Geo... what?

GEOCACHING is a free real-world outdoor treasure hunt. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using a smartphone or GPS and can then share their experiences online.

If you've never heard of geocaching, you're missing out. Truly. I had heard about it for awhile, but didn't actually check it out until earlier this year. It didn't take long for me to get hooked. Like the description above states, it's basically a treasure hunt. One of the absolute best parts about it is that it's free! Other than gas to drive around, you can geocache without spending any money. We've made it into a family hobby, although sometimes I think I enjoy it the most.

Tim found his very first cache today!

People from all over the world hide caches - anything from a small pill bottle or film canister to large ammo-sized containers - containing at the very least a logsheet. Then the GPS coordinates are posted on the above site. To find a geocache, you need an account on geocaching.com so you can find geocaches in your area and log your finds. Search by zip code, address, etc. and you'll get a list of nearby caches. Included in the description will be a google map showing the location so you can get to the general area. From there on out, it's following the GPS and using good hunting skills. We've found caches in trees, a sign, a wall, and stone/concrete barrier structures. Our geocaching experience has gotten 100% better since I recently upgraded my cell phone to the new Samsung Galaxy S3. I was able to load the c:geo app and have all the information literally right at my fingertips at all times.

So what's in a cache? Depending on the size, in addition to the logsheet a cache might contain little items to trade. Erasers, coins, silly bands, army men, and a rubber duckie are all things we have found! The kids love trading little things. Today Leanna chose the rubber duckie and Joshua snatched a bottle of hand sanitizer! There are also trackables, a sort of physical geocaching "game piece." We've found two or three, but today was the first time we've actually taken one to move along. The one we found today was originally placed in 2005 in the United Kingdom. It's traveled 14,872 miles! The kids thought that was pretty cool!

A larger cache we found today loaded with goodies!

Larger cache with all the goodies

The other fun part is being the one to hide a cache and then watch on the website as others find it. We have one ready to hide, but are still looking for the perfect spot. I'd also like to get each of the kids a trackable, those do cost money, and let them track its' travels around the world. What a great way to learn about geography!

With the new app on my phone, I'm sure we'll be able to do a lot more hunting. Any time we are out and have a few minutes, I can find a geocache nearby and we can go on a treasure hunt. And of course it's a competition to see who can spot it first. Leanna is still working on finding her first one. And today we were actually the FTF - first to find - meaning we were the very first person to find a cache after it was hidden. That was pretty exciting to me, even though Joshua was the one who found it.

Yes, we got caught in the rain , but that didn't stop me!

The travel bug we found

Enjoy the pictures. We found five out of six caches today. We had to give up on one because it was so stinking hot and there were a lot of people around. It's close by the house though so I'm sure we'll hunt for it again another time.

Micro cache Joshua found

This was our FTF. Joshua was so proud!

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Letting Go ~ Summer Camp

Packed and ready to go

This summer Tim and I asked each of the boys about going to camp with our church. We were both shocked when Jacob said he didn't want to go, but Joshua jumped at the chance. This is the same boy who just a few weeks ago was ready to come home after just two nights at Grandma & Grandpa's house. After talking over the details and making sure he understood he wouldn't see or talk to us for an entire week, he was still excited. We signed him up and he has been counting down to the big day. That day was yesterday.

Ready to jump on the bus!

I packed him up and made sure he had everything he would need. At least I hope! I kept expecting some nervousness on his part, but it never really came. While we were doing his laundry to get packed, he did tell me "I am going to miss you, but I'm going to have lots of fun!" Yesterday morning I woke him up and he jumped up thrilled to get dressed and ready. We made a pit stop at 7-11 for a bag full of goodies for the bus trip. Once we got to the church, he grabbed his stuff, jumped out of the van and headed towards the bus to get on - without even giving me a hug or kiss! He got his stuff on the bus and I called him back down to tell his momma goodbye. No apprehension from him whatsoever, just excitement. As the bus drove off, I felt a little nervous and strange feelings of needing to be in control. I say strange because I am no helicopter mom. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm the mom sitting on the sidelines watching while my toddler falls, cries and then picks herself back up again. Sure I kiss hurts and give hugs when needed, but I don't chase my kids constantly to keep them safe. And it's not that I always need to be with my kids, but this is the first time we've sent one of them off without knowing what he'll be doing every minute. We've left the kids before, but it's always been for us to get away so they've been at a relative's house and I've always known what was going on. Sure, I know he'll be swimming, canoeing, shooting arrows, buying candy, singing and learning about God, but it's strange not knowing what he's doing when he's doing it. Maybe this is a sign that I am too overprotective or controlling of their every move. Or maybe it's just a sign that they're growing up and I'm adjusting well. The uneasy feelings dissipated very quickly and now I'm just waiting to hear about the great time he's had. I'm sure he'll have plenty of stories!

On his bunk

Product Review: Bic Soleil Savvy razor

Who isn't looking for anything that will make the dreaded task of shaving easier? I know I am so I was excited to be chosen to review the new Soleil Savvy by Bic. 

I put this razor to the test last night. And I hadn't shaved in... well, let's just say awhile and leave it at that. I have four kids. Shower time is short, don't judge! I was very impressed with this razor! It's three flexible blades made for a quick, clean shave. I loved the shape and feel of the handle with the rubber grip at the bottom. What's unique about this razor is that you get the quality of a refillable cartridge system razor, but it's disposable! Each razor comes with four cartridges and when you've used them, you toss the razor. I love this concept because even with a refillable system eventually the razor is going to get to the point where I want to toss it. With it's pretty pink color, this razor definitely made shaving a more pleasant experience. 

Visit feelthesoleil.com to learn more about BIC® Soleil® Savvy™ razors and the other disposable razors in the Soleil® line.

I received this product and coupons free from bzzagent.com.