What a difference a (sunny) day makes

The past few weeks have been rough. We weren't suffering from cabin fever. We had something much-much worse. I am not sure what to call it yet, but the symptoms included whining kids and a frustrated mom. We tried to cure our symptoms with exercise, crafts, movies, and bouncing. We have taken multiple trips to the library, children's museum and McDonald's play area. Our symptoms continued. I wasn't sure how much more I could take. Until....the SUN came out!!

I know that we are not out of the woods yet. After all, this is the midwest and snow is possible in May. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and that is enough for right now. We had a wonderful morning enjoying the sunshine.

Today, I decided to "self-clean" my oven. While my oven is significantly cleaner, it is not working. I had planned on using my newly cleaned oven to make dinner. I resorted to plan B.... My Mom sent the boys McDonalds gift certificates for Valentines Day. Crisis averted. The boys were pumped because they could play on the playground. I loved the idea because it was going to pass the time. My least favorite part of the day is from 5 to 7. This was a win-win for everyone.

We rehearsed the rules on the drive. The boys knew that they had to play nice, listen, etc. The boys were so excited to be there and I was thrilled as well. The big boys immediately scaled the play ground like Spiderman. Colton lagged behind. He had a little trouble getting to the top at first. He quickly channeled his inner Spiderman. I made friends with the grandparents that were sitting at the table next to me. They were watching Colton. He had a little cheering section. By the time they left the grandpa actually said "I want to take him home with me" referring to Colton. This is a common response to our little bruiser... I couldn't help but smile because he is one of mine.

Braxton impressed the masses in other ways. He was playing with a little girl named Hannah. Hannah was an older woman. She was a 5 year old and a whole head taller than my little Braxo. The two of them hit it off. At one point, Hannah actually turned to me and said "We really like each other A LOT." When it was time to go, I had a difficult time getting these two love birds apart. Clearly they had chemistry. Hannah, being a more mature young lady, turned to Braxton and said "I don't think we will see each other again." Then, she hugged him like there was no tomorrow. May be their paths will cross again some day? Stranger things have happened.

Brennan played really nice with all of the kids. His Happy Meal came with a race car (aka- his superhero car). In no time flat, the car was racing down the slide. The next thing I know he and Braxton were racing their cars down the slide. My boy has a wild imagination. I love watching what he comes up with. Brennan also did a really good job of listening while we were there.

Plan B turned out to be a better plan than plan A after all.

Make a Messterpiece

Last week, my friend DeAnna and I took our little ones to Make-a-Messterpiece. We bought the Groupon awhile back and decided that it was time to use it. It is an art studio for kids. They have different activites for them to explore different art mediums.

Here is the gang all ready to go in awesome smocks.

These two are smitten with each other

Bubbleology was my favorite. The kids made really cool pictures that I plan to hang in the kitchen.

Brennan is working on a painting.

Colton had the most fun out of all of them. He made tons of pictures while the big kids played on the slide. He has really taken an interest in coloring lately.

They had to get suited up to do the Drum Roll. They REALLY enjoyed this.

When we were done here, we went to lunch. The Kohl's Children Museum was right across the street. We decided to go over there after lunch. The kids had a BLAST and they were all really good. We somehow managed to have a jam packed day without any major meltdowns. DeAnna and I were convinced that they would all pass out in the car.....not so much. In fact, the only people who wanted/needed a nap were the mommies.