ML Interest Tag: pile

Electric Avenues: Holiday Light Displays That Really Shine

by Maggie Grainger

When it comes to the best Christmas lights Portland has to offer, these displays are totally lit

The City of Roses should be renamed the City of Lights during the holidays, as far as we’re concerned. Starting right after you finish up Thanksgiving dinner, running throughout the month of December, Portland is ablaze with fun and unique light displays that will brighten up anyone’s day. So after you’ve picked out the perfect tree for the season, fill your thermos with hot chocolate (maybe a hot toddy for the parents), bundle up the kids, and check out these holiday light displays that will brighten your season.

Portland International Raceway Christmas Lights - Winter Wonderland

If you're looking for drive-thru Christmas lights in Portland, head down to the Portland International Raceway for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.  Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi,” the 30th annual Safeway Winter Wonderland is unlike any light show you’ve ever seen. Spectators become part of the show as they drive through the track, taking in more than 250 set pieces and animated displays along the course. Plus, all proceeds from the event will benefit Sunshine Division's year-round hunger relief efforts.

Good to Know: Tickets range from $48 - $155 depending on vehicle size

Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 2022

1940 N. Victory Blvd.
Portland
Online: winterwonderlandportland.com

Related: Our Top Spots for Local Holiday Shopping in Portland

a lighted train runs through the Oregon Zoo during Portland Christmas lights season
courtesy Oregon Zoo

Oregon Zoolights

'Tis the season to check out one of Portland’s most popular light experiences:  ZooLights at, you guessed it, the Oregon Zoo. This larger-than-life display has more than a million and a half lights, plus all your favorite animals, too! You can take it all in two ways: on a classic walk through the grounds or from the comfort of your car during their drive-through experience.

Good to Know: All tickets are timed-entry and must be purchased in advance online. They range from $21-$29, and drive-thru tickets are $65. Remember, Zoo members receive discounted admission.

Dates: Nov. 23, 2022-Jan. 5, 2023 (Closed on Christmas Day)

4001 S.W. Canyon Rd.
Portland
Event details

Related: All Aboard! Holiday Train Rides to Book Now

a lighted reindeer atop a Portland Christmas ship for the lighted boat parade
christmasships.org

Christmas Ships Parade

The Christmas ships are coming! A fleet of ships have sailed down the Willamette and Columbia Rivers every year for 67 years. Grab a perch with a view (restaurants along the route book up quick), pack your thermos and blankets, and watch the floating lights go by. This is a great parade, and the best part is, you can catch it almost every night in December for free. Be sure to check online for when they’ll be closest to you, as the route changes. It's the perfect winter evening activity for tiny boat enthusiasts (and their parents).

Dates: Dec. 3-21, 2022

Related: Your Insider's Guide to the Portland Christmas Ships Is Here

Lighted trees and walkways are part of this Portland Christmas lights display at the Grotto

Christmas Festival of Lights

The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights features more than two million lights and is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. Enjoy the amazing sounds of local schools, churches, and civic groups as you explore the beautiful property.  Concerts are scheduled each evening and families can also enjoy outdoor caroling, puppet shows, and storytimes. 

Good to Know: Kids 2 and under are free at this display.

Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 30, 2022 (Closed Christmas Day)

8840 N.E. Skidmore St.
Portland
Online: thegrotto.org

Christmas on the Campground

Drive by or stroll through the Apostolic Faith Church’s campground to enjoy thousands of lights with the kids this year. The lights are on from dusk to dawn at this free display, and music plays at two different times throughout the night. In addition to the life-size nativity scene, the coolest part of the display is hands down the ginormous Christmas tree at the heart of the display. It's the tallest in Southeast Portland, and it's one reason to bring the kids to see this festive display. 

Dates: Nov. 25 - Dec. 31, 2022

5415 S.E. Duke St.
Portland
Online: christmasonthecampground.com

A mom and young daughter among Portland Christmas lights displays smiling
iStock

Lightopia - An Illuminated Journey

Add Lightopia in Hillsboro to your light tour this year.  Families can take in all the beautiful sights as you drive along a half-mile winter landscape. This free display is open for visitors on Sundays through Thursdays, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends until 10 p.m. One thing to note, you'll need a reservation to drive through, so snag one while you can.

