take part in this year’s family road trip?

Getting through the teen driving phase is one of the toughest periods for any parent. It’s inevitable that one day they’ll get behind the wheel, but it always seems to happen too soon. Despite all the stress, studies have shown teens that get their license earlier usually end up being safer drivers.

If your teen wants to be one of the drivers during your family road trip here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Update Your Car Insurance Policy

The car insurance pros at acceptanceinsurance.com suggest that parents check their policies before taking a road trip with teen drivers. The law requires that all drivers must be covered by liability insurance in the vast majority of states, even if they don’t drive a car of their own.

If your teen has a driver’s license and plans to drive the family car, you should add them to your auto insurance policy. Your teen should be listed as an operator of the vehicle, not just a household member.

Plot Your Course Together in Advance

Choosing the destination for a family vacation is one of the first to-dos that have to get done. But often we wait until the car is loaded to pull up a maps app and find the best route.

Knowing where you’re going in advance always helps every driver regardless of age. At least a week or two out, sit down with your teen driver and consider your route options. Consider things beyond distance such as the terrain, highway conditions and traffic. For example, a trip where you’ll be hiking in Vancouver has dramatically different driving conditions compared to visiting the city of Los Angeles.

Discuss all the various factors with your teen driver. It’s also a good time to decide how much driving your teen will do and which legs of the trip will be safest.

Check the Teen Driving Regulations in Each State

Every state lays out their own regulations for teen drivers. After going through the learner’s permit process, you’re probably familiar with your state’s regulations, but what about the states you’ll be driving through?

The states you plan to visit could be more strict or more lenient. Make sure to check with the state DMV for more information to avoid accidentally violating the rules of the road.

Don’t Sleep While They Drive

Teen drivers need supervision, especially if they’re driving through unfamiliar territory. It may be tempting to catch a power nap while your teen is driving, but fight the urge. Stay awake and alert so you can act as their co-pilot and make sure they aren’t doing anything risky like texting while driving.

Keep Your Emotions Under Control

We have a way of feeding off the emotions of others. If you’re stressed and on-edge while your teen is driving it will do nothing but increase their anxiety. Raising your voice or getting into an argument should definitely be avoided since it can make your teen driver emotional.

If you find that your teen’s driving is just too stressful during the family road trip ask them to pull over at the next stop so you can use the restroom. Once you’re done, take back the driver’s seat.

Avoid High-Traffic Areas and Times

Some believe in throwing a person in the deep end to teach them how to swim. That’s not an advisable tactic for teen drivers on a family road trip. It’s best to stick to portions of the route that are less likely to have traffic and times when there are fewer cars on the road.

Avoid Teen Driving in a Rental

Are you planning on renting a vehicle for your family road trip? Then your teen may have to put up with sitting in the back seat. No car rental company will rent a vehicle to a person who’s under 18, and many refuse to turn over the keys to drivers that are 20 years old or younger.

Even though it’s legal for a teen to drive while the parent is in the car, the car rental company may forbid it. Read the fine print carefully to avoid potentially expensive problems.