Kate the Black Cat, Cooper the crabby Robin and Lauren a Monster High Doll–Halloween 2013

Halloween is a fun time of year for most families with small children. It’s also a little stressful–finding the perfect costumes, the over-consumption of junk food, keeping track of your Trick or Treaters on dark streets. Thankfully Cooper wants to be a ghost this year…a pillow case with some eyes cut out. That’s his idea of a costume. Three cheers for low maintenance! My girls on the other hand, have always been more particular about their costumes. This year we will have a ghost, a black cat and a witch. Unfortunately, Kate the black cat, now wants to be Elsa because her best friend is being Elsa. Kate was also a black cat last year (see picture) but since the Elsa costumes are all sold out she’s decided she’ll just be a cat again (unless she changes her mind at the last minute and goes as something else entirely).

Until I had children of my own, I wasn’t a huge fan of Halloween as an adult. Once I outgrew my own childhood desire to dress up, I went through an Anti-Dressing Up for Halloween Stage that lasted until Lauren was a toddler. Suddenly Halloween was fun again because I had an appreciative audience–my child who got a kick out of seeing mommy and daddy look silly. This year I’ll don a hot pink wig and some funny glasses and call myself Crazy Mommy. My husband’s favorite go-to costume is an alarmingly realistic mullet wig that looks alarmingly natural on him and some fake teeth.

One thing that I love about living in the suburbs, that I didn’t have growing up in rural Vermont, is that we live in an actual neighborhood. It makes for good old-fashioned-family-friendly Trick or Treating. We know at least a dozen of the families around our block and it feels really safe  to trail behind our little creatures, princesses and ghouls, just enough to let them feel like they are on their own. It also means that we get lots of trick or treaters, another thing we never had growing up–both little kids with their parents and partially-costumed teenagers. We give out candy happily to anyone who knocks. Who are we to spoil the fun of someone who just wants to celebrate? Our kids will be that age before I know it. Even when they are gangly, braces-wearing zombies with a little acne on their chins, they’ll always be my little ghost, my black cat and my little witch which is why I really enjoyed this blog in the Huffington Post: What You Need To Know About Six Foot Trick or Treaters.

What are you kids dressing up as for Halloween? And if you have a diaper wearing infant or toddler, under what costume will you stuff their fluff?

Related articles

• Halloween 2014: Teal pumpkins, candy tricks, and other signs of the times
• 10 Things to Say Trick-or-Treaters Dressed as Elsa
• Hot for Halloween: This yea’s costumes range from cutesy store-bought to oddball DIY

You remember the excited energy of Christmastime that you experienced as a child, right? Maybe you still even feel it – the buzz of activity, the anticipation of Santa, the burst of sheer joy enjoying the time with family and friends. It’s no wonder little ones can hardly contain their energy! And we all know what happens when children overflow with energy, don’t we? It’s a breeding ground for outbursts and poor behavior choices, which can definitely put a damper on your attempts at celebrating. (Or is that just at our house? *wink, wink*)

I find that the act of creating – whether it be crafts, cooking, music, art – can be a great calming effect on kids as well as adults.

Whether you have a young toddler or older kiddo at home, between the excitement and time off from school, try out one of these ideas for celebrating the holiday season with creativity. Even if it doesn’t temper the high energy levels, it will create fun memories and give your child a positive outlet for that energy.

– A festive art project. This one’s super simple and fun. Just cut out strips of construction paper in several colors and various sizes, a star and a “stump” and have your child use a glue stick to make a Christmas tree. As you can see, ours didn’t come out perfectly (not even close), but our 3-year-old was so engaged by picking out the colored strips and independently using the glue stick to create his picture, it doesn’t matter.

We talked about “horizontal” lines, and he actually seemed to catch on to that part of the project. I figure we’ll try again next year and see how he does. You can also use this as a bit of a math project for older kids, creating a pattern with the rows of colors. Or, just let them be creative and go nuts – like our kiddo!

– Have kids personalize the gifts. You can do this a couple of ways. Grab a roll of plain brown or white paper for wrap gifts. Your child can use this as their canvas to share the Christmas spirit with friends and family. They can stamp, finger paint, write messages, or use any number of art supplies. Have your youngin’ personalize further with ribbon, twine, string, greenery, stickers, or whatever they come up with.

You can also do the same project with super inexpensive paper bags!

– “Here we come a-caroling…” You can only get away with singing Christmas songs one time each year – so, embrace it! Practice some songs (especially calm ones like “Silent Night”) at home, and if anyone in your family plays an instrument, have them work on the same carol(s) that you can perform as a family. Use them at your family get-together or start a good old-fashioned caroling session around the neighborhood. You may even get a treat out of your travels!

My family was musical. I still fondly remember practicing our Christmas songs on our respective instruments; we all played piano, but my oboe and my sister’s french horn were perfectly paired for the festive time of year. While I’m out of practice now, my sister and I always try to find a piano to do two-part Christmas songs while everyone else sings or socializes (or, more often than not, laughs at my rusty playing; I don’t mind, it’s fun!).

– Bake some cookies – and decorate them! For a lot of people, baking can be therapeutic. The focus of precisely measuring and going through the steps can take your mind off the hustle and bustle of the season, and you’ll have treats to share with Santa!

But, the really fun part? The decorating. Even if your child doesn’t feel like baking, it’s almost guaranteed that they’ll enjoy smearing frosting and messy decorations all over them. Or, go ahead and try a gingerbread house. Neatness doesn’t matter – creativity does!

– Make a simple craft and deliver it to someone. Take a jar and paint or decoupage it with pictures or little holiday-colored pieces of paper; pop in a tealight. Or make a cheery card. Or create a simple ornament. Or fill a clean, recycled jar with cocoa mix. Or take some of the aforementioned cookies and a hand-decorated paper bag.

Now, here’s the best part: Think of someone who could use a little cheer. A neighbor who lives alone. The residents at a nearby elderly facility. A relative you don’t visit nearly enough. Have your child deliver it and chat for a few minutes (or longer). Make sure you discuss the meaning behind what you’re doing, too.

So, this year, put an emphasis on the “peace” as much as you do the “joy” with some fun, creative, calming activities.

Do you have any activities that help your little ones calm down around this crazy time of year? Or do you embrace the excitement (or is your family naturally chill)? Be sure to share with us in the comments!

It may not be the hippest thing, but our family is full of “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” fans. One of the interesting things they do is celebrate alternative holidays. In other words, they have a winter festival called Snowflake Day (Christmas/Hanukkah), Dress Up Day (Halloween), and Love Day (St. Valentine’s Day).

So, of course, our son doesn’t call it Valentine’s Day; it’s Love Day. I kind of like it even better. They sing about the different ways that you can say “I love you.” Hadley prefers hugging. Like, everyone. Family, friends, strangers… I know, we’re working on it.

