Tuesday, November 22, 2011

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

Thursday, November 10, 2011

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

Monday, November 7, 2011

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



Wednesday, November 2, 2011

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!