Christmas Break

Hiller Park

(Zoo photos by Thisbe)

Rapunzel’s Birthday Party

Its been a few day since the kids have been back at school. I’m feeling caught up with things and so I am here today! I do love this place.

So… Christmas Break,

I love, love, love it when the kids have breaks from school. It takes no time at all for the cleansing from structured school to begin. Usually it starts with a healthy dose of electronics. During the school weeks these are basically off limits and so they usually spend a day or so if it is a long break or a few hours if it is just a short one plugged in and entertained without very little thinking on their part. This is not my favorite part of the break by any stretch of the imagination but these devices are part of our family life and so I do allow it. I have found that if I let them have a good dose of it right off the bat and then a little here and there, the asking for it and addiction that these devices have is at a minimum and we always make sure to mix in an extra helping of imaginary supportive play afterwards. Usually inspired by said electronics.

This break I made an extra effort to schedule in a couple of play dates away from the house with a couple of other families. (this can be tricky) Both times we ended up at Hiller Park. I love this park. I do wish it was a bit bigger but as it is I feel comfortable letting most of my kids wander off with friends unsupervised. Free to explore, imagine, and bond. It also lets me have some wonderful time with only the  littles left behind so mamas can catch up as well.

Other than the actual holidays themselves, Dave only had one and a half days off this year. A little sad, but we did enjoy the time we had with him. For the one day that was not holiday related we headed to New Orleans to go to the Zoo. Over the years we have been to many zoos each its one or two attractions that set it apart from the rest. This zoo offers a fun dinosaur exhibit and the Swamp, featuring local animal life. The kids enjoyed them both.

Finally on our very last day, Bronwyn celebrated yet another birthday for her beloved Rapunzel.

*****

Now I spend my days alone in a quiet house. It is a little sad but also pretty nice as well. Today I’m feeling good, like really really good. Maybe sticking to my diet and actually exercising is helping things. We will see.

 

 

 

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