Go To Bed, School’s A Coming

With back to school around the corner, most of my mommy friends are talking about schedules and mainly how to get their kids back on them.

Have you had a scheduled bedtime?
Have your kids been sleeping until whenever they decide to wake?
Then it might be time to start rescheduling that school time clock again.

If you are letting your kids stay up until whenever, start sending them to bed around an hour earlier than usual. Over the course of the next three weeks move it up until they are back on schedule.

Having a routine at night will make the transition easier for all of you.

Family fun time (game, movie, playing outdoors, taking a walk around the neighborhood, snuggling together on the floor, or whatever your family loves to do that isn’t extremely active.

*A snack

*Bath

*PJ’s

*Tooth brushing

*A story or two

*Hugs and kisses, good-night

In the morning, start setting the clock for an hour or two earlier depending on when your little darlings are waking. Use that extra time to do something together as a family. Make them breakfast, take them to the park, a farm, or the library. The weather is nice and cool in the morning and no one else is there. Walk around and enjoy your last few weeks together before every one’s life becomes more routine.

Starting slowly will make the transition easy for everyone involved and make it a whole lot easier than waiting until the week before school.

Enjoy your kids because they grow out of us a whole lot quicker than we grow out of them.

Mwaaahhhh!

After The End by Clare Mackintosh - Gripping Story by NY Times Bestselling Author

New York Times bestselling author Clare Mackintosh's latest novel AFTER THE END (G.P. Putnam's Sons) was released in paperback on June 16th

“I devoured this book on a rainy Sunday, and then felt dizzy afterwards—like the book had almost knocked me over . . . it works beautifully.”
—Jenny Hollander, Marie Claire

 

“After the End is a beautifully written novel, compelling and clever, tender and true. 

I can’t stop thinking about it.”
—Liane Moriarty, #1 New York Times bestselling author of 

The Husband’s Secret and Big Little Lies

 

“Mackintosh veers from the thrillers for which she is known into quieter, but no less captivating, territory...[After the End] is tailor-made for book clubs and for fans of Jodi Picoult.”
—Publishers Weekly

 

Max and Pip are the strongest couple you know. They’re best friends, lovers–unshakable. But then their son gets sick and the doctors put the question of his survival into their hands. For the first time, Max and Pip can’t agree. They each want a different future for their son.  What if they could have both?

A gripping and propulsive exploration of love, marriage, parenthood, and the road not taken, AFTER THE END brings one unforgettable family from unimaginable loss to a surprising, satisfying, and redemptive ending and the life they are fated to find. With the emotional power of Jodi Picoult’s My Sister’s Keeper, Mackintosh helps us to see that sometimes the end is just another beginning.

Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe Soundtrack Available NOW #DISNEYMUSIC

DIGITAL SOUNDTRACK FROM THE DISNEY+ ORIGINAL MOVIE

AVAILABLE NOW

   BURBANK, CA -- August 28, 2020 --"Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe," from Disney Television Animation premieres exclusively on Disney+ today. The soundtrack from Walt Disney Records is available now. "The Phineas and Ferb Ultimate Playlist" can be heard here.

 The soundtrack features 17 songs including the singles, "Such a Beautiful Day performed by Ashley Tisdale; "We're Back' performed by Vincent Martella, Ashley Tisdale, Dan Povenmire and the end title credit "Silhouettes" performed by Robbie Wyckoff and the Phineas and Ferb cast.  The music is composed and produced by Danny Jacob ("Phineas and Ferb") and features guest songwriters Karey Kirkpatrick ("Something Rotten!"), Emanuel Kiriakou (Whitney Houston's "I Look To You") and Kate Micucci ("Garfunkel and Oates").

  Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe track list:

 1. "Such a Beautiful Day"   

2. "The Universe is Against Me" 

3. "Meet Our Leader" 

4. "Unsung Hero" 

5. "Adulting"

6. "Girls Day Out"

7. "This Is Our Battle Song"

8. "Us Against the Universe"

9. "Silhouettes"

10. "We're Back"

11. "Space Adventure"

12. "Chop Away at My Heart"

13. "Step into the Great Unknown"

14. "Candace Against the Universe"

15. "Cowardly Story/Fall Out of Ship"

16. "Candace Rocks/Showdown"

17. "Heartstrings to Hero"

 About "Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe"    

"Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe" is an adventure story that tracks stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb as they set out across the galaxy to rescue their older sister Candace, who after being abducted by aliens, finds utopia in a far-off planet, free of pesky little brothers.

