Positive thread only.

[jagman]

This is a positive thread only. If you find decent, In what I say, Feel free and just keep it to yourself. lol :wave:
I'm going to take my sons camping in a few weeks. Our destination will be lake Wapapello. Nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Wappapello Lake offers activities for all walks of life. Over 44,000 acres of public lands and water welcome hunting, fishing, swimming, boating, camping and picnicking. Interpretation of the natural resources through trails, Visitor Center exhibits and various programs highlight the natural beauty found in Southeast Missouri.I'm going to make this the best camping trip ever! Go ahead and tell me something positive. I promise it wont hurt. Or show me a positive or funny pic (Share a positive story about yourself or loved ones.

[jackovesk]

10 tips for successful camping with kids

http://australiafamilystyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/CampingTips2-450x337.jpg

Camping with kids can be one of life’s simple pleasures. Whether it’s in camping grounds with 5 star facilities or out in the bush with the bare essentials, camping trips have the potential to provide lifelong memories for your whole family. Camping can be as complicated as you like, but like most things simpler often means more successful.

1. Set up in daylight
Depending on the whim of your little fellow travellers, setting up can be a breeze or a nightmare. Best not to risk a nightmare in the dark. Stopping earlier in the day lessens the chance of anyone being frazzled and cranky, you can see what pole goes where and if you’re setting up on an ants’ nest. All good things.

2. Use a packing list
There is nothing worse that arriving at your destination, only to find that you’ve left something at home. Trust me, I know. Perhaps not such a disaster if you’re able to pop to the shops and buy whatever it is (like 5 pillows at Target …), but a real spoiler if you can’t. More serious is leaving medications and emergency supplies at home. Make a packing list and use it. Seriously. If you like, you can use mine.

3. Keep food simple
Kids (not to mention adults) will be ravenous from all that camping fun. They’ll want lots of food and they’ll want it now. Simple food with simple preparation is likely to be appreciated just as much as a meal that’s been slaved over. Save yourself the effort of lavish meals and go enjoy your camping trip. An added bonus is less stuff and minimal cleanup.

Our kids would happily eat sausages every day. I need a bit more variety, so I along with our basic BBQ repertoire, I use a Dreampot. Nice’n'easy.

4. Be warm
Even on a summer camping trip it can get pretty chilly at night. Make sure the kids are well rugged up for bed (you too, for that matter) so everyone gets a good night’s sleep. That way, you can all bounce out of bed ready for the coming day’s fun.

I always pack thermals for everyone. Even my husband has started wearing them to bed, although he’d be awfully embarrassed if he knew I was telling you! We use sleeping bags rated for 0 degrees even though we rarely go anywhere that cold. On warmer nights we just keep them unzipped at the bottom.

5. Get kids involved
Kids love the anticipation of a camping trip. At least younger ones do. I can’t vouch for teenagers and I suspect there might be some coercion required there. But letting the kids help with the planning stages is a great way to get them involved and excited. Don’t let it stop there! Even the youngest can help with some aspect of the setup once at your destination. Our kids used to be in charge of handing out tent pegs initially. The oldest has progressed to being an invaluable part of our setup team.

Not only does involving them give them a sense of achievement, but it gives them something to do at those times when you are otherwise occupied.

http://australiafamilystyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/CampingTips1-450x297.jpg

6. Decide what facilities you need
There’s an eternal debate about what real camping is. The diehards would have you believe you that out bush with no amenities, no electricity with only the sights and sound of nature keeping you company is the only way to go. My preference is for a flushing toilet. At least.

The point is needs are personal. What suits one family might be unthinkable for you. Decide what facilities and amenities you need; or at least the very minimum that would make an enjoyable holiday. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not doing it right. The important thing is getting out there with your family.

7. Torches for everyone!
Torches are very handy for midnight treks to the loo. Or when your little one loses their favourite doll at 3am. They are also great fun for night walks, spotting wildlife that would be hiding during the day. It’s amazing how excited the kids get at the sight of a possum. (It was only the kids. Really. I wasn’t excited at all and I did not take 45 photos of the little guy …) Spotlight tiggy is a perennial favourite too. Everything seems so much more exciting at night!

8. Learn
This is the eternal knowledge seeker coming out in me, but I reckon a camping trip is a perfect opportunity for a bit of informal learning. Note I said informal. A bit of a chat about where you’re going might lead to a discussion on the states of Australia. Your night time walk might lead to some questions about constellations. Guess the distance games brush up on maths skills. It just takes a little cunning and ingenuity and before those kids know it, they’re learnin’.

On the family front, it’s an opportunity to learn about each other without the distractions and busyness of daily life.

