In warmer seasons, we have more options to be active around where we live, than we can count. We reside right at the seaside, for one thing.  Talk about a world all it’s own to  explore, discover, create, learn, and deplete your energy.   We spend a lot of the time at the shore, where we have deeded private beach rights.  Aside from there, there’s plenty of places to go and things to do all over town.  Beautiful, scenic places to hike, historical sites and experiences by the handfuls, multiple playgrounds, field trips, endless activities;  exploring, experiencing, and learning everywhere, right at our fingertips.   Most of which is outdoors, where kids can get out all of the energy they have.

Winter is another story!

While playing outdoors can be a blast now and then in the winter, weather has to be just right. And it doesn’t happen often. Temperatures are most times downright bitter. And the wind chill factor is worse, if not dangerous.   So we consider other options, and have discussions with the kids about what they’d like to do.

{A} is not a concern.  She has is older and has several outlets, being quite involved in multiple activities and services.  All of which she is very serious and committed about.

Where organized programs go, we want the kids to be very interested in the activity, if we’re going to pay for it. Wasting money just to keep them busy doesn’t happen with us.  They are quite good at keeping busy all their own.  They have great imaginations that can keep them going all day.  But getting out the energy that stores up in the winter, with limited outdoor time to really run, jump and use some muscle, is very limited.

For the first time, our triplets split up in their choices of activities, which has been one of our solutions to the winter energy that needs to get out.  {O} has wanted to try gymnastics for awhile.  What’s more, I have been eager to see how she does in that sport as well, because we have always noticed she is unbelievably flexible.  {A} tried gymnastics a couple of times when she was little.  But she was about as flexible as….say, plywood.  {O} is like Gumby.  What she needs though is technical training, to put that flexibility to use, and execute the elements properly.  At this point, she knows how to do the splits and summer-saults on her own.  So I think she’ll be learning quite a bit, if she applies herself.  So we’ll see how it goes. She’s really loving it so far.   One thing I’m NOT loving;  I have to take photos through the glass window! Not sure how long I’ll last before I start getting pushy and trying to get away with what I can.

The cartwheel is going to take some work. ; )

I sign (language) at my kids a lot, when need be. It works for us across a room, or when quiet is necessary, or…when they are on the other side of a window.  But I couldn’t think fast enough how to tell her “PLEASE put the tongue away, before you drop to the mat, and bite it off.”  Trust me – she’d be at a loss if she couldn’t talk. She is very articulate and expressive. ; )

The boys, on the other hand, are into basketball.  And after watching their older sister’s last adrenaline-pumping neck-and-neck game on the big court, they were ready to go play themselves.  I’m really impressed with this program. Very organized and progressive, really teaching critical technical skills to playing well, as well as rules, and building their overall knowledge of the game, with no wasting time. (Time is money….and in this case….ours!  lol) They’ve been in Hoop-Heaven.  It’s obvious they’ve learned a lot watching real games, and playing hoops in their own yard.  Someone at this clinic asked me if my boys ever stop smiling.  I told them “Certainly not when there’s a basketball in their hands!”   I was all over the place with my camera, just taking Mama photos.

Another tongue-shot-but this one more exciting than scary.  When I saw {S} do this with his tongue, I knew he probably ‘had it’.  My little tongue-trick-talent: I can completely flip my tongue over upside down, and I could see in this shot, that that baby was at least half way there-without even thinking about it.  So I called that boy over to me when we got home.  I said “Can you do this?”  And I showed him my tongue flip.  Once he got done laughing, he gave it whirl.  And by golly….there it was. An upside down tongue in his mouth. : )  Haven’t found a great purpose for it yet, besides occasional entertainment. But who knows what might come along the road of life.

They even play 1-on-1 already!  So cute, at this age.  {S}’s challenge is to stop laughing enough to get the job done.  I feel really bad that I missed all of the shots of {J}’s 1-on1 play. It’s my husband’s fault really.  Before I left, he reminded me (as he often does) “Don’t forget to talk to the other parents.”  Sad to say, I need to be reminded to make a conscious social effort sometimes. Especially when I am watching my kids, and/or have a camera in my hand. So……I was talking to another parent (actually talked to a few over the hour), and missed {J}’s 1-on-1.  But I’ll get it next time, if their Daddy doesn’t beg to go instead.

A couple of happy dribblin’ shooters, who have a little less energy on this day.  Mission accomplished.

As I type, another winter snowfall has begin to gently cover the ground, and it’ll be snowing all night and possibly well into tomorrow.  If it doesn’t turn to a wintry mix early in the day.  Which could get messy. whether wet or frozen > not great to play in.  So we’ll see.  I may get out there and take some winter photos, just for fun.

I have a few plans for new posts coming up soon. I have NOT forgotten about revealing our Christmas Craft Gifts.  It’s just that we have one more Christmas celebration coming up after all, here at our home, next weekend.  (Our Christmas tree is even still up!).  So once we get past that, I’ll be posting all about what we really made.  I think you’ll love it!  If you and your kids are crafty-inclined, you can put them on your idea list for next year to consider. How would that be for being ahead of the game?    I’ll also be posting about some of our favorite recipes/snacks. Including photos and recipes/directions, in case you’d like to try them yourselves.

Meanwhile…..thanks for stopping by once again!  Hope you’re finding plenty of winter-fun yourselves, if you live in real winter/cold elements, as we do this time of year.   If so, feel free to share how you get through the winter, with either indoor or outdoor activities with your own kids. The more ideas, the better, as this can be one-long-winter.  We love the storms and snow-fun – but by April, the cold can get a little tiresome.    But so far, we’re enjoying the season!

How about you?

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