Outdoor Activities For Wee Ones

A MoM asked this question on our forums: “Help me get creative! I need to get my twins outside, by myself, and not just in a stroller. They are crawling and putting everything in their mouths still, but have outgrown their walker toys. Other than a super-play-yard, do you have other suggestions on playing outside with twins that is safe?” (You can join our forums here)

We all know that as the days get warmer getting some sunshine and being outdoors can be beneficial to all. (And could possible mean a nice long nap!) So here are some things to help you and your babies enjoy your first spring/summer outdoors. But before you go out, remember sun protection first!

Road Trip: Spring Break Bound!

Written by: Kathleen Tirella Ecker

“The words “Spring Break” bring many images to mind – beaches, bathing suits, boom boxes and beer bottles. Having had four beautiful children in four years, including one set of multiples, those days are long behind me. But, it doesn’t mean that I can’t still have fun on Spring Break — it just now means family fun! We are fortunate to live in the Washington, DC area where not only are there so many options for fun things to do right here in our hometown, the majority of the attractions are low or no cost and educational! Being centrally located on the East Coast, we can be in New York City or on the beach in the Carolina’s within a day’s drive, and suffice it to say we are a definitely driving family. Plane tickets and rental cars for a family of six just isn’t feasible, so we pile in the van and go! A Road Trip can be a day trip, an overnight or a week-long trip. When going on a road trip it is very important to be prepared. That includes, in addition to our luggage, having a stash of items that you can get to quickly and easily.

Here are some of the things I always have on hand: bottled water, small potty, pull-ups, emergency change of clothes for each child, zip lock bags (large bags can hold the gross stuff, the small ones can be used to divvy out snacks), band-aids, wipes and plenty of snacks! We also have lots of DVDs and music on hand.When selecting our destination, we encourage the children to be involved and discuss as a family the different things to do and see. One of our favorite spots to go in Washington, DC is the National Zoo. The Zoo does not charge an admission fee, and has plenty of picnic spots. The National Zoo is also 1 of only 4 zoos in the U.S. to be home to Panda Bears.

Spring Cleaning: Bedroom Bliss

A bedroom should be a place of solitude so that we can get adequate rest and lower our stress levels from a long day of caring for our kids. I don’t know about you but I don’t want the last thing I see at night and the first thing I see in the morning to be a mess. The rest of our lives are chaos and we need a place to escape to recharge our batteries before the twins come jump into bed the next morning. So this week let’s spring clean our bedroom together and make it a place we can relax in. To get started this is what you will need:

 

Spring Cleaning: Waging War With Dust Bunnies And Clutter

To me, spring cleaning means more than just seeking and destroying dust bunnies, it means letting go of “stuff.” I was raised by a “collector” so I sometimes tend to keep things for sentimental reasons or because I might use it one day. But “stuff” collects dust, and takes up space not only in your house but also in your mind. My husband helps me since he is a “throw it away” type of person. We usually come to a middle ground of throwing stuff out and donating other things. The end result is a clean house, a clear mind, and an organized and more functional home.

Are you are feeling overwhelmed by your surroundings? Do you feel your house needs a change? Instead of buying something to give your house a fresh new look, try clearing the clutter instead. I know it can be a daunting task, especially when you have kids to tend to, meals to make, a job to work and all your other responsibilities. But I promise it is worth the effort!