Coping and toasting....

Okay, so different people have different coping mechanisms. Some people cope with food, others exercise (my personal fav), and others try mentally escaping to a happier place. I like to use all 3 methods when it comes to coping with Winter and it's brutal elements. I have mentioned numerous times on this blog I despise Winter and as much as I try, I really do try to have a good attitude about it but... I am really starting to lose it. Especially now that the holidays have come and gone and we have been couped up with colds. Anyway, we are making an effort and having a lot of fun in the process. I thought I'd share some of our ideas in case any of you are feeling the Winter blues. PLEASE feel free to leave some of your own ideas to share.

Some of our latest attempts have included :

~A camp out in Lillie's room one night with flashlights and fun songs

~Sheet forts using 4 queen size sheets, 2 quilts, several other blankets and a rearrangement of the living room furniture

~ Easter egg hunts. We were unpacking a box and discovered about 50 plastic Easter eggs. Well, the kids had a blast hiding them all over the house and searching for them. I am still finding them in the freezer, trash cans and shoes!

~ Pirate treasure hunts. This is a good one that definitely relys on teamwork. I draw a map of 5-6 different places/clues in the house and in each spot I hide a few gummi fruits. The last clue is where the BIG treasure is hidden and the kids get to choose something (a favorite game to play, a video, snack etc...)when they arrive. I love the squeals and hi-5s when they find it together!

~ Roasting Marshmallows. The kids absolute favorite. At our old house we had a big ole' fire pit and the kids would love when we would have bonfires and toast marshmallows. Well, here at the new house there is no fire pit. So we have had to improvise a little.. ok, a lot. We now toast marshmallows over candles. I cannot believe the pure delight the kids get out of this. Something so simple, yet when I announced a Marshmallow roast the other night, they were besides themselves. Check it out!