With “Love Day” coming up this weekend, I thought it’d be fun to share some fun crafts from around the blogosphere for you to do with your little loves.

via Sunny Day Family

I can’t WAIT to try this one. It’s a great way to repurpose/recycle materials (I’d totally keep and reuse the jar for this particular purpose). I’d also do this one for St. Patrick’s Day after having the little man hunt for a “blarney stone” to use instead of the candy hearts. And, yes, I’d explain what the real blarney stone is. My maiden name is McCoy, after all.

via You Are My Fave

Hey, look! More repurposing! Who knew newspaper could be so pretty?

via Carolyn’s Homework

There aren’t any directions here, but it’s pretty self-explanatory: felt arrowhead/tail + twig (or straw) = super cute Cupid’s arrow. Maybe add some glue to the mix.

via Pocket of Preschool

There are some other awesome ideas on this post particularly aligned to literacy and math skills, but the project I like is the squares-in-a-heart one. Great for fine motor skills and simple enough for kids to try on their own. Add that “I love you to pieces!” and you’ve got a sweet, adorable card.

via Little Bit Funky

We did this craft last year and it holds a special place in my heart (pun totally intended). I had or little guy do the painting and I cut them and assembled them since his skills were still minimal. We gave them along with a little candy and a card to grandparents and a beloved cousin. Add some string and you’ve got some fun decor, too.

How will your family be celebrating “Love Day”? Any super cute crafts in your futures?
We’d love to hear!

Memorial Day is often called “the unofficial start of summer.” Well, before I get into some fun summer ideas, I’m sure we would all like to take this chance to send out a thanks to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms and country. It simply can’t be overstated, and those who serve, knowing full well that they are being asked to make sacrifices big and small, deserve our pride and gratitude today and everyday.

(Can you tell that my grandparents – both of whom were Marines – helped raise us? They were the BEST.)

That said, I’ve been seeing lots of parents and teachers on social media talking about summer lately. Some are finishing school left and right; others (like myself) are still toiling away well into June.

Because of these inconsistencies, I figured I’d take Memorial Day as the opportunity to share some awesome, simple activities, recipes, and to help up your summer game without the added stress. (That last bit is the best part.)

Toddler Fishing by I Can Teach My Child | Talk about simple fun!

Grow Your Own Salad by KidsGardening.org | It’s never too late to get growing a simple garden.

Easy Paper Plate Watermelon Craft by ABC Creative Learning | A great, easy craft for the littlest artists (although we’re sure the older kids will want to get involved, too).

Homemade Strawberry Creamsicles by Super Healthy Kids | Or try one of the other frozen treats at this awesome website.

Tropical Sand Dough by Paging Fun Mums | A sensory activity that smells like vacation? All you coconut oil fans check this one out!

No Cook Lunches for Kids by Feeding My Kid | Eighteen (yes, eighteen!) yummy lunch ideas for those super hot, “what do I make?” days.

DIY Splat Balls by Paging Fun Mums | As fun as water balloons are, they’re not friendly for the environment or animals, to say nothing of the annoyance of picking up the pieces and filling them. Splat balls are the perfect (and super fun) solution.

Fruit Pizza by Cooking Classy | A healthy pizza…for dessert. Need I say more?

Ready Steady Jump Rope Game by Parents.com | For the slightly older kids, this simple, new spin on jumping rope makes for a fun (and wet) twist!

What’s your favorite tip to help make summertime fun and simple? We’d all love to hear!

Depending on what part of the country you may call home, the end of summer is very near or well underway. No matter which way you shake it, we’re over the halfway hurdle.

Raise your hand if you’re as bummed as I am about that fact.

Well, just to lift up our spirits, I thought I’d share a handful of ideas to help make the most of what’s left of it. Sometimes by this point there’s a bit of a drain and it’s tough to figure out how to use everyone’s free time best. Feel free to pick one or several; the ultimate goal is for low-stress fun!

Go on a local day trip! Who says all vacations need to be weeklong treks? Pretend you’re a tourist and research your area as if it’s the first time you’ve heard of the place. You may be surprised at what you find!

For example, my area is small and on the depressed side. However, we have historical and natural gems to visit – like a state park system larger than the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier and Great Smokies National Parks COMBINED, the nationally renowned Baseball Hall of Fame, great kid-friendly beaches, and tons of other small nuggets to try out, it tells me that no matter where you live, there’s something to do some place. Seriously.

Bonus link: I love these tips for planning a “daycation.”

Get wet! It’s been HOT, hasn’t it? Like, super hot. Sure, you could sit in the air conditioning to cool off, but it’s way more fun to get outside

It can be simple like setting up a water table or sprinkler, or as grandiose as heading to a splash pad or water park. No matter what you do, make sure YOU get in on the action, too!

Bonus link: How to make your own simple water table at home!

Make some cool treats. Y’know that “hot” thing? What cools you off better than nice, cool, sweet treat? Popsicles, smoothies, ice cream, slushies – the sky’s the limit, and if you make them at home you’ll know every ingredient (unlike when you buy them at the store or from the ice cream truck guy).

Try some of these recipes and, of course, get the kiddos involved if they’re big enough!

Connect with your kids by reliving your own childhood memories. We all have different memories that pop out in our heads about summer as kids. Depending on your child’s age, pick one that you can share with a new generation. Just remember that it’ll never be exactly the way it was when you were a kid, so it’s all about creating new, just-as-good-but-different memories.

It can be as simple as having a “picnic” lunch on the living room floor or sleeping on top of your blanket with your head at the end of the bed (we didn’t have A/C as kids so I think this was to be closer to the ceiling fan, ha!) or as silly as a water gun fight or firefly catching. Making s’mores or going fishing, whatever it is it’ll be fun to see it through the eyes of your own little ones this time.

Hit the movies. Okay, this may only be me, but my spouse and I haven’t been to a movie in a real theater in – wait for it – FIVE YEARS. We went before we had our 4-year-old (pretty sure it was before we were even pregnant), life got in the way, and then we had our now 8-month-old. Considering we’re two movie lovers (and that my husband has written/directed several of his own), that’s absurd.

Why haven’t we gone? Either it’s too big of a time sucker of a date (dinner? Yes. Dinner + movie? Slow down, there, shotgun.) or there’s nothing to see or, y’know, newborn, or it’s just easier to watch an old DVD in our PJs at home…the excuses pile up.

So, why is summertime a great time to take in a flick? Firstly, it’s air conditioned. Secondly, many local theaters have free family movies (sometimes mid-morning during the week) that are perfect for kids who haven’t quite got the etiquette down. It’s way more laid-back and low-stress to practice our, say, not talking at the screen when, you’re surrounded by other like-minded families. Plus, did I mention FREE?

We hope you’re enjoying your summer so far and having tons of fun with your loved ones.

We’d all love to hear your suggestions for simple summer fun in the comments!

It’s officially Fall!!! While, for a vast majority of us, it’ll take awhile before the leaves start falling, there’s nothing like the visual of deep, rich colors and the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot. It’s practically why pumpkin spice lattes were invented (or so I assume).

To go along with my favorite season, I present Exhibit A – the Thirsties print, Fallen Leaves. While I love the entire Woodland collection, there’s just something whimsical and fun and, well, all the awesome parts of autumn rolled into a diaper style.

See what I mean? Fun and inspirational and colorful (not to mention absorbent! #teamNAIO).

So, I thought it’d be fun to do a quick round-up as a shout-out to one of the coolest (and most autumnal) prints of all things leaf-related. I fully plan on doing a couple with my kiddos once the leaves actually start drifting to the ground.

The leaf scavenger hunt at KC Adventures isn’t your usual. It actually adds to the usual “find some leaves” element by using simple math activities. Plus, it offers free printables, so it’s a no-fuss setup.

We’re all about simple at our house, so this autumn leaf wreath is right up our alley. Plus, it’s awesome that leaves can be used as decor all through the season (unlike, say, jack o’ lanterns and skeletons).

One of my favorite fall activities at school revolve around the book, Leaf Man. It gets kids thinking about perspective and searching for images within leaf pictures – and extends to a fun activity when you actually have leaves around to create your own pics!

