Stay Positive!

   No, really!!! Stay Positive!!! Put a fake smile on your face until you feel as if the weather really will get better!!
   We had 68 degree temp one day, and 2 days later, this:

     This would be very pretty if it were December....


     Two days later and we have 14 degrees this AM with a high of 31...lovely, huh?
    So paste that smile on your face, giggle at the weatherman, and make your own Spring...

Even if you have to buy it at the store  :))


Have a great weekend and
Happy Parenting!
D and C

Tricycles and Training Wheels

     Spring, Spring, yes?? no?? In Michigan you can never really be sure. We all need to take advantage of good weather whenever we see it, but I suppose that's true wherever you live, huh?
     Today the temperature might be 45 degrees...

workin' that trike and 'wheels'

Have the kids get out into the fresh air anyway...they love it!
Tomorrow the temp may be 60 degrees...

lovin' riding together

Lighter jackets, but look at those smiles...out of the house, having fun!

riding those bikes to school

When the snow and ice are gone from the streets and sidewalks, off they go to school on their favorite mode of transportation!

riding rental bikes on Mackinac  Island

Riding bikes becomes even more fun when the kids are able to rent bikes while on vacation. They can help plan the route, decide where they would like to go, and have fun as a family.

are you ready?

Are you able to let your kids have messy fun??? Some of our most delightful times with the kids....spring puddles!!!   F2 and I had always loved walking in the rain and, yes, stomping through puddles...so we just naturally encouraged the kids to enjoy the same process. Here's how it goes....have the kids put on junky (easily cleaned) clothing, get your camera out, and have them speed through any puddles they can find. This is what it looks like:

ahhhh!

Does it look like fun??  So many giggles and shrieks! They LOVE it. They also love the 'skunk stripe' they get up the back of their shorts and shirts :)  Water and mud...sounds like boys, right? I'll bet the girls would like it too.  And now, for the teachable moment...


When the kids finish riding through the puddles they have a job to do...every time!! They must hose down their bikes and then completely dry them before putting them away in the garage. This becomes a great lesson in how to take care of your things...explanations of what rust can do and how important it is to take responsibility for their own possessions. No slacking or whining allowed...make it fun, so they' ll want to do it again!


Have fun with those kids this spring...don't be afraid of dirt! Hurray for puddles!!


Happy Parenting!
D and C

Spring?? and St. Patrick's Day

 May your heart be light...and keep looking for that Spring!!!

Here is blue sky, but frozen lake remains...

Can you see the poor ducks trying to walk on the ice?? They're wondering if they came back a little too soon!

Ice still here...sea wall shedding....spring??

Do you think green things can grow here yet?? But wait...see the sun is actually shining in the background...ah, signs of good things to come:)

The cherubs guarding the spot where the tulips and daffodils will soon grow....maybe a leprechaun is lurking, waiting for spring also:)


Happy St. Patty's Day to all... find something 'green' to do with the munchkins today. They will love it!!


Happy Parenting!
D and C