Kiefer Cushion Float Collar

 Kellisa is not a paid sponsor or brand ambassador and we don't have any financial stake when we highly recommend the Kiefer Cushion Float Collar. In fact, we wish we purchased one many years ago. We've been using a large, blue float which we also love for at least 10 years, but it's bulky, hard to pack for travel, takes a long time to dry, and needs some of its filling replaced every few years. 

The cushion float collar doesn't look comfortable and that's the main reason why we never purchased one. After forgetting our blue float on a recent trip, we decided to finally pull the trigger and buy a cushion float collar because it could be delivered to our hotel in just 2 days. Kellisa never complained about comfort and enjoyed her new found independence in the water. Like any other device, we need to keep a close eye on Kellisa to make sure she doesn't go under the water, but I was confident enough in the float to let her venture out on her own beyond my reach.

Because of its size, and relatively quick drying, this seems like our answer for future trips, even if we're flying.  

  

Summit Lake

Lassen Volcanic National Park

July 2018

We were hoping to get the chance to go for a swim in a natural body of water during our visit to Lassen National Park. As we were sightseeing through the park, we passed by Summit Lake at 7,000 feet above sea level. It was a small lake, so we were hoping the water wouldn't be ice cold.

Jenny was the first one in and Laurel was right behind her. I felt the water and it was freezing which killed my interest in going in the lake. Usually I'm up for an ice cold dip, but wasn't feeling it for some reason. I pushed Kellisa to the edge of the lake and she splashed around with her hand.

I was hoping the water would be too cold for her, but I was wrong again. She desperately wanted to join her best friend and sister IN the water. I wasn't thrilled because I would have to change her into her swimwear and carry her in the water. How could I say no to Kellisa's smile and bossy finger pointing to the water? I couldn't and after a few minutes of getting ready, we were both in the water. 

Juniper Springs

Juniper Springs Campground

Ocala National Forest, FL

July 2013

Laurel became very interested in tent camping. I had hoped to take the girls to northern New Hampshire for a long weekend of camping in a forest with a high concentration of moose, but that plan didn't work out. I didn't want to disappoint Laurel, so I took her on a 3 day, 2 night father/daughter tent camping trip in Florida, in July. We were extremely fortunate as the temperatures topped out in the low 80's and we didn't have a single drop of rain!

As soon as we picked a campsite, Laurel helped to scout out the best location for the tent. Once she picked a good spot, I let her get the tent out of the car. The stillness of the central Florida jungle ended when I heard Laurel screaming. I looked back to see that she had fallen into the fire pit with her legs in the air and the back of her head against the metal fire ring. 

Eye on the Girls

Redding, CA

July 2014

 

After a few days in Lassen Volcanic National Park, we headed towards Redwoods National Park. I needed to pick up a prescription for Kellisa at a Walgreens in Redding, CA. There was a delay in getting the prescription, so we spent a day swimming at a hotel and running errands. Laurel wanted to help Kellisa in the pool and they had a great time together.

 

I needed to get a few items from Walgreens, so we went into the store to pick up the prescription. Laurel wanted to look at some little girl make-up that was on an end cap. I was looking at something with Kellisa just around the corner from Laurel. We were less than five feet away, but Laurel was out of my eyesight.

 

I heard security paged over the speaker in the store to conduct a sweep of the store. I immediately looked around the corner to check on Laurel and she was standing there looking at the make-up.  I was disturbed to also see a man less than three feet away from Laurel just looking at her. When we made eye contact, he turned to fumble on a shelf like he was looking at something other than Laurel.

 

Laurel was not happy when I grabbed her without a reason and made her leave the aisle. I don't know what a molester looks like, but if I had to describe one...it would be this guy exactly. I kept both girls close the rest of the time in the store and I noticed this guy always hanging somewhat close to us and it never seemed like he had a purpose. I let Laurel get some lip gloss to make up for me grabbing her and we paid for everything at the pharmacy.

 

As we were leaving the store, we saw the man in the checkout line and he was only purchasing four of the largest containers of Vaseline. With the disabled card, we were parked right by the door and I quickly loaded the kids and we were off before the man left the Walgreens.

 

I'll never know if he was up to something or if it was just a series of coincidences. From then on, I made sure to keep both girls in my sights. It wasn't always easy since Kellisa likes to wheel off on her own and Laurel likes to assert more and more independence every day.