 Voice talent reprising their roles from the original series and movie include: Ashley Tisdale as Candace Flynn; Vincent Martella as Phineas Flynn; Caroline Rhea as their mom, Linda; Dee Bradley Baker as Perry the Platypus; Alyson Stoner as Isabella; Maulik Pancholy as Baljeet; Bobby Gaylor as Buford; Olivia Olson as Vanessa Doofenshmirtz; Tyler Mann as Carl; and Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh as Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz and Major Monogram, respectively. David Errigo Jr. joins the cast as Ferb Fletcher. The movie is executive-produced by the creators/executive producers of the Emmy Award-winning "Phineas and Ferb" series, Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh and directed by Bob Bowen ("Family Guy").

The 411:

My kids were so into Phineas and Ferb a few short years ago. It was one of my favorite shows to watch with them especially since Ashley Tisdale from High School Musical voiced Candace. We still occasionally watch when we can't think of something to put on and are so excited there is a new movie to hopefully introduce them to a whole new generation of kids. 

I have been singing Such a Beautiful Day while driving to work this week. It is so cheesy and I love that about it. 

The sun is shining, not a cloud in the sky

My stars are aligning and I swear that I
Could do anything
On such a beautiful day

My life's an open book, I'm gonna write a new page
And I know that I'm mixing my metaphors
But you can probably get the main gist of what I'm trying to say

Candace is one heck of a character. If you don't know anything about Phineas and Ferb Candace is their sister. Like most big sisters she is usually babysitting her younger brothers and they get into all kinds of outrageous shenanigans (OMG I love that word) but the only one who ever sees what they are up to is Candace and just when she thinks she will finally be able to show someone else what they are up to, everything is back to normal. 

In this movie the brothers have to rescue Candace in outer space and I cannot wait to see it!

The soundtrack starts with Candace singing about this beautiful day she is having, a fun, bubbly, happy song then the next song The Whole Universe is Against Me an edgier song again sung by Candace after her apparent abduction.

What I love about this soundtrack was how we had pop, rock, Broadway style and so much more. I friggin love it and could listen to this anytime. All the songs stayed true to the style of the show and made me long for the days when my kids and I lay around watching Phineas and Ferb without a care in the world.

It was so much fun and my favorite score was probably Candace Against the Universe. It was epic. So high energy and fast. That double bass and shredding guitar was very Metallica!  I have played it way too much and really appreciated the "Doofenshmirtz Incorporated".

All in all a great soundtrack with something for everyone. 

 About Disney+

Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. As part of Disney's Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment, Disney+ is available on most internet-connected devices and offers commercial-free programming with a variety of original feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content. Alongside unprecedented access to Disney's incredible library of film and television entertainment, the service is also the exclusive streaming home for the latest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. Disney+ is available as part of a bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported), and ESPN+. Visit DisneyPlus.com to subscribe and/or learn more about the service.

 For more information on Walt Disney Records' releases become a fan at Facebook.com/disneymusic or follow us at Twitter.com/disneymusic and Instagram.com/disneymusic.

 

Top Career Options for Those Who Love Water Sports

SOURCE

It’s natural to want to turn a beloved hobby into a viable career option, especially if you’re young and trying to decide which career path to take. If you’ve been honing your strength and skill with a particular water sport for the majority of your life, then you’re probably wondering what you can do for a career to support this. 

Here are some great career options for those who love water sports. 

Sport Instructor

With any water sport comes the need to learn, and you could put your skills to good use by helping and teaching others to learn and participate in any chosen water sport. You could aim to become an instructor of a specific sport, or perhaps you’d like to try your hand at a few if you’re skilled at more than one. 

Instructors can open up their own instructor business so that learners can hire them privately for lessons, or you could see which opportunities are available in water sport hotspots, such as vacation complexes or those businesses at beaches or lakes. 

Furthermore, you can even offer instruction for other water sport activities, such as jet ski or boat hire, if you’re also skilled in sailing or using water equipment. 

Lifeguard 

If swimming is where your strengths lie and you’d like to turn your skills to having more responsibility for others (as well as spending all your time by the water, whether at a pool or the ocean) then a lifeguard could be a valuable career choice. 

This is a great option for those who already lead a highly active lifestyle and want more of an incentive to keep it up in order to pass their physical as a lifeguard!

