All posts by Anne Younger

Anne is a 30-something full-time SAHM mom of 5 ranging from 3 to 17 and grandma of 1 who resides in Ashwaubenon (Green Bay) Wisconsin. She started blogging in 2008 as a way to regain her sanity. She enjoys coffee, chocolate, cheeseburgers and vodka along with spending time with her husband and kids.

9 Weeks 2 Days

Yes.

It’s official, I’m pregnant with baby #5.

9 weeks 2 days.

Back in June, Alex went to the doctor and had a vasectomy.
Of course, the one thing he didn’t do was go back and get things checked out. We both managed to forget about it with moving into the new house, the kitchen reno and everything else.

Low and behold, here we are 9 weeks and 2 days pregnant with baby #5 who will be joining our family in late August!

Everyone, meet Peanut!

ultrasound, 9 weeks, pregnancy, fetus, infant

The 10 Best Attractions in Nature from around the globe

*This is a guest post*

Nothing is better for the body and mind than to spend some time in the great outdoors! People can book flights on http://www.studentflights.com.au to amazing places around the globe where nature is the star and where outdoor sports are popular. Students and others find fantastic discounts to anywhere in the world. They can explore, challenge themselves and come back to the regular routines of life feeling rejuvenated. Here are 10 of the best attractions of nature and some top places on the planet to find them:

Coasts – Milford Sound in New Zealand

Within the Fiordland National Park of South Island, New Zealand, Milford Sound is on the southwestern end of the island. Kayaking, boating and coach tours are a few ways to explore Milford Sound.

Forests – Jungles of Southern Asia

Chiang Mai in northern Thailand is the perfect place to begin ventures into the forest jungles of Southern Asia. Visitors can take nature walks long and short, go wildlife watching and ride elephants or horses.

Deserts – Grand Canyon of North America

The largest and most expansive chasm on the globe is the Grand Canyon in the deserts of Arizona of the United States. Hiking, mule riding and camping are some of the activities at this desert wonder.

Islands – Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean

The Balearic Islands are an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Spain. Discovering the islands in their natural state is thrilling. Majorca and the other Balearic Islands are perfect for water sports.

Mountains – The Alps of Europe

For all types of mountain and outdoor sports all year, the Alps of Europe are excellent choices. The fresh air, trails and scenery are spectacular. Skiing, biking, backpacking and more are favorite activities.

Ocean – Great Barrier Reef of Australia

To experience the wonders of the ocean, no place on earth is better than the Great Barrier Reef. Flying over the region, kayaking, boating, snorkeling and scuba diving are some ways to enjoy the reef.

Plains – Pampas of South America

Most of Uruguay as well as some of Brazil and Argentina are located within the Pampas or plains region of South America. In this true grassland biodome, visitors can ride horseback and go hiking and cycling

Rivers – Victoria Falls in Africa

One of the river wonders of the world is Victoria Falls. The falls is on the Zambezi River bordering Zimbabwe and Zambia. Visitors to the falls can bungee jump, hike and take boat tours.

Seas – Dead Sea in the Middle East

Of the many grand seas on earth, the Dead Sea is one of the most fascinating. The region is history rich. Visitors enjoy wildlife watching and hiking as well as floating in the salt sea.

Volcanoes – Greenland near the North Pole

A land of adventure waits in Greenland. Around the volcanoes, visitors ride helicopters, take boat tours and hike amid the rough and rugged landscape. Seeing active volcanoes, visitors appreciate the power of nature at work.

