I belong to this great marketing group called MomSelect.  Every so often they send me goodies to share and a heads up on upcoming events.

Just the other day they sent me an email about the Walt Disney World Mom's Panel.  This is a panel if 16 women (because, face it, mommies make the vacation plans) who will answer questions, offer advice and address specific concerns of families in the process of planning a trip to Walt Disney World® Resort.

Of course you have to have "been there done that" so a spot on the panel includes a Disney vacation (this year it's December 5-9).

If this sounds good to you just give the cutesie button below a click (sign ups begin September 8, 2008) and have a go!  Candidates will be asked to answer a series of questions and write three brief essays; selected panelists will serve a one-year term and will each receive a 5-night, 6-day vacation to Walt Disney World for four people.

I also have a few Disney goodies (courtesy of the Disney Vacation Club and MomSelect) to give away: a CD brochure about the Disney Vacation Club, a "Mickey Ears" luggage tag and 2 tubes of chap stick (with handy clips so they don't get lost).  Just leave me a comment for your chance to win.  (Make sure you leave an email so I can contact you!)  I will draw for this prize on September 8, 2008.

And don't forget to check out MomSelect for yourself! 

I rarely pack without using Space Bags.  Big ones, small ones...  And now The Cube. 

Be sure to see my video about packing for 4 for our last big vacation (it is really quite amazing how much stuff you can get in these bags and how much room they save.

Look how much space we saved on our recent camping trip using the a couple Space Bag Cubes: I'll ask again: How can you not love this product?

Doug and I had camped many times before the girls were born.  But that camping was so much different than what we did this past weekend.  You see, before the girls came along we did very rustic camping (read: no running water, no electricity, no toilets).  What we did this past weekend with the girls was almost like camping in luxury.

Don't misunderstand, we were in a tent- a very nice tent, but still a tent.  What made it nice was the campground.  We stayed at Pammel Park, just south of Winterset, Iowa in Madison County (as in "The Bridges of", about 30 minutes south-west of Des Moines). 

The campground is set up for RVs with water and electricity but also has "tent only" sites without those amenities.  We chose an RV site and went to work setting up camp.  The girls helped in their "this is a game" way but overall it was painless as the tent went together easily and I brought chairs, drinks and snacks to keep the girls occupied.

Close to the campsite was a play area (a must with my girls) and a modern restroom (with a shower). Each campsite also has a fire pit and picnic table.

Pammel Park was one of Iowa's first State Parks and is full of history and adventures.  We spent time exploring the park around the Lodge (built in the 1920's), playing in the ford across Middle River (I have yet to meet a kid who can't spend hours throwing rocks into water) and hiking through the wide expanses of parkland.  Brenna even toasted her first marshmallows.


With all the fun we had there are a few things that would have made our stay better.  I found this great camping checklist online but have some necessities of my own to add to it:

• I pack for camping in plastic totes (like Rubbermaid or Sterilite).  Why mess up nice luggage?  These also come in very handy for keeping your food safe from small critters (or larger ones).
• The new SpaceBags Cube are perfect for condensing heavy bedding.  (And if you have an airpump for an air mattress you can repack everything quite easily.)
• Oh, yes, definately an air mattress and air pump.
• Don't forget towels if the park has showers.
• Always pack one or two spare sets of clothing "just in case"
• If there is electricity available don't forget a long extention cord with plenty of outlets
• If you plan to be inside your tent in the afternoon for naps (and you have electricity available) bring a fan.  Yes, really.  You'll thank me for that tip!
• Don't forget the marshmallows!
• Even if it's summer bring jeans, socks and long sleeved shirts if you want to hike through the woods.
• Baby wipes are a life-saver (even if you don't have a baby!)
• More blankets than you think you'll need.  You'll want them for padding under sleeping bags (or get a mattress pad), to lay on top of an air mattress (or, again, a mattress pad), and it can get chilly even in the middle of summer out in the wilderness.

Camping is a great family adventure.  It's also very affordable- you don't need a big RV and you don't have to travel across the country to have a good time.

When we visit the Amana Colonies it's usually a day trip.  The last time we went we decided to try out the Holiday Inn and Wasserbahn Water Park at Little Amana just off I-80. 

We splurged on the one room "kid suite" which cost me $175.84 including tax agter my AAA discount.  Ouch!  At least it included waterpark admission for the family and coupons for free kids meals in the Seven Villages Restaurant (with the purchase of an adult meal).

