Summer and picnics go together like hot dogs and mustard, but planning a successful picnic is harder than it looks.  You’ll need food that everyone likes, drinks, something to sit on, and some kind of entertainment (besides, you know, eating).

Before you throw the entire contents of your house into your car, slow down and make a quick plan.  Here are some things that will maximize your picnic fun and minimize hassle.

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When I received my credit card bill after our first trip to Disney, I gasped when I saw how much our trip had totaled up to.  There were many incidentals we had not planned for which added up quickly to a hefty sum.  If you’re heading to Walt Disney World in Orlando, here are some tips to help make your Disney dollars stretch.

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It was like something out of a movie – one minute, my little one was feeling a bit sick.  “No biggie, I thought,” even though we were a thousand miles from home.  “Kids get sick.  I’ll let her watch an in-room movie and stock up on the juice, and she’ll be fine in the morning.”

A few hours later, we were in an ambulance.

Everything turned out OK with Abby (she had a nasty ear infection, a virus, and a touch of dehydration all at once), but things sure could have gone smoother if I’d had a better idea of what to do when my kid got sick on vacation.  And, what with the recirculated air on planes and the recent incidents of whole cruise ships falling prey to, not an iceberg, but a virus, your kid might be next.  Be prepared!

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Colorado may be known for its powdery snow and stellar ski slopes, but I think summer is the best time to visit my home state. The climate is divine: plenty of bright blue skies, dry air and moderate temperatures. It’s the perfect weather to enjoy the outdoors in the famous Rocky Mountains.

Most out-of-state visitors begin their Colorado visit in Denver, as the state capital is also home to our international airport. I’d plan to spend at least two days here during any Colorado family vacation, since there is so much to enjoy here in the warm-weather months.

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