Play Professionally 

Maybe you have athletic dreams of playing professionally in your favourite sport. A good way to develop your skills and get noticed is through seeking out scholarships for water sports, like with asmscholarships.com. This will help you to study and progress in your chosen field in order to work towards a professional athletic career. 

Swimming Instructors 

Maybe you’d like to work at a local pool and give swimming lessons to those who need it. You could teach children and adults alike in providing private or group lessons to assist people in learning to swim. 

Water Aerobics 

You may have had dreams about becoming a fitness instructor, but want to stick close to the water. Becoming a water aerobics instructor is a great way to help people keep fit whilst being able to spend time in the water. 

There may be opportunities for water aerobics anywhere, such as local indoor pools, outdoor pools or even opportunities in other countries, such as classes offered at hotels, vacation complexes or on cruise ships. 

Final Thoughts 

Looking for a career tailored around water sports can open up many opportunities for you around the world. As water sports are so popular, both as a healthy pastime and as a vacation activity, there will always be opportunities to put your skill and passion to good use.

The 4 Biggest Safety Hazards for Your Home (And the Solutions)

SOURCE

Your home should serve as a haven for both you and your family. Yet, accidents can happen in the property that could lead to minor, serious, or fatal injuries. To keep your loved ones safe and secure throughout the years, you must identify the potential dangers and their solutions. 

Find out more about the four biggest safety hazards for your home and how to protect your family from them.

1. Fire Hazards

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fires can lead to approximately 2,620 annual deaths in the United States. It is also responsible for 11,220 injuries.

There are, however, actions you can take to prevent a fire from breaking out across your property. For example, you must install fire alarms in your kitchen, hallways, and the basement, which you should check monthly. You also must never leave a hot pan unattended, and you should place a damp tea towel over it if it goes up in flames. 

Other fire protection tips include:

• Never leave a candle burning overnight or when leaving the home

• Extinguish all cigarettes

• Keep both lighters and matches away from children

• Hire a qualified electrician to regularly test your wiring

Some products could also protect your family in the event of a fire within the home. For example, you should consider buying various APFE Corp. fire protection products, such as fire sprinklers and fire extinguishers. Even with being extra diligent with fire safety, accidents can and do happen; therefore, investing in these products will ensure the ultimate protection for all who live under your roof. 

2. Poisoning

Children are curious by nature, so they will be eager to explore different kitchen cabinets. However, as a kitchen can contain many poisonous substances, you must take the steps to keep them out of your child’s reach.

For example, you must:

• Store cleaning products and other harmful substances in higher cabinets

• Add child-proof locks onto all kitchen cabinets

• Never leave children unattended in your kitchen

• Store paint and pesticides in locked garages or sheds

 

3. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning can prove fatal following lengthy exposure. There are also minimal signs of a leak, as the gas is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. While it is not always possible to experience carbon monoxide poisoning side effects, common symptoms can include:

• Feelings of nausea

• Dizziness

• Confusion

• Fatigue

• Breathing difficulties

You can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by ventilating various fuel-burning appliances, such as water heaters, furnaces, ovens, and dryers. It’s also essential to install a CO detector that will alert your family if it identifies the presence of carbon monoxide.

4. Falls

Falls can happen in any environment, and the home is no exception. In addition to causing fatalities, it’s possible for every age to experience serious or minor injuries, such as broken bones, muscle injuries, and head injuries.

Thankfully, there are actions you can take to prevent falls in the home. For example, you could install safety gates at the top and bottom of staircases, which can prevent children from tumbling down. Stairlifts can also prevent seniors from experiencing a fall when walking up or down the stairs.

You also should:

• Stick down or remove rugs

• Declutter every room

• Tidy loose electrical cords

• Add a rubber mat into a bathtub and/or shower

• Install grab rails in a senior’s home

Accidents can happen almost anywhere in the home and with little notice. It’s for this reason why you should consider the above preventative products and tactics to protect both you and your family.

Cats & Dogs 3: Paws Unite! – First Film Clip & Photos Revealed!

Cats & Dogs 3: Paws Unite! features an all-star comedy lineup lending their voices to this new generation of four footed and two winged friends including Melissa Rauch (The Big Bang Theory) as Gwen the cat, Max Greenfield (The Neighborhood, New Girl) as Roger the dog, and George Lopez as Pablo the Parrot. The film is directed by Sean McNamara (Soul Surfer) and written by Scott Bindley (The Last Summer). Producers are Andrew Lazar (Cats & Dogs, Get Smart) and David Fliegel.

