Unplugged

The kids and I decided to take Heber Valley's challenge and be Unplugged for 10 days. "Unplugged" means free from any form of electronics: phones, television, game systems, ipad......everything (although mom needed to use her phone to take phone calls, check her emails) It was awesome and so much easier than I thought it was going to be. The house was SO much quieter, and for the most part, sibling rivalry was lessened. Truth be told I am ready to throw out the Wii and television all together....

Day 1

Normally I wake up and the kids are playing their "game time." This Summer we worked out game time a special way. However many minutes they read the day before, they get 1/2 that time in game time the next day (read 30 minutes, 15 minutes game time.) It's worked pretty well, I recommend it.

But on their first day of being unplugged, there was no noise pouring from the television set that morning. Instead it sat lifeless and I heard noise coming from the basement. I went downstairs and found all 4 kids playing pirates.

Day 2

On this day we went "geo-cashing" around Midway. We were out for over 3 hours, and the kids had a blast. We did use the phone for this one, however. We needed to use it's GPS feature to find the different "cash" locations. We hiked, explored, and learned more about our beautiful city. Total adventure. There are even aps for your phone so you too can go geo-cashing around your area!

Day 3

On this day I woke up as the sun was rising and volunteered to make "Brazli's," a swiss cookie. For 3 hours these wonderful ladies made delicious cookies that will be bagged and sold at Swiss days in August. We were able to eat the "mistake" cookies. My land, these cookies are DELICIOUS! Grab a bag (or two) when you visit Midway this August!

Day 4

On this day we went for a walk around the neighborhood with our Aunt Kelli and her dog, Leo. We also roasted marshmallows, and were hoping to camp in a tent outside in the backyard. But the forecasted rain and lightning prevented us from doing so. So Josh built a fort for the boys to sleep in and the girls pitched a tent in the living room. Fun!

Day 5

On this day we took Josh to pick out his birthday present, a NEW KITTEN! He fell in love with this black and white one (looks very similar to Danny, which is why he picked him). He is loving called Spots.

We also went swimming (okay, truth be told we go swimming most days) but this time I took some photos of the kids.

Josh's dive?

Daxton's Dive

Cannon ball!

And finally, some sidewalk chalk. Powdery-fun.

Day 6

On this day we had my parents, and Kelli and Kendall over for a birthday party for Josh! He turned 11 today (wild). His feet are bigger than mine and he's nearly as tall.

The girls helped me with his birthday cake.

We played some fun water games and relays. One game grandpa made up. You had to fit as much water as you could into your mouth, then spit it into another cup. You would win candy based on how high your "spit water" level reached. It was hilarious.

Fill it up,

Spit it out.

Mouth full of water,

Spit into the cup. Ha!

Amelie liked the water guns best. She kept shooting Cam in a particular spot....

After getting all wet, Josh did a few tricks on the trampoline.

We also had our "spanking machine" for Josh. First thing Josh did was run and get his football pants on, for extra padding.

He only made it through 3 times, because Cam was spanking too hard.

We also made another visit to the Walker's home, to pick up yet another kitty. I just felt so bad for Spots, meowing in the garage all by his lonesome self. So the kids picked out his brother, and now there are two! Spots, and Stripes. So cute!

Happy slumbering brothers.

Day 7

On this day we had 3 visitors, Grandma Holly, Grandpa Glen, and Collin!! We had a yummy dinner, with some lemon bars and scotcheroos for dessert. Mmmmmm. Holly and Collin loved the kitties. They cuddled with them, until those little kittens fell right asleep. So fun!

Day 8

Today we once again headed to the pool. Must have been a "catch up on housework and laundry" day because I don't have any pictures.


Day 9

Today was action packed. We first hit the gym. Josh shot hoops at the Rec center while the other 3 went to the daycare there (they cheated, and there was a movie playing. It was like crack cocaine for these 3 t.v. deprived kids). Afterward we hit the library so they could pick out a prize for their reading minutes. Lo and behold, guess what was there? The reptile wagon!! Reptiles of all shapes and sizes were there, from African Bullfrogs to Red-Tailed Boa's. It was a hoot to walk in that room and see snakes, lizards, and spiders dangling from kids' necks and arms. Awesome.

After a little anti-bacterial, we headed home and had some grilled cheese sandwiches. Then some neighbors came over and the kids jumped on the trampoline with the sprinklers on while I did a little yard work.

Then they played some games inside: twister, battleship, and a hungry caterpillar card came. Ella then made everyone a little sack lunch full of snacks and they ate it out on the porch.

Next, we headed to town to collect some "brag tags." Heber Valley's Unplugged program is full of 101 activites you can do all over town. Everything from water-balloon fights, to side walk chalk, to Geo-cashing. We made our list of those we had completed and headed to Heber to find the different places to collect their "tags". While we were out and about we discovered the "Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum" and stopped in for a visit. A sweet lady named Kay Bonner was our guide. Her Great-Grandparents were settlers of Midway. We learned a lot about our great city, and made a new friend to boot. Thanks Kay!

Finally we headed home to make some dinner (Navajo tacos) and the kids ran outside to run in the down-pour outside.
What a fun day! (Non stop fun is exhausting)

Day 10

Today we went to Cherry Hill with our cousins. It was a blast to have all the Thredgold side cousins there, Jack, Kenny, Audrey and Topher. (bum deal though, we didn't think to snap a picture until we were about to leave and Topher and Audrey were already gone.) However, check that Amelie out! Love that belly.

All this has taught me that you don't need constant electronic entertainment for your kids, they will learn how to really play again. And yes, your house will be a mess, your laundry won't get done, and you will be exhausted...but it's probably worth it. :)

I have to add too, the next morning they were plugged back in, and after playing a few minutes of game time, the kids asked if we could go on a hike. So we got some water, and trudged up the hill behind our house. Yes! I think it's finally sinking in!

Our neighborhood. "Mom, look how small our house looks!"

Hanging out in "the fort"

Beautiful Midway valley