The hotel itself is nice enough but you can tell it's an older location.  The rooms could use some renovation and remodeling and the walls are quite thin.  That said, the beds were comfortable, we had a small refrigerator and the bathroom was clean and had good water pressure.  It just wasn't great.  And for the price I paid I honestly expected more.  The girls enjoyed the bunkbed experience- separated from the main room by a half wall and featuring it's own television.



There is also a two room "kids suite": one room has a king bed and a queen sized pull out couch, the connecting room has another queen size pull out couch and the bunk beds.  It costs $299 per night.

You have a few choices when it comes to dining.  The hotel houses Seven Villages Restaurant.  With our room we received "kids eat free" vouchers for dinner and breakfast.  If you're after basic fare you might as well take advantage of this.  Our food was quite good- it was basic diner fare- and reasonably priced.

If you're after a really great German meal head across the road to Colony Village Restaurant.  As with all the traditional German restaurants your food is served "family style" and there is plenty!  If our travels ever take us down I-80 we always stop here.

Another option is an Iowa standard, Maid Rite.  Famous across the country for their loose meat sandwiches a new location is just across the parking lot from the hotel.

The main reason to stay at this hotel, though, is for the water park.  Again, you can see the age of the equipment and I think the entire place is in need of a mojor overhaul.  Some paint is peeling from the equipment and the climbing net in one pool seems like it would be a safety hazard as it is torn in quite a few spots. But kids will have a great time. Brenna loved the water slides and Caelan enjoyed splashing in the wading pool.



If you are a hotel guest the water park opens at 8 am and you can remain until 1pm on the day you check out. A changing room is available but I don't recommend them. When we visited they were dirty and not well maintained.  Other handy hints for Wasserbahn Water Park:

• There is very limited seating.  Get in there early and stake your claim.
• The wading pool is zero entry and gos up to 8" and has a small slide and sprinklers
• You must be 42" tall for the large slides and small children must wear a life jacket as they must slide alone.
• The deeper pool is 3'4" deep and has a basket ball hoop, a circling whirlpool and the "Mill Race"

Outside the hotel is one of the greatest outdoor play areas I have ever seen. It's a large wooden fort with climbing, crawling, sliding fun.

My girls were more hesitant to leave this than the water park. 

My recommendation after this experience?  Stay at the hotel because the waterpark is included in your room rate.  But get a regular room- the "kids suite" isn't worth the extra money.  Be sure to cehck the website for any specials or promotions, they are usually running a couple of them.

And if you don't make it into the Amana Colonies you can still get a "taste" of their German flavor at the shops directly across from the hotel.

One of our favorite Iowa destinations is the Amana Colonies.  We can wander around the villages all day and never get bored.  Now the Amana Colonies have made it even easier for visitors to tour the villages and learn about their history.

A visitor center has opened in the center of Amana.  Housed in an old corn crib and refinished inside by the amazing wood crafters from the Amana Furniture and Clock Shop this should definitely be your first stop.



The interior is open and airy and filled with displays of the famous antiques and crafts Amana is known for.  You can find brochures and tourist guides on the Amanas, Williamsburg Outlets, local hotels and Kalona, a near by Amish town.  Another great resource (that I have only seen in airports) is a direct dial phone and directory of the colonies' many B&Bs.

The visitor center  staff is knowledgable and helpful and will steer you toward the days events.  And now you can rent bikes, kids bikes, bike trailers, trail-a-bikes, wheelchairs and strollers from the visitor center ($10-$20 per day depending on the item).  The bikes are a great way to get from village to village using the bike trail at the edge of town.

Before you leave the visitor center climb to the cupola and look out over the town.  Many of the inner workings of the corn crib remain- it's really a great diversion if the kids are getting antsy while a parent is gathering information.



You'll want to spend your time in Amana wandering the quaint shops in search of treasures. Here are a few places you don't want to miss:

• The Colony Inn: This is my favorite restaurant in the colonies. (But I've tried tham all and not one is bad) Food is served "family style". You order your meats and you are brought bowls of salads, vegetables, cottage cheese and potatoes. If your kids are younger for only $1.95 they can share your meat and get a plate for the sides.
  
• Stone Hearth Bakery: wonderful baked goods.  The gingerbread men are so fresh that Brenna had to eat his legs to keep him from running away!
  
