I know most of us probably saw Mrs. Paintbrush's post 'Packing it all in..." but just in case you didn't, here's a link:

http://www.hellobee.com/2013/04/24/packing-it-all-in/

Her post brought to my attention two toys: the B. Hellophone and the Sassy Look Book. I had been searching for something similar because I feel like my sister is at a great disadvantage with the rest of the family because we live in Tennessee and she lives in California. Thanks to Mrs. Paintbrush's post, I sent some money to my sister and instructions on what I wanted her to do. This way, my kids will grow up with pictures of the ocean, seashells, wine groves, the missions, and (of course) my sister and her husband. It'll not only be a teaching tool, since she'll include more pictures than the photo book can hold so that I can swap them out every once in a while, but it will be a way for my babies to connect to another part of the country and another part of their family. They'll know what Aunt Elise sounds like and recognize her when she comes to visit. I'd been looking for suggestions like these!

How do you keep your little ones connected to family that they don't see very often?