Dates: Dec. 3-31, 2022 (Closed Christmas Day)

Gordon Faber Recreation Complex (Hillsboro Stadium)
4450 N.E. Century Blvd.
Hillsboro, OR
Online: hillsboro-oregon.gov

Clackamas County Winter Fair

Head over to the Clackamas County Event Center for the 3rd Annual Winter Fair and Holiday Market. Not only can you enjoy more than 200,000 lights and scenes, but the kids can meet Santa while you check off people on your Christmas list. Admission to the experience is just $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 3-12. Bring your 3 and unders for free.

Dates: Dec. 2-23, 2022

694 N.E. 4th Ave.
Canby, OR
Online: clackamascountyfair.com

Related: 9 Festival Christmas Tree Farms You'll Want to Visit

Enjoy more Portland Christmas lights at these neighborhood displays

Take a stroll on Peacock Lane

One street you absolutely cannot skip is Peacock Lane—known as Portland’s Christmas Street. Located in S.E. Portland, each house on this little street has been taking Christmas cheer to the next level since 1932. From nativity scenes and rotating trees to re-enactments of your favorite holiday characters and movies, Peacock Lane continues to delight visitors from near and far. You can find this super sweet displays along S.E. Peacock Lane between SE Stark and Belmont Streets.

Insider Tip: Families can walk the display without car congestion on pedestrian-only nights. This year they're scheduled for December 15-17.

Dates: Dec. 15-31, 2022
Times: 6-11 p.m.

Online: peacocklane.org

Visit Portland's Most Festive Neighborhoods

Nearly anywhere you drive in Portland, you are likely to see stunning and creative light displays by local families. Holding true to our city's reputation for creativity, you are guaranteed a bright and magical holiday when you live in the City of Roses. Don't forget to pack some hot chocolate and candy canes, to add to the seasonal magic when you head out to one of Portland's many neighborhood light displays. Pile everyone into the car and head to these neighborhoods to see some of the best home grown displays in town. Some of our favorite areas include the Pearl District, Downtown Portland, Alberta, and the Sellwood/Moreland area.

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Where to Find Fantastic Fall Foliage around Portland

by Katrina Emery

Autumn is truly showing off at our favorite places to find fall colors in Portland

Summer is waning, school has started, and its Pumpkin Spice Latte season again. While summer hikes make fond memories, fall means piles and piles of colorful leaves to gather, collect, throw, jump in, and admire. Soon the colors will be popping, and we’re ready to celebrate nature’s fireworks. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best places to view fall foliage in Portland. It’s time to get outside, enjoy the show, and play with the kids. Don’t forget your camera for the best shots.

Pittock Mansion & Forest Park

Originally built in 1909, the Pittock mansion is perched on top of a Forest Park hill, just waiting to burst into fall color. If you’re a history buff you’ll enjoy the indoor mansion tour, but strolling through the grounds to find a prime picnic spot makes a fine day, too. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Mt. Hood. For a more active day under the trees, hike down through Forest Park to the Stone House, or combine a driving tour with a visit to the Audubon Society. 

3229 N.W. Pittock Dr.
Portland
Online: pittockmansion.org

 

Hoyt Arboretum

Portland’s biggest arboretum is a clear choice to watch the fiesta of fall colors explode across the trees. Over 12 miles of hiking trails span 190 acres, and 6,000 trees like the color-changing birches, maples, oaks and magnolias. A stop at the visitor center will help direct you to which trail offers the most colors, whether you want red hawthorn berries or fiery yellow maples. They offer miles of stroller-friendly paths, a scavenger hunt for the kids, and plenty of great views. 

4000 S.W. Fairview Blvd.
Portland
Online: hoytarboretum.org

Related: 6 Amazing Forest Park Hikes You Can Take Now

Portland Japanese Gardens

Hidden away in Washington Park, this garden is perfectly coiffed and bursts into color every year. Japanese maples and other fall show-offs were planted to expertly frame certain areas, like a pond, waterfall, or statue. Leave the stroller at home, as many areas use steps. Strap the little ones into a carrier and let older kids pick the path—it’s not too big to get lost in, but big enough that they’ll have fun exploring. Afterward, stop in the teahouse for a meal or a mochi ice cream treat. Get your tickets online for timed entry before you head out.

