Hey guys!! Long time no talk. The creative bug just hasn’t been biting much lately. I’ve got a lot on my mind, and whenever I have time to lounge, I either A. Fall asleep too as Quinn naps, hah, or B. Watch a TV show. I’m definitely not in my most mentally productive ✨era✨, but that’s ok, I know this too shall pass!
At this moment it’s three in the morning and I’m battling some insomnia, so rather than turn on Traitors (great show btw), I do want to use this time to share the second half of our January!
January 15th we took Quinn to the Children’s Museum in Cleveland. It is an epic destination for kids!
For her first time here we mostly stayed in The Meadow (the toddler section), and there was plenty for her to do there.
We did briefly stop into another giant playroom, and I couldn’t believe the creativity at each station. We arrived a bit later in the day after church, but we vowed to allow more time the next time we were there. The play opportunities are endless!
Quinn has been going through a strong sticker stage for months now! I find them everywhere. She has these little smiley face ones that I continue to find in the most random places haha.
One time while we were using a book of travel stickers, I was telling her what each structure was and where it was from (e.g. this is the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France). She put her hand on my arm as I was pointing to each one, looked me straight in the eye and said “Mama”, as though to tell me that was enough 🤣🤣. I get it, a girl just wants to play with stickers in peace.
January 16, we put our boots and sneakers on this new shoe rack! I just love it. Plenty of space and keeps them from piling in the mud room.
The week was overall pretty hum-drum which I consider to be a great thing! Lots of walks with Mr. Moose and Quinn (when weather allowed) & hanging with my girl between works shifts!
One time on the way home from work I was starving, so I stopped by Starbucks for their egg bites. I know this isn’t breaking news, but they are so tasty! I want to start making these at home.
January 20th, we opted for a super chill Saturday at home where we stayed in our PJs till noon. We tried some new activities with Quinn like using tongs to put cotton balls in cups, building a flower bed, and giving her animals a bath.
January 21st we went to the Children’s museum again! This time, we explored more rooms and took full advantage.
My little construction worker!
There’s a water and bubble room that is probably most kids’ favorite.
Quinn also loved playing in the Farmer’s market and Play Kitchen.
That afternoon, it was perfect conditions to get out and play in the snow, so that we did!
I need to get her some better mittens that fit 😅.
That evening we had stew to warm up.
Also random, but I found this absolutely hilarious. I summoned Siri when I meant to say Alexa (so I said “Hey Siri- I mean Alexa!)- and this was Siri’s response 🤣.
January 26th we went to Renee’s to spend time with her, Gigi and Emelyn. It was so much fun!!
January 27th we went to our nephew, Jack’s, basketball game! It’s always so fun to watch him play!
That afternoon, we got a big pack of play-dough and had lots of fun getting creative with it. DJ made all kinds of fake food like a mini hamburger and peas in a pod.
January 29th was a rough day. Moose got bit by another dog at his doggy daycare & was rushed to the ER :(. He was ok, but had two pretty deep bite marks in his face. Broke our heart! It was kind of a freak thing because he knows that dog very well- I think there was someone at the door and they were in close quarters at the moment.
January 30th, I took Quinn to her gymnastics class in the morning. It’s such a fun way to get the day started.
January 31st, I took Quinn to the doctor’s because I suspected an ear infection. She didn’t have many symptoms, but did tug at her ear a couple times. Sure enough the poor thing did have one. But she was in great spirits nonetheless! (Sometimes she likes to wear her bib in random settings, but when it comes time to actually eat she doesn’t like it lol).
Mr. Moose being a good boy as his wounds heal 💙.
Whenever we go to Giant Eagle (a grocery store), we stop in the pet store to look at the fish, birds, gerbils and any cats that may be there.
That afternoon, it warmed up a bit so we took advantage and played fetch with Moose outside. My mom got us one of those ball throwers for him, and it gets him all riled up.
February 2nd it was pajama day at school, so I put her the pjs from her Aunt Renee! They are adorable, and have such cute affirmations on them like “Jesus loves me” and “I am kind”. She clearly loved them!!
Oh also! I learned this tip online and it worked amazing for us- we brought our splash table inside and put it in the bathtub for indoor play. We eventually just dried it out and put it in the middle of our bedroom, and that thing keeps her preoccupied for a while! (Oh and we did take her socks off while in the tub to avoid slipping).
We made the play-dough somewhat educational and matched markers and crayons in their respective color.
And that wraps our January!
Questions for you:
– Do you go through ebbs and flows of creativity too?
– What has been the highlight of your year so far?
– What show are you enjoying right now?
🤍,
Mackenzie
Love this Post, Mackenzie! You and DJ have created a wonderful, loving, fun, spirit-filled home! Such a delight to read about your daily precious moments. Earlier this morning, my older son and I were chatting and reminiscing about life when he was a kid- going to Library story hours, children’s museums, playgrounds, church activities. And watching Sponge Bob after school!
