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

While You Are Out...

Like a wild fire, news channels of all kinds are spreading the sad reality of Steve Jobs death. I am not a techy person (on any level), and would not have known it if I had been standing right next to Jobs. But the news of his death has me far more emotional than I would have ever imagined. Why? Obviously what he has done as a business man is out of this world, but for me it seems to be deeper than that.

Anyone dying of cancer is sad, including Steve Jobs. My father died of lung cancer and I often relive those last moments anytime I hear another life has fallen to the same sort of unfortunate death. My heart breaks for his family and loved ones. But when a whole world morns the loss of one human you can almost feel the vibration of sadness in the air. I find it overwhelming.

Computers have changed my life (specifically smart phones), and although Steve Jobs is not solely responsible for this I know he was a game changer. As a mom and business owner, being able to receive emails on my phone improved the quality of life for my whole family. No longer was I tied to my desk waiting for an email from a supplier or buyer. I was able to go to the park with my kids, the grocery store, or any where else I needed to go. While I was out I could check and respond to anyone! Frickin' brilliant!! I just know Steve Jobs ability to push the envelope somehow encouraged this.

There is also emotion around losing a genius mind at such a young age. Tragic for everyone. Who knows what else this man would have done with another 20 years. I can only imagine.

So while you are 'out' Steve, you will clearly be missed. But I do hope you have somehow past the torch to others that will continue your legacy. The world is now dependent on what your mind designs. RIP.