Simple Things

If my kids forget the simple things in life one day, I'll open the annals (or external hard drives) of kid history. Methinks the same things that fascinated kids 100 years ago, still fascinate kids today. But, we must give them the exposure. Get them away from the media, the TV, X-Box, and allow them to discover life from an unadulterated point of view.

We spied this covered bridge on a road trip years ago. Most drivers will pass it by without noticing it. You have to be looking from the interstate - at the right time of year. Otherwise it is mostly obscurred.

One day we ventured off the beaten path (I-70) and searched until we found it. And it required some searching, because we didn't know which ramp to exit and explore. Eventually we found the bridge hidden down a dirt road. (The best things in life are worth the chase.) Since then, we have visited the covered bridge numerous times throughout every season. We've watched snow fall onto the frozen lake around it. We've stood inside, listening as rain pelted its roof. Last week, we shuffled through the surrounding leaf covered paths. When it's time to leave we have to drag the boys away - and always they scramble to skip or toss "just one more" rock, stick or snowball.

*Thanks Ed for the great Inkhounds pics!

No Electric? No Problem

Many schools in Ohio were closed for the second day after remains of hurricane Ike left hundreds of thousands of Ohioans without electricity. Although our power was restored yesterday, others may be waiting a week. Lots of kids will be forced to find fun things to do that don’t require electricity. Here’s a “caught you having fun without electricity” moment.

Kids Minus XBox

Occasionally I execute my privileges as Executive Boss (mom) and force my children to do wicked things. Like shut down the XBox and go outdoors. I know it's summer break, but we can't go to FL every weekend and XBox is not the only alternative to vacationing.

This summer I've found the kids creating some ingenius toys from various garage content. They've discovered awesome ways to entertain themselves. It's amazing how kids will shine given the opportunity. AND assuming you've sailed past the test where they complain about being "bored". We solved that dilemma long ago. Once the kids learned our solutions to cure boredom, they pretty much stopped getting bored.

Stay tuned for more photos of what kids came up with on their own.

Once a Skater, Always a Skater?

If bicycle riding is anything like ice skating, you never forget...right?  Exactamundo! At least that's how it worked for me. It's been 25 years since I've been on the ice. Last week I pumped myself up to test drive a pair of skates. I gracefully stepped out in the rink and it all came back to me - mostly. At least I skated more on my feeet than I did on my butt!

The boys wanted to go ice skating. Anything that gets them away from TV and XBox is usually a good thing. Besides they both want to play hockey, which requires ice.

Skating was the best fun! Getting out of bed the next morning took more effort than normal. But, next week we plan to be back on the ice.

K-X (Box)

Let the games begin! Even though summer break is nearly over, the kids are blowing the dust off of favorites that have stood the test of time and the tough scrutiny of little critics. Watch for more pics of kids minus XBox! 

Getting Acquainted with Tools

The activities are endless when kids employ their own imagination!