Keeping the Kiddos Occupied

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July! We normally celebrate most of our holidays in Cumberland, but the hubs couldn’t take more time off work after spending 10 days at the beach (I will post more on this next week)! It threw us for a loop that we were actually at home so we really didn’t plan anything special. It was SO hot outside that we didn’t even feel like going to the neighborhood pool so I ran a few errands while the boys stayed inside and COOL! I had planned for a big yummy dinner and then fireworks in our neighborhood.

Normally, Cody and Grayson go to bed at 7pm. Yes, that may be early to some, but that is the only way I keep my sanity! I know that at 7pm I get a few hours to myself before I go to bed. It just works for us. Some nights it is a challenge to get everyone tucked in by 7, but that is our goal. Last night, I wanted Cody to be able to enjoy the fireworks in our culdesac so we gave him a nap and hoped that he would last! We did have a blast and Cody loved seeing all the big fireworks! My favorite was this one that looked like a hot air balloon. It was gorgeous! The kids had sparklers and Cody was loving them until he grabbed the top of the hot sparkler after it went out! OUCH! I used some lavender essential oil on the burn which takes the sting out and then some ice. My neighbor had a great natural remedy suggestion as well. You can soak a paper towel in vinegar and hold it on the area and it takes the sting and pain away!!

Overall we had a great time and Cody didn’t get into bed until 10:30 which is WAY late for him. This morning he was up at 7am so needless to say he was MR CRANKY pants this morning. Whether it is from not enough sleep or boredom I feel like parents are always trying to find things to keep the kids occupied! It is a never-ending job right?! While I was getting ready, I didn’t want to listen to the whining so I gave him a water bottle and sponge and put him inside my big tub and had him go to town. He LOVES to use a water bottle and he was scrubbing away in there. It kept him busy FOREVER and I actually had to make him stop so that we could leave! Another occupier I use a lot is play dough. Cody can play with that for hours!  Whatever works!!

Now this is the way to get your tub cleaned!!!

I would love to hear fun and interesting things you find to keep your kiddos occupied!!