Overwhelmed By Life

I'm a little overwhelmed by my life today.

We've started school.  My 2nd grader reads well above grade level but still needs a lot of my attention with the curriculum we chose.  My kindergartener can't read yet so requires my help with almost everything.  And the pre-K 4 year old is so excited to have her own school books she can hardly stand it.  Meanwhile the (almost) 2 year old is greatly offended to be gated in his room alone while we do school.

In addition to school there's the laundry that doesn't fold itself, dishes that multiply in the sink when my back is turned, and bathrooms that grow stuff if I'm not diligent.

Oh!  And we're still re-doing our half bathroom.  Walls and floors are done.  Now Joel gets to install the new vanity, sink and toilet.  Then I get to do a little decorating.

All of that to say, Stephanie's Mommy Brain will be on hiatus for the next 2 weeks.  By then I should have us all on a working routine and find time again for blogging.

Wish me luck!!

Ps.  On a positive note, I have lost 17 pounds since June 1.  :)

Visiting Roger Williams Park Playground on Family Fun Friday

100 Free (or Almost) Free Summer Family 
Fun Activities: #22. Visit each of your local parks
and decide which one is best.

We haven't gone to all of our local parks this summer but we did make a trip to one we seldom visit - Roger Williams Park Playground.  It's a little farther away than our normal parks, much bigger, and usually very crowded.

The park has 3 huge play structures designed for different skills and abilities.  Of course Sam didn't think he should be stuck on the baby structure.

Sam has recently developed a love for slides.  He thought this one was a lot of fun. 

Ellie thought the baby tunnel was a lot of fun.

Sam did, too. They both crawled in and climbed on the tunnel.

Will and Ben recognized Mr. Potatohead and enjoyed climbing on him.

Everyone declared Roger Williams Park Playground to be a lot of fun.  If they always leave so peacefully we might play there more often.

What is your family's favorite playground and why?

Visit Fun Mom Friday at Please Pass the Salt for more family fun ideas.

Climbing Trees on Family Fun Friday

100 Free (or Almost) Free Summer 

Family Fun Activities:  #68. Climb a tree.

I loved climbing trees as a kid and so do my children.  There's just something exciting about stretching to reach that next branch.  It's also magical to sit high up, looking down on everyone and everything that usually looks down on you.

I highly recommend you allow you kids to climb trees.  It's good for their development.  I promise. 

Will hangs by one hand!  Wish I had that kind of arm strength.

Ben joins the monkey action.

See, it's not that high.  The perfect climbing tree with low branches.

Yes, I set the baby in the tree.
The branches crossed and made a perfect seat for him.

My four monkeys in a tree.

Did you climb trees as a kid?  Do your children climb trees?

Visit Fun Mom Friday at Please Pass the Salt for more family fun ideas.

Disclaimer:  If you let your kids climb trees as a result of this post and one falls out and gets hurt, I am in no way liable.  :)