Ultimate cruising Western Australia – Top cruise sites to see

*This is a guest post*

Take a Great Cruise – from Perth! For a terrific holiday, you’ll find a range of lovely cruises from Perth. Perth’s port is Fremantle Harbor, at the mouth of the Swan River. To the north or to the south, there are historic cities, spectacular scenery and exotic wildlife. you’ll be find some of the most interesting shoreline Western Australia has to offer. You’ll want to stop at every destination you can fit into your schedule! Traveling northward, you may stop at the marvelous port cities of Broome, Exmouth or Geraldton. Broome, where to desert meets the sea, was founded in 1883. The area’s attraction was not gold, as it was in so much of Australia, but pearls – that precious and rare commodity. Your ship will will cruise the exotic Kimberley Coast, where you can see spectacular natural wonders. Don’t miss Montgomery Reef, with its lagoons and its mangrove island,12 miles off-shore. You could take a day trip to King Cascades, a lovely terraced waterfall, or see the Horizontal Falls – not a waterfall but a tidal flow between stunning gorges. Ningaloo Reef, a marine park off Exmouth, is a World Heritage site. On land near this city, you can visit Cape Range National Park and its historic historic Vlamingh Lighthouse. Geraldton and the Batavia coastline are a paradise for anyone who enjoys watersports. There are plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and diving. There are 120 island off the coast here, and you can get a bird’s eye view on one of the flights offered here.  St Francis Xavier Cathedral, with its elegant masonry, is certainly worth a stop before you leave. Cruises to the southwest coast may stop at Bunbury, which offers the visitor an appealing combination of maritime history orchards. Koombana Bay and the tranquil Leschenault Inlet meet the Indian Ocean here, making it Known as The City of Three Waters. You can swim here with wild dolphins! And you’ll want to visit the wonderful maritime museum. And at the Big Swamp Wildlife Park, you’ll meet some friendly – not to mention Australia iconic animals, the kangaroos. European settlers first set foot in the west of Australia in Albany. Along the Southern Ocean Coastline you’ll find natural bridge, geysers and blowholes. You can enjoy the exptic flowers and birdlife on a cruise up the Kalgan River – and stop at some fine wine vineyards! The wineries along the Ferguson River may introduce you to some faime Australian wines you’ve never tasted before. The city of Esperance and its environs offer delights for the tourist. You can tour the Woody Island Nature Preserve to visit its fur seals and sea eagles. At Cape Legrand you’ll find one of Australia’s whitest beaches, and you can drink at the natural spring at the nearby Lucky Bay. Cruises from Perth may take you all the way to Christmas Island is Australia’s India Ocean jewel, It’s more than 1,000 nautical miles from Perth, closer toIndonesia than it is to Australia. You’ll want to see the tropical jungle here, and the historic European settlement. North or south, you’ll enjoy every day of your vacation.  

7 Places to Spend the Holidays With Your Family On A Budget

*This is a guest post*

As the holiday season creeps in, most people crave for a vacation. However, financial constraints mean that such individuals
cannot realize their dreams. If you are one such person, it is quite understandable to feel gutted at being unable to go for a
vacation. Luckily, you may still be able to undertake a vacation albeit on a budget. There are numerous destinations that have
always proven to pocket-friendly. This is in addition to guaranteeing a thrilling experience for you and your loved ones. Some of
these destinations include:

1.  Argentina

When you visit the South American state of Argentina, sights of art galleries, fine restaurants and picturesque landscape
will greet you. It is hard to believe that you would not have to strain yourself financially to enjoy the sights and sounds of the
country. Undertaking a vacation in Argentina has stood out for its affordability than Europe or the U.S. Most of the hotels or
guesthouses are moderately priced as is the case with food.

While in Argentina, you must take your loved ones for a visit to the Iguazu Falls. This is just but one of the numerous attractions
that dot the argentine landscape. You could move around the country in rental cars, which are also affordable thanks to the
numerous rental car companies in the country.

2.  Indonesia

Indonesia earns a spot on this list thanks to its cheap hotels and affordable cruise ships. You would also incur little expenses
shuttling between the various tourist attractions in the country. On a budget, you could do well to your loved ones by taking
them to various islands that inhabit the country. Such islands include Java, Bali and Sumatra among others. Here, you could
spend a day at the sandy beaches or partake in fun activities like snorkeling or swimming.

3.  Ko Pha Ngan

If you want an affordable vacation in Asia, then a trip to Ko Pha Ngan in Thailand suits your needs. Thailand holidays are often
synonymous with sandy beaches, friendly locals, rice paddies and Thai massages. A holiday trip to Ko Pha Ngan would be no
different. While on vacation, you must sample the warm refreshing water that lies beyond the beaches.

4.  Eastern Europe

Most people have always thought of Europe as a holiday destination that requires a lot of money. This perception has grown
thanks to Western Europe, which is home to prominent destinations like Paris, Barcelona and London. However, Eastern
Europe posits as an alternative if Europe is a must-visit place for you. It offers the same thrills as the western side but at an
affordable cost. This is exhibited through cheap transport, moderately priced accommodation and dining. Examples of Eastern
European destinations include Ukraine, Estonia and Bulgaria.

5.  Honduras

In Central America, there exists a pocket-friendly vacation spot in the name of Honduras. Its attractions far outweigh the
financial implications of touring the country. Such attractions include the sandy beaches, national parks and the Mayan sites.
While holidaying in Honduras, you could enjoy fun activities like scuba diving and snorkeling.

6.  Luangprabang

Located in Laos, this town provides a serene environment away from the hullaballoo associated with the festive season. This
is in addition to saving you from many expenses. The sight of Buddhist temples should definitely be exciting. Also, a trip to this
place brings you in contact with the Buddhist culture through the monks.

7. Peru

Peru is a country worth visiting not only for its attractions but also for its affordability. It boasts of cheap accommodation,
transport and food. By operating on a tight budget, you can still sample attractions like the Sacred Valley, Arequipa and Nazca
lines.