From One Mom to Another: Tips on Disney, Races and Kids

You can see several of our outfits in these pictures from June. I'm wearing my backpack in the bottom left. I love to travel and I really enjoy traveling with my kids. When I fly I normally choose by price and flight times.  The budget airlines that fly out of my local airport charge for everything, especially luggage. So I have learned to pack in carry on.  It helps that I travel where it is warm most of the time but not always. That being said, here is how I pack for a seven day trip without checking luggage and having spare room for souvenirs.  Everyone in my family packs the same stuff but here is where we start.  My luggage: 1 hard sided carry on - get one with wheels and an expanding zipper 1 medium sized back pack - I like one a day pack style rather than a school style 2 vacuum seal bags - Get the self sealing kind that you roll to get the air out Here is a work outfit. Clothes I bring: 7-10 outfits - ...

Taking a break to reapply sunscreen and drink some water. My photographer was annoyed I wanted a photo and wasn't ready to get back in the lazy river so bad lighting.  Not healthy but my kid loves mac & chz My kids love a day at the waterpark.  They love big ones like Disney's Typhoon Lagoon or little ones like the in my hometown.  Waterparks can be stressful but they don't have to be.  Here are 5 easy tips to make your day a success.   My park bag, cheap and different 1.  Eat first.   Waterpark and all amusement park food is expensive.  Plus eating first allows you to start on a full stomach and you don't have to worry that your kids won't eat because they are 'too busy'.  2. Bring a unique park bag.   I use a reusable shopping bag this one is from a business in Colorado and I live in Montana so I was pretty sure no one else had one.  Pack light or pack a lock. I like to pack light and only carry...

 (Not us): Photo: Montana River Guides Montana has some of the best white water in the nation.  My son loves rafting and outdoors.  He decided to skip the last couple Disney trips so I have found other opportunities to spend time with him.  One of our favorite getaways is spending an afternoon on the river.  We have been rafting together for several years now and love the fact we can get some nice waves within an hour of home.  Hunter could guide us because last year he took the Swiftwater Rescue and Raft Guide Class and guides for a local summer camp, but we don't have a boat.  I haven't purchased one because we aren't sure what Hunter plans to do when he graduates next year so we just book a tour with our favorite local guides. Montana River Guides (MRG) is a local company owned by Mike Johnson, one of the nicest men you will ever meet.  He hires great guides and has a wonderful staff.  They will ensure you are safe and have a gr...