Summer Field Trips

I feel like all I have done for the last couple of months is moan and groan, but in reality things have not been all bad:).

In fact we have been pretty busy enjoying lots of fun things that help get us out of the house and keeps Isabella busy and smiling--win, win!

As an added bonus, as much as I love A.J., it is getting tricker to take he and Isabella on field trips together.  His family's schedule has been crazy over the last two months and they usually don't remember to let me know until the last minute so there have been a number of times I have gotten paid for watching my own kid--win, win, win!

We are very fortunate to have an amazing local library system.  There is a HUGE children's library downtown and then each of the regional libraries have an awesome children's section with puzzles and wooden toys.  Since it has been ridiculously hot we have taken full advantage of these indoor spaces.

We also have lots of great public parks to choose from.  I am lucky in that Isabella is super mobile and adventurous so even if a park's equipment is geared for 5 year olds and up we are usually able to at least eek out 15-20 minutes of entertainment.  Again with the weather, these outings have been more sporadic and early in the morning before the sun melts us.

The splash pad has been an outdoor option that provides some relief from the heat.  While I think Isabella prefers the pool, I'm kind of partial to the splash pad as it involves less effort on my part:).

Our last favorite spot this summer has been the local children's museum.  It is right up the road and when she turned one (when we had to start paying for her) we got a year family membership with a guest pass.  So when we go as a family we have not issue stopping in for 30 minutes because there's no guilt for not getting our money's worth.  Also like today we went with my friend Amy and her girls and only spent $8.  That membership has been worth it's weight in gold and will definitely become a yearly thing until either we move or Isabella ages out! 

Our other field trips usually involve some variation of Target, the grocery store, or a consignment store, but no matter the destination it is nice to have the freedom to come and go as we please.