Are we really going green?

Back in August I purchased the Going Green Lunchbox for my boys.Honestly, my initial reasons for buying them wasn't to cut down on plastic baggies. I'm not a "going green" fanatic. I was just tired of the containers that I was using...they would never fit in the lunchbox nicely. I wanted a box that used neither plastic bags or extra containers for more convenience. Course, at that time I didn't know how hard it would be to find the lunchbox that would solve ALL my problems. I ran into so many products/moms that were obsessed with "going green" and eating healthier...enough to make your head spin. I'm not advocating against such practices but give me a break...

While I found the perfect lunchbox I can't boast that my kids are eating perfectly healthy now or that I'm any greener (didn't use plastic baggies much to begin with). I never changed what I put in the lunch box.

Anyway--why I bought the lunchboxes is beside the point. I LOVE them. My kids LOVE them. And, in the end, that's all that matters, right?

But after packing lunches for a while now I can't help but notice that manufacturers make it hard for us to "go green" (if you're trying) or cut down on packaging.

I'm waiting for the day that MOTT's will sell flavored applesauce in bigger containers (not just in the travel size PLASTIC cups).

While I understand the need to individually wrap granola bars--why can't they just sell them like cookies?

When more stores (besides Costco on a good day) will sell the bigger containers of Apple and Eve Fruitables (our favorite juice)--and not just the individual juice boxes--I'll be less frustrated.

Typically when I'm done packing a lunch you'll see one container of applesauce, a juice box and a wrapped granola bar (and every once in a while a wrapped candy)...the only thing not wrapped is their sandwich and chips...doesn't look like I'm "going green" at all (not that I was really trying). And, I can't blame myself!

Do I really want to resort to mixing my own flavored applesauce? Or making my own granola bars? I could do that...but who am I kidding?

Singling Out...

Our vacation to the Caribbean involved many of us going so many directions that I decided to blog about the adventures of each person. Otherwise, it would look like my boys never did anything. Most of our pictures get used on Robyn--the only child who still generally enjoys hanging out with mom and dad!

(Notice who's not cooperating) Unfortunately, this was the only family photo we got while on vacation....

UPDATE!! I have quickly learned that time and busy schedules may not allow me the time to compile a notable blog for each child in a timely manner. So, they won't be consecutive.

A-Man in the Caribbean

Carnival Cruise Lines has a separate program for children. Aidan was in the 10-12 yr. old group. No matter how much we tried, he didn't really want to be anywhere else except with his new friends at Camp Carnival. Since he didn't take a camera with him, we have no pictures of his experiences with Camp. Let's just say that by Saturday evening (our last night on the cruise) he was very sad that it was going to end soon and that he'd have to say goodbye to all the friends that he made while cruising. I had no idea he'd feel that way. I wasn't prepared for those emotions.

But, here are some of the fun things he did do!

Playing chess.
The ship has a large, life-size, chess board...no telling how many games he actually played using this set.

This game is by far one of his favorite games. Watch out--he's pretty good. I think the only person he hasn't beaten yet is his own father.

In Cozumel, Mexico he was given this nice chess set that he absolutely guards with his life! Even though we've only had it a week--it's been played with several times already!We came all the way to the Caribbean just so he can play chess!

Swimming...sorta.

In Grand Cayman, we took a trip to one of the many resorts that dot Seven Mile Beach. Aidan refused to get in the water!! I'm not sure if he was afraid of getting eaten by sharks or what. But he would not get in. After about an hour he sported his goggles (won't swim without these) and finally got in after spending most of his time on the beach playing in the sand.There were small fish swimming around. We even spotted two small eel...besides the fact that they completly freaked both boys out--they were rather pretty! Aidan spent much of his time in the water doing this:We could not get him convinced that he needed to go snorkeling...maybe next time he'll be ready. I didn't realized he'd be so afraid of the ocean!

He warmed up after a while as Jaren acclimated him!

Visiting Tulum Ruins in Cozumel

He took the camera with him this time. Honestly, he wanted nothing to do with the ocean in Cozumel and opted to just take a tour with his Grandparents--that was probably all he wanted was time with them...not caring where or how.

He did a rather good job documenting the ruins. But, I can't tell you what they are. He was rather fascinated by all the iguanas though!
While on the ship he enjoyed cheeseburgers, pizza, fries and ice cream at just about every meal. The perfect diet for a ten-year old don't you think? He only dined with us twice (he preferred to dine with Camp Carnival all the other times).He especially enjoyed getting to know his uncle and cousin--he really misses them. I know they went swimming together while on the ship and basically hung out a lot with them! I'm sure they thought they had four kiddos instead of just two!

I learned that Aidan is really into souvenoirs! He cherishes these more than anything. I think he even found some washed up coral while in Cozumel....took those to show his classmates!

As soon as we got home Aidan got quite sick. Sadly he spent the next few days recovering. But, it may have something to do with the fact that he stayed up with Camp Carnival until 3:30 in the morning one night!