Beat This Winter

Stampede City is infamous for her rapidly changing and extreme temperatures, especially during the winter. And if you're a momma, at home with littles, it is no fun being stuck inside all the time! Now I love to play outside, but when the temperatures threaten frostbite within minutes of exposure I just can't justify taking my two under two outside for extended periods. 
So how do we beat the winter weather and still get our play on?
One of my favourite things to do is to go to Cardel Place - our local sports and recreation facility. Designated gym times mean a wide variety of objects to play with and lots of running room for my toddler! Open gym time gives my son the chance to choose his activities and have unstructured play alone and with children of various ages.  
I'm a strong advocate for play, and for play between children of all ages. When we visit the gym I prefer to stand back and let my son take the lead. He can choose where he will play, who he will play with and what he will play with. It tickles me to see how observant he is. He often first, finds a ball, then walks the gym holding his ball and taking in everything that is going on. Once he has seen it all he chooses where to start his adventure. There is very little more satisfying to me than watching his young mind figure things out and find his way. 
Have two to tackle? Me too!
My best investment after having our second son, when our first was only seventeen months, has been a ring sling. Not only is it easy to wear and pack places, carrying babies upright is instrumental in their brain development. When we hit the gym to play I bring along my sling and wear my youngest. He's only nearly five months old but he loves to watch all of the action taking place in the gym.

Don't let the cold weather keep you cooped up - explore your city and try out an open gym time with your little ones! You might be surprised how nice it is for you too, to leave the house!
lovefrommaria 

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