Grocery Shopping = Following Directions

(29 Months)

As you can see, we are on a following directions kick right now (probably because we're not so good at it yet).  We first practiced with Music = Following Directions and now, we are going grocery shopping to practice following directions.

We love grocery shopping.  We're still at an age where it's fun for them, and therefore fun for us too.  Our neighborhood grocery store, Publix, has the most incredible employees.  They are so sweet to the kids.  One morning we were pointing out different types of produce, "let's see how many different colors of apples we can find?" an employee overheard me, and suggested that if I have time, after I show them the apples she'd like to take us to the berry section to show the kids the different colors and shapes of berries.  Really?  Anyway, it's experiences like those that make the kidabunks really like going to Publix (plus they have those really awesome double grocery carts in the shape of a race car).

It's been raining here pretty hard, so the kids haven't been able to go with us to the grocery store (my incredible hubby has been taking care of that for us).  They were really sad that they couldn't go with their Daddy to the store, so we decided to create a mini, teeny, tiny grocery store for them in their playroom.  I removed everything off two of their shelves, and then grouped the play groceries as you would find them in the grocery store, handed them a shopping basket and a grocery cart and voila we had a little shopping extravaganza.  Somewhere during our shopping trip, Wild One decided to swap out the grocery cart for his Daddy's old briefcase.

Instead of letting them go nuts just grabbing everything off the shelves like they were in a Supermarket Sweep, I told them for this "game" we're going to look for certain objects.  Who can find and bring back the milk?  Who can name a yellow fruit?  After we played through all of the food items, they asked (demanded with tears) to play again.  Since we're in the "I do" independent stage, I'm going to make little signs for each of the food categories  (bananas, watermelon, carrots...) and label some trays and baskets that we have lying around the house.  That way they can put them back in the baskets themselves and play again.

This can also turn into a wonderful sorting game- all dairy products in one bin, all fruit in another...  It can also be sorted by color.  Don't you just love easy to set up games that require no out-of-pocket expense?

Music = Following Directions (well sometimes)

(29 Months)

I love how music makes learning so much fun.  From the days of learning the words and hand motions to "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" to learning the dances and games that require active listening.   Music = following directions.

Songs are wonderful for increasing your child's vocabulary, working on developing her gross motor skills and improving his confidence (they are so excited when they learn a new song/dance, and can do it all by themselves).  Most of these songs play continually on *Pandora's Toddler Station (free internet radio with commercials, or you can pay a one-time fee for uninterrupted music).  Here are some of our favorite dancing songs and games that involve following directions (hand motions, full body movements and gathering items).

• Marching Medley 
• Dance All Day
• Clap It
• Pop
• Shake Your Sillies Out
• Five Little Ducks
• Five Green and Speckled Frogs
• Rockabye Bear
• Wheels on the Bus
• Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
• I'm a Little Teapot
• When You're Happy and You Know It
• Musical Chairs
• Mommy (Simon) Says
• Red Rover 
• Red Light, Green Light

I have a half a dozen blurred pictures of the kids dancing to various songs.  None that are even close to post worthy, unless of course to document my extremely poor camera skills.

*Blah, blah- Pandora does not compensate me for my recommendation of their service.  Blah, blah. Made the type tiny, because disclosures seem to always be unnecessarily small. 

We LOVE Grandpa

Before I ramble on, I need to pause right now and give my Dad, now only known as Grandpa, a big THANK YOU!  He has been with me during this entire kidabunk adventure (not just potty training).  Ever since I went on bed rest two months before we gave birth he's been right here by my side.  That's right, he was on preggo- watch for two months!

Grandpa is usually one of the first words out of the kids' mouthes in the morning; usually in the fashion of "where's my Grandpa?" or "Grandpa where are you?" or "(I want to) see Grandpa".  To say that they adore Grandpa is an understatement.  He gets squeals of delight when he walks through the door (as well as full on tackles), and before he leaves my son always, always, says "take care (of) Grandma" and my daughter says "(I'll see you) tomorrow".

I love how my daughter always snuggles into Grandpa and how my son thinks he's a walking jungle gym.  There is a special bond between them.  They are always leading him by the hand, with the boy saying "come play Grandpa".

Thank you Grandpa for being a roll model dad and an incredible Grandpa.  Thank you for always being here for the kids and still finding the time (I don't know how or where) to take care of us.

We compiled a look back at a few precious moments with Grandpa.

We love you Grandpa!

Love always,

Us

xoxo