March 26, 2021 – 85 of 365 – I did a crazy thing the week of spring break, I banned tv.

I have never been a no screen parent, but all of the screen time had really started taking over every moment of free time in a way that even I could not tolerate–first thing in the morning, as soon as they got home after school, before everyone had even finished dinner–TV, TV, TV. It was a TV addiction situation and it was too much. I decided spring break would be the perfect time to drop the habit. I kind of expected the kids to lose their minds when I broke the news to them, but they took it surprisingly well. I told them we’d do other fun things and we’d have more time to play together and be outside. Then we clicked those Rokus off and left them off for the week. I felt very brave.

Day one I took all three kids out by myself to fly a kite. It was pretty much a good time, although chaotic. Florence decided to also bring along a sketch pad and crayons in her backpack , because a windy open field is also a great place to do some sketching apparently. I talked her out of the lap desk.

March 27, 2021 – 86 of 365 – Day 2 we went on our first hike of the season at Ridley Creek State Park. We saw a little waterfall and picked wild flowers and Julia threw herself on the ground at one point and refused to hike any longer. Am I a terrible mother that I find these sorts of tantrums incredibly adorable? I often take covert videos in the moment, which seems really mean, but my kids absolutely love watching themselves flip out after the episode has passed. They too realize how crazy they were being.

We also watched our first front steps sunset of the season.

March 28, 2021 – 87 of 365 – Harry Potter got me through spring break no tv, that is for sure. Florence spent every spare moment with her nose in a book.

March 29, 2021 – 88 of 365 – During Louisa’s nap one day, Florence and Julia made a circus show for me and Jason. Florence was a clown who couldn’t juggle (on purpose…that was the schtick) and a hula hoop tight rope walker. Julia was a broom “horseback” rider and the funniest strong man I have ever seen, who picked up various items around the yard with mixed success. The best part though might have been the two of them taking turns announcing each other and providing vocal musical accompaniment from inside the tent on their Frozen karaoke player.

March 30, 2021 – 89 of 365 – Dancing hair on dancing girls.

March 31, 2021 – 90 of 365 – This is the face of a two year old who doesn’t want to hear your reasonable explanations for why she can’t dye eggs all by herself and a father who does not enjoy doing crafty projects, most especially with two year olds who don’t want to hear your reasonable explanations.

April 1, 2021 – 91 of 365 – They want to make tiny flower bouquets every single day and I try to remember to never be in too much of a rush to let them do it.