Outdoor Fun

7:42 a.m. Day 1 of summer break. My youngest, 11, comes up to me and lays in my lap as I am working. I already know what she is about to say because we have been here so many times before. "I'm boooooored," she moans. "I can't help you. You have plenty to do." She marches off, mad and mumbling to herself. I remember being that age and home during summer break. I spent my afternoons playing outside or with friends. I never told my mom that I was bored because she would just give me chores to do. I learned that lesson pretty quickly. My kids have also learned the same lesson. When my children were younger, I would plan out their summers. Bucket lists of...

Yes, this is a post about bubbles, the often demanded, universally loved by toddlers, almost guaranteed to be spilled, bottle of soapy water with a wand. I have a newfound appreciation for bubbles and what they can bring to your life. Fun for Toddler Ah bubbles, this is often a go-to outside time activity for my toddler. If we’re outside for any length of time there are demands for “bubbles!” As a toddler with an ever-growing independent streak, he wants to “do it myself!” It is a way for him to have some control in his life and to exert his independence. There are demands to hold the bottle, he sometimes tries to eat the wand and, yes, drink the bubbles....

In an effort to show our kids as much of the country as possible, my husband and I started gifting Spring Break trips as Christmas gifts to our two children a couple of years back. Our kids love traveling and have seen many states in their young years. Last year we when we were deciding on where our next adventure will be to, it was really a no-brainer. The most beautiful National Park of them all: Zion in southern Utah. Zion is located about 2.5 hours from Las Vegas right outside of Springdale, UT. Flying into Vegas and driving to Springdale is the most common way to get there if you are not from the area. While the drive might sound...

"I am not going to make it ALL summer with my kids home." "I count down the days until they return to school." I hear it ALL. THE. TIME. I am so sure that many of you can relate. It is overwhelming to have your kiddos, with such short attention spans, and such loud voices, home all summer. I am here to give you all the early childhood educator tips that will make your summer a little less chaotic and a little more enjoyable. My favorite advice to ever give is: FIND A ROUTINE. I know, easier said than done...BUT...it can be done! Start with the little things, meals at the same time each day. This adjust your child's mind and body to meet your...

I have always thrived on having a set schedule and routine. I like to mark things off of lists. I am a planner nerd, not in the planner (probably not going to happen). I feel like this characteristic has served me well; it has helped me be organized and goal-oriented in school and jobs alike.   As I joined the motherhood club, this characteristic was amplified. Very quickly, my firstborn established a pretty predictable routine of feeding, sleeping, and pooping. I loved that he slept for 12 hours every night. I loved that at 1 pm when he started fussing, I automatically knew that he was ready to eat.   Enter baby #2 three years later. The oldest is still on...