9. Keep toys to a minimum
Kids are amazing at making up games and inventing toys when given the chance. Giving them the freedom to do just that without toys from home helps develop creativity and independence. The might even learn something without even trying.

That goes for grown up toys, too. Leaving behind computers, mobile phones and whatever other gadgets usually demand mum’s and dad’s attention makes more time for family.

10. Relax and enjoy
I think that one’s self explanatory! Some holidays are purely put your feet up and do nothing more than put a worm on a hook. Some are for sightseeing. Remember that you are on holiday. Don’t go crazy trying to see and do everything in an unrealistic timeframe. You’ll pay the price with cranky kids (and likely cranky adults, too).

Relax and go home refreshed. The whole family will be asking to go camping again before you know it.

http://www.australiafamilystyle.com/2010/05/tips/10-tips-for-successful-camping-with-kids/

PS - Enjoy yourself Jagman and 'Don't Forget' the UFO Camera...:)

[jagman]

Excellent tips Jakovesk. I will remember the camera lol thanks for posting friend.

[foreverfan]

Take all cell phones and Ipods away. Enjoy nature for what it was meant to be without distractions. If you can, near the city of Jasper along State Highway 7 is Cannoning for the Buffalo River. Highly recommend this. In case you don't know, the Buffalo River is the only river that is a national park.

This time of year the water level is low and you have easy paddling. No problem for children. The area is posititivly beautiful and it's not unusual to have rock bluffs towering over you by 400'. You can swim in waterfalls with hundreds of fish swimming around you. Well worth the effort to get there and I recommend skipping caves and doing the river.

The water is clean and these pics really don't do the river justice.

http://www.buffaloriveroutfitters.com/images/arkansas-buffalo-river-outfitters-canoeing.jpg
http://images.wildernessinquiry.org/web/14121_web.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a6/ARMap-doton-Jasper.png
http://finditquick.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/buffalo_river1.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E3E2-YCb-mQ/Tf5oGMaryYI/AAAAAAAAAHE/9Kf0yes5qI4/s1600/buffaloriverpic2.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~alan.shackelford/IMAGE_00105.jpg
http://buffalocanoeing.com/Tablerock.jpg

[jagman]

foreverfan, Thank you for the wonderful pics.:fish2:

[foreverfan]

foreverfan, Thank you for the wonderful pics.:fish2:

Looked at where you are going on Google Earth... Looks like you guys are on the north east part of the state. You'd have a ways to drive. Still, if you are there long enough, it's well worth it.

[Unified Serenity]

I positively know you will have a great time! ENJOY !

[markpierre]

Yes yes yes yes YES YES YES!

Just say yes! to everything. See how that feels.

You don't have to agree with everything, just don't oppose it.

[DeDukshyn]

10 tips for successful camping with kids

http://australiafamilystyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/CampingTips2-450x337.jpg

Camping with kids can be one of life’s simple pleasures. Whether it’s in camping grounds with 5 star facilities or out in the bush with the bare essentials, camping trips have the potential to provide lifelong memories for your whole family. Camping can be as complicated as you like, but like most things simpler often means more successful.

1. Set up in daylight
Depending on the whim of your little fellow travellers, setting up can be a breeze or a nightmare. Best not to risk a nightmare in the dark. Stopping earlier in the day lessens the chance of anyone being frazzled and cranky, you can see what pole goes where and if you’re setting up on an ants’ nest. All good things.

2. Use a packing list
There is nothing worse that arriving at your destination, only to find that you’ve left something at home. Trust me, I know. Perhaps not such a disaster if you’re able to pop to the shops and buy whatever it is (like 5 pillows at Target …), but a real spoiler if you can’t. More serious is leaving medications and emergency supplies at home. Make a packing list and use it. Seriously. If you like, you can use mine.

3. Keep food simple
Kids (not to mention adults) will be ravenous from all that camping fun. They’ll want lots of food and they’ll want it now. Simple food with simple preparation is likely to be appreciated just as much as a meal that’s been slaved over. Save yourself the effort of lavish meals and go enjoy your camping trip. An added bonus is less stuff and minimal cleanup.

Our kids would happily eat sausages every day. I need a bit more variety, so I along with our basic BBQ repertoire, I use a Dreampot. Nice’n'easy.

4. Be warm
Even on a summer camping trip it can get pretty chilly at night. Make sure the kids are well rugged up for bed (you too, for that matter) so everyone gets a good night’s sleep. That way, you can all bounce out of bed ready for the coming day’s fun.

I always pack thermals for everyone. Even my husband has started wearing them to bed, although he’d be awfully embarrassed if he knew I was telling you! We use sleeping bags rated for 0 degrees even though we rarely go anywhere that cold. On warmer nights we just keep them unzipped at the bottom.