611 S.W. Kingston Ave.
Portland
Online: japanesegarden.com

 

Sauvie Island

Fun is a main attraction every fall on this farming island! Besides pumpkins, apple cider, and corn mazes, you’ll also be able to soak in some beautiful fall color from all the oaks blanketing the land. For a perfect picnic spot, head to Howell Territorial Park and spread your feast under the oaks. In the apple orchard behind the house you’ll find trees that were planted from cuttings carried by wagon over the Oregon Trail.

13901 N.W. Howell Park Rd.
Portland
Online: oregonmetro.gov

Related: Everything You Need to Know to Plan a Sauvie Island Getaway

Leach Botanical Garden

Tucked near the forested hills of Johnson Creek, Leach Botanical Garden is a hidden gem of Southeast Portland. A collection of over 1,000 native and non-native plants is spread over 16 acres. In 2021, the Upper Garden expansion was completed, with a new canopy tree walk, a pollinator meadow, new pathways and many more plantings. It’s a beautiful place to wander, letting kids lead the way—see if they can find the maple trees for some fall glory. Reserve tickets in advance online before heading over.

6704 S.E. 122nd Ave.
Portland
Online: leachgarden.org

 

Cathedral Park

The views from this park anytime of year are nothing short of stunning. Add a blaze of red and yellow and roll in some fog over the river and you’ve got yourself a fairyland to play in for hours. Bring a picnic blanket and a thermos of hot cider and let the kids go wild! A frisbee, a pile of leaves to jump in, or even some games of tag are perfect against such a beautiful backdrop.

N Edison St. & Pittsburg Ave.
Online: portlandoregon.gov

Related: Unforgettable Fall Road Trips for Portland Families

Silver Falls State Park

For bonus colors an hour outside of Portland, hop in the car and head to Silver Falls State Park near Salem and Silverton. This enchanted forest offers a myriad of waterfalls along with fiery colorful trees set amidst green pines. The Trail of Ten Falls is an 8.6 mile trek that has, you guessed it, 10 waterfalls, and is easily cut up into smaller sections for little hikers. After hiking, enjoy a picnic by the river or check out the nature playground at the North Falls Group Camp parking lot.

20024 Silver Falls Hwy. S.E.
Sublimity, OR
Online: stateparks.oregon.gov

Related: 30 Fabulous Fall Activities for Families in PDX

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The Best Places to See Fall Colors around Portland

by Katrina Emery

Summer is waning, school is starting, and it’s Pumpkin Spice Latte season again. While summer hikes make fond memories, fall means piles and piles of colorful leaves to gather, collect, throw, jump in, and admire. Soon around Portland fall colors will be popping. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best places in Portland to get back outside, enjoy the show, and play with the kids. Don’t forget your camera for the best shots.

Sauvie Island

Fun is a main attraction every fall on this farming island where Portland fall colors are the big draw in autumn. Besides pumpkins, apple cider, and corn mazes, you’ll also be able to soak in some beautiful fall color from all the oaks blanketing the land. For a perfect picnic spot, head to Howell Territorial Park and spread your feast under the oaks. In the apple orchard behind the house, you’ll find trees that were planted from cuttings carried by wagon over the Oregon Trail.

13901 N.W. Howell Park Rd.
Portland
Online: oregonmetro.gov

Leach Botanical Garden

Tucked near the forested hills of Johnson Creek, Leach Botanical Garden is a hidden gem of Southeast Portland. A collection of over 1,000 native and non-native plants is spread over 16 acres. In 2021, the Upper Garden expansion was completed, with a new canopy tree walk, a pollinator meadow, new pathways and many more plantings. It’s a beautiful place to wander, letting kids lead the way—see if they can find the maple trees for some fall glory. Reserve tickets in advance online before heading over.

