Library Time: Toddler Challenge

With Munchkin in school in the mornings, Peanut and I have a little time to kill. On Monday, we headed to the library. While we went to get books for Advent, I thought it would be a good time to let Peanut play. He had a blast exploring, before finding the train table. He definitely had a lot of fun, and was very interested in the books that we brought home. Now that the weather is getting iffy, I have a feeling that we'll be spending more mornings at the library.

One Rookie Mom Toddler Challenge done!

Going to the Zoo: Toddler Challenge

Activity 37 of the Rookie Moms Activities is going to the zoo. We are lucky enough to live relatively close to the Bronx Zoo, and we've actually had a membership for the past couple of years. We love going to the zoo and since there was no school today, we figured that it would be a good time to go. The weather was perfect, although it was very crowded, and not the usual quiet afternoon that we usually experience mid-week.

Peanut is a huge fan of the zoo, and in the past couple of trips has started to actually notice the animals. He especially loves the petting zoo (the full children's zoo has been closed this past year for renovations although I am sure that he would love that as well). Today there was no petting zoo as it is closed for the season, but Peanut was happy enough seeing the animals that were out, and were very active in the warm fall weather. He was thrilled with the deer, giraffes, zebras and flamingos. I wasn't able to get pictures today, as I was by myself and still not feeling 100%. (Photos from our trip to Boo at the Zoo at the end of October.)

This is probably one of the last trips for us before the end of the year, and I am so glad that we were able to make it today.

Four Simple Goals (Before 2015)

Last year, I wrote about my four simple goals. I know how busy this time of year can get, so I like the focus that this project gives. Just four items that are important to you. I am definitely trying to live simpler, more in the moment as opposed to for the moment, and I am hoping that doing this again will help me with that.

The rules are the same as last year (as explained by a beautiful mess), goals should be simple, personal and activity oriented. Choose a reward for each accomplishment and blog about the results.

Before we reach 2015, I plan to:

1. Decorate for the holidays - In our last place, we would have our tree, but that was really it as far as decorations go. This year, with the new layout and the fact that Munchkin is older and more interested, I want to do more. I want this time of year to be magic, and the boys to grow up remembering the joy that decorations can bring.
2. Practice photography - I am actually very excited about this one. I have a dslr camera that I don't really know how to use, and would love to figure out how to take great pictures. And as we approach the Christmas card season, I really want to get some new photos of the boys, and of all four of us (with the help of my tripod).
3. Cook/bake with Munchkin - Munchkin is starting to be interested in what I'm cooking for dinner. As of now, he helps me fill the slow cooker and is pretty excited that he "cooked dinner". I want to continue that as well as let him help with some other things like breads, pies, cakes.
4. Read a book for fun - I know I had this one last year, but I have not been reading as much as I would like, and I'm hoping that this will give me the push I need to spend that time on myself and unwind.

The Rookie Mom Challenge Part Two: Before They're Two

Last year, Peanut and I took the Rookie Mom Challenge, and while we came no where near completing all fifty-two challenges, we did enjoy our time together. The Rookie Moms have recently posted a list of activities for before they turn two. Peanut and I have a little less than four months until that happens, and we are going to try to complete as many as possible.

Some things we have already done, such as sitting in boxes, but there are quite a few that I am looking forward to trying.

Let the fun begin.

An Autumn Update

I've been quiet on the posting, but things have been pretty busy around here. We've been working on our fall bucket list, and while there are definitely things that we missed (I'm looking at you, decorating pumpkins), we've made some great progress.

I've already talked about picking our pumpkins, which also allowed the boys to play on the tractor. We attended a local costume parade, and the plethora of fall birthdays in Munchkin's class means that there is no shortage of costume parties.

Boo at the Zoo is happily becoming an annual tradition for us, and it allowed the boys to spend time in a hey maze, and Peanut to feed some animals (with an assist from Munchkin, who has decided that he doesn't like the animals tickling his hands).

And finally, Peter Pan and Captain Hook took some time out from trick or treating tonight to play in a very large pile of leaves.

I am really enjoying this season.

Into The Fall

I just found the Back to Blogging Challenge by The SITS Girls, but I loved the Day 1 challenge. I am a list maker. In the past few years I've become very digital, but I had a physical planner up to the point that it no longer fit into my diaper bag (those are stories for another time). So with this new season and fresh start, here is some of what we plan to do this autumn, in no particular order.

Pumpkin picking at the farm - This isn't something that I did growing up, but we've been doing it every year since Munchkin was born. I love it, Munchkin loves it, and now that Peanut is a little older, I'm sure that he'll love it too.

Hey rides and mazes - I think that the boys will get a kick out of this.

Carving and decorating pumpkins - We haven't really decorated pumpkins before, but now that we have a bit more room, this could be a wonderful activity for the boys.

Playing on a tractor - The farm that we usually go to pick pumpkins has tractors set up for people to play on.

Feeding animals at the petting zoo or farm - I think that Peanut would love the animals now that he is old enough to actually participate.

Boo at the Zoo - We've been doing this for a couple of years now, and it really is a fun family weekend activity.

Costume parades and parties - Our fall is filling up quickly with these Halloween-type activities

Trick or treating - Munchkin went for the first time last year, and he is definitely looking forward to going again this year.

Playing in the leaves - Both boys seem to love playing with leaves.

Baking pies - I am not a fan of cooking, but I love to bake. This is a fun season to bake in.

Family movie night - Planning on taking full advantage of our Netflix account.

Family game night - I'm almost embarrassed that we haven't done this before, but I am looking forward to getting to play with the entire family.

Making Thanksgiving desserts - Thanksgiving is my mother's holiday, and she always makes a feast. I try to bring a variety of desserts, and maybe Munchkin can "help" me with the baking this year.

What are you and your family planning on doing this fall?