Hottest Day of the Year Fun

Our new town does not have an outdoor public pool, so we have a tiny wading pool (that was left by the old owners) in the backyard for the kids. They really enjoy playing in it.

Since I am a SAHM and new to the area, we are homebound most days. Being home all the time with two very active kids can become overwhelming to say the least. We have plenty of outside toys, but like any kid, they have gotten kind of tired of them. So on this very hot day, I decided to embrace my inner child and surpress my neurotic cleanliness side while we played outside with the pool and hose.

Misses was tired of playing inside the pool, so she got out and discovered a patch of dirt. I watched as she thought hard about what to do with it. After some time, she filled a bucket from the pool and created a glorious mud pile. Bubba soon noticed that she was having a grand time splashing and digging that he just had to join in. This free toy provided at least an hours worth of fun for the both of them and the dog.

Here is the results . . .

They are all smiles and wanted to go right back out after lunch!

I remember doing these kinds of things when I was little. My mom was really good about letting us get messy. So this summer, I have decided to live and let live. As the mess is more work for me the memories and laughter are priceless.

Not to mention, I have been reading early learning articles posted by my good friend Rachel, she teaches preschool. All the articles talk about how kids need to be allowed to run, jump, and get dirty to enhance their development. So today I wasn't just a cool mom, but a teacher too. That feels good.

http://www.whitehutchinson.com/leisure/articles/84.shtml  This link will take you to an article explaining why play in all its forms are so important for kids.