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for the whole family to bond. The challenge is getting everyone there and keeping them from chanting "Can we go home, now five minutes after they've gulped down the food! Here are some picnic ideas that can help make this year's picnic, picture perfect. Don't forget to throw in an extra sweater or blanket, too, just in case Mother Nature is still playing it cool!

A is for ACTIVITIES: You can never plan too many activities. So though you take a break to catch some rays or snooze under a tree, here are a few ideas that will be fun for all:

B is for BACKPACK: Kids love surprises. Pack a backpack or beach bag for each filled with age-appropriate treats and fun things that they can use at the beach, park or wherever! Include things like chalk, bubbles, magnifying lenses, water guns, jump ropes, snack bags and stopwatches (this is great for a contest to see who can sit still the longest!). For older children include their favorite magazine, frisbee, sunglasses, and a friend (not in the pack!)!

P is for PICTURES: Everyone loves to take pictures. Hand out disposable cameras and let your family shoot away from start to finish. Not only will this keep them busy, it will be a great way to remember what a picture perfect picnic it was!

F is for Food Fun: Have your children help make something they'll want to eat at the picnic. Some simple ideas include fruit kabobs, dips for chips and veggies, pasta salads, and lemon pudding squares.

Happy Picnicking!

©copyright 2005 carpe diem communications, inc.

AMUSEMENT Parks and Carnivals: Tips to Enjoy the Ride!

by Julie Edelman
Your Life! Family Editor

This summer like every other, millions of us will be lured by our children's passion for the touring carnival, local fair and excitement of amusement parks. And, though a great source of fun for kids and adults alike, a trip there can be a harrowing experience given the number of accidents, injuries and reports of missing children.

Here are some common sense tips to help us all enjoy the ride and reduce the roller-coaster of emotion that can turn a fun day out, upside down.

1. Teach your child the rules of ride safety before you go. Just as we teach our children traffic, water and bicycle safety rules, acquaint your child with what they need to know (seat belts tightened, hands in ride, no standing, don't get out 'til ride completely stops)

2. Get a map of the park and familiarize the whole family with the park before you go.

3.        Determine a 'homebase' in the event any one strays off.

4.        Create teams. Never let one family member roam alone

5.        Have some kind of communication device. Bring along two way radios to keep in touch particularly with older kids who may want to venture onto more 'challenging' rides. Other options, disposable cell phones with 911 feauture, gps devices www.wherify.com and beepers.

6.        Always check height, weight and age requirements of rides.

7.        Don't panic if something goes wrong on a ride. Particularly at amusement parks, the employees are trained to respond properly.

8. Don't let young children go into the bathroom unattended.

9. Use your common sense. Look at the rides and the attendant. If you see something broken, worn or if you notice that an attendant is not paying attention to the ride and its riders, move on.

10. HAVE FUN! Just pay attention at all times.

Julie Edelman is president of Lifestyle Beat Media, a lifestyle expert, reporter and published author. As a working woman and mom, Julie combines real life street smarts, experiences and professional endeavors with a relaxed, inspirational and entertaining style to help us master our daily lives, our family and our domain.