Adventure Time

I spend most of my blogging time this week updating the Dad Dashboard. It's still a work in progress, but it's coming along.

I just wanted to share a quick idea that's been working well for us in our evening routine. After we do clean-up time, we go on imaginary adventures. The kids love adventure time, and it's often (but not always) a good incentive for clean-up time.

It all started last winter when Micah just wanted do laps around the family room. I figured it was a good way to get energy out, so we all ran together. He and Arilyn kept wanting to do it each night, and after a few nights, we running to different places around town. I eventually got bored of running to Target, Midas, and Aldi, so I suggested we run to other places - the mountains, the beach, Brazil, France, the moon, etc.

It's entertaining how much the kids get into it. If we ever ride the train to a place, we can't just be done and go get ready for bed. We have to take the train back home (Arilyn get's really upset if she misses the train.) It's really fun to see the things they come up with, and it's a great way to get some energy out and set a light mood before the bedtime routine.