5. Get kids involved
Kids love the anticipation of a camping trip. At least younger ones do. I can’t vouch for teenagers and I suspect there might be some coercion required there. But letting the kids help with the planning stages is a great way to get them involved and excited. Don’t let it stop there! Even the youngest can help with some aspect of the setup once at your destination. Our kids used to be in charge of handing out tent pegs initially. The oldest has progressed to being an invaluable part of our setup team.

Not only does involving them give them a sense of achievement, but it gives them something to do at those times when you are otherwise occupied.

http://australiafamilystyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/CampingTips1-450x297.jpg

6. Decide what facilities you need
There’s an eternal debate about what real camping is. The diehards would have you believe you that out bush with no amenities, no electricity with only the sights and sound of nature keeping you company is the only way to go. My preference is for a flushing toilet. At least.

The point is needs are personal. What suits one family might be unthinkable for you. Decide what facilities and amenities you need; or at least the very minimum that would make an enjoyable holiday. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not doing it right. The important thing is getting out there with your family.

7. Torches for everyone!
Torches are very handy for midnight treks to the loo. Or when your little one loses their favourite doll at 3am. They are also great fun for night walks, spotting wildlife that would be hiding during the day. It’s amazing how excited the kids get at the sight of a possum. (It was only the kids. Really. I wasn’t excited at all and I did not take 45 photos of the little guy …) Spotlight tiggy is a perennial favourite too. Everything seems so much more exciting at night!

8. Learn
This is the eternal knowledge seeker coming out in me, but I reckon a camping trip is a perfect opportunity for a bit of informal learning. Note I said informal. A bit of a chat about where you’re going might lead to a discussion on the states of Australia. Your night time walk might lead to some questions about constellations. Guess the distance games brush up on maths skills. It just takes a little cunning and ingenuity and before those kids know it, they’re learnin’.

On the family front, it’s an opportunity to learn about each other without the distractions and busyness of daily life.

9. Keep toys to a minimum
Kids are amazing at making up games and inventing toys when given the chance. Giving them the freedom to do just that without toys from home helps develop creativity and independence. The might even learn something without even trying.

That goes for grown up toys, too. Leaving behind computers, mobile phones and whatever other gadgets usually demand mum’s and dad’s attention makes more time for family.

10. Relax and enjoy
I think that one’s self explanatory! Some holidays are purely put your feet up and do nothing more than put a worm on a hook. Some are for sightseeing. Remember that you are on holiday. Don’t go crazy trying to see and do everything in an unrealistic timeframe. You’ll pay the price with cranky kids (and likely cranky adults, too).

Relax and go home refreshed. The whole family will be asking to go camping again before you know it.

http://www.australiafamilystyle.com/2010/05/tips/10-tips-for-successful-camping-with-kids/

PS - Enjoy yourself Jagman and 'Don't Forget' the UFO Camera...:)

Best post of yours ever Jack! Awesome! Thanks!

[RunningDeer]

Go ahead and tell me something positive. I promise it wont hurt. Or show me a positive or funny pic (Share a positive story about yourself or loved ones.

I came in first place in the woman's division of racquetball at college.

Thanks, jagman, for the opportunity to share.

Enjoy your trip. Spending time with loved ones... priceless. :wave:

[GCS1103]

Enjoy your trip with your sons, Jagman. I know you'll have a great time and they will remember it always. It will be one of those memories that will stay with them forever.

[RunningDeer]

This is me demonstrating the yin and yang of Tai Chi a couple of weeks ago for another thread. The form has flaws because of the limited space to demonstrate. Focus was more on staying where I placed the camera. The speeds are in real time.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXilEnYGqfc&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXilEnYGqfc&feature=player_embedded

[crosby]

today is my birthday. and to celebrate i am taking my daughters to a festival in another town. and then my mother is taking me out for chinese tonight! i don't like getting older, but i do love spending the day with my family. it is a wonderful day. have a fantastic time on your camping trip jagman. spending time with family is the greatest thing ever.
warmest regards, corson

[crested-duck]

I hope the beauty and serenity of being surrounded by nature overwhelms you all in the greatest ways possible--Sincerely,Rob

[jagman]

today is my birthday. and to celebrate i am taking my daughters to a festival in another town. and then my mother is taking me out for chinese tonight! i don't like getting older, but i do love spending the day with my family. it is a wonderful day. have a fantastic time on your camping trip jagman. spending time with family is the greatest thing ever.
warmest regards, corson
Happy birthday corson,Your friend jason

[conk]

Today is an awesome day. Beautiful sunshine, birds are singing, cars are clean, housework is done, meals ready in freezer, and my teenagers are coming over to spend the day with me. We'll watch ghost stories on cable. We'll watch UFO videos on the internet. Eat some of their favorite foods, maybe cheat a little with some ice cream. Perhaps go to a good movie. Maybe not cook at all, but go to my 82 year old mom's house for some of her great chili (who makes chili when it's 105 degrees outside?!)