Meaningful Mama’s leaf prints are fun, messy, and beautiful. What more can any kid ask??

Do you have a favorite fall activity that revolves around leaves? Do you appreciate a good leaf peeping trip? Ours always end in a treat of cider and donuts. Or maybe you turn a chore into a blast by getting the kids involved with raking? We’d love to hear in the comments!

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By far, one of our family’s favorite times is bath time. Our kids are just over 1 year and 4 years old, respectively, and are still at that “90% of the time we’re best friends” phase, so even if we wanted to keep them apart during bath time, it’d be impossible. Our daughter will literally try to climb into the tub with her clothes on; that girl is tenacious. So, splash time it is!

But, I recently realized that we’ve turned one of the funnest activities for our kids into a learning time, as well. Aside from just getting the kiddos clean, their toys and games have become learning tools. Here are our favorites…

– Foam Letters and Numbers – The easiest (and least messy) way to get your kiddos learning during bath time is to get a set (or two) of foam letters and numbers. They help kids unknowingly work on letter and number recognition, spelling, early phonemic awareness, and even simple mathematics. I can’t count how many times our son will put something on the wall and start sounding out a nonsensical word or ask how to spell something. I’ll often put up a simple blending word like “at” and ask him to create other words by adding a letter.

Oh, and while our daughter enjoys chewing on these, she also gets a thrill out of watching her brother manipulate

– Bath Crayons – Okay, these are admittedly far messier than the foam alternative (tip: Wash them off the wall immediately or else you’ll have TONS of scrubbing to do later) but they are by far the most creative option for your budding Picasso or Hemingway. Our son was still pretty apprehensive about drawing (which is weird since he’s a creative, verbal little guy) but when we let him use the bath crayons, we end up with huge murals all over the wall. He gets to write his name as BIG as he wants it. He practices other letters. It’s the most passionate we see him about his alphabet and words, so while it’s too messy to do EVERY bath time, it’s a fun treat for those nights that we’re swimming in extra time…pun totally intended.

– Color-Change Toys – We have one toy that changes color when it’s in a different water temperature. So, it goes from a “dirty” brown truck when it’s dry (or doused with cold water in the sink) to a “clean” pretty blue when it’s warm. Even when I’m looking for some spare time to cook dinner or do laundry, I’ll often have our son head to a sink with his stool to play with it. It’ll keep him busy for a surprising amount of time.

This is actually reaching several parts of his brain (and his sister’s when it’s used in the bath – they’re both enthralled). It’s teaching cause and effect as well as scientific processes. Plus, it’s admittedly pretty cool.

– Cups for Days – Cups are the best. We’ve got some stacking ones that helped our son learn patterns as well as cause and effect (they have small holes in the bottom so the water drains out slowly). We also have some old measuring cups, a cup with a spout, and several sizes of cups/bowls that they can use to fill and dump to their heart’s desire. Oh, and they’re also the easiest way we’ve found to rinse off the kids’ hair. #themoreyouknow

– Bath Books – Our daughter will use these as much as a chew toy as anything else, but she’ll occasionally point aggressively at a squishy page and utter a noise of recognition – “oooOOOOooo!!!” or a growl (which is sometimes pretty accurate if it’s an animal) – to which we’ll tell her what she’s pointing at. As with most books at her age, we’ll read a word or two off the page or use it to ask her a question. All very unstructured, but the learning is still happening.

– A Variety of Toys – As I mentioned, I kind of accidentally realized that we had provided our kids with educational toys; it wasn’t really intentional. While we want our kids to learn and develop with a growing knowledge base in mind, our ultimate goal is a “learn through play” philosophy. (I’m an educator, so I know there’s more than enough time for tests and pressure later on.) If our kids aren’t having fun working on their letters, they’re more than welcome to switch to spraying each other with squeeze toys. However, by providing a variety of types of toys (ones that sift, ones that pour and contain, ones that squirt, ones that stick on the wall, ones they can manipulate), they’re able to choose what concept they’re learning about, and you don’t have to actually “teach” them about it – it’s all hands-on, self-directed, and constructive.

So, you don’t have to actually spend a ton or get a million toys. An old kitchen measuring cup, washcloth, and squirt toy are fine. If you want more, that’s fine, too. (We love the Green Toys submarine, in particular; not an ad, we just love it that much.) You don’t have to buy a kazillion toys (and pick up the same amount later, ugh) for your kids to have a fun – and, as it happens, educational – bath time experience.

And, as always, never underestimate the coolness factor of water slowly spiraling down the drain. So cool!

How do your kids spend bath time? What’s their favorite bath toy?

It’s hard to admit that springtime has hit when we had snow as recently as Saturday in my neck of the woods. But I’m psyched to finally be able to get our kids outside more, recharge with some sunshine, and open the windows to help with spring cleaning (wow, I must be over winter if I’m anxious to get cleaning!). I love the changing of seasons, so the change is welcome!

While I know that our son will take to running the yard IMMEDIATELY, I’d like to come up with some fun, spring-themed activities (both inside and out) for our 16-month-old daughter, too.  

Here are some ideas I stumbled upon just for the wee ones that you may enjoy at your house, too:

Soda Bottle Flower Print from Inner Child Fun – Super simple stamp art AND it recycles those soda (or water) bottles. Just make sure the bottom isn’t smooth.

Flower Sensory Bottle from Kids Craft Room – I’d heard of them before, but never used a sensory bottle until my SIL made one for our kids – the instant calm and quiet that comes over them when they start turning it over and losing themselves in the floating objects is amazing. I adore the beauty in this floral, springtime version.

Bubble Wrap Spring Blossom Tree from Arty Crafty Kids – Since my daughter’s art isn’t really about coverage and more just the experience, I think she’d do well putting little splotches of paint on the bubble wrap before laying it on the tree trunk. Plus, aren’t these adorable?!

Floating Rainbow Water Table from Simple Fun for Kids – Aren’t all kids mesmerized by water? We have a fun water table but sometimes a simple bucket with floaty balls is just as fun.

Sidewalk Chalk Games from The Pinterested Parent – Sometimes my older son’s attention span doesn’t create for lengthy chalk art sessions, so I love that these ideas extend how much we can do outside. Plus, after he creates the art, our little daughter can use it along with him. (Lots of follow-the-leader at our house!)

Has spring officially struck where you live? How have you and your family enjoyed it so far? Please share in the comments so the rest of us in chilly climates can bask in your joy!

Happy Memorial Day, everyone! Whether you’re poolside, camping, or just enjoying some family time, I know we’re all thinking about the brave men and women who gave their lives fighting for our freedoms – as well as those who put their lives on the line everyday keeping us safe.

As the “unofficial” start of summer, this holiday has me dreaming about how we’ll be spending OUR summer as a family. (I’m an educator and summer doesn’t really start in our neck of the woods until the end of June or so.)

Since we moved last fall, I’ve realized how much S-T-U-F-F we have accumulated – some of it of our own accord, but a vast majority of it as well-meaning gifts from loved ones. I’ve observed that our 18-month-old daughter almost never plays with toys (unless she pilfered one from her big brother) and our almost 5-year-old son doesn’t play with a vast majority of his toys because they’re constantly in disarray; he simply doesn’t even know/see what he even has.

So, aside from doing some purging and selling at a family garage sale, I’m hoping to build our summertime fun on experiences rather than more stuff, stuff, stuff.

