The baby is our family officially isn’t a toddler anymore. Ivy London turned 4 this week and it is so bitter sweet. Love watching my girls grow and evolve, but with every new stage, we leave behind an era that we will never experience again and there is some mourning with that.
I find comfort looking at all the videos and photos I’ve taken thru the years. Some people say that capturing things on camera takes away something special, but for me, it allows me to appreciate the moment even more (I’m more present when I’m doing), but it also helps me to preserve those memories for future.
Creating special moments can be spontaneous or intentional. Either way, happy memories are such an amazing gift we give our children. I love the simple moments with my girls one-on-one or as a family. Whether crafting, baking or on a brunch date, time together is key.
That said, here are 5 ideas to spruce up a normal day:
1.) Instead of hitting the library, switch it up and go to your favourite local bookstore and let your child choose a new book or two. Hit up a fave spot, maybe your favourite local cafe grab a coffee and babycinno and enjoy the books in setting outside of home.
2.) Pack a picnic and head out on an adventure, hike or bike somewhere you’ve never been (maybe a waterfall) or a special place you frequent (we have some horses on our trail and have done it there while we watch them). Enjoy lunch with a view.
3.) Include your kiddos in the birthday planning process and peruse cake designs together. Then let them choose their fave and make it for their special day. If that’s outside your wheelhouse, get a local cake designer to recreate it. My girls love seeing their ideas come to life on their birthdays. It’s become a tradition they look forward to.
4.) Have a dance party in the living room before bedtime routines. Rule: everyone has to dance! We love doing this every night during the month of December with Christmas music. Both girls get to choose a song!
5.) Leave them encouraging notes or surprises in their lunch bags. Elle loves this. I don’t do it everyday, as it’s more fun for her when it’s a surprise.
Share some of your ideas below!!