Camping will be awesome. Spend some time barefoot! Come back to the thread and give us the rundown on everything.

[dreamer]

After over a year of trying, my wife and I have finally done it, were gonna have a baby!! Another future avalonian in the making!!

[lightwalker]

Bring some birdseed, exchange rocks ( take one from your area and exchange it with one there). Hug a tree as well as your family. Have a wonderful time.

lightwalker

[Realeyes]

That was truly a joy to watch WhiteCrowBlackDeer! Thank You!

I love this song - it always sends shivers down my spine (I love the amazing film it came from too).


This is me demonstrating the yin and yang of Tai Chi a couple of weeks ago for another thread. The form has flaws because of the limited space to demonstrate. Focus was more on staying where I placed the camera. The speeds are in real time.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXilEnYGqfc&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXilEnYGqfc&feature=player_embedded

[Realeyes]

I love this positive thread! I would love to add this.

We live in a free world
I whistle down the wind
Carry on smiling
And the world will smile with you ;);):hug::bump2::love::grouphug:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvYqIM9wxRg

[Earth Angel]

its a gorgeous day here in Canada......sitting outside in the shade with a lovely breeze.......soon the neighbours will be back from the Canada Day parade and their back garden will be filled with people in red, and a Scottish piper! woot! Happy Canada Day eh! :canada: and Happy Happy Birthday Corson........don't dis getting older, the only other option is to die young!!
Today my parents will come up for dinner and tonight I will go to my neighbours mortgage burning party and try to be very happy for them lol....I shall look at it as the universe showing me it can be done and it's coming closer to me now!
Hope everyone has a beautiful day.

[Realeyes]

I just witnessed the most delightful bit of fun. A young sparrow was flying and chasing the blossom blowing in the wind. The young bird was in absolute curiousity and joy while learning!

[Camilo]

Have a most wondeful time with your family, the best memories I have from the 25 years I lived in WI, is from camping and enjoying the beauty of nature with my family.

[RunningDeer]

Avalonian Family traversing timelines: http://www.pic4ever.com/images/wind14.gif

I look forward to our daily and nightly visits. We spent the days running errands in Connecticut, USA. Sometimes, walk by the river in a local state park. We continued with conversations. Lots and lots of them, and some come to the fore for one-to-one chat then retreated into the whole for group chat and energy share. Strange, yet more real than what's real to most.

Love to you, All, http://emoticoner.com/files/emoticons/smileys/wet-kiss-smiley.gif?1292867699
WhiteCrowBlackDeer

........................................ http://www.pic4ever.com/images/z5.gif

[M6*]

Hi Jagman!
This is a wonderful thread.

What you are doing with the camping trip is a wonderful (wonderful!) thing! .....Not only are you creating a storehouse of memories that will give your children a "place to go" when they meet up with the trials and tribulations that almost everyone encounters here on earth from time to time, but you are also giving them a REASON to defend this beautiful planet of ours should the need ever arise! Also, scenery like this somehow just doesn't seem to be in sync with a "wild and crazy way of living"....if you know what I mean. ....Concerning the "packing list" ....about the only thing I would add is a "small bottle of mms"....just in case!ha

Lately, I have been experimenting a little bit with turning Negatives into Positives and it is AMAZING (to me anyway) how many times I have been able to do this just in the past week. Good luck, and have a WONDERFUL time! M6*

P.S. Now maybe I will see if I can start to put together some of those camping pictures that must be around here somewhere:-)

[mosquito]

today is my birthday. And to celebrate i am taking my daughters to a festival in another town. And then my mother is taking me out for chinese tonight! I don't like getting older, but i do love spending the day with my family. It is a wonderful day. Have a fantastic time on your camping trip jagman. Spending time with family is the greatest thing ever.
Warmest regards, corson

happy birthday yesterday !!!!!

[mosquito]

Jagman - Have fun, be yourself, let the boys be themselves, and you are all bound to have the holiday of a lifetime, one they'll always remember, an experience which in the long run will mean more to them than any of the trivial things which distract us.

