Twirls and Tantrums or Things to Do When It's Raining and You're Bored

Note the alternate blog titles above. Pick your favorite. This will cover both.

We were hopeful that the final two days of our long five-day weekend would be as cheerful and fun as the first three. But it was not to be.

Saturday began with me sleeping in (I think Frank felt sorry for me because I wasn't feeling so great on Friday). Maddie and Frank had already had breakfast and serious playtime when I came downstairs. The TV was already on -- a sure sign of a grumpy little girl and a tired Daddy.

We formulated a plan to head to the mall and snag a few items early in the day. It was raining Saturday -- all day Saturday. The tantrums began in the car. Promises of carousel rides were greeted with "OK." On a good day, this means she understands and will cooperate. Not today.

The local Macy's stinks. They have nothing advertised. Maddie cried during the entire 15-minute visit with the grumpy sales lady (Merry Christmas!) 'Nuf said. We moved on to the promised carousel ride. Success! She was one happy little girl. She loves horsies.

The rest of the mall excursion is a blur to me. She fought us the entire time. We then headed to the next shopping center -- in the rain -- to get a few things. If you were in DSW on Saturday between 11 a.m. and Noon, thanks for dodging the running toddler. She was shrieking and running up and down the aisles, having a blast, so we gave up and headed home for lunch and a nap.

After lunch, she was happy again but just for a while. It was a long rainy afternoon. Here are some things to do at home when it's cold, rainy and you're losing your marbles with a testy toddler:
Play dress up, puzzles, dance to Wiggles, watch Sesame Street 35th Anniversary Edition (it rocks!) at least four times, eat, watch Crunch Salsa Workout (don't ask), call friends to see if their squirmy toddlers need a playmate (no luck!), eat again. Is it bath time yet??

Dress up with the duck!

I think she's practicing the princess wave they taught her at daycare...

Sunday held the promise of a playdate with Noah and Stella Dot. Hooray for other Mommies and toddlers!! Another pouring rainy day, so inside activities for Maddie were so welcome!

Maddie had an awesome time playing with Noah's cool toys and boogying to tunes on the stereo. Although she is clingier than the other kids, I'm telling myself it's her age. She needs constant attention these days, but the plus side is she has been so loving and snuggly (smile).

We played and ate lunch together and went home for nap time. Frank surprised us with the Christmas tree assembled and lights already on!!

Maddie was smitten with the tree and lights and was in an awesome mood after the nap, so we went ahead and decorated. She loved hanging the "cranberries" and did really well with the ornaments for about 30 minutes. Then she'd had enough, threw a tantrum and tore apart one of our favorite ornaments. I guess for her first real Christmas, one ornament sacrifice is not so bad.

So adorable!

Does this look OK to you??

Hanging her first ornament...check out the cheeks! She is really concentrating!









All done! Notice the toussled-haired toddler running away from the tree...