Lazy Days of Summer?

Nobody said being a stay at home Mom was a vacation. And they were right. But it can sure be a lot of fun! Our routine lately has been: morning walk or backyard play, breakfast, swim lesson, lunch, nap for Jo (and chores for me), snack, errands, and then comes the late afternoon melt down while I try to make a "real" dinner. Most of this daily routine isn't too interesting reading, but here on some of Jo's favorite games of late:

- Hiding in the closet with Mama or Daddy: There has to be another participant, it's just no fun to hide in the closet by yourself. We have a really cool coat closet that extends under the stairwell and wraps around a little. It stores mostly baby gear, but also has the sleeping bags, which make for a comfy Hidey-Hole. Jo likes to sit in the dark with someone and look at the stars cast by her night light sleeping turtle Heather gave her for Christmas this past year. Pretty chill playtime, good when I'm tired, except Jo just doesn't get sick of it and you're not permitted to leave the closet until she's ready.

- Sidewalk Chalk: I'm sure you've seen all of the chalk pictures on Ofoto. This game might be on the brink of losing it's appeal though. Lately there's been a lot more chalk throwing than drawing.

- Trip to the Sprinkler Park: Again, lots of Ofoto pics. We've been on a sprinkler park hiatus with swim lessons going on. But this trip is a garaunteed good time and ensures a good appetite and nice long nap afterwards (Yay!).

- Trips to the Grocery Store (wah??): Who knew. Nana started this thing with letting Jo push the cart using the bottom cross bar. Now she loves the grocery store (and Costco, samples or no). We went to Albertson's yesterday. I have never seen a little kid have so much fun in a grocery store. She talked about all the different fruits and vegetables, complete with full-on hand gesticulations, got a paper towel from the meat department and wiped down the shelves and doors within her reach (and the cashier station next to our checkout line), picked up different cans of food to study (AND put them back!). My goodness.