Staying in… part 2

We have had such an enjoyable Spring Break.  We have gone out and about a little bit, but my favorite moments have been at home; staying in.

 

I always have lists of things I want to be able to do with the kids, but with the older two in school all day it is hard to accomplish them.  We have been able to do a few of them this week.

This has been a week for us to reconnect as a family, just doing the things we enjoy doing around here.  The kids have spent some time reconnecting as well.  I love watching my kids play and laugh together.

Here is what we have done; beware lots of pictures.

I let the kids loose in the kitchen.  I have been wanting them to cook more. They made waffles for breakfast.

Stella made cookies all by herself.  I don’t have a picture of that. I didn’t want to even set foot in the kitchen. I wanted her to have complete independence. She did it; she followed a recipe, and did it all. by. herself.

It rained and rained for a couple of days.  I decided while we had to stay indoors.  I would potty train Tess.

She has done awesome.  I must say the fourth time around was pretty easy.  It has taken me four times to finally get it, and realize that staying calm always works better.  I get a little anxious.  I haven’t at all this go round.

This is the method I use.  Krysta introduced me to it back when I potty-trained Jex.  I have used for all four of the kids, and it works!!!

Try it.  Be sure to read the whole post.  Krysta also answers many questions in the comment section.

The sun finally came out so we spent some time outdoors.  I enjoyed reading, while they ran around the yard.

Tess and I stayed pretty close, so I could continue the potty process.  Lots and lots of reminding.

It was such a beautiful day, I told the kids that the blue sky reminded me of the day Jonathan and I got married.  The sky was so blue that day almost 13 years ago.

After the kids begging and begging to run through the sprinkler, we settled on a bucket of water and paint brushes.  I let them paint the driveway with water. 

That seemed to satisfy.

We are not getting in to outdoor water activities until at least May.

We had a pizza picnic.

Gotta love Little Ceasars.

(yes, I let my kids have soda.  We have to keep things exciting, and live a little.)

At night, the kids get all wound up and run around and just laugh.  It brings a massive smile to my face.  One particular night, they came out doing a silly fashion show.  The funniest was Tess playing along and just laughing her head off.  I love having four kids.

We did puzzles and coloring on those rainy days.

 

Puzzles will entertain Isaac for hours.

I love seeing the girls coloring together.  All the kids enjoy coloring.

…and of course there was reading.  There is always lots of reading going on around here.  Jex is such a good example.  He loves to read, and it is infectious.

I love seeing him read to his siblings.

All in all, it has been a great week.

Now, I am taking the night off and going out to see the Hunger Games with some girlfriends.

May the odds be ever in your favor, and may you find time to stay in and reconnect.

Have a great weekend!!