 

About Cats & Dogs 3: Paws Unite!

It's been 10 years since the creation of the Great Truce, an elaborate joint-species surveillance system designed and monitored by cats and dogs to keep the peace when conflicts arise. But when a tech-savvy villain hacks into wireless networks to use frequencies only heard by cats and dogs, he manipulates them into conflict, and the worldwide battle between cats and dogs is BACK ON. Now, a team of inexperienced and untested agents will have to use their old-school animal instincts to restore order and peace between cats and dogs everywhere

4 Tricks to Keep Your Valuables Safe

 

Thanks to Clarissa Watson for sharing their work on Unsplash.

Despite the joy of owning pricey jewelry or other valuable items, as any jewelry owner knows, one downside is the fear of its theft or loss. Family heirlooms, expensive earrings, and even personal documents are all potentially valuable to scheming thieves, making their protection instrumental. But how can you best protect these items without becoming a paranoid, battle-hungry collector? Here are four quick tips to help you secure all your valuables — away from prying eyes and hands. 

1. Install Security Cameras 

Easy, painless, and relatively quick, installing a security camera in your house is a simple way to warn off intruders and catch them if they do decide to sneak in. Some even choose to install faux-cameras, merely to give off the appearance of thorough protection — for many thieves, this is enough to dissuade, provided the cameras are obvious and intimidating enough. Most, however, opt for real cameras to catch criminals in the act. 

2. Invest in a Safe 

Sure, it’s a little obvious, but safes are only cliche because they’ve worked so well for so long. If you live in a big city, like San Francisco or Denver, you might consider investing in safes Denver to store your valuables inside your home — safe and sound. 

3. Hide Valuables in an Unusual Place 

When someone breaks into your house, they probably don’t want to spend an hour or two combing through your couches, kitchen cabinets, and potted plant collection in search of your jewelry box. Consider hollowing out a book, using an empty, clean can of food, or using the back of your freezer. If you have more time or resources, you can also try removing and altering pre-existing building components, such as floor panels, window sills, and cabinet doors. 

4. Get Insurance 

While insurance won’t necessarily help you before a break-in, you might be able to recoup some of the financial damage, at least, in case of an emergency. It’s not a perfect solution, but often, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and insurance can help with that. 

You likely don’t want to imagine your valuables being stolen from underneath your nose, of course, but on some level, it’s inevitable that you prepare for this possibility. Grandma’s diamond ring and your children’s social security papers are important to you, and it’s best that you protect them as much as you can. With these four tricks, though, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your valuables safe.

Get Your Kids Outside During the Pandemic!

Cincinnati, Ohio based Jeff Alt, adventurer, teacher, and author of Get Your Kids Hiking and the young adult national park time travel series, The Adventures of Bubba Jones, is on a mission to help parents and kids of all ages get outside and stay in shape having fun safely during the pandemic. 

Researchers agree that the risk of COVID transmission is lower with outdoor recreation activities. Scientific evidence proves that time spent in nature increases your creativity, helps prevent depression, improves your overall health, and is a great way to spend time together. 

Why are walking, hiking and camping among the best activities you can do during the COVID19 Pandemic?

Due to the pandemic, students, parents, and teachers are having to study and work remotely indoors this fall and maybe into the winter.  But excessive screen time is being associated with increased childhood obesity, mental health issues, and even social skill problems. On top of that, many sport activities have been cancelled this fall due to the COVID pandemic. 

All of this points to the importance and the advantages of walking, hiking and camping as a great way to stay healthy physically and mentally.

How do you stay safe from COVID19 exposure while camping and hiking?

• Stay local!  Explore your local area. Avoid popular trails and destinations.  Take the trail less traveled. Hike and camp at times and days when the park is not busy. 
• Be prepared! Bring your own toilet paper, hand sanitizer and travel wipes.  Restroom facilities may not be open and this will allow you to be self-sufficient and sanitary.
• Keep your distance! When you encounter others, step off the trail and let them pass.  Make sure to stay six feet apart and don a mask during the close encounter.  Turn your face away from others and don’t stop and chat!
• Be extra cautious in public restrooms. Wear your mask if you go in a park restroom. If you touch a surface, wash and sanitize and keep your hands away from your mouth. Wash your hands and use your travel wipes and hand sanitizer frequently.

