The key to sanity in parenting...

Take them outside! Children can be themselves and run around and you don't have to yell "NO!" a hundred times. Outside is key...to happy kids and happy mommies. Many times I'll just spread out a blanket and lay down and read a book while having a snack. seriously. A big open field at the park is perfect. Add a little creek and you have the whole day set up. When the day starts to get too tense and every move the kids make is the wrong move and every sound they make is a whine, I know it's time to take them outside. Not to a playground, though playgrounds are great, just somewhere they can have a little freedom and explore the natural world. Bring a ball or books or a truck or a jar to put bugs in, some snacks, and no expectations and no directing the kids' play. I just need to give them the space to do their thing.

Today I took the kids to a pseudo-farm. But it's where the Anheuser-Bush clydesdales are bred. I was really amazed at how Ladybug ran up and climbed the fence and tried to give the horse a kiss. (I was right there. She wasn't in any danger.) Here's a few pics from our day.