...But, I'm getting ahead of myself.
When we decided to travel around the world, I knew I wanted the kids to keep a daily (or near-daily) journal of our adventure, because I wanted them to be able to go back at some point in the future and remember how they felt and what was special to them and how the world looked through their eyes. And, I wanted it to be their own words that greeted them on the page. My two oldest kids were quite capable of pulling this off on their own, without any assistance. I knew my third would need some guidance but would be able to write short sentences about our travels. But, I wondered what to do about my four-year-old, who was very verbal but not yet writing on his own. Necessity is always the mother of invention, so I came up with a template to help him get his own words out on paper. Someone else does the writing, but the words are all his. This has been very successful on our travels, and I had an idea that others might find a templated travel journal useful as well. So, I published it. And, now it is available to the whole world on Amazon, Amazon UK and Create Space. It has long been a dream of mine to have a published book. I'm so excited, I can hardly stand it!
And, to celebrate, I'd like to give one copy away. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post, telling me your favorite travel memory. Facebook comments won't count for this giveaway, though I will still enjoy reading them, if that's the direction you prefer to go. I will randomly select a winner on Oct. 12, which is Columbus Day and seems like a good time to celebrate adventure.
If you or someone you know travels with kids, perhaps you'd like to check it out. I believe it's perfect for kids who are verbal but not yet writing, as each prompt can be asked as a question. But, it's also great for reluctant writers and those who fear the blank page. It works well for both long and short trips, and I think it would make an excellent gift. If you win the drawing or decide to purchase a copy, and if you enjoy the journal, I would be grateful if you would leave a review to help the journal rank well in Amazon searches. You may also feel free to share this post with others you think might be interested. I look forward to reading your special travel memories and giving away a copy of my book!
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| Go, See, Do: A Travel Journal For Kids |
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| The back cover looks so legit! |
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| A sneak peek |
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| Don't forget to leave a comment on the blog for a chance to win a copy! |
I'm so excited for you and proud of your initiative in doing this travel journal. I am also so thankful to get to join you for a short part of your journey. My most memorable trip thus far in my life was to Italy--the sights, the art, the food, the wine, the ambiance, the antiquities. I kept a journal of that trip and have read it through the years and it all comes back as fresh as though it were yesterday. I love that you and your family are having this experience and that you are making sure your kids get the most out of it through journaling. I know other parents will be glad to have something like this for their kids.
ReplyDeleteThank you! We are so glad you get to share part of this trip with us! We loved Italy as well!
DeleteI love to travel and also scrapbook. I've journaled on major trips or during very difficult times in my life as putting words on paper seems to help me process them at a deeper level. I've tried to encourage my kids to do the same, but they don't see the advantage yet!
ReplyDeleteMy most memorable trip so far was probably the trip my husband and I took to NE Canada in 2008. It is the furthest north I've traveled and it was beautiful, especially Old Quebec City. In a month, from today!, my oldest daughter and I will travel to Japan together for 10 days. That will be the furthest away from home I've ever traveled.
Thanks for commenting. Your trip to Canada sounds great. I haven't spent much time there, but I would love to. I'm so excited for you and your daughter and wish you all the best as you travel to Japan. Maybe she will be willing to try journaling again at that time.
DeleteWow, how exciting!! Congratulations!! We haven't traveled around the world or even out of the U.S., but we have done some traveling outside Texas and fell in love with a few places. We never expected the Indian Ruins in New Mexico and Arizona to be so cool as we stopped in for quick looks on the way to the Grand Canyon 2 years ago. So after we reached the Grand Canyon and enjoyed it's beauty we visited the Indian Ruins with more time to spend on the way back to Texas. The kiddos also really enjoyed the Petrified Forest!! Our next dream vacation is to travel to TN to the Smoky Mtns.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting. The Grand Canyon has to be one if the most beautiful places in the world. We have visited a couple of times in different seasons and loved it both times. I would love to visit the Indian Ruins. I'll have to add that to my list.
DeleteAwesome book - you did a great job!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite travel memories was walking across the border, all four kids in tow, between Zambia and Zimbabwe with literally everything we owned on our backs. We crossed over the Zambezi River and got to see Victoria Falls, which is one of my favorite places on planet earth.
Let's do that again sometime. :-)
Let's definitely do that again sometime!
DeleteCongratulations! My favorite travel memory was a Habitat for Humanity trip to Inhaca Island, with my husband and numerous strangers who became friends. Helping people build solid homes in place of reed huts, seeing new territory, and learning new skills made for a fabulous trip.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting! Your adventure to Inhaca Island sounds fantastic! How did you find my blog? Would you mind sharing at least your first name with me?
DeleteOne of my favorite memories is travelling the U.S. with my parents right before we settled in Burnet after my dad resigned from the Airforce. What a great tool this journal would have added to those vague memories as I was only a preschooler. My dream has been to go back to some of those places with my own kids. Recently those have been the Grand Canyon, the Petrified Forest along with the Painted Desert and the Sequoyah National Park. Although my kids are too old for this journal now...well there's the grandkids! :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat special memories! Thanks for sharing. I haven't been to the Sequoia National Park yet, but it's definitely on my list.
DeleteYou will absolutely love it. I'm definitely going back. The smell was absolutely heavenly. I didn't expect that. After all pictures don't capture that. I can't wait to use the new journal with my loved one(s). Not sure who yet!
DeleteHello! Congrats on your book! Love to read about your adventures! We just came back from a family vacation in Destin, Florida. Jason and I have always loved Florida and the gulf side. We've shared many memories there. This past trip was short but it was so relaxing and the weather was perfect. The kids played so happily. There is nothing like experiencing firsts and we were able to see our youngest daughter touch and feel the sand for the first time. It was quite amusing. We enjoyed the fun of watching our oldest daughter bury me in the sand and do her best to keep up with her big brother. We watched our son conquer waves, build sand castles and run as fast as he could along the beach. All this and taking in the big ocean and allowing time to stand still for a moment. Hearing our children recognize their Creator and experiencing just how big He is. Then stopping to act like children ourselves. It was just a good time with God.
ReplyDeleteBe Blessed on your adventures and thank you for always shining for Him!
Crystal, thanks for your comment. I've enjoyed seeing your pictures of your trip to Destin on Facebook. That place is definitely on my list of places to visit. I'm so glad you had such a wonderful time!
DeleteThanks for sharing your amazing adventures with us. It is fun to "see" all of the wonderful places in God's big earth.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary Beth! I'm glad you are enjoying following along!
DeleteI AM só happy flor you. !
ReplyDeletePatricia, thank you so much for your sweet comments! We miss you and hope you are well.
DeleteInfelizmente eu esqueci muitas palavras em inglês. Mas eu não poderia deixar de comentar o quanto e o admiro vocês. A vida de vocês em casa já era muito rica, as crianças cheias de estÃmulos. Comove bom ver a felicidade de vocês. Mandi, parabéns pelo seu livro, por ser uma ótima mae, esposa e pessoa. Amo vocês!
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