Moving

One of the nice things about homeschooling year-round is that when you need to, or want to take a break, you can. We took a couple weeks break while packing and moving. We have started to settle in, so now we're exploring our new city and getting connected.

For an introvert, I've gotten good at putting myself out there. Not that it isn't draining and even a little scary, but it is necessary to get connected to people. I realized many moms are lonely. Not in a desperate way, just needing company and really don't know how to get that bit of adult conversation time that they need since their needs come last when kids are little. I know, because I am one of them. At least I used to be.

The kids are liking all the new places to explore. New parks, new trails, new adventures. We are choosing to be brave. The sooner we get connected, the sooner we can settle in.

Preschool Worksheet Hacks

You can go through a lot of paper and printer ink, whether you're homeschooling or just keeping your kids busy during the summer. Save time, money and paper with the tips below!

Step 1: Get dollar "store" or dollar "bin" activity books.

Step 2: Cut off the binding.

Pro tip: Tear off the front and back covers and only cut through the papers, about 1/4 inch from the binding. It really helps if you have a heavy-duty paper cutter.

Step 3: Sort the worksheets into useful categories, or according to your preschool themes.

These will be fun to reinforce number concepts.

F is for Frog
B is for Butterfly
L is for Ladybug

Pro Tip: Some worksheets like word puzzles, mazes and dot-to-dot can be reused if you do them in these plastic sleeves with an erasable marker. My daughter enjoys the repetition of doing these types of activities multiple times. Many worksheets can be saved and reused with younger siblings when they're ready.

You can find a set of these that we use HERE.
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Portland Trip June 2015

 Lamborghini Experience

David's birthday present was going to Portland to drive a Lamborghini for three laps with this group that goes around the country. He said it was amazing, thrilling and he would totally do it again.

Chinese Gardens, Portland, OR

Seaside, OR

We made a big trip with extended family to Seaside, OR. The kids had a great time bonding and playing with their cousins. Even though most of the days were overcast or rainy, we still made the most of our time together.

Indor Playground End of Year Party

We had such an awesome year at WIPG. Finishing our second year is bittersweet, knowing we will miss all of our friends during the summer.

Summer becomes a time when we have to become more intentional about playdates!

Winter Activities for a 2 Year Old

Indoor Playground at the Mall

Stickers!

Winter play in Oregon requires a little creativity and intention. It is usually quite wet outside for most of December through April. Thankfully there are a lot of indoor spaces and play groups we can belong to that offer socialization for our kiddos in a safe environment.

Our playgroup activities are structured through memberships and yearly passes for local educational facilities. We belong to MOPS, which is a nondenominational mom's group for fellowship and support with other moms. We have a membership for our local science museum for kids. We also belong to another indoor playgroup co-op. We subscribe to our local homeschool group newsletter for local activities. We find library story times a little hectic with two little ones, but we like to go on quiet mornings when we have our choice of puzzles and board books.

At home we do art, craft and cooking projects with my 5 year old. My 2 year old is a little more challenging to keep entertained indoors. I make a list of activities to keep him stimulated and at home we do some directed fun throughout the day, interspersed with free choice times.

What is your favorite rainy day activity for your toddler?

Play dough

Library Puzzle Time

Coloring at the Library

Water Sensory Bin

 

Play Area at the Science Factory, Eugene

Tea Party at our indoor play group.

Rice Sensory Bin

Puff Ball Sensory Bin with a container that I cut holes of different sizes out of the top.

Easter Party

First Days of Spring

We try to catch the sunshine when we have it! 

With Nonna

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Valentine's Party

We have been so blessed by our friendships at Westside Indoor Playground.

Family Fun in the Fall