My biggy at the moment is that in August I'm off to the Philippines to meet the girl I've been having an online relationship with since January. The whole experience has been an adventure - this is most definitely NOT my normal way of operating ! I'm both excited and nervous, hoping that it will all work out for real, but acutely aware that it could be a disaster ! I'm determined to remain positive and to just enjoy the experience, give 100% and accept whatever happens. It will also be nice to get out of China for a change, I've been here for over 4 years without a break, so I need to get a different perspective.

[RunningDeer]

Jagman - Have fun, be yourself, let the boys be themselves, and you are all bound to have the holiday of a lifetime, one they'll always remember, an experience which in the long run will mean more to them than any of the trivial things which distract us.

My biggy at the moment is that in August I'm off to the Philippines to meet the girl I've been having an online relationship with since January. The whole experience has been an adventure - this is most definitely NOT my normal way of operating ! I'm both excited and nervous, hoping that it will all work out for real, but acutely aware that it could be a disaster ! I'm determined to remain positive and to just enjoy the experience, give 100% and accept whatever happens. It will also be nice to get out of China for a change, I've been here for over 4 years without a break, so I need to get a different perspective.

Wow, mariposafe, that's great and gutsy. Action steps trumps shoulda-woulda-coulda. I admire your tenacity and positive outlook.

Sending joy and happiness balloons out to you both. http://emoticoner.com/files/emoticons/smileys/balloons-smiley.gif?1292867552

[gripreaper]

today is my birthday. and to celebrate i am taking my daughters to a festival in another town. and then my mother is taking me out for chinese tonight! i don't like getting older, but i do love spending the day with my family. it is a wonderful day.
warmest regards, corson

OMG, have an awesome birthday Corson. Sorry I just found out!

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/06/26/article-0-13CC1715000005DC-187_964x526.jpg

[Zencat]

What a wonderful thread, Jagman!

My good news is that I became a granddad yesterday! My daughter delivered a beautiful baby girl at 9.21 a.m. on July 1st. I welcome this wonderful little spirit into our world and wish it nothing but the best that life can give .... :luv:

[jagman]

After over a year of trying, my wife and I have finally done it, were gonna have a baby!! Another future avalonian in the making!!

Congratulations To dreamer and Wife.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6UVhZTTWb0&feature=player_detailpage

[crosby]

After over a year of trying, my wife and I have finally done it, were gonna have a baby!! Another future avalonian in the making!!

oh wow, congratulations. i am so happy for you both. this is wonderful news. here's wishing you and your wife a wonderful new addition to the family! fantastic!!!!!!
warmest regards, corson

thank you everyone who wished me well for my birthday, it was a wonderful day!

[jagman]

Avalonian Family traversing timelines: http://www.pic4ever.com/images/wind14.gif

I look forward to our daily and nightly visits. We spent the days running errands in Connecticut, USA. Sometimes, walk by the river in a local state park. We continued with conversations. Lots and lots of them, and some come to the fore for one-to-one chat then retreated into the whole for group chat and energy share. Strange, yet more real than what's real to most.

Love to you, All, http://emoticoner.com/files/emoticons/smileys/wet-kiss-smiley.gif?1292867699
WhiteCrowBlackDeer

........................................ http://www.pic4ever.com/images/z5.gif

WhiteCrowBlackDeer, I Just wanted to say thank you for all of the positive energy
you bring to Avalon:wave:

[jagman]

What a wonderful thread, Jagman!

My good news is that I became a granddad yesterday! My daughter delivered a beautiful baby girl at 9.21 a.m. on July 1st. I welcome this wonderful little spirit into our world and wish it nothing but the best that life can give .... :luv:

Zencat, Thank you for sharing your wonderful news. Truly wonderful:tea:

[jagman]

I just want to thank everyone who shared on this thread. It made me smile.:victory: These are troubling times we live in and I feel we must
search out and remember what is truly good in this world.

[crosby]

What a wonderful thread, Jagman!

My good news is that I became a granddad yesterday! My daughter delivered a beautiful baby girl at 9.21 a.m. on July 1st. I welcome this wonderful little spirit into our world and wish it nothing but the best that life can give .... :luv:

Zencat, Thank you for sharing your wonderful news. Truly wonderful:tea:

she was born on my birthday. how wonderful. thank you for sharing this with us! and jagman, i couldn't agree more, this thread is a great place to come and smile and share wonderful life events. thanks so much for bringing it to us.
warmest regards, corson

[foreverfan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yA2i60AVIw

[UnrealDreams]

Beautful thread. Congrats Zencat! Happy belated B-Day Corson!

I just got married 5 weeks ago. I have never been so in love. To my beautiful, extrordinary wife....I love you!!

Have a great trip, Jagman. My parents used to take us on summer vacation every year. It was the best times ever. Love and family bonding is essential for children. Best of luck!