Can anyone else relate? If so, maybe my go-to summer fun ideas for families will help you break from  And if you’re looking for some more simple summer fun activities, check out my post from last Memorial Day!

Get wet! There’s nothing quite as fun as a good, old-fashioned kiddie pool, is there? Both of our kids could stay in the bathtub all night if we let them. Well, that concept transfers great to the fresh air of our backyard. We keep a Dollar Store bin of old bath toys in our garage to toss in (or use with my next tip) and let them have at it.

But your family’s water fun doesn’t have to stop there. An inexpensive water table can bring kids HOURS of fun. You’d be surprised at how long kids can stand in one place and splash, pour, scoop, and giggle. (Even my super active 4-year-old son, if you can believe that!) Oh, and the occasional hose-related sprinkler never gets old!

A final “get wet” go-to is our favorite amusement park, which has both wet and dry rides and is a family tradition going way back. We can make it to our favorite spots by lunchtime then hit the rest of the town in the afternoon, so this is an annual trek we love to make.

Cook (and eat) outside. Who is it who first said that food tastes better when eaten outside? It’s totally true, isn’t it? We’ll often cook most of the meal inside (boiling corn on the cob, chopping salad), but as long as some aspect is grilled – the meat, some veggies, or even my “famous” grilled pizza – that’s all that matters. Pour some lemonade and enjoy!

There are also those days where we’ve had too much time inside and find ourselves climbing the walls that I surprise the kids with a picnic. It may just be a blanket in the yard with simple finger foods, but you’d think they’d never eaten before with how excitedly they devour the food!

Oh, and wasn’t summer just MADE for popsicles? And weren’t popsicles MADE for outside eating? (For those of us who hate a mess, you totally get what I’m saying.) Side note: This is a great site for frozen treat recipes!

Get that “camping” experience…anywhere. You don’t have to rent a camp or cabin and shlep hours away to have the same fun as you would while camping. (Side note: I’m actually still considering renting a campsite, so I clearly have NOTHING against this at all.)

Use the proper precautions, but set up a campfire to roast some hotdogs and, of course, s’mores in your own backyard. I’m ecstatic that we were gifted a fire pit and that my husband’s equally excited to light that baby up soon. It’s one of those times I won’t sweat whether what we’re eating is natural or organic – a s’more is a s’more.

And who says you have to go camping to pitch a tent?? My sister put up a large tent for the kids to hang out in at a family event and I thought it was genius. They ate their meal in there, they played in there, and it offered them a good amount of shade on a super hot, sunny day. So, if your kids are too young to camp out in the backyard (as are mine), you can still have fun with a tent during the day!

For a real nature experience, look for nature trails in your area to “hike” with your littles this summer, too. With my own growing belly, I find that my energy isn’t quite high enough for a real hike, but a nature trail is just the right speed for our family. And you might be surprised at how much you end up seeing and how much fun your little ones has with the experience.

Keep things hands-on. Our son had his first year of pre-K this past year (only 3 half days a week, but it was a good routine and just the right educational start for him) and he learned a ton. I don’t want this learning to stop (especially with kindergarten on its way), but I don’t want to force it on him, either. So while I have some simple letter/number books to keep practicing his writing, I’m hoping to do some super simple art projects with him.

And, of course, our daughter (who’s 18 months going on 18 years and wants to do EVERYTHING her brother does) will also get in on the action. Whether it’s finger painting, coloring simple coloring pages with markers and crayons, or squishy clay, I hope to keep things loose but still educational.

My favorite way to keep the kids learning without the boredom is through zoos and museums. We have the perfect-sized zoo very close by, so we’ll be getting season tickets there. We already were gifted a generous family membership to an art museum, as well, and there’s a science museum less than an hour away that I took students to for a field trip. Needless to say, we’ll be heading there AT LEAST once this summer. Then throw in our usual trip to visit friends in Western Massachusetts and we’ll definitely be hitting up the Eric Carle Museum (if you haven’t been, it’s a MUST!).  

What are some ways that you incorporate some fun into your family’s summers? We’d love to hear more ideas!

My husband and I used to visit local farmers’ markets more frequently before we had kids. (We all used to do a LOT more things before kids, didn’t we?) As much as we said life wouldn’t change when kids came along, they did. Of course.

But, while we don’t go as frequently or to as many markets as we used to, we still make it a point to go. Usually when things warm up (we usually make one concerted effort during winter, but it’s mostly meat and root vegetables – or brought in from out-of-state), we scope out the weather for the weekend and, if it looks good, put off the weekly grocery shopping until after our favorite local farmers’ market on Saturday morning. And off on a family adventure we go.

Here are just a handful of my favorite reasons we bring our family to the farmers’ market:

– Way more fun than grocery shopping. Depending on how you feel about grocery shopping, a trip to the farmers’ market usually rates higher on the “fun” scale. It’s assumed you’ll socialize with the farmers, and oftentimes this congeniality spills over to the other patrons.

Oh, and so many people bring their friendly dogs and kids. What’s more fun for kids? (Aside from free samples…)

– Doubles as a play date. It’s a great place to meet another family and casually peruse the offerings. There’s usually enough space for kids to play (some of our markets are in parks but our “main” one is in a large paved area – still enough breathing space for kids to goof around), and usually a kid-friendly food truck for snacks or beverages.

And I can’t count how many people we know that we run into anyway! It kind of turns into an impromptu play date, regardless (for parents AND kids).

– Doubles as mealtime. Speaking of kid-friendly fare, ours usually has at least two food trucks and one beverage truck in addition to the amazing fresh goodies available. So, if we don’t feel like having breakfast beforehand, we can buy a baked good at one of the vendors or a “breakfast bowl” from a food truck. Or, if we want to grab a quick lunch at the end of our shopping, we’ll split a brick oven pizza (seriously, we’re spoiled) or natural hotdog or quesadilla. And the fresh-squeezed lemonade is even more amazing since they also serve local coffee (for the parents who need it to, y’know, keep going).


As fruit becomes more and more plentiful (I’m talking to you, berries!), our kids will down a carton in one sitting, so that alone works for a quick snack. Add some freshly baked bread and grass fed cheese and you’re picnicking like the best of ‘em.

– Broadens the family’s culinary scope. Last weekend, our son picked out these greenish purple heirloom tomatoes instead of regular cherry ones, spinach (which normally he’s not into), and devoured a pizza with whole pieces of basil without flinching. That wouldn’t have happened at home.

Let’s just say that between being able to talk to the farmers about their food and simply making these foods available to them, our kids are becoming braver about their food choices. (The fact that there aren’t a million processed food aisles surrounding us helps, too.)

– Teaches children about the food system and sustainability. It takes baby steps to live sustainably, doesn’t it? From using cloth diapers to choosing reusable grocery bags to picking foods that nourish our bodies more sustainably, it’s those small choices that eventually add up to an overall philosophy – we want to treat the world and ourselves with kindness.

Well, the farmers’ market is a great, hands-on way to not only tell our children but SHOW them how our choices impact the world. I explain to my son why we go for the organic fruits and veggies, or why we care about grass fed and free-range eggs, meat, and cheeses. If we just bought these things without involving our kids, it wouldn’t pass the meaningful decision-making along to them. They feel invested and I hear our almost 5-year-old making decisions with reason now. It’s a valuable lesson all around.

– Shows kids what a community is – and the importance of supporting it. So many of our farmers and vendors know and remember our family – and it’s not just because my husband and I have been visiting them for years. They talk directly to our son and daughter and call them by name. They care that he’s excited about starting kindergarten and comment on how tall she’s getting. They remember our favorite foods and point out whether they’re available. It’s heart-warming.

