NON PUMPKIN PATCH ACTIVITES FOR TODDLERS

Not to say a PP isnt worth the photos, but when you’re ready for something new, no matter where you are, save this!

Year 1 we did the PP. It was cute. Mother Nature’s Farm in Gilbert, AZ. He was free- it was worth it, but to save the $15 per person this time we opted for some more budget friendly and free activities!

1. The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park- Scottsdale, AZ but if you Google “Halloween train ride in yourcity” you will get some great results.

   • Great for ALL ages

   • Buy tickets ahead

   • Bring your own food and drinks and make it a party

2. Trick or Treat in the Day- Don’t literally go ask for candy, but instead look at the decorations while the suns out.

   • Day decorations are not as scary

   • You can see all the spooky details

   • Map your treat route- which houses look like they came to play?

3. Paint a Pumpkin- Why carve, when you can paint!

   • Any age can show off their skills

   • Add to a party or just by your self / with your little

   • Pumpkins last longer without a carve or use a fake one and reuse next year

   • No pumpkin? No problem! Hand and footprint spooky crafts are just as fun

4. Make Cookies- Sugar cookie dough for now + freeze for next 2 months of holidays!

   • Decorate pumpkin cookies and skeletons using your ornament and gingerbread cutters from other holidays

   • Make lots of dough + freeze. I have an unbeatable recipe here

   • Make a spooky quesadilla- triangle cute eyes and mouth on a tortilla + burnt cheese bonus

What ever your spooky activity make it a memorable one. Creating holiday core memories have been a highlight of parenthood. Let me know if you recommend any other non patch spooky tings….. Happy Halloween!

XoXo

Britt.

AQUA TOT ATLAS

The earlier you expose your child to swim lessons – and how to be safer in and around the water – the better. For Atlas, we hit the pool as soon as our water was warm enough, following some youtube tutorials, but mostly focusing on trusting the water. For his first birthday, mom and dad gifted him….. Swim Lessons!

Our little Minnow enrolled at our local Aqua Tots Swim School. After a free first lesson, we fell in love with the staff, structure and seeing how much joy our baby boy had after just 1 visit. We signed up for twice a week classes and are the fast track to olympic trials, (jk). At his age, kids are curios, especially near water, which is why it’s such an important time to learn breath control, safely returning to the edge, independent kicking, and more!

It is the fastest thirty minutes and I work out just as much as he does. We learn songs that incorporate water safety, interact with other students and their parents, and develop a bond with our instructor. Swim school, social skills and improving our sleep- its all a win!

If you are thinking about Swim School for you and or your little one I just have 2 pieces of advice:

1. Wear the right bathing suit - I recommend a once piece razor back. Nothing the little one can pull at or down, no strings or zippers.

2. Prepare to nap hard- after class little man is exhausted and ready for a power nap. The struggle is to get home fast enough before falling asleep on the ride. Schedule classes so you can still get nap time in.

I cant wait to report back on Atlas’ Aqua Adventures. Let me know if you are ready for a swim date!

XoXo

Britt

WORKING MOM BLOG

Last week I had a hard day. I cried leaving for work. I transitioned back to work after 8 weeks of maternity leave. Because Jose is able to work from home I am blessed to have a sense of security when I leave for work everyday. I make it most days no tears, but the end of the week it gets harder. Last Friday and Saturday I was too hard on myself- thinking because I couldn’t calm him, he had forgotten all about me. But, last Thursday was different.

I usually stay pretty busy at work and keep my mind occupied. I am grateful Jose is working from home and caring for Atlas and his development. He FaceTimes me at lunch and I try and wrap up at reasonable time to be home to feed the animals and the baby. But, last Thursday was different. At 4pm I learned I had to run an errand across town. I called Jose and the disappointment on his voice broke my heart. He understood I had to take care of a work situation, but I had never felt so torn. I was being pulled to be a great employee and a great mom and great wife at the same time.

Two hours later and less than a mile from my house I get a call from my boss. He shares positive feedback and encourages me to keep heading in the right direction and I will continue to do great things.

I showered that night realizing I can’t be everything all the time- a working mom is finding that balance, knowing I can’t always be there next now, but I’ll be there forever.

To any moms and dads out there working, caring and loving for your tiny humans- great job! We are doing amazing and we can do it! Cheers to doing it all again tomorrow.

XoXo Britt