Friday Family Fill-In: Rainy Day Fun

It has been raining, nonstop, all week. 

To fight the feelings of restlessness secondary to being cooped up inside all day, we managed to have a little fun in the form of two playdates and some at-home creativity. 

Here's what we did to keep ourselves occupied this week amidst the ever-falling raindrops:

Monday: Banks had a fun surprise waiting for him when he got home from "school": Ladies and Gentlemen, it's the Luton Motor Speedway (hopefully, you just read that in your best deep announcer voice). I thought Banks would really enjoy this, as he and his Daddy went to a monster truck rally over the weekend and he has not let his souvenir monster truck out of his sight since then. So. With a little masking tape, a checkered flag, and a lot of "spectator" stuffed animals, I created "Luton Motor Speedway." And what good is any event without the appropriate concessions (i.e., hot dogs, tater tots, popcorn, and Goldfish [the latter was provided especially for the littlest patron]). It was a hit!

Tuesday: We joined our playdate group for an outing at the Charlotte Nature Museum. There was lots to see and do, although I think Banks most enjoyed feeding the turtles and Raleigh most enjoyed climbing up and down the stairs (her current hobby of choice). Fun for all, and a great chance for us mommas to catch up and get out of the rain.

Wednesday: More fun awaited Banks after his morning at preschool. This time, in the form of fishing at "Lake Luton." Blue streamers set the scene, and the tackle box, fishing rods, and fish were awaiting his arrival. Banks was quite the fisherman, following in his Pop's footsteps. He also enjoyed a momma made fishy lunchable made comprised of cheese and cracker fish, turkey seaweed, and, what I like to call, "Sneaky muffins" ('cause the veggies sneak in without the eater ever knowing) for sand. Fun for all ages!

Thursday: We braved the rainy streets to again join our play group for out-of-the-house enjoyment, at Sports Connection, an arcade/bounce house. This place is great because (1) fun at the bounce house generally means a nice, long nap later in the day, and (2) my kids are still at the ages where they don't realize that you need money to make the arcade really fun. They are happy to just sit on the cars and motorcycles and steer the wheels (thinking they are causing the scenes playing out before them on the video screens), wander around and look at all the lights (Raleigh), and sit on non-moving carousels. One day, they'll catch on. For now, free fun in the arcade!

Friday: Our week in the rain will close out with a special pirate hunt for treasure around the house (for chocolate gold doubloons!). Pretending to be a pirate is one of Banks' most favorite things right now, and even Raleigh likes to get dressed up in her big brother's pirate gear from time to time. Arrrr matey. Bring on the hunt!

So, yes, we were still able to have a fun week, despite all the rain. That being said, I am looking forward to next week's forecast, when there is 0% chance of rain and we can get back outside. Starting later today...

Enjoy the (rain-free!) weekend!