Rainy Day Activities

So, it's been raining a lot lately, and we've had some pretty cold days.  I'm home with the girls during the day, and sometimes we are just stuck indoors.  It gets harder in the winter.

On days like this, it's time to get creative.  My girls do watch TV, I won't deny that.  But, it's good to mix it up a bit so we all don't get stir crazy.

Here are some of the things we do to keep busy...

• Bake cookies - boxed/frozen mixes are OK, but recipes from scratch take more time and participation.  The kids have fun dropping in the ingredients and helping you mix, cut cookies out and decorate them.  Then you can have a little "party" with the cookies afterwards.  My girls love it when I make us tea and we sit down and have a mini tea party.

• Crafts - One of my favorite websites for family crafts is Disney's Family Fun website.  Or make up your own craft.  Just pull out some paper, glitter, glue, scissors, whatever you have, and let the kids go to town!  Months ago, for the first day of spring, we made milk carton bird feeders (see photo).

• Paint - I always make sure I have some watercolor paints for the girls.  You can get them almost anywhere, even at your local dollar store.  But, if you don't have any, a little food coloring mixed into milk makes a great paint.  Plus, you can have fun making them together.

• The library - If you have to absolutely get out of the house, take the kids to your local library.  Our local library has a children's rooms with toys and puzzles that the girls can play with while I quietly read them a story.

There is really so much more you can do.  So don't just sit around and mope or let the kids drive you crazy because they are bored out of their minds (and you are too).  Have fun, despite the weather!