My Thank You List

During this week of thanks, it has been fun for me to reflect on all of the MANY things I am thankful for.  As a new-ish mom, I am of course thankful for the health and wellbeing of my family first and foremost.  I am truly blessed and so lucky to have the love and support that I do. 

With the serious thank yous out of the way, I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank:   

Cozy Bean in the Pouch

·         The inventors of the fruit pouch for keeping the Bean's diet nutritionally sound (and being SO handy when we’re out and about).  She spits out all of the nutritious stuff I make her, but somehow loves the dang pouches... 

·         All of the great people posting their cat videos for the Bean's entertainment on you tube.  Keep 'em coming people! 

·         Amazon mom for delivering my g diaper refills without me having to think about it. 

·         Our great dane for efficiently cleaning the floor and high chair without me having to lift a finger

·       Our RoSK Pouch for keeing the Bean cozy so that we can keep going with our walks/runs even though it’s cold now!  I know I'm biased, but it is the BEST!

 What are you thankful for?  Write us a comment and let us know!

-Amy

Did You Plant Fall Bulbs?

Yes, I know it's getting kind of late for this.  If it hasn't frozen yet where you live, you still have time.  Planing fall bulbs is a great outdoor activity to do with kids because:

1.  It's a learning opportunity.  The Bulb Project has more info on what you can talk about here.  Since the Bean is still so little, it was more about handling the bulbs for the first time, feeling the textures, and the general experience of gardening outside.

2.  There are big rewards later.  Come spring, you will be so glad that you took the time in the fall.  And the kiddos will be stoked to have helped.

3.  It is a budget-friendly activity.  Bulbs are a relatively inexpensive landscaping option and they keep going year after year.  Tulips and daffodils are extremely reasonable, especially if you get them on sale.

4.  It's fun!  Particularly if you can involve your kids throughout the process: picking out the bulbs, finding the right tools, deciding where to put them, digging, placing, watering, etc.  Even if there is complaining in the beginning, they will probably surprise themselves with how much they enjoy it in the end!

If it is already freezing where you live, you can still "force" bulbs like paperwhites or amarylis indoors, which could be a fun project too.

What kinds of gardening projects do you do with your kiddos?  Did you plant fall bulbs?  We'd love to hear about it.  Submit a comment and share!

 -Amy

Fall with the Family

The fam coming out of the trailhead.

Fall is hands down my favorite time of the year. I am so inspired by all the colors and find myself constantly drawing the girls attention to how amazing nature is this time of year. So much that my girl will now point out trees they feel are exceptional. Love that.

The girls loving the leaves

When the weather is reasonable here in Seattle (that just means not pouring rain), we really enjoy hiking as a family. At least once a weekend we go to one of the surrounding wooded parks and enjoy the forest & trails. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not a naturalist & I love taking the girls for walks in the city just as much as the woods. However there is just something about the sunlight shining through a huge tree illuminating it's multiple colored leaves that really works for me.

Less than a mile from my house there is a park next to the zoo that is a beautiful wooded space. On the back side of the hilly terrain is a skatepark & bmx bike park. This is one of our favorite places to walk to...a little nature & a little urban, perfect!

Do you have a favorite Fall day? Please share, we'd love to hear about it.

Woodland Park  Skate Park

Swinging in the Rain

Just when I thought that Woobee blankets couldn't get any more useful, Heather mentioned to me that they are perfect for keeing babies dry in bucket swings! 

Since swinging is the Bean's favorite thing to do (ever), and we certainly have plenty of rain here in Seattle to contend with, I decided to give it a try. I put the weatherproof side down on the wet swing, tied it on so that it didn't go anywhere, put the Bean into the swing, and folded the available extra bits over so that her wee shoulders and legs were covered somewhat. 

Genius!

Have you ever used your Woobee on a swing?  Other rainy outdoor play?  Please submit a comment and tell us about it!

Chucking My To-Do List

I just loved this post on the Sew Liberated blog about chucking the to-do list.  So inspirational.  Plus, how great are those pics of fall leaves with her kiddos?

I've been mourning the loss of some of my afternoon productivity as we are transitioning to one nap and I have been solo parenting this week while the hubs is traveling.  I admit there have been numerous times that I have wished the Bean was sleeping so that I could get one other little thing done...

Is your to-do list getting in the way of quality time?  Mine is!  Maybe it's time for all of us to put down that list for a minute and take a long walk in the leaves...

 

Amy 

A Crisp Fall Run



Cozy with the RoSK Pouch on the Stroller

We had an ABSOLUTELY. BEAUTIFUL. AFTERNOON. Seriously, Seattle was like fall looks in the movies.  Sunlight beaming through gold and crimson leaves, crisp clear air with a chilly edge.  Sun setting over the mountains.  The Bean and I have been getting out most afternoons for a long walk with the dog, but today called for something more exciting.  So, we mixed it up with a longer jaunt- a run down to the lake, around, and back. 

The Bean was a great sport and despite being tired from her nap strike, managed to stay happy and cozy the whole way (4 miles).  There was a lot of "woof" "woof" coming from the stroller as she intermittently saw dogs of all colors, shapes and sizes.  She also screeched with glee when she saw birds and airplanes.  Even though I was out of breath and hating it, I couldn't help but smile and really enjoy the moment. 

The Celebratory, Post-run Swing!

I was so glad to see so many other people out enjoying the weather too: family photoshoots in the leaves, a mom and kids having a picnic dinner, and a ton of people out exercising.  We gave a shout out to a mamma with a turquoise super woobee!  Woot!

Winter is right around the corner- time to get out there and enjoy fall while it lasts!

Amy

Funny take on Star Wars & other favs

Sorry about the inconsistent blogging. Apparently I'm not good at posting without a schedule:) I used to think the people that had to schedule everything were lame...now I call them organized and I strive to master their technique.

As a way to try to redeem myself for my lack of attention, I'm listing my favorite things I posted on the RoSK Facebook page this week :

This video is ridiculously adorable. If you're a Star Wars fans I think you'll enjoy it.
Star Wars from the view of a 3 year old

                                                                                                                              This picture makes me laugh every time I see it. Of course, I'm also a Smashing Pumpkins fans from way back -

Love it!

Here is another video clip that is kid friendly & a little retro - Muppets do Bohemian Rhapsody! My girls love the Muppets & Queen so this is a big hit in our house -

Muppets nailing Queen

Okay, I promise to try to do better & post more consistently.

- Heather