Winter

Maybe because this is my first Winter in MI after 20 years, but I don't mind it.  In fact, I love it.  I love the flow of the seasons, the fact that you do certain activities only certain parts of the year, and it is exciting to welcome each season back every year.

From my car window.

I lived where it sunny and warm all of the time from age 7-13.  I never wore shoes.  I didn't have a coat.  South Florida will always feel like home, but once I experienced seasons, I prefer the rhythm of the living somewhere that has them!

My uncle now lives in AZ, and is always posting the temperature.  You can keep your 65F, because, "Is there anything better than a gentle snow falling, a warm beverage in your hand, while cuddling under a cozy blanket?"  I say no.

Instead of wishing you were elsewhere if you are deep into winter, look around.  It is fabulous!  My friend, Claudia (who lives is FL), sends me her big chunky sweaters because she can never wear them.  Today, as I was driving through fresh snow, everyone had to SLOW DOWN.  In this busy world, I love the reminder and excuse to do just that.

What is your favorite part of WINTER?

Frozen Fractals

This is someone else's idea, probably off of pinterest, but I don't remember where I got it!  In any case, it was a hit with Soleil.  The official title is Frozen Fractal Soup, and in case you have been living under a rock, is inspired by Frozen the movies reference to "Frozen Fractals" in the song "Let it Go".  

You start by making the Fractals.   I used one drop of food coloring and water, and the idea was to let her fill the ice cube trays before popping them in the freezer.  She was NOT interested in this part, so I quickly filled the trays for her. 

After the Fractals have frozen, I popped them out, and put them in a bowl.  I placed it in her sand table with tongs, ladle, and different colored water in squeeze bottles and little pourable containers.

I later added a little bowl of baking soda, just to have another ingredient to play with.  (It also cleans the sand table before coming inside for the winter.)

This is a super simple activity, but my little one loved it.  We have already done this twice:)

Christmas Break Fun Time

I like to set an activity for the kiddos on a regular basis because:

1.  They love it. 

2.  It makes life easier on me.

3.  It's fun.

3.  It prevents them from being on TV, which reinforces #2. 

 Mostly, I steal ideas off pinterest, or I just put out what I have in season colors and themes.  Here are some ideas to make your Christmas Break just a little more fun.

Styrofoam balls+toothpicks+buttons+mini marshmallows

 Prebaked Gingerbread House.  I like Wilton's brand better than the other brands out there.

 Tate rolling fondant.  It was like Cake Wars in my house. 

Gel pastels+watercolor+stickers+thick paper.

It is unseasonably warm here, so when Tate asked to go play in the rain, I said yes.  Notice the sled, even though it is 75F.

Easiest Lunch Ever:  Get a cute little stand (this one is from Ikea) and fill it with fruit, veg, carbs & Protein.  They love that is like a big snack.

And a Christmas tradition, we had the kids get ready for bed, and then we surprised them with going to see the Christmas Lights (at Norfolk Botanical Gardens).  

I packed cookies and cocoa and had it waiting in the car. 

Project 12: "It's a Long Winter" Campsite

It is 5F/-15C here in Minneapolis.  It is definitely too cold for me to go outside with the kiddos!  

While Soleil napped (ok, not really, but I left her in her crib for mandatory "quiet time"....) 

I set up 2 tents in our family room.  

I pulled out every book that was camping, outdoor, or bug related.  

I found every compass, flashlight, telescope, lanyard thingy we had. 

I pulled out every squishy creature and all the stuffed animals.  

I pulled out the sleeping bags and all the pillow in the casa.  

The last step?  I took the kids to the library after school and came home with a bag of fresh books for each of them.  

This resulted in hours of play.  Heck, if you come over right now, it is still set up.  Tate begged to keep it up permanently.   This isn't exactly a project that you make to keep, but it was creative and fun!