By Texas standards, it’s been a harsh winter. Thanks to below freezing temps, hail, and rain, we’ve been cooped up for several months without seeing the light of day. In fact, days passed when no one even ventured onto our porch.  As the quads transformed into rambunctious toddlers who craved climbing, running, and exploring, indoor activities became a challenge. We made due by creating a “motor lab” in our media room by adding a mini trampoline, slide with climbing wall, a sit ‘n’ spin, and various riding toys.  It wasn’t horrible, but indoor play pales in comparison to the great outdoors.  With the sun shining again and temperatures warming up, we’ve been enjoying outdoor play daily before nap, and sometimes again in the evening.   We play outdoors so often that we made a small investment in “yard” shoes, which are Garanimal’s version of Crocs.  They slip on and off easily, and can be hosed down outdoors.  In any other situation, I’d say Crocs, or any imitation of them is a fashion faux pas.  For quads playing in the yard, they are perfect!

It’s incredible how well the babies play when they have ample room to dart around, and new sights and sounds to explore.  Sidewalk chalk has been a favorite activity, but is currently banned.  A few little people thought tagging furniture and fences was a bright idea.   This does not bode well for a house that is now on the market (you read that correctly, we’re moving…more on that later).  Banned side-walk chalk isn’t a huge deal because the quads still enjoy swinging, relaxing in chairs, digging in the sand, swinging from monkey bars, collecting rocks and grass blades, picking flowers, and playing games of tag. I dread the dog days of summer when triple digit heat waves plague us.  I relish these sunny spring days!

Drawing on the concrete and rocks is the way to go!

Tagging the fence and lawn furniture with chalk isn’t so great.

Mason is proving himself to be quite acrobatic, and enjoys swinging by his arms.

Harper can reach the bar really well, it’s a bit harder for him to heave his feet off the ground.  Today he thought he was a big boy when Sydney’s OT helped him do a few chin ups.

Seriously, I could line up hundreds of swings with the belt clips undone and Harper would be occupied for hours.

Lounging in baby Adirondack chairs is always a great way to relax.

When the quads were tiny babies, they happily wore sunglasses. Then they tuned into opinionated toddlers who refused accessories. Just recently, the girls have realized the wonders of sunglasses on a sunny day.

Mason melts my heart when he picks dandelions from the yard, presenting them to me as he says, “flower, have it”. He has a very generous spirit.

What are your favorite outdoor activities in the spring?

Hugs!

Amber