childhood unplugged | cure for the homebody kid

Wanna know the cure for grumpy homebody kids? Popsicles, a soccer ball, plenty of open space  (and a pushy mom).  This summer it's been like pulling teeth to get my kids out of the house. They want nothing to do with my summer bucket list. The bucket list that was carefully crafted with their interests in mind **rolls eyes**

I try my best to listen to the reasons why they don't want to do something before I get all in my feelings. Tonight's reason: "I want to watch Pokemon," just wasn't going to cut it. Kids these days don't even know when they need fresh air and a little time with nature.  In the end, they ran, slurped up melting juice form their popsciples and slept well. 

This little excursion wasn't on my bucket list, but it's nice to know my mom instincts are worth something. 

Please join me in supporting the other artists by checking out Childhood Unplugged to see all our submissions. Also remember to follow us on instagram (@childhoodunplugged) and be sure to use #childhoodunplugged for a chance to be featured.

childhood unplugged | brothers at home

I've been overthinking this project. For some reason it was in my head that that I needed to take my kids somewhere in order for us to be "unplugged." This of course couldn't be more far from the truth, but I think the comparison bug got to me. I love looking at the beautiful work that other photographers produce outdoors, but it just isn't me and it sometimes feels forced.

So, I gave myself a talking to and was reminded of what I often tell my clients about the importance of home and finding the magic in your everyday life. This month that's what I captured and it made me happy, the same happy I get from seeing the work of others and that's how I know I'm documenting my life as it is. 

Please join me in supporting the other artists by checking out Childhood Unplugged to see all our submissions. Also remember to follow us on instagram (@childhoodunplugged) and be sure to use #childhoodunplugged for a chance to be featured.

childhood unplugged

That one time we went for a walk before dinner and my kids were concerned that we wouldn't get dinner because the sun was setting and they really wanted to ensure that we ate. I kept telling them, we will get dinner guys. I'm the one cooking remember? They were skeptical and tried to have fun, but in the end nourishment won over. 

Please join me in supporting the other artists by checking out Childhood Unplugged to see all our submissions. Also remember to follow us on instagram (@childhoodunplugged) and be sure to use #childhoodunplugged for a chance to be featured.

childhood unplugged

The past month has been a sea of unpredictable weather and illnesses. This is us just happy to not have to put on puffy coats and enjoy a little bit of sunshine. (Plus our car wouldn't start and we needed to kill some time while my Dad came over to give us a jump :).

Please join me in supporting the other artists by checking out Childhood Unplugged to see all our submissions. Also remember to follow us on instagram (@childhoodunplugged) and be sure to use #childhoodunplugged for a chance to be featured.

childhood unplugged

This year we want to do more exploring at home. I always feel so silly when I have friends and relatives who visit and they do all of the touristy things. Meanwhile, I live here, but never take advantage of all the great things home has to offer. I often complain about not being able to travel or have amazing weather like FL or CA, but I am living in a city rich in culture and history and don’t take advantage of it.

It doesn't help that we've been in a rut. Staying in has been our thing lately. Between Aaron’s back injury and surgery, cold weather and a lack of sheer energy to logistically plan an outing with three kids, our excursions have been non-existent.

When an unseasonably warm winter day hit our radar, we decided to head down to the National Mall and play tourist. 

We a great time and best of all we were only there for about 30 minutes and in a way it was better than vacation because we can come back and visit again whenever we like. 

Please join me in supporting the other artists by checking out Childhood Unplugged to see all our submissions. Also remember to follow us on instagram (@childhoodunplugged) and be sure to use #childhoodunplugged for a chance to be featured.

childhood unplugged

That magical first snow of the season. This dusting was more than enough for my boys to get excited about. You would have thought there were several feet of snow from their eager pleas to go out.

I was so close to saying, no, but I caught myself being a boring adult. I told them to throw on their coats and boots over their pajamas and get ready. We ended up having a great time and they happily agreed to return inside after about 20 minutes of playing and the promise of hot chocolate. 

Lesson learned. Stop being boring.

Please join me in supporting the other artists by checking out Childhood Unplugged to see all our submissions. Also remember to follow us on instagram (@childhoodunplugged) and be sure to use #childhoodunplugged for a chance to be featured.

childhood unplugged

happy new year!

string lights and bubble wrap made for very happy kids during winter break. i thought i would go crazy with my kids in the house for 13 days with no plan, but it was actually nice. we were free from the hustle and bustle of getting to school on time (we are always late), packing lunches and ironing uniforms. the boys had lax bedtimes and I got to sleep in until 10 am a few days! also got plenty of lots of snuggles time and countless snapchat vids. it was a very nice end to a crazy fast year. 

Please join me in supporting the other artists by checking out Childhood Unplugged to see all our submissions. Also remember to follow us on instagram (@childhoodunplugged) and be sure to use #childhoodunplugged for a chance to be featured.

childhood unplugged

Every once in a while we take Route 17 to DC from Virginia after visiting Aaron's mom. We mostly do it to avoid traffic, but we really should make it a regular occurrence. This city family doesn't get the taste of rural life often enough. Zollie enjoyed it the most. He said "I want to run," and ran all the way up the dirt road and back with a huge smile on his face. This made me happy, but also a tad bit guilty that we don't have more space for the boys to roam free and explore.  But then I remembered that guilt is a sentiment I try to stay away from, especially when it comes to parenting. So, I sat back, smelled the fresh air, admired the miles and miles of green space and then we got in the car and went home. My boys barely noticed or mentioned difference b/c children are like that; they adapt to their surroundings wherever they go.  I love that about childhood. 

So excited to be the newest contributor over at Childhood Unplugged (read my feature here). I've been a fan of this feed for several years and very honored they asked me to be part of such a wonderful movement to document the art of play. 

Please join me in supporting the other artists by checking out Childhood Unplugged to see all our submissions. Also remember to follow us on instagram (@childhoodunplugged) and be sure to use #childhoodunplugged for a chance to be featured.