[Sabra]

Hi khnath:

Thanks for your vacation ideas. It sounds like there are many fun things to do in Florida. What state is Cedar Point in?

I love hearing about your child's anticipation towards riding the "Big Coasters" with his Dad! That is so cute.

Away time is so fun. For the "little surprises" that I put together for our kids when they were younger that you asked about; I would do different things on different trips. Some trips I would put little stickers in bags, with stationery, special pens, very small versions of Polly Pocket toys, any little toy that they might enjoy that is under $7. Some of the little party favors you sometimes see at Kmart in the party section. Not the ones that fall apart but the better quality ones. Something that they have an interest in or have asked for when you have been to the store with them but we told them that we were not there to buy them presents, etc. Perhaps when the age is appropriate baseball cards or similar. As they got older they saved up to buy their own "Game Boy" toy which I would allow them to use only at certain times this is one of the certain times a "Game Boy" electronic handheld toy was appropriate with a game that I had approved. Let's see I would put in the bags little books or accessories to another toy that they would usually bring to play with in the car. There are tape players with audio-tape books. Some have earphones. Books they like, snacks.

I would make it fun and convenient. I would store things up during the year so I would have them on hand so I would not have to shop specifically for the surprises when I had packing to do. I did limit the sugar on the trips which really help with my kids. They are pretty high energy even without the sugar LOL!

Best to you as you come up with special ideas for your family.

Thanks for sharing.