Planning for Outdoor Recreation and Fall Family Hikes

A big part of making a fall hiking and camping adventure fun and safe is to stay warm, dry, hydrated and fed.  Fall can offer some brilliant leaf peeping opportunities, but you may also experience adverse weather conditions. Here are a few tips:

• Plan ahead. Study your area and identify the best places to go in advance.
• Bundle Up for the Season and Stay Dry: Make sure everyone is wearing layered non-cotton clothing.  Pack along hats, mittens, and a waterproof outer shell.
• Map, Compass & GPS: Bring a topo map, compass and GPS (if you have GPS) and know how to use them. Know how to signal for help if you’re lost (three loud whistle bursts, bright colored clothing item placed in open clearing; etc.).
• Bring a hiking stove and some Cocoa: Pack along a hiking stove, hot cocoa and soup packets. Most kids never turn down a cup of piping hot cocoa after a cold romp in the snow and this will also help warm your inner core.
• Pack Extra Snacks & Enough Water. You burn more calories in cold weather and the added snacks will keep your kids energized. Be sure to bring your kids favorite foods to encourage everyone to eat. Stop often for water breaks.

Start’em Young: Ergonomically designed baby carriers make it easy and fun to carry your infant and toddler with you wherever you hike. Walk to your favorite park or beach.  Stop often and let your little one explore. Make your hike a routine your kids will look forward to.

Let the Kids Lead!: Follow the leader! Hike at your child’s pace and distance. Whatever your child takes interest in, stop and explore that bug, leaf, or rock with them. Tell them about the animals, rocks, trees, and flowers. Getting to the destination is less important than making sure your kids have so much fun, they will want to go again and again.

Count Down to the Adventure: Psych the kids up with pictures, videos, and highlights of the places they will go and the things they will see. Use books, magazines, maps, and the Internet, especially park websites and videos showing the spectacular wildlife and locations they will see. 

Bring Water and Food Kids Love: Hand out needed extra energy snacks and water as needed on the trail. Pack their favorite snacks and bring plenty of water. Stop often for a drink and a snack. 

Pack Fun Items: Let young children fill their adventure pack with a bug catcher, magnifying glass, binoculars, a camera, a map and compass, whistle, or flashlight. Let your little adventurer take ownership and pack a few items of his own; even if it’s not hiking-related. 

Play Games and Bring a Friend: Play I Spy using your surroundings as you walk along. Create your own scavenger hunt in search of animals, plants, and views along the way. Make up rhymes and sing songs as you walk. Pack a plant and animal identification guide for your older child. Let your social butterfly bring a friend, with parental permission. Intrigue your computer-savvy child with the high-tech hiking gadgets like a GPS, headlamp, flashlights, and pedometers. Use your GPS and take your kids on a geocaching adventure. 

Suit Up in Comfort, Style, and the Latest Technology

• Footwear: Make sure everyone is wearing trail shoes or boots with a sturdy sole. A Vibram sole with a waterproof breathable liner is preferred. Wear non-cotton, moisture-wicking, synthetic or wool socks.
• Clothing: Dress for the weather! Wear non-cotton synthetic, wool & fleece clothes and dress in layers. Wear multipurpose clothes like pants that zip off into shorts or shirts with roll-up sleeves. Pack a waterproof breathable rain parka. Dress for the season with a fleece hat & gloves or a hat with a wide brim for sun protection.
• Packs: Get age- and size-appropriate backpacks that fit each hiker comfortably with hydration hose capability.
• Trekking Poles: Get a pair of adjustable, collapsible poles with an ergonomically designed handle for each person.
• Fresh, Clean Water: You can get a hydration hose system for your pack or just use bottles. Disinfect wild water using hi-tech portable treatment water systems such as a UV wand or micro-straining filter.
• Communication: Bring a smartphone so you can take lots of pictures and if there’s connectivity, email to family or upload to your online blog or Facebook page. Carry a GPS unit to keep you located on the trail and for geocaching.
• Other Must Haves: Suntan lotion and bug repellent containing Deet or Picaridin; First aid kit that accommodates the whole group & first aid knowledge to go along with the kit. Bring a compass & map and brush up on how to use them. Learn how to make a shelter to keep you warm and dry. Keep matches and a lighter in a dry place and know how to make a fire to keep warm. Carry a whistle and a signal mirror in case you get lost. Pack a survival knife with a locking blade. Bring a headlamp flashlight, extra batteries, 50 feet of rope or twine, and always have several feet of duct tape for that unexpected repair.