Watching as people meet each other and socialize (and are able to ask questions about their food), it reminds me of what communities truly are. We may see friends when we’re there, but everyone feels connected whether a stranger or not. Seeing the huge range of people alone makes you feel like you’re a part of something bigger.

And sometimes forking over a little more money knowing that you’re getting a quality product that will nourish your family on a higher level, and that the money will be going directly to a family working hard to produce that item, is way easier and more fulfilling than a trip to the market (although we do budget accordingly).     


So, do you have a local farmers’ market you like to frequent with your family? What’s your favorite thing to do there? Are you all about the produce? The crafty vendors? Or do you like it to double as a social event as much as we do? I’d love to hear in the comments!

I haven’t seen a movie in an actual movie theater in awhile. When I say “awhile” I actually mean a super long time. Like, before our son was born…and he’s going into kindergarten in the fall. Pretty sure it was Toy Story 3 (and, man, did I bawl!).

But this doesn’t mean that our family doesn’t watch movies. Our older son (and, now, our daughter, who insists on doing EVER-Y-THING he does and more) sees old Disney movies at his grandparents’ houses and we have a handful of family-friendly fare we keep on hand.

By far our kids’ new favorites (and, in turn, our new favorite) are usually high quality (no scary stuff), just the right length, super inexpensive, and fit into our schedule wonderfully. We just pop some popcorn, pull up some blankets and pillows, and dive into PBS Kids Family Night every Friday on the PBS Kids channel. (You don’t even need fancy schmancy cable for it – just the super basic version, which is what we have. ;-))

You may think anything PBS is kinda lame, and if you’re not into their kids’ shows yet, it might not be for you. But our kiddos each have their favorites – our daughter Harper LOVES Daniel Tiger (and don’t tell him we know, but our son Hadley still does, too!), he prefers Wild Kratts, they both love Arthur and Sesame Street, and we all love Odd Squad (especially my husband, to be honest).

So, each Friday at 7pm we know that they’ll be offering an hour-long movie (which is the PERFECT length for their attention spans and bedtime) that’s essentially a super long version of an episode of one of our favorites. Now, if we happen not to be excited about the offering for that week, we’ll either do a family activity together outside the house that evening or watch an old movie that our kids enjoy. Either way, we’re putting in some solid, relatively relaxed family time.

My favorite moment so far came the Monday after we’d had our first “Family Movie Night.” Hadley was getting ready to go to pre-K that morning and said excitedly, “I can’t wait to ask Connor* what he did for Family Night!!!” as if it was a holiday and EVERYONE celebrated it. It was definitely a teachable moment but also showed how important our Friday night ritual became to him pretty quickly. It really has been a way to relax and come together as a family at the end of a hard week.

It’s so cool to see the love of PBS programming that my husband and I appreciated as children (and now as adults when we enjoy programs like Sherlock and Downton Abbey – may it rest in peace – or American Experience and Antiques Roadshow) being loved and embraced by our own kiddos now.  

Is there something that you do as a family – whether it’s a game night, a “no devices allowed” policy, or a super simple movie night – that helps you all unwind and appreciate each other on a regular basis? We’d LOVE to hear your ideas in the comments!

*Not his real name.  

I have distinct memories of celebrating Independence Day as a kid.

Sometimes it involved going to a parade. (My family was all about marching bands; all 4 kids were Mohawk Marching Mohicans and our grandparents were Marines…marching was kind of in our blood.) Sometimes it involved using sparklers. Sometimes it involved a barbecue. Sometimes it involved trekking out to watch fireworks.

But, what I remember the most was always, ALWAYS watching the Boston Pops concert on TV followed by “Yankee Doodle Dandy” (which my sister and I would inevitably fall asleep on the floor – on a sheet – and have a sleepover to).

Weird the things we remember, huh?

Well, I’m trying to figure out activities that we can try out much like my mom did that turn into traditions that work for our family. Low-key fun that means we can all enjoy the “Happy Birthday, America!” celebration without too much planning or work on Mom and Dad’s end.

Here’s a handful of last-minute ways to up the fun factor for your Fourth:

Primary Printables’ 4th of July Scavenger Hunt – This is a fun family activity for everyone that’s simple (and free!) to do at a get-together. If you’re not going on an outing, you can edit and adjust it to meet your needs.

A Little Pinch of Perfect’s Cupcake Liner Fireworks – I love this idea if your little one’s too young to enjoy waiting up for fireworks (I’m envisioning at least one meltdown and a bunch of over-tired behavior issues with our kiddos!). Have them make their own neat fireworks. Oh, and if your child’s too young for scissors, you can cut a bunch and let your child choose and glue them on the page.

Crafty Morning’s Fireworks Straw Craft – This is another way to let your kids safely make their own fireworks at home! I’ve also seen this done with squishy spiked balls and toilet roll tubes cut with slits. Use whatchya got!

Domino’s Easy Recipes – Am I the only one who can always be found hunting down just one more recipe last-minute to complete a meal (especially when entertaining)? This offers over 30 amazing (and mostly kid-friendly!) recipes that you can throw together quickly. I’m eyeing some of the fruit ideas, but there are seriously some mouth-watering recipes here to round out your menu!

Little Bins for Little Hands’ July 4th Slime Science Activity – SLIME. It’s SO a thing. As an educator, I can vouch for how uber-popular this is with even the older kids (although I think that it’s a great sensory activity for kids…even if I can’t wrap my head around the obsession quite yet). This stuff is special July 4th-themed, so your kids might just be thrilled about it. Plus, you can play with it outside while the adults are grilling or inside if the day turns rainy.


Or just chill out at the pool and do your own thing. There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy the day!  

Either way, let us know how you’ll be spending the holiday and we hope it’s a happy, healthy one!

Just because the summer so far has been busy and crazy thanks to selling our old house, changes for him at work, and planning an EPIC 5th birthday shindig for our son, my husband and I are STILL trying to nail down our vacation plans (last minute much? ;-)). It may end up being a close-ish to home getaway – and that’s okay.

We still feel like we’ve been making the most of the summer and spending it with each other that I thought I’d share some of the ways we’re taking a break from the craziness of it all. We legitimately did a few of these things over the weekend and all feel like we’re heading into the week ahead with our batteries recharged and like we made the best of our time together!

Get into nature. One of our local colleges has a perfect-for-families walking trail that’s pretty expansive and incredibly peaceful to wander. While the peace is often disturbed by our son’s chattiness (all innocent questions, but still), the babbling brook and bird tweets mixed with learning about the varieties of plants and counting how many animals we see make it a fun way to get out of our everyday norm.

I sometimes feel badly that we don’t utilize the huge mountainous area that’s less than a 1½ hour drive away, but having spots like this close by help us to hit the reset button way quicker. A couple of ways to find trails near you that will work for your family are to search TrailLink and AllTrails.  

Search for a local beach. There’s just something about getting sand in your toes and watching your kiddos build sand castles. Even if you’re in a landlocked area (I’m in Central New York State, which is just that), you may be surprised to find a beach available, usually at a local lake.

In our case, there are several beaches within an hour or two drive from our house, but I always make it a point to check out their ratings online AND go to their state-run website to find out about what amenities they provide, any rules we should know about (some aren’t cool with flotation devices, others don’t allow pets if you’re bringing a dog, some have picnicking rules, etc), and, most importantly, how the water quality is (we’ve had a couple closed down due to an algae outbreak the past few years).

