The Fourth of July is a wonderful time to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and to commemorate our great history. Gretchen’s family has some great pyrotechnic traditions, check out the show to hear more about them, and have a fantastic Independence Day!

Gretchen and Paige spoke with actor and producer, Mark Consuelos about his support of the Lever 2000 Making Every Touch Count campaign. Mark says that the silver lining to tough economic times is the American family’s return to simple pleasures. Check out the show to get a sneak peak at Mark and his wife Kelly Ripa’s plans for their “classic” summer vaycay, and visit Lever 2000 to read the Lever 2000 Making Every Touch Count Study: A National Report on the Power of Touch & Family Closeness. You can also enter their Make Every Touch Count Photo Contest that helps to support the Boys and Girls Club of America.

Let’s just say it right at the beginning, Mark Consuelos is SO cute! Paige and Gretchen were lucky enough to talk to the actor, father, producer, and television personality about his endorsement of the Lever 2000 “Make Every Touch Count” campaign. Mark explained that this campaign is a great way to celebrate the power of touch in our families, and it helps support the Boys and Girls Club of America. Visit www.makeeverytouchcount.com to see how you can enter to win some great prizes and also lend your support!

Paige and Gretchen talk with car seat expert Bob Wall about the basic functions of child car seats, how they work, and why they are built the way they are.

Have you ever had a wrestling match with your child’s car seat?  We’re here to help!  Bob Wall, of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, talks with Gretchen about the different types of car seats available, and demonstrates the proper installation of a rear facing car seat.  He also talks about what types of toys and car accessories should be “no-no’s” in the back seat.

We know that moms today spend more time than ever before chauffeuring our darlings around, so it’s imperative that we keep our kids safe in the car.  Check out these websites for more information on everything from what seat to use at each age to finding a child seat fitting station near you. We’ve also included a list of some of our favorite car seat brands.  Happy trails!

Sit’n’stroll   http://www.lillygold.com/index.html/

Britax  http://www.britaxusa.com/

Evenflo http://www.evenflo.com/

Graco   http://www.gracobaby.com/

Cosco  http://www.coscojuvenile.com/

Join Gretchen as she explores American history at the Library of Congress.

The “Exploring the Early Americas” exhibit at the Library of Congress features selections from the more than 3,000 rare maps, documents, paintings, prints, and artifacts that make up the Jay I. Kislak Collection at the Library of Congress. It provides insight into indigenous cultures, the drama of the encounters between Native Americans and European explorers and settlers, and the pivotal changes caused by the meeting of the American and European worlds. The exhibition includes two extraordinary maps by Martin Waldseemüller created in 1507 and 1516, which depict a world enlarged by the presence of the Western Hemisphere.

If you are unable to visit the Library of Congress, don’t worry, they have an interactive exhibit right online at http://myloc.gov/Exhibitions/EarlyAmericas/.

Gretchen visits the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. and explores the new interactive “Creating the United States” exhibit. This new addition to the Library of Congress gives children and adults an immersive experience, bringing history to life.

“Creating the United States,” offers a remarkable opportunity to learn in a fresh new way how our country’s founding documents were forged out of insight, invention, and creativity, as well as collaboration and much compromise.

Visit http://www.loc.gov/exhibits to begin exploring with your family.