Jeff’s Newest Book

The Adventures of Bubba Jones: Time Traveling Through Grand Canyon National Park was just released on August 3rd, 2020.  It is the fourth book in time traveling national park series designed for young adults ages 8 to 12, which combines education with entertainment in a thrill packed journey through time loaded with fun facts about history, ecology and science about the park and its inhabitants.

 

Jeff Alt is available for feature stories, blog posts, podcast, or interviews by phone or Skype or zoom meetings online by arrangement. Please call or email and let us know how we can help you. Paul Krupin, Publicist for Jeff Alt 509-531-8390  Paul@DirectContactPR.com Get Your Kids Outside During the Pandemic!  Cincinnati, Ohio based Jeff Alt, adventurer, teacher, and author of Get Your Kids Hiking and the young adult national park time travel series, The Adventures of Bubba Jones, is on a mission to help parents and kids of all ages get outside and stay in shape having fun safely during the pandemic.  Researchers agree that the risk of COVID transmission is lower with outdoor recreation activities. Scientific evidence proves that time spent in nature increases your creativity, helps prevent depression, improves your overall health, and is a great way to spend time together.  Why are walking, hiking and camping among the best activities you can do during the COVID19 Pandemic? Due to the pandemic, students, parents, and teachers are having to study and work remotely indoors this fall and maybe into the winter.  But excessive screen time is being associated with increased childhood obesity, mental health issues, and even social skill problems. On top of that, many sport activities have been cancelled this fall due to the COVID pandemic.  All of this points to the importance and the advantages of walking, hiking and camping as a great way to stay healthy physically and mentally. How do you stay safe from COVID19 exposure while camping and hiking? Stay local!  Explore your local area. Avoid popular trails and destinations.  Take the trail less traveled. Hike and camp at times and days when the park is not busy.  Be prepared! Bring your own toilet paper, hand sanitizer and travel wipes.  Restroom facilities may not be open and this will allow you to be self-sufficient and sanitary. Keep your distance! When you encounter others, step off the trail and let them pass.  Make sure to stay six feet apart and don a mask during the close encounter.  Turn your face away from others and don’t stop and chat! Be extra cautious in public restrooms. Wear your mask if you go in a park restroom. If you touch a surface, wash and sanitize and keep your hands away from your mouth. Wash your hands and use your travel wipes and hand sanitizer frequently. Planning for Outdoor Recreation and Fall Family Hikes A big part of making a fall hiking and camping adventure fun and safe is to stay warm, dry, hydrated and fed.  Fall can offer some brilliant leaf peeping opportunities, but you may also experience adverse weather conditions. Here are a few tips: Plan ahead. Study your area and identify the best places to go in advance. Bundle Up for the Season and Stay Dry: Make sure everyone is wearing layered non-cotton clothing.  Pack along hats, mittens, and a waterproof outer shell. Map, Compass & GPS: Bring a topo map, compass and GPS (if you have GPS) and know how to use them. Know how to signal for help if you’re lost (three loud whistle bursts, bright colored clothing item placed in open clearing; etc.). Bring a hiking stove and some Cocoa: Pack along a hiking stove, hot cocoa and soup packets. Most kids never turn down a cup of piping hot cocoa after a cold romp in the snow and this will also help warm your inner core. Pack Extra Snacks & Enough Water. You burn more calories in cold weather and the added snacks will keep your kids energized. Be sure to bring your kids favorite foods to encourage everyone to eat. Stop often for water breaks. Start’em Young: Ergonomically designed baby carriers make it easy and fun to carry your infant and toddler with you wherever you hike. Walk to your favorite park or beach.  Stop often and let your little one explore. Make your hike a routine your kids will look forward to. Let the Kids Lead!: Follow the leader! Hike at your child’s pace and distance. Whatever your child takes interest in, stop and explore that bug, leaf, or rock with them. Tell them about the animals, rocks, trees, and flowers. Getting to the destination is less important than making sure your kids have so much fun, they will want to go again and again. Count Down to the Adventure: Psych the kids up with pictures, videos, and highlights of the places they will go and the things they will see. Use books, magazines, maps, and the Internet, especially park websites and videos showing the spectacular wildlife and locations they will see.  