• Right across the street from the bakery is the Chocolate Haus.  Homemade and hand dipped chocolates.  YUM!
• Heritage Wine and Cheese is on the far west end of town- next to the museum.  Free tasting!  Be sure to try the Lover's Wine, the Autumn Blend and the American Pride blends.  And sample some cheese while you're there.
• The Amana Furniture and Clock Shop has an area where you can see the artisans at work (or look at their work area if they aren't working!)
  
• If you're getting tired there is a "hidden" garden next door to Maddies Fine Clothing and Gifts.
  

The most important thing to remember while you're in the Amanas is not to rush.  Take your time.  Relax.  And don't forget the other villages.  Each has it's own wonders.  Rent a bike and explore!

A while back I told you about my experience when booking at this hotel.  Thankfully the situation was handled well and we completed our stay there recently.

I picked this hotel for it's location:  I wanted a two room suite close to Stillwater- not as easy to find as I had imagined. 

Thankfully the Holiday Inn Express and Suites was able to fit my needs.  First two tips:

1. Become a rewards member with every hotel you stay at.  It costs nothing and you can earn free hotel stays.
2. Don't forget to request a discount if you are a AAA member.

This hotel has two floors; our suite we had was on the second.  Thankfully the elevator is directly across from check in so you don't have to haul your luggage far.

As promised the suite had a living area with a pull out couch that the girls (because they are small and light) were able to sleep comfortably on, an eating area, a kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, and sink, a bedroom with a queen bed and a single bathroom.  The suite was roomy enough to spread out in and we didn't feel at all cramped.

That said, the lay out could have been better.  The bathroom was located directly inside the entrance from the hall.  Relatively common, yes, but not so great when you are trying to move from the bedroom to the bathroom without waking children. 

My single favorite thing about Holiday Inn Express hotels is the breakfast included with your stay.  And this location was above average.  The weekend breakfast included: biscuits, gravy, sausage, eggs, hot cinnamon rolls, cereals, breads, fruit, yogurt, breakfast bars, milk, juice, coffee and tea.  The hot items were hot, the cold items were cold and everything was laid out neatly with easy access.

A bit more info about this location:

1. There are 4 two room suites, 12 one room suites and 4 whirlpool suites.  101 total rooms.
2. Wireless internet is available and a computer is set up in the breakfast room for your convenience.
3. A pool and exercise room are available on the main level.
4. The staff were very friendly and helpful- especially the ladies in the breakfast area.  When I was trying to juggle a tray of food and keep track of the girls (who had to "help") they were more than happy to grab beverages and silverware when my hands were full.

This location was undergoing renovations while we were staying but, honestly, I wouldn't have known but for the sign in the lobby.

The two room suite costs $135.99 per night (with AAA discount).  For it's location, the space we had and the services the hotel provides I will gladly stay there again.

Stillwater, the "birthplace of Minnesota" lies on the St. Croix river about 30 minutes east of St. Paul.  And while the town is best known as a haven for antiquing and romantic couples getaways there is plenty of fun to be had with your children in tow.

A tour of the Joseph Wolf Brewery Caves is informative for you and an exciting adventure for your little ones.  After all, it's rumored that the Stillwater caves were used by gangsters to hide money and liquor back when St.Paul was a safe haven.  The tour is interesting and you will be amazed at how clear and still the water is below the ground.

If a larger body of water is more along your interests you'll want to book a cruise on one of the historic paddlewheel boats that cruise the St. Croix River.  A luncheon cruise is just the right length for getting your young ones to slow down.  The river will relax them and the kid friendly lunch buffet includes deli meats & cheeses, fruits, salads and cookies- which are best eaten with a river view.  If you're very lucky you will get to go under the lift bridge.  (If not there are great places to view the bridge from the river banks.  My daughters were fascinated...)

Landlubbers (and history buffs) will enjoy the hour long trolley tours.  The driver will keep you entertained with stories of lumberjacks and the Lumber Barons who built some of the town's greatest houses. 

If shopping is more your thing there is plenty of it.  Along with antiques and artisans you will find wonderful boutiques.  My girls really loved Doozie, which is filled with anything your little (or big) princess could want.  From crowns and jewels to clothing and bags this is a store to find everything you must have that you didn't know you wanted.

Another great store is Autumn Cottage.  It's a home furnishings store that will leave you wishing your home was larger, and their kids' store is just as fabulous.  The nostalgic feel of so many of their items will leave you wishing you had more room in your car to take it all home!  I found a wonderful Map of the USA puzzle in it's own little carrying box.  Fun and educational.

