Now that it is February and winter is on the tail end we have figured out a good winter routine. I don't mind the days that we are home all day but since my husband is basically never home during the week while the kids are awake it can make for some pretty long days. So here are some things we do to get out of the house.
McDonald's
This is about a 1 1/2 hour activity if you include the drive there and back, eating lunch, playing, and if we are up to it, getting an ice cream cone at the end.
The Mall
In December I finally worked up the courage to take both kids to the mall by myself. We walk around, look in a couple stores, play in the play place, and eat lunch. This is about a 2 1/2 hour activity including the 40 minute drive there and back.
Preschool
Owen goes 3 days a week for 2 1/2 hours each time. Elliot usually naps during that time so I get some "me" time. Cameron, Elliot and I did get to attend the Christmas party. I didn't feel comfortable posting a picture of Owen with his classmates for privacy reasons so here is a pic of Owen and Elliot playing after the main party part was over and the parents and teachers were chatting while children played.
Swimming Lessons
The lesson itself is only 30 minutes and he also does not have the same teacher anymore. This is sad because he did have the same teacher for about a year. Now the new teacher is trying to gage where he is at so as soon as we are through with the learning curve hopefully we can make some more progress. But do we ever miss our old one (pictured below)!
Library
This is about a 1 hour activity. We go about once a week. It is so fun!
(This pic is of Owen before Elliot was born)
Miscellaneous pics
Between the activities the boys are very good to run errands with me. We go visiting teaching, grocery shopping, and doctor visits. I think I will work up the courage to bring my kids to the church to practice the piano during the week. I guess I have learned to become independent.
Waiting around
One day last week while Owen was at preschool Elliot and I did all the errands together. Apparently when it was just Owen I had no idea how easy it is to take care of only 1 child! But being with Elliot on this day reminded me of it! We went to the library, grocery store, car wash, and then we walked around Target for a little while. Elliot had a great time exploring on his own since I didn't make him sit in the cart. I always do make him but since we weren't buying anything and just killing time he got to run around and it was really fun. We played a little hide and seek in the men's clothing section, watched the TV screens, and basically burned energy. It was so fun spending quality time with just Elliot! I was tired when we finally got home! Good thing he took a nap after all of that!
It is fun going to these places but I can't wait for spring and summer when we can play outside for hours, play in the sandbox and kiddie pool, go to parks, ride bikes, go to the zoo, go to the splash park. It will be a great summer. And by the way, I am loving the stage we are at right now. 4 years old is a great age, Owen is independent and can pretty much take care of himself, and 19 months is a great age because we only "have" to be home for 1 nap a day and that naptime is flexible between 12 and 3.
3 comments:
That's a great post Hillary. The pics are darling. They are such sweet boys. I'm glad you have been able to do all those fun things. Come on Spring!!!
The boys are lucky to have such an active mom.
Sounds like a good routine to me! It is always nice to get out with just one kid, especially now that I have three. It makes me glad I live in California where we don't have to worry about snow. I hope spring finds you soon!
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