As schools begin to be called off for fall and as we prepare to  "hunker down" this winter I wanted to highlight some home school items and toys. I would say it is highly likely things will get worst over the winter and we will be spending just as much time at home than ever.... I'm sorry to break that news to you. So before things sell out here are a list of some educational and play items I suggest getting. I have a feeling alot of "homeschooling" items are going to go fast. While Leo's school (private) is choosing to go back Sept 1, we are opting to keep him at home at least for the first month, but probably going to keep him home all year.

Times are tough between a pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement, there is a lot of heavy topics for little ones. The kids had an abrupt ending into their school years and their normal lives seem to be gone. Now they are getting used to seeing people with masks on and catching glimpse of the news and protests that lead to a lot of questions. This blog post is not about talking to your kids about a virus or racism. I am not an expert able to tell you how to talk to your children, but please educate yourself on how to do that and make sure you aren't avoiding the conversation about covid19 or racism. This post is about sharing a few things your child needs to hear in this world that seems scary and big to them.

I am all about indoor kids activities during the winter. Maybe I spoil them by setting up an activity most days but honestly they will play in it for hours so it is worth it in the end. I always think I missed my calling as a preschool teacher or something cause I just have way too much fun creating activities for the kids. So here are 5 indoor  activities that entertain the kids from 1 year all the way up to 6 year olds.

I surprised Leo this year with a new Christmas "dino" room. To say he was thrilled was an understatement. I made most everything and I wanted to show you how easy it is to swap out a few things in your kids room to get them in the Christmas spirit. So buckle up my DIY friends and check out how to make a wreath and a diorama for your kiddos and a few other little touches that will transform their room for Christmas.

As Christmas and Black Friday approaches I thought I'd share with you a big ole list of educational toys. Leo is a toy kid, I swear he should be a toy tester. This kid will sit and play with a toy for hours. Get him a new hot wheels car at the grocery store and he will get home put together a hot wheels track, create a demolition derby, or take his car through a shaving cream "car wash" and wash it in the sink. Despite that he will play with pretty much any toy I have noticed toys that are more educational than others. What I love about educational toys is it requires me to stop doing "normal life stuff" and sit down and teach and play with the kids. It is proven many times over kids learn best through play so here are my favorite educational toys. 

So I've been on a quest to find more things to entertain both kids and I don't have the energy to set up two different activities. So here are 5 activities that I can do that both kids enjoy.  They are super simple and pretty much are mess free which is a even bigger WIN! 

We just got home from a week long vacation. Let's just say it wasn't easy with a baby. Monroe developed a diaper rash that turned into basically bed sores. We were an hour away from a grocery so I made due with the little stuff I brought and we amazon primed some items to the resort. It was quite challenging keep her dry on a lake/beach vacation. But the worst part was her crying all hours of the night. I think Jay and I contemplated driving home about 40 times, but we knew how much fun Leo was having so we felt bad. I was reminded that traveling with babies isn't ideal. They just do better in their environment at home. We survived and we have tried to catch up on sleep a little  since we have been home. But I'm highlighting some of my go to travel items as well as my little travel boxes I made that quite a few of you messaged me about. 

So I promise this will be probably the end of my baby posts. I have one more I want to do about toys but that is it. I think we have exhausted the baby topic and I in fact am happily nearing the end of the "baby phase".   But I wanted to share with you a few things that were kinda of a waste of money as far as baby products go.  I'd hate for you to spend your money on them if you don't have to. 

Cooking everyone a healthy breakfast is so important at our house. Leo's order for  breakfast most mornings is "eggs, turkey bacon, waffles, and fruit". I feel like a personal chef, between the 3 of us then Monroe started eating breakfast.... add in another meal. So I decided to test out some muffins for her that she could snack on and fed herself for breakfast along with some fruit. I didn't want them to have any sugar and tried to keep them as healthy as possible Here is what I came up with. She ate 4 of them yesterday for breakfast. They are the perfect snack size I even snuck one yesterday with my morning protein shake. They aren't sweet so if your kids are used to super sweet muffins they probably won't love these.