And, before you leave, make a stop in Lily's Grill and Malt Shop.  Just don't wait until the kids are starving because there is always a wait to be seated at this landmark restaurant.  It's located on the corner of Main street just a couple blocks up from the lift bridge.

Tip:  Stillwater is very hilly.  Make sure to bring a stroller or backpack for when the littlest ones get tired. 

Believe it or not we actually ventured in to the Mall of America with the sole intention of visiting the new Nickelodeon Universe. 

The nice thing about this theme park is there is no admission.  You can walk through without paying a dime.  If you want to ride...  Well, that will cost you.  We bought a "Comet Package" (35 points) for $31.50 plus tax.  Because the average ride is 3 points this pass didn't last long.  If you plan to spend an entire day at the mall or if you have older children I would splurge on the Unlimited Ride Wristband for $29.95 each.

Nickeoldoen Universe has all your favorite Nick characters hosting their own rides as well as a few "old favorites" like the Big Rigs and the carousel. Our first order of business was to find the Backyardigans.  But as we were making our way through the park we saw Dora- live and in person!

There are two spots in the park where you can meet your favorite characters, give them hugs and have your picture taken.  Brenna was very excited to meet Dora!



Caelan... Well, not so much...



After saying goodbye to Dora we found the Backyardigans Swing-Along.



And then the Big Rigs.



This was followed by a classic carousel and then the El Circulo del Cielo (ferris wheel) with Dora.

These four rides consumed our points (and Doug got to ride the Big Rigs free with Caelan and we both rode the carousel free with the girls)- they go fast.  Luckily, for our girls, that was enough and we got to go on with our day.

Helpful things to know:

• There are 7 rides that allow a chaperone to ride for free with small children. 
• Tickets can be purchased at self serve kiosks with a credit card.  If you prefer to pay cash you have to brave the largest Nickelodeon retail store in the country or guest services.
• There are two restrooms in the park itself as well as two ATMs.
• Within the park there are 3 places to eat:  Eats (a wide variety of foods), Caribou Coffee and Kemps Ice Cream Cafe.
• You can shop at 5 Nickelodeon stores- including the flagship store with the most Nickelodeon merchandise you'll find anywhere!
• If your teens are too cool for the rides there is a huge arcade with all the hottest games.

If you're looking for better food than you can find in the park or upstairs at the food court allow me to suggest the California Cafe.  It is just upstairs from Nickelodeon Universe (their patio overlooks the park) so you don't have to go far.  The food is exceptional (the Chicken Tostadas and Salmon Enchiladas we had were so fresh and yummy!) and the kids meals (presented in a bento box) are healthy and kid friendly.

And if you've got a budding architect in your family be sure to spend some time at LegoLand, right next to Nickelodeon Universe.  You can play with Legos, buy Legos in bulk and marvel at the Lego creations.

Renting a car in a foreign country for the first time can be very confusing. What do you need? How do you get the best deal? Do you rent on your own or use a package deal? I have a few tricks for you to keep in mind.
     
    1) Do your homework. You need to check all your options when you are traveling. You want to get the best deal but you also want a vehicle that will fit your needs. A cheap small car probably won’t work for a family of 4 with luggage for a week. 
    
    2) Always pay in your local currency when possible. It will keep you from paying foreign transaction fees and you will probably pay less than the conversion rate. 
    
    3) Try to pick up your vehicle away from airports. This is especially easy in large cities with great public transportation (London, Paris, Rome, Dublin, New York, etc). It’s simple supply and demand- more people pick up cars at airports, therefore the rates can be higher. 
    
    4) In a foreign country by the CDW (collision damage waiver). Your auto insurance won’t cover an accident and CDWs are relatively cheap. 
    
    5) Let a car hire company search the best rates for you. ArgusCarHire is one I utilize quite a bit. They search over 450 rental agencies worldwide for the best deal. Their website is very easy to use and their list of pick up/drop off locations is one of the most extensive I’ve seen. 

    6) Know how to drive a manual transmission.  You will most likely pay more for an automatic.

This is a really handy tip if you will be traveling in a country where you don't speak the language very well (because you should always speak just a bit- even if it's only "thank you").

AAA offices can set you up with an International Driving Permit for $15.  It's valid in over 150 countries and contains your name, photo and driving information in 10 languages.

Hopefully you never need it but if you do happen to get involved in an accident having identification available in the native language of the country you are visiting sure can't hurt!