Find a pool. Any pool. Depending on your neck of the woods, it’s been a sweltering summer. (In our case, it’s been a water-logged one! Major flooding all over the place.) I find that our kids are totally fine with a small kiddie or inflatable pool, but if you want the whole family to get into the action, see if there’s a local municipal pool (or super kind family member or friend willing to share) that you can hit up even once. We’ll be visiting the college that our son took swim lessons during their weekly community time when the weather warms up again.  

Oh, and if/when we go on vacation, this is a prerequisite for the hotel…even if there’s a nearby water park. Our kids aren’t big swimmers, but there’s still something about getting in the water that says “VACATION!”

And don’t forget to pack those Thirsties swim diapers!!! #adorable #clothdiaperadvocates

Ice cream! Why is it that my husband and I are just as bad as the kids are (okay, worse) when it comes to treating ourselves to ice cream during summertime (and, in particular, during vacations)?! Well, my excuse might be that I’m pregnant. Not sure what my husband’s is.

This time of year, a slew of seasonal ice cream stands open up (sometimes with an attached mini golf course – score!) offering a plethora of concoctions. Whether it’s because the kids and I can sleep in a bit the next morning or we’ve just been bitten by the “relax, it’s summer!” bug, we don’t mind taking the occasional drive after dinner past bedtime a bit to grab a scoop.

Plus, if it starts to get dark by the time we get home, the kids can get a good, old-fashioned “check out the fireflies!” backyard chase in. #idyllic

Simplify your mealtimes. Speaking of dinners, between the laziness factor of the season and the HEAT, allow yourself a break during the summer when it comes to meals. I’m giving you permission…just in case you needed it.

Whether it’s the occasional sandwich or salad night, pasta salad, or even my mom’s tried-and-true “smorgasbord” (cheeses, cold cuts, crackers, cut-up fruit and veggies, dips…whatever) eaten picnic-style, there’s NOTHING wrong with simplifying meals. Meal planning can wait ‘til Crock Pot season returns.

Or is that just me?

Have a *casual* party. This doesn’t sound like a break, does it? “A PARTY? That’s MORE work!” But hear me out. Raise your hand if your usual routine entails running around, work and life obligations, all-kids, all-the-time, or just zero time to relax and talk with friends and JUST CHILL.

*raising both hands*

It’s DRAINING. After our son’s birthday party, we realized that we all – parents included – had a really good time, even if the prep part was a pain. Well, if you take out the “gift time, now cake time, now…” part of a birthday party, it CAN be super fun. Plus, my husband and I like to watch old TV shows and we’re reminded that, like, our grandparents used to entertain ALL THE TIME. Thanks, Dick Van Dyke, for reminding us that parents are humans, too, and need social interaction.

We may not be dressed up for a night on the town like the old days, but whatevs. Just order a pizza (or delegate and have each adult/couple bring one thing), let the kids play in the yard, and allow yourself to just breathe and catch up about grown-up things – serious, like work issues, or small – like talking about your favorite TV show. (Not sure our friends want to discuss Dick Van Dyke, though.)

Schedule some “me” time! Moms, in particular, I’m talking to you. Don’t we have a hard time with this?? Even when someone’s willing to hang with the kiddos, it’s difficult not to work on our to-do list or catch up on SOMETHING you’ve been meaning to do. You know it’s bad when we ALL feel like a trip alone to the grocery store is legitimately a vacation. #amiright?!

But, I find that the day-in-day-out of childcare and thinking about others’ needs constantly makes us lose sight of what makes us who we are. So, what if your next “me time” involves something that helps you reconnect with yourself? It can be as “trivial” as getting your nails or hair done (honestly, I feel like I know myself better when I get a fresh hairstyle…is that bad?!) or as deep as taking a class to reconnect to an old hobby you’re super passionate about.

If I had an ENTIRE day all to myself (after I get over the guilt, of course), I’d do some prenatal yoga, get my hair done (it literally hasn’t been touched by a professional in almost a year), maybe a pedi, then I’d work on my writing and do some mindfulness exercises to connect with my goals. What would YOU do?

I recently saw an awesome baby product company on Instagram Stories talking about having mothers take a “vacation” one evening after the kids were in bed and I LOVED it. Seeing what people shared, whether it was watching a favorite movies with a favorite snack or hopping into a bath with a scented candle, showed that you don’t need a REAL vacation in order to give yourself a meaningful break.

So, are you taking an awesomely fun, relaxing (well, as relaxing as parents can have) vacation this year? Or is it a “mini-break” type of summer? I’d love to hear what everyone’s up to this summer!

Oh, and here are some old posts that might be useful for this time of year:

Stress-Free Summer Fun Ideas

5 Ways to Make the Most of the Dog Days of Summer

This summer has been one of sweltering conditions for many across the country, hasn’t it? While this is our first year with central air, we still hate to overuse it due to its energy sucking and near-constant running, so I’ve found myself searching for other heat-beating options. That, plus the fact that both of our kids seem HIGHLY bothered by the heat (you’d think the 6-month pregnant one in the family would be bothered the most, but nope – it’s my husband and the kiddos), means I’ve been getting creative.

And don’t forget to grab your Thirsties swim diaper before you go! They’re available in ADORABLE designs and are just the trick for all your summertime fun.

Splash pads! This can be a tough one depending on your locale (it was quite a schlep from my old house to any splash spots, so I understand if you’re in a more rural place!), but if you’re in a busier area, search around. I literally searched “splash pads near me” and came up with a couple of options.

One reason I ADORE splash pads is because they’re easier to manage when you’re taking a couple of littles (who don’t know how to swim on their own yet) solo for a quick summer outing.

Pools, pools, pools. If you have one already, great! Here in Upstate New York where summer only lasts about 3 months (if you’re lucky; we’ve had a REALLY rainy season this year…see my next tip!), they’re a little less common, so you may have to hook up with a friend or family member for some swim time.

Otherwise, check out your local municipality (or even college!) for swim times. And, honestly, there is no shame in the kiddie pool game. I’ve been known to stick my pregnant swollen feet in with the kiddos while they giggle and splash and get entirely too rowdy. Oh, and this is also an easier option when you’re watching multiple kids on your own (unless your kids know how to swim already and don’t need assistance, of course).   

Rain shower playtime! If you’ve had a humid but rainy summer, embrace it! Some of my favorite summertime fun memories as a kid involved throwing on a swimsuit (usually as Wonder Woman, if I’m going to be honest, ha!) and heading for the driveway and yard during a warm summer shower. Puddle jumping at its best!

Just be sure to keep an ear and eye out for the serious storms!

Water the lawn AND your kids at the same time. Remember running through the sprinkler as a kid? I’m telling you, it’s just as much fun as it used to be. Plus, if things are getting a tad crispy on the lawn front, it does double duty. There are also cool sprinkler-like attachments you can add to your house (we have one that shoots in tons of directions that you can also put balls in to add a bit of a game element to the play.

This might not be a great one if you’re in an area in need of water conservation, so maybe an old-school water gun fight might be better.
Hit the beach! I do think that running to a beach on a hot day is a little like “whuh?!” (at least, I think my husband feels this way) but I get it. The awesome thing about a beach is that you can enjoy the hot sun and, when you feel like it, go for a quick dip when you feel like cooling off, then head back to make more sand castles. It’s literally rinse and repeat. And, if you’re lucky, there’s sometimes a nice breeze coming in off of the lake or ocean.

