Doing Stuff

I am not a sit-around-and-watch-TV kind of person. First of all, I don't have the time. And secondly, if I did, I'd rather being doing something more fun out and about. One of things I want for my children is to see and do lots of "stuff" in their lives. Toys are overrated. Kids usually lose interest in them before the first set of batteries die and I don't have space in my house for that much crap. I'd rather penny-pinch on toys and create a fun activity out of a common household item or something free. It's much more fun when a child has to use his or her imagination anyway.

Instead of having THINGS, I want my kids to have memorable experiences. I would love to show my kids the world, but I also put a lot of value in the simple trips and activities. Coming off of a 12-week maternity leave and no vacation time in my bank, I don't see a lot of traveling in our near future. So I'm trying to make the most out of weekends and allotting enough family time to DO STUFF! With fall around the corner, I've got lots of ideas and high hopes for some fun family activities.

A week and a half ago, we took Will over to the Riedeman farm to see the animals as well as to see the progress on Kelly & Steve's new house. "Papa" took Will for a ride on the tractor and he got to feed all the animals and collect a few chicken eggs too. I didn't take many pictures because we were too busy videoing a "Will Movie" (as Will likes to call them).

But here's the 3 Riedeman boys, all wearing their hats backwards:

And here's Will with Steve's dog, Sam:


On Tuesday evening last week, Craig took Will to see a car show in Genoa and get some ice cream. While the boys were out looking at cars, Sophie and I had a girls' night at home. The kids are still too young to really play together so it's nice to have one-on-one time with each of them when we can arrange it. So Sophie and I babbled and read books, sat on the porch and walked around outside. I put her feet in the grass and let her touch the trees. It was nice to be able to just sit and enjoy her at a quieter, slower pace than when Will's around.

"Hey mom! Want to see my trick?"


"Ooh! Did you see that? I rolled over!"


Cute. Cute.


Poor Sophie got her momma's ears. Guess she'll wear her hair long too. :) She sure liked it when I put the play tray on the Bumbo seat for her to be able to play with toys sitting up.

Then Thursday night, we took the kids downtown to a Mud Hens game.

Here's Will and his buddy Griffin posing with Muddy the Mud Hen (or "Munny Munny Hen" as Will called him). I set him down on the other side of Muddy for the picture and he slowly moved to stand beside Griff instead. :)


Muddy held his hand out for Will to give him five... and Will warily tapped his hand.

Mmm! Burger!


Will & Griff watching the game.




Two kids, two arms, no problem... just no more kids! :)





Sophie fell asleep in the Ergo for the game.






On Saturday morning, Will and I went to the Farmers Market in town while Sophie stayed home with Craig. Will got to pick out some sweet corn and tomatoes and cucumber. He also saw some of Aunt Kelly's co-workers and some really big dogs! Following the market trip, we went to a new playground that he's never been to.








When we got home, Sophie was all smiles as usual:


And she and I hit the road to do some shopping without the boys.

She's a good little shopping buddy! She just sat peacefully in the carrier and watched me buy her clothes. :) We found some cute stuff for fall!

Sunday we were hoping to get out to Maumee Bay with the kids, but Craig's fantasy football league draft took too long and so Sophie and I just went over to Casey's for the first time in forever to have a playdate with Mya & Stella.

Is this August weather?


And Sunday evening, Will helped me peel the corn we bought for dinner. We had grilled chicken and black bean salsa to go with. Mmm!