6704 S.E. 122nd Ave.
Portland
Online: leachgarden.org

Related: Everything You need to Know about Getting Away to Sauvie Island

Pittock Mansion & Forest Park

Originally built in 1909, the Pittock mansion is perched on top of a Forest Park hill, just waiting to burst into fall color. If you’re a history buff you’ll enjoy the indoor mansion tour, but strolling through the grounds to find a prime picnic spot makes a fine day, too. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Mt. Hood. For a more active day under the trees, hike down through Forest Park to the Stone House, or combine a driving tour with a visit to the Audubon Society.

3229 N.W. Pittock Dr.
Portland
Online: pittockmansion.org

Cathedral Park

The views from this park anytime of year are nothing short of stunning. Add a blaze of red and yellow and roll in some fog over the river and you’ve got yourself a fairyland to play in for hours. Bring a picnic blanket and a thermos of hot cider and let the kids go wild, A frisbee, a pile of leaves to jump in, or even some games of tag are perfect against such a beautiful backdrop.

N. Edison St. & Pittsburg Ave.
Portland
Online: portlandoregon.gov

Columbia Children’s Arboretum

If you’ve got time to venture north, consider the Columbia Children’s Arboretum in North Portland’s industrial area. Tucked away from the noise, it’s a quiet and underused wooded park centered around a large meadow and former orchards, with loads of fall color from the sugar maples and American sweet gums. Acquired by Portland Parks and Recreation in 1999, there’s a plan in place for eventual development into a more extensive educational park. For now, it’s a great place to take in the turning leaves.

10040 N.E. 6th Dr.
Portland
Online: portlandoregon.gov

Related: 6 Amazing Forest Park Hikes to Take Now

Hoyt Arboretum

Portland’s biggest arboretum is a clear choice to watch the fiesta of fall colors explode across the trees. Over 12 miles of hiking trails span 190 acres, and 6,000 trees like the color-changing birches, maples, oaks and magnolias. A stop at the visitor center will help direct you to which trail offers the most colors, whether you want red hawthorn berries or fiery yellow maples. They offer miles of stroller-friendly paths, a scavenger hunt for the kids, and plenty of great views. 

4000 S.W. Fairview Blvd.
Portland
Online: hoytarboretum.org

Portland Japanese Garden

Tucked away in Washington Park, this garden is perfectly coiffed and bursts into color every year. Japanese maples and other fall show-offs were planted to expertly frame certain areas, like a pond, waterfall, or statue. Leave the stroller at home, as many areas use steps. Strap the little ones into a carrier and let older kids pick the path—it’s not too big to get lost in, but big enough that they’ll have fun exploring. Afterward, stop in the teahouse for a meal or a mochi ice cream treat. Get your tickets online for timed entry before you head out.

611 S.W. Kingston Ave.
Portland
Online: japanesegarden.com

Historic Columbia River Highway

Ready to head a bit further? Hop on the Historic Columbia River Highway for one of the most scenic drives this time of year. It begins in Corbett, 20 miles outside of Portland, and winds along the Columbia through a wide range of both evergreen and deciduous trees. Pack a lunch and make a day of it-- and don’t forget to try out some of the short hikes along the way, just perfect for little adventurers. Latourell Falls is doable at just under 2.5 miles, while Horsetail Falls is another great option. Of course, no one can forget Multnomah Falls, which tends to be slightly less crowded than summer, but no less stunning.

Getting there: From Portland, take I-84 east to Corbett. Take exit 22 and follow the Historic Columbia River Highway/Highway 30 east toward Multnomah Falls.

Related: Spectacular Waterfall Trails to Hit Now

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Who Needs Cookies When You Can Just Eat These Bite-Sized Dough Poppins?

by Karly Wood

Ready or not, the school year is almost here. That means busy schedules and much-needed hacks to keep the fam fed as you ease back into the academic year.

Thankfully, Pillsbury is dropping brand new products that give parents quick fixes in the kitchen! Say hello to pull-apart bread kits, mini pizza crusts and our personal fave, edible Cookie Dough Poppins!

