Day 1

Today was the first full day with no toys. I wasn't sure how today would go because yesterday evening when we said "bye bye toys" and closed the attic door Alyssa cried. And before bed last night Landon was standing under the attic door reaching as high as he could and asking for his toys back pleeeease! All evening Alyssa sulked and let us know that there wasn't going to be anything to do.

This morning we got up and had breakfast, and then the kids watched tv while I took a shower. We then took them to meet up with friends at the park for about an hour or so. (I forgot my camera at home). When we came home it was lunch time. After lunch the kids spent some time in Alyssa's room dancing on the stage (her bed) to music.

After that the kids and I painted magnets together. These magnets have been hanging out in our junk drawer waiting to be painted for over a year!! We'd just never taken the time to do it, even though Alyssa was always asking me to. 

Then we decided to stay at the table a while longer and color with markers. I don't let them have markers on their own so they kind of see this as special. 

After coloring the kids played "race car" with the ottoman, and they all took turns pushing each other around the room.

We then played our version of Simon Says. We don't use the "Simon" part. We just tell them all sorts of things to do like pretend to be a chicken, spin in circles, or jump up and down, and no one gets put out for not doing it correctly. It's good exercise for them inside the house. Sam came over for a while. We got supper ready, and the kids helped set the table and played on the patio, while Alan grilled the meat.

They've now had their baths and a cookie and are watching a little Nick Jr. before we start brushing their teeth and reading bedtime stories at about 7:30. I'd say our first toy free day was a success. The kids did ask for their toys a couple of times, but they didn't care much when we didn't give in. And I've actually saw them play with the stuffed animals they kept out to sleep with! Those things are normally just thrown in the floor and walked on. There has been WAY less fighting and whining today. They have played well together, and no one has been in trouble for talking back or saying "no". It is evening, and I am not totally exhausted! Tomorrow we have plans to go swimming, and do some much needed vacuuming now that there are no toys in the way.

At this point I want to tell everyone to throw their toys out because it is great! We'll see if I feel that way in a few weeks. ;)

Poor Laikon was actually a part of our day in case you were wondering. lol