And at our local state parks, there are often nearby shady areas with trees for cooling off and picnicking that provide a nice break from the sun beating down.  

Did somebody say “water park”??? Sometimes it’s a bit of a drive so you may want to build a trip just around this option, but we love to make an annual trek to our “local” water park (oh, and it has amazing, kid-friendly dry rides and an old school fairy tale land that our kids still think is amazingly cool) when we see that the temperature’s rising.

The awesome thing about most of these spots is that there are more and more catching on to the idea of “family friendly” options, often providing a large area for babies and toddlers to wade around while the older kids get to enjoy the “big kid” rides. There’s also sometimes a “Lazy River” option or large outdoor pool that parents can bring the littles in, providing tons of choices for cooling off.

Go to a fun spot – indoors! If you’re simply not a fan of the heat but don’t want to be stuck in watching one more episode of “Paw Patrol,” think outside the box to have fun and still stay cool. From movie theaters to museums, indoor play gyms to libraries, there are lots of air conditioned spots that you can take kids to encourage play without getting too hot.

And the amazing thing? Lots of places offer free or cheap services over the summer to meet the needs of your families. For example, movie theaters will oftentimes show a mid-morning string of kid-friendly movies in the dead of summer for super cheap – or even free! – once a week. Libraries, of course, always offer free youth services, from read alouds to puppet shows and beyond. Children’s museums are now the epitome of hands-on play (rather than the museums of years past) – I think my son has a couple he’d simply love to LIVE at, he loves them so much.

We actually build entire vacations around what’s available to do outside AND inside so that we don’t have to worry about any bad (or super, super hot) weather hurting the trip!  

So, these are just a handful of ways to beat the heat but still have tons of fun this summer. I’d love to hear your family’s favorite(s) in the comments!

And, of course, here are a few quick practical tips to beating the sun beyond the “I’m bored” parts of summer:

– Keep kiddos hydrated with their own reusable water bottles. There’s something about a stainless steel water bottle with a fun character on it that gets my kids to drink more water!
– Slather on the (safe) sun block. Research the best option for your family and remember to use and reapply. I also like to remember that if we forget it, SOMETHING is better than NOTHING (ie “I know this stuff at the convenience store is full of chemicals, but we’re out of our favorite stuff…hmm…what to do?”). Take it from a girl who lost her dad to skin cancer as a young child. It’s important.
– Keep clothes light in more ways than one. Clothes that are both a) lightweight (natural fibers like cotton are great for this!) and b) light in color (rather than navy or black) help keep kids (and grown-ups) cooler.
– ‘Tis the season for cool treats – embrace it! Ice pops (I LOVE that there are more “real fruit” options available in the stores, but you can also easily make your own) are a GREAT way to keep kids hydrated AND provide a nice, refreshing treat.   

Last year, I posted an article with a round-up of fun fall activities to do with your family. The year before, I posted a “frugal fall fun” list of ideas. Many of these ideas turned out great for my family and can still apply, but this year I’m keeping it even simpler – while still making the most of our family’s “favorite season.”

Fast forward a year and things are even more hectic than usual – and I know many of you can relate no matter what season of life your family is experiencing. In our case, we have our third baby on the way (due at the end of October), we’re celebrating a year in our new house come November (and still sometimes feel like we haven’t totally unpacked!), and are undergoing some family transitions with our oldest heading to kindergarten and my starting at a new school in our district (with high schoolers – I’ve got the jitters, folks). It feels like a lot.

Maybe you can relate and are in the exact same boat with youngsters and “firsts” left and right. Or, maybe you’ve already been through it all and are instead dealing with the craziness of older kid schedules and practice drop-offs and pick-ups. Or, still yet, maybe you’re expecting your first child and are feeling a certain level of overwhelm just wrapping your head around everything – along with dealing with the exhaustion that can accompany pregnancy.

It never ends. But, we wouldn’t really want it to, would we?

Well, no matter your family’s stage, I fully believe it’s possible to still enjoy simple things – like a new season! – without overfilling your plate (ie schedule).

Be intentional about the season. – “Being intentional” sounds like such a hipster concept these days, but there’s a lot of value in it. It really is about opening your eyes to the moments and experiences around you as they happen; it’s also a really great way to get a kickstart on Thanksgiving (the being grateful thing; not the planning your menu and stuffing your face thing).

So, how do we do this? My favorite way to break it down is to suggest using your senses. Take a moment on those cool, crisp mornings to pause and feel the chill on your skin (but still appreciate the sun that accompanies it). Close your eyes and smell the fallen leaves or apple cinnamon candle you only break out when summer ends. Savor the flavors of fall comfort foods and fill-in-the-blank-with-your-favorite-pumpkin-spice-food-or-beverage-here. You get the idea.

And, of course, bring your kids in on the fun! When you notice something with your senses, mention it to them and have them take part, too (maybe not a latte, but you get the idea). Kids are often even better at recognizing these simple pleasures than we grown-ups.

Make the most over the changes. As we’ve been addressing with our son, sometimes transition can be sad, but there are often happy consequences to the change, too. I have a good mix of friends who very publicly share either their disdain over the end of summer fun or their elation over welcoming autumn. I always find that it’s better to ride the waves rather than try to stroke upstream (when it’s clear you’re going to lose that race).

So, I find what I enjoy about the season rather than what I hate. The first time I’m able to switch over to my trusty old brown boots and a favorite scarf is joy (and, yay, I can do that pregnant!). The first taste of a pumpkin spice coffee? The same thing. We’ll soon be deep into it and summer will be a distant, lovely memory. Life moves so quickly, it’s much more rewarding to enjoy where we are while we’re there rather than rush things even more.        

There’s no shame in multi-tasking, especially when there’s fun in store. So, you’re hoping to do a bit of decorating with pumpkins and other fall paraphernalia but also have a craving for some cider, but don’t have a lot of time on your hands? Instead of heading to your usual craft store, home improvement store, and grocery store, grab the kiddos and hit up a pumpkin patch or local garden center (we have one that’s also an orchard that happens to stock TONS of pumpkins, corn stalks, hay bales, etc – PLUS they have a free corn maze and a shop with cider, pastries, and other fall treats…jackpot). One stop shopping!

How often do you go on a shopping trip with a side of family fun and memories for good measure?    

Find one or two simple family outings and ENJOY! You may not have time to do all the things you’d like to do. I know I don’t. So, if we happen not to be able to hit all of our favorite spots (let’s just say our annual trip to Vermont is out when you’re 8 ½ months pregnant), we’ll pick what will pack the most punch and simply enjoy the time together.

Some basic ideas? Hit up the farmers’ market and make a meal together using local, autumnal flavors. Make the most out of your Halloween pumpkin-picking trip and make a side trip to a costume store or thrift shop to pick out their costumes. Hit up a “you pick” apple orchard or cider mill (since they usually have additional activities and shopping opportunities for patrons).

Whatever it is, savor the experience. For me, this often means leaving the phone home (or taking it out ONLY to take a picture), chatting with the kids during the trip, allowing the eating of super messy cider donuts in the car (ya only live once, right?), and maybe throwing in a movie night with popcorn and cider or cocoa just to add to the memories of the day.   

As with all things, don’t strive for perfection! Raise your hand if you struggle with this, too!! It’s funny. I often hear my family jokingly call me Martha Stewart (more my mom and sister, but occasionally in a nice way my husband reminds me that I’m doing too much or not to stress myself out), so, yeah. Reminder to all of us: creating fun memories CAN be done simply and DOESN’T need to be Pinterest perfect.