Satisfy your sweet tooth with Birthday Cake or Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Poppins that are safe-to-eat right from the package. We also think they make a great dessert topping (think: piled on top of ice cream!)

Also new, Pillsbury is making that side dish of garlic bread and dessert Monkey Bread even easier. The pull-apart kids come with pre-cut dough and sauce to whip up both items in a flash.

Not to be missed, you can also snag new Mini Cinni Stix and Mini Pizza Crusts from the shelves. Both items mean dinner and dessert are on the table, stat, and in perfectly-sized portions.

All new Pillsbury products can be found wherever you do your weekly shopping and range in price from $3 to $5 each.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of General Mills

 

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Capture Monsters & Collect Riches in “Monopoly Dungeons & Dragons”

by Sarah Shebek

Tabletop game lovers are in for a treat as two of the classics collide! Monopoly Dungeons & Dragons just launched and it’s a new way to play for D&D fans. It features artwork from the popular universe as well as 22 of the infamous monsters as property spaces.

The premise? Traveler and storyteller Volothamp Geddarm is seeking explorers to capture creatures of Forgotten Realms for research purposes. At the same time, you’ll try to accumulate the most riches to come out on top. Look for the Bugbear, Demogorgon, Beholder and many more and try not to be enchanted by the fiery battle at the board’s center.

A few other swaps keep the game on theme: Treasure and Encounter cards replace Chance and Community chest piles. Expeditions and Bases take the place of the houses and hotels. And if you’re looking for railroad spaces, you’ll instead find the Tomb of Horror, Castle Ravenloft and more. Otherwise the Monopoly gameplay holds true, as you accumulate properties for currency and bankrupt your foes.

Designed for family play, Monopoly Dungeons & Dragons is ideal for two to six players ages eight and up. You can buy it now at your local game store for $39.99 or online. Good luck to Dungeon Masters everywhere as a new adventure begins!

—Sarah Shebek

Images courtesy of The OP Games

 

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Want a Better Night’s Sleep for the Whole Family? These Tips Can Help

By Marty Basher

A cluttered and dusty bedroom is a stressful bedroom. So many of us rationalize not bothering with spending a lot of effort clearing the bedroom “because the kids will just mess it up tomorrow and no one ever sees it.” But you see it and your family see it. Every day and every night and consciously or subconsciously, a disorganized bedroom has an impact on how you start and end the day.

There is always yet another chore left for “next weekend” calling to you from some corner of your home but both parents’ and children’s bedrooms should be top of the list. This is the place where you want your family to feel calm, relaxed, and peaceful. It should be clean and orderly, laying the foundation for a good night’s rest.

1. Start by Creating Storage That Works
One of the major culprits of clutter, besides lack of time during the daily grind, is inefficient storage space. Adding more designated homes for your family’s things ensures not only a cleaner space but also an easier time finding what you need and putting things away. Plastic storage bins and over-the-door organizers are inexpensive fixes to piles of seasonal clothes and shoes. For a more permanent fixture, consider adding floating shelves and modular closets to utilize more vertical space. These are great for holding more than just clothes: jewelry, shoes, handbags, toys, sports gear, workout equipment, and office supplies (if an office is the parents’ bedroom as has become the case for many this last year). Furthermore, modular storage units are customizable and can fit in any sized space.

2. Declutter Your Closet Items before You Put Them Back
Before you refill a newly redesigned closet with all of your stuff, it’s time to sort. Use the “Three-Bin Method.” Get three large plastic bins and label one “Love,” another “Donate,” and the last one “Undecided.” Obviously, anything that mom, dad or the kids enjoy and wear on a regular basis goes into the “Love” bin, and things that they dislike or have not worn in over a year go into the “Donate” bin. For items that are harder to part with (but aren’t necessarily needed), store them in the “Undecided” bin and hide them away for three to six months. Chances are the attachment will disappear by then. If it doesn’t, then keep that item. Toss out anything damaged or worn out.

Once the closet is sorted, you can add some extra pieces to organize stuff, in ways you might not have thought of: plastic storage bins are inexpensive fixes for out-of-season clothes, shoes, and accessories. Put away items that you don’t need in the current season, neatