Family Fun (City Cleanup)

  A couple of weeks ago.  I gathered up those kids of mine and we spent a day out on the town!

  We grabbed some supplies.

               

Hit the streets with bags and got to cleaning!

It was an all hands on deck to make a difference!

Thankfully we didn't come across anything nasty or dangerous!  No alcohol for minors! I took care of this one! 

I didn't hear any complaints.  One child carried the bag without the need of trading it off.  All the kids worked good together, pointing out missed pieces of liter, fighting over grabbing a piece but it was a nice day.

We even walked 3 miles while we were on the cleanup hunt but they found time to pose with Mr. Peanut! After all it was volunteer it wasn't all work and no play!

I enjoy finding volunteer opportunities that allow the family to get involved.  This city clean up was arranged by the SuffolkPublicLibrary.

I hope you had a great and productive week with your family.  

Family Fun (free day)

  Family fun can happen anywhere.  It just has to be 1) an activity or event be done with 2) family.

  Even a day out can be all about the family.  I checked out and planned my day for the kids today.  Free is always a nice thing so I definitely utilized that as my entertainment today!

  Today we started out with our favorite once a month activity!

The kids workshop at Homedepot!  The project was a periscope.  I will admit I had to remove a few nails with this project.  Precise nailing was most important today.

  After that we made our way to Target!  Did you know they were celebrating Dr. Suess at some locations?  Lucky for us, our location was one of them.

The kids received some fun activity sheets, sat in some very comfy chairs and heard the story Green Eggs and Ham.

 After this a small walk to celebrate 30 years was our next destination.

Happy Birthday AuntieAnnes! We enjoyed celebrating with you!

I not going to ask what the favorite activity of the day was because all I want to hear is spending time together and that may or may not be the answer.  

Either way everyone got out of the house, created, ate and even got a dose of enrichment, and imagination from the Dr.  I would say it was a good day.  Bring on Sunday because it is the day of rest and relax.

Date 23

  I hope this week is proving itself fun.  I hope you are enjoying your undivided time with your child.  Sadly, I need an excuse to stop what I am doing to give one on one attention to my kids.  Everyone is always going in so many different directions that it just becomes second nature to entertain or neglect kids.  But to stop and give undivided attention to just one takes effort.  I need an all hands on deck plan in effect to help. Older ones or dad has to step in so that I can hang out with one child over another.

  So today take your child out and provide them with  some  culture or not.  Today your date is to take them to the museum.  This weekend my youngest daughter and I spent some time at the local art museum.  She asked to stay and look around after we dropped her sisters off. I said sure why not.

  We actually spent the whole day out and about and she really liked it.  The art museum at a childs pace (with a boot) does require patience but as long as she enjoyed herself who cares if she doesn't know who made what.  We discussed different types of art.  I asked if she could make me a bowl with her playdough?  I asked if she could paint the face of a person?  If she could make an abstract picture.  Her little wheels were just turning.  I know she is plotting her future art debate.

  You don't need to go to an art museum.  We have a children's museum as well as even the botanic gardens.  So choose a place they would like to explore. A place you can walk at a comfortable pace and learn and communicate about.

  Have fun!  That's all that matters.  I'm sure your child will just love to experience something new.

Date 16

  Dating with your friend or friends today takes you to the outside world.  I haven't been out of the house by myself for an extended amount of time without kids for awhile unless it was a doctors appointment.   Even then depending on the appointment they have accompanied me there too.  So a trip out and about with a friend sounds like music to my ears.

  Take a trip to the mall today.  Your mission if you choose to accept it is to have fun exploring the mall or a strip mall.  Check out a new store, the new fashions, get you nails done or maybe try on random outfits.  This date doesn't have to cost anything.  You are in charge of the expenses for this date.  You can just stick strictly to window shopping, trying clothes on or even raking up laps on your shoes.

  Whatever you choose to do.  Have fun doing it!

Date 1

  No date ever has to be the same.  We will explore the many options of dating.  To include who you can take on a date, what you can do and where you can go.  You don't always need to go to dinner and a show.  Start something more creative with your date night.  Don't restrict yourself to specific places, times or the same activities.  Explore your community, your neighborhood, your city or state.  Watch a sunrise or sunset.  Getting out of your routine of when and where dates are will help your dates become a little more fun.  No expectations!

  Who you choose to spend your time with and what you plan to do with your dates will make the event more exciting too.  Thinking outside the box is what will change this month for you.  Each week I have planned a new "date" activity for you.  You may choose whomever you want to explore the date with but have set it up with a specific person in mind for each week.

Week 1: Your choice
Week 2: Spouse or person you are dating
Week 3: Friend ( I had your friend in mind be it girl or boy)
Week 4: Your kids
Week 5: Your choice

Todays date is appreciating fall:  You may choose to go with anyone you like or by yourself.  (nothing wrong with that)

  Take a walk or a drive.  15 minutes or half an hour. Talk, silently observe or daydream!  Bring back some mementos of your date.  Leaves, pinecones, acorns and make a centerpiece for your patio table or bring them in (cook the pinecones and acorns to be rid of the bugs) and make some natural fall decorations.  Fill a vase with pinecones! A leaf garland for the entryway!  Acorns in a bowl on your side table!  Small free souvenirs of your first stress-free, money free (except for gas if you drove) date.  Take some pictures of the different leaf colors (to make a 30 day date book) and post one for me to see. Tag me on instagram (@meanroel) or post your photo below!

  Each day I will post a new activity for your date.  You have three choices try my date suggestion, skip my suggestion and wait for another suggestion, or make your own date!

  Either way I would love to see a pictures if you decide to follow through or even if you do something on your own. 

Let's get out there and have some fun!