We are a rare family in the Silicon Valley that doesn’t sign up their child for a million of afterschool activities. We keep our weekends free to enjoy trips, playdates and hanging out as a family. We happen to believe in the value of free time which is even more precious for children who spend most of their time in schools:
Trying out a new cookie recipe – you can’t go wrong in our house with Chocolate Chocolate Chip cookies. Big hit!
While the cookies were baking, Anna was working on a friendship necklace from the kit she got for her birthday. She loves alphabet beads.
Getting out the house just in time before the rains hit. Our neighborhood is very colorful right now, but most leaves are still on the trees.
Drawing flowers from observations like Georgia O’Keefe. It was harder than Anna thought!
Making a mini-book using the last of Melissa and Doug Sticker Collection, a present from the last year. It was a great gift, by the way (hint, hint 
)
Disappearing with new Magic School Bus books that I got during the last library sale – she finally laid her hands on them and read about 10 of them in one sitting.
While she was busy doing things of her choosing, I was sorting through our Christmas books and hiding them. I have a lot of plans for December!
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14 comments:
We don't have after school activities, but that is mostly because I am cheap. But also, I find just running around in the park to be much more useful at expelling pent up energy... even in winter!
P.S. Thanks for linking up! :)
I'm looking forward to seeing your plans with the books. I'm gathering a similar stack right now, too :)
I am interested in your plans for the hidden books too!!!
My kids each have activities, but we always spend Sunday together as a family.
I'm going to be doing similar with our Christmas books soon. I need to plan out what we're going to do!
You have a great collection of Christmas books!
And wow, those Melissa & Doug stickers are a fantastic price on Amazon right now!!!
I agree with free time weekends. They are the BEST!
Looks like a fun weekend! We try to keep one weekend day free, and have lots of down time on weekday afternoons..
I am intrigued by the plans you have for your Christmas books. I love Christmas books and can't help myself when I see the classic ones in the store with beautiful illustrations. I just bought The Nutcracker this morning.
Alphabet beads would be fun. Making personalised gifts and friendship bracelets would be rewarding.
I will need to check out Anna's sticker book. It looks like something that will need to be in our Christmas stockings!
It sounds like a perfect Saturday! We have the kids signed up for a few specific activities, but I completely agree that kids and families need free time. I can't wait to see your December plans! For that matter, I can't wait for this time of year!!
Little Wonders' Days
Looks like a great weekend! I agree with you about the value of free time.
We tried out soccer this year and I will agree... free play is important and hard to get if you are running to practice!
I love the picture of your daughter reading in the laundry basket. Does that mean you already have the laundry put away?
I think the best place to read a book is in a basket!
I totally agree with you about keeping weekends free and spending some time outdoors, in nature, or at home - with family.
We have a similar culture here - kids being sent off to every possible hobby class in town - even on week days - right after they've had lunch after school, they're out! Gosh, my heart goes out to those kids..
Can't wait to all that you have planned for December :)
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