Enjoy these times!
Aw thank you, Jena! 🥹 these are such kind words!
I love that you all were reminiscing about those fun times- DJ and I were recently too & Sponge Bob definitely came up in the convo too! 😄
Thank you for reading 💕
One more thing…the marching the crayons and Play Dough was cool!
Oh and I’ll answer your questions.
I feel like I’m always creative.
Lots of good things have happened so far this year….Florida, birthdays, found a new church home.
I have faded away on TV, it I do watch sports.
*matching crayons
I did not even notice that typo lol!
I’ve found sometimes the most simple of activities can be so fun and educational for her!
Sounds like your year is a winner so far 😄. & Can’t go wrong with cheering on your favorite team!!
So many cute moments! Quinn is absolutely precious. I am so sorry about Moose!! How heartbreaking and scary to receive that message.
I feel I definitely go through phases of creativity. I am still proud of those little egg carton butterflies Ansley and I painted. She lights up when she sees them and then points to her hand because she spent the craft painting her hand instead. 🙂 Making sweet memories together!
Highlight of my year is just seeing Ans grow, evolve, develop her amazing personality. Also to be an aunt twice over to Kaci and D’s Little Love.
Matt and I watched the latest season of Drive to Survive on Netflix, and we are watching Clarkson’s Farm in May. Right now Ans is big into trash trucks, so after school we watch YouTube compilations of trash trucks. Hahahaha
Thanks, Kori!! It was – but he is healing well from those bite marks. 🙏🏻
I love your creative ideas you do with her!!! You always have been so creative & crafty!! That is soooo sweet how she lights up when she sees them 💕.
Absolutely!!!! I can say the same for sure!
Oh I haven’t even heard of that! I feel like there are so many good shows, so little time! I’ll keep those in mind though.
That is TOO cute with the trucks lol!
Have a great weekend 🥰.
Oh no!! Mr. Moose! Hope he’s healing quickly.
Girl, my blog has become a wasteland from inactivity. I totally get your slump. I just returned from Belize, so I’d say my highlight so far is a clear winner. 😉 We’re currently powering through Suits (highly recommend if you enjoy drama shows where you understand about 10% of what’s going on 😅) and for something more lighthearted, we’ve been watching Holey Moley; it’s a mini golf competition show and it’s great. As for me personally, I feel like I’m slightly hungover from this season of Love is Blind and have been satiating my trash tv fix with Bling Empire: New York. It’s not great, but there’s drama and I can still play Candy Crush without missing too much. 🙂
You are DJ are constantly stimulating Quinn’s mind, whether at home or at outside activities. No wonder she is always smiling and animated. Poor Moose – I’m glad he’s better but were they agitated as they were in those close quarters and so the fight ensued? I hope he’s healed up and feeling better by now.
Thanks Linda ! 🙂
So the dogs are usually all in the back running around outside, but they were doing a dog exchange so a couple dogs were inside and a couple were coming in from outside so I think it caused a surprise to the dog inside when moose was walking inside.
Wow – I guess they will be more mindful of too many dogs in one area to avoid that happening. Very scary for Moose.
Definitely 🙁
And thank you!! His wounds from the bite have totally healed!
Thank goodness for that and you’re welcome. 🙂
So many fun things with Quinn! You’re doing an amazing job getting her outside and also finding fun activities indoors when the weather is intense.
I love those egg bites too! They’re largely cottage cheese so they are high in protein :). I make a copycat version (just Google “Starbucks egg bites recipe”–many of the recipes use sous vides but I bake mine in the oven) and just throw in whatever veggies I have that are on their last leg–my favorite batches have had veggies with texture like corn, cherry tomatoes, etc. They freeze well too and heat up really well in the air fryer. My freezer is full of foil packs of 2-3 egg bites that I throw in the air fryer for about 20 minutes and then have breakfast. Also worth noting Costco carries the Starbucks branded ones in the frozen section; I’ve heard good things but haven’t tried them.
Thank you so much, Taylor!
Ohhhh these are the most amazing tips on the egg bites 🤩! Thank you for sharing!!!
Mack! Long time no speak. I thought I’d check in. So happy to see you doing well. I hope Moose has recovered quickly and been given lots of love.
Absolute yes to having upps and downs on creativity. Such is life, we flow!
So lovely to see your beautiful daughter. I think the last time we caught up you had announced you were pregnant. Congratulations! Wishing you all the love and happiness! ❤️ also love the affirmation pj’s, so cute! Anddd I love the traitors! Brilliant show!
Aw hi Jennie!!!! So good to hear from you sweet friend! How are you doing?!
You’re definitely right- that’s how it goes!
Aw thank you 🥹 yes isn’t traitors great?!
Thank you for stopping in 🫶🏻