Safer at Home

It has definitely been a time of uncharted territory (kind of) over here for a hot minute.  Many days it just feels like summer in our house.  I am used to being off with my two kids and having summer learning packets that I prepare every year to prevent the dreaded "summer slide".  So in all actuality this quarantine thing is kind of the same thing...kind of.


However, as similar to our summers as this feels, it feels very different at the same time.  Our summers are usually filled with lists of fun places to visit, new bakeries to try or awesome hikes to go on.  Our weekends are usually packed with sports games to attend or watch, hanging with friends or exploring new areas.  This current situation of staying at home has been challenging, but welcoming at the same time.

I actually haven't hated being landlocked as much as I thought I would.  Maybe because we have lots of house projects we have been doing and checking off of our list (that is a whole other post!).  Maybe because I have taken a liking to working in the yard which we either never really had time for or liked before.  We have been going on one, sometimes two daily walks around the neighborhood and have been paying more attention to the small things around us.

Some days are better than others.  Some days are more productive than others.  Believe me, we have had some daaaayyyyssss.  

But at the end of the day if our kids are safe and healthy then each day is a win.  

We have a loose daily schedule, and in our downtime we still *try* to limit screen time and have really gotten accustomed to doing card games, board games and puzzles when we have an extra 20-30 minutes lying around.  Not only are these options engaging and fun, they are also helping with problem solving, winning/losing and cooperative learning.  Win-win.

Here are some of the ways we are making our time at home fun and educational.

Some of our faves are - 

Books/Sticker Books/Puzzles
Mad Libs Jr.
Paint by Sticker, 
Playtime Puzzles by Highlights Sticker Puzzles (search and find)
Mindware Imagination Magnets

Art/Drawing
-My First I Can Draw Book

Card games
-Blink
-Uno
-War
-Sushi Go
-Avocado Smash
-7 Ate 9 (great math game)

Board Games
Rummikub
Blokus

We have also done lots of arts and crafts, Everett is learning to sew using this kit.  He also got a Rainbow Loom for Easter and that has been a hit as well.  I am allllll about things that increase fine motor skills and are time consuming...#winning!

We have also been outside A LOT!  Luckily we have had pretty amazing weather and have made the most of it.  

During this time in self isolation, Hilty has learned to ride her bike without training wheels and Everett is working on throwing and catching a baseball with a glove.  We have flown kites, baked lots of treats, climbed trees, used chalk paint, eaten popsicles, been bored, created obstacle courses, had many afternoons in our hammock (highly recommend), a few nights of campfires and even a picnic in the park. 

  

As crazy as this world is at the moment, the birds are chirping more and the kids are laughing louder.   Slowing down enough to hear them has been a welcome change.   

Hang in there everyone - WE CAN DO THIS!