Bring Water and Food Kids Love: Hand out needed extra energy snacks and water as needed on the trail. Pack their favorite snacks and bring plenty of water. Stop often for a drink and a snack.  Pack Fun Items: Let young children fill their adventure pack with a bug catcher, magnifying glass, binoculars, a camera, a map and compass, whistle, or flashlight. Let your little adventurer take ownership and pack a few items of his own; even if it’s not hiking-related.  Play Games and Bring a Friend: Play I Spy using your surroundings as you walk along. Create your own scavenger hunt in search of animals, plants, and views along the way. Make up rhymes and sing songs as you walk. Pack a plant and animal identification guide for your older child. Let your social butterfly bring a friend, with parental permission. Intrigue your computer-savvy child with the high-tech hiking gadgets like a GPS, headlamp, flashlights, and pedometers. Use your GPS and take your kids on a geocaching adventure.  Suit Up in Comfort, Style, and the Latest Technology Footwear: Make sure everyone is wearing trail shoes or boots with a sturdy sole. A Vibram sole with a waterproof breathable liner is preferred. Wear non-cotton, moisture-wicking, synthetic or wool socks. Clothing: Dress for the weather! Wear non-cotton synthetic, wool & fleece clothes and dress in layers. Wear multipurpose clothes like pants that zip off into shorts or shirts with roll-up sleeves. Pack a waterproof breathable rain parka. Dress for the season with a fleece hat & gloves or a hat with a wide brim for sun protection. Packs: Get age- and size-appropriate backpacks that fit each hiker comfortably with hydration hose capability. Trekking Poles: Get a pair of adjustable, collapsible poles with an ergonomically designed handle for each person. Fresh, Clean Water: You can get a hydration hose system for your pack or just use bottles. Disinfect wild water using hi-tech portable treatment water systems such as a UV wand or micro-straining filter. Communication: Bring a smartphone so you can take lots of pictures and if there’s connectivity, email to family or upload to your online blog or Facebook page. Carry a GPS unit to keep you located on the trail and for geocaching. Other Must Haves: Suntan lotion and bug repellent containing Deet or Picaridin; First aid kit that accommodates the whole group & first aid knowledge to go along with the kit. Bring a compass & map and brush up on how to use them. Learn how to make a shelter to keep you warm and dry. Keep matches and a lighter in a dry place and know how to make a fire to keep warm. Carry a whistle and a signal mirror in case you get lost. Pack a survival knife with a locking blade. Bring a headlamp flashlight, extra batteries, 50 feet of rope or twine, and always have several feet of duct tape for that unexpected repair. Jeff’s Newest Book The Adventures of Bubba Jones: Time Traveling Through Grand Canyon National Park was just released on August 3rd, 2020.  It is the fourth book in time traveling national park series designed for young adults ages 8 to 12, which combines education with entertainment in a thrill packed journey through time loaded with fun facts about history, ecology and science about the park and its inhabitants.         The Adventures of Bubba Jones: Time Traveling Through Grand Canyon National Park By Jeff Alt Illustrated by Hannah Touhy List: $9.99  Trade softcover - 182 pages ISBN: 9780825309274    Age range 8-12: curriculum guide and discussion questions with a time line & adventure map  Official Publication Date: August 3rd, 2020 Published by: Beaufort Books, New York, NY.  About Jeff Alt  Jeff Alt is a speaker, award-winning author, outdoor recreation expert, and accomplished adventurer.   Alt’s books and keynotes inspire staffs and individuals to increase productivity, enhance creativity, achieve life balance, and go distances beyond what they ever thought possible.  Jeff walked the entire Appalachian Trail which inspired an annual charity, that has raised over $500,000 for people with disabilities.  He backpacked the 218-mile John Muir Trail with his wife, carried his 22-month old daughter on a family hike through Ireland, and took his son on to the Appalachian Trail at 6 weeks of age. Alt is a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). Alt has been featured on radio & TV and in print including Fitness RX for Men, Women's Health, Shape, Backpacker Magazine, ESPN, CNN-Radio, Hallmark Channel, Discovery Channel.com, USA Today, US News & World Report, and many more.   Alt is the author of six award-winning books, A Walk for Sunshine, Four Boots One Journey, Get Your Kids Hiking, and his time travelling national park series for youth, The Adventures of Bubba Jones. Previous editions of Alt’s bestselling book, A Walk for Sunshine have received 6 book awards. Alt lives with his wife and two children in Cincinnati, Ohio.   For more information please visit www.jeffalt.com