So, go ahead and BUY a pumpkin spice latte instead of blending up your own nutrient-dense, fortified-with-coconut-oil, dairy-free version (unless you really, really want to or have dietary reasons). Grab your favorite Do the simplest decorating that brings YOUR heart joy (I’m looking at you, small but cute faux pumpkins and yummy-smelling candles from the Target dollar area). And, yes. It IS okay to purchase your child’s Halloween costume (says the woman who made her children’s every year after they turned one); and semi-homemade is totally a thing, so putting together pieces from their wardrobe plus a handful of stuff from the dress-up bin totally works.


Hopefully these tips help you find ways to enjoy the autumn without adding too much to your schedule (or stress level).

We’d love to hear your favorite ways to celebrate fall. It’s always great to bounce ideas off of each other and try new things, so share away in the comments!

Maybe it’s the colder weather. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m on maternity leave and feeling a bit isolated. Maybe I’ve finally finished my slow transition into an introvert. But, I find myself really, really enjoying celebrating the holiday season close to home.

Just in case you’re feeling similarly, or just want to slow down your pace with some more low-key, easy ways to have some Christmas fun this month, I’m sharing some ways to do just that. Pajamas optional!

Make some cookies! When we ask our 5-year-old what his favorite part of the holiday season is, he immediately answers “making gingerbread cookies with Mommy!” (followed by “and spending time with all my family members.”) And y’know what? When I look back to my childhood, baking and decorating cut-out cookies with my mom is the first thing that pops into my head.

It’s such a simple task (well, in theory) that creates memories. And the cool thing is that no matter how you do it, your kids will love the experience. So, whether you use your grandmother’s intricate recipe or you buy some pre-made dough (or mix some up on your own in advance, then have your little one cut out and decorate them), it’ll still be special. Oh, and yummy!

Let the kids stay up and watch a “special.” My husband and I have bought or downloaded TONS of holiday “specials” (ones we remember from childhood, generally). So, while we’ve watched the Grinch a dozen times already, there’s something so special about seeing it “live” on TV.

Two words: homemade cocoa. If your kids only like the powdered stuff, go ahead and make that, but there’s something extra special about making your own – and it’s not much more difficult! I don’t measure, so it’s some glugs of whole milk (I think almond or coconut milk would work if there’s an intolerance in your family) into a pot and simmer on medium-low until steaming. Then, I whisk in several teaspoons of cocoa powder, sugar (or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener), and a touch of vanilla. You can experiment with different types of chocolate (I’m pretty sure melted chocolate chips or a high-quality chocolate bar would be incredible), adding spices like cinnamon or cayenne powder, or even some high-quality, consumable peppermint essential oil.

Toss some marshmallows or homemade whipped cream on top and you’re good!

Make a super-simple craft. Our son is finally WAY more into crafting now that he’s in school, so he kind of does this independently. Whether it’s basic construction paper chains, decorating a cut-out tree with stickers and baubles, or something more complicated, it’s more about spending the time together.

Oh, and be sure to join in on the fun yourself. It’s fun to step away from the chores and get your hands dirty in a fun way, and the kids tend to love seeing what their parents come up with (beautiful or…not).

Read holiday books. Whether you have to hit up the library or have your own plentiful supply of Christmas stories, make it a nightly event! Many of the stories
Write Santa a letter or draw him a picture. We already wrote our letter to Santa (because goodness knows the closer we get to the “big day”, more items will be added to the wishlist…and Santa’s not a fan of last-minute additions), but a letter for any of those questions your little ones may have or a nice little “thank you” note to leave with his milk and cookies is a fun way to focus all of that excited energy at this time of year.

Check out the lights! This one entails leaving the house but a) you can do it in your PJs with very little fuss and b) there’s nothing like the first year your child is old enough to actually notice a big display and you hear a huge “WOW!!!” from the backseat.

Even with a newborn in tow, we’ll be packing up the car to do this soon!
Make any activity a holiday activity. Whether we’re sitting at the dinner table or watching one of the kids’ favorite shows on PBS, there are ways to put a bit of extra cheer into the activity. We have the tree a-glowin’ pretty much every hour of the day, light our gas fireplace when we start to feel a chill, and light a Christmas candle (or diffuse some festive essential oils) every chance we get.

Add cocoa (homemade or not) and some Christmas PJs to any game, movie, or playtime, and you’re golden. Oh, and I can’t emphasize enough: Pandora, Spotify or the good, old-fashioned radio can set the mood better than anything and will put everyone in the house in the Christmas spirit.

And that’s it! What close-to-home holiday fun does your family enjoy? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!

Happy 2018, everybody!

The word “resolution” has gotten a bad rap lately. This year it seems that people are either fiercely against making a new year’s resolution or passionately jumping headlong into their lofty goal for 2018; not much wiggle room. While I set some meaningful intentions for the year, I felt too much negative pressure to set one in particular.

What did get me excited was the idea of creating a resolution with our family in mind. This time of year, I think to lift my mindset up from the downer of saying goodbye to the holidays, so looking forward to what this year can bring for us as a whole family is actually fun.

Here are the things I take into account when making a family resolution:

Think about what your family needs more (or less) of. Have you gotten into a rut, only leaving the house for necessities? Have you gotten into eating too much junk? Do you get outside frequently? Are you itching to share more of the world with your kids? This will probably be a pretty quick and obvious thing for you and your family to figure out.

If possible, don’t do it alone. Depending on the age of your child, get them involved in the process (which is obviously irrelevant if you’ve just got a little baby at home). Either way, if you have a partner, pick their brain so that you’re not doing a resolution that only feels right for you.

Whatever you resolve, make sure it’s fun! If you want your family to eat better, don’t be as strict as you might be on yourself; try saying you’ll try a new recipe or food once a week and have your family help pick some to try. If you want everyone to get more exercise, try playing outside or going for walks. If you want to travel more, make sure there are a good mix of kid-friendly spots mixed in for good measure.

Keep it simple. Adult resolutions sometimes get complicated in their explanations. For example, I was watching a show recently where one of the hosts was describing her resolution and it took several minutes before you could figure out what she was resolving to do. Whether for kids or adults, it’s best to keep these things simple and cut-and-dry.

Don’t forget to include a “how.” It doesn’t need to be part of the resolution itself, but discuss ways to achieve the goal.

Post it somewhere in your house. A piece of art that reflects the change? Written on a dry erase board on the fridge? Scrolled on a chalkboard in the playroom? Anything goes, but seeing it will be a good reminder to stick to it.
If you’re not sure where to get started, here are some sample Family Resolutions:

– Spend more time outdoors.
– Take more road trips.
– Start a family game night.
– Eat one vegetarian dinner a week.
– Go camping more.
– Go to the library once a week.
– Get out of the house once a day.
– Start doing family yoga.
– Start a class together. (Kindermusik, swimming, dance, art, etc.)
– Learn something new together. (How to knit or sew, play piano, learn how to ski or play tennis, etc.)
– Have a weekly movie night.

My family goal is to get outside more together. When things are a bit (or A LOT) warmer, I’m hoping to start slowly with just walks and nature exploration in the backyard, but to work up to hikes and nature walks. Another goal within this goal is that anytime we have a road trip this year to be sure to add one stop for fresh air – whether a park, playground, beach, or camping.

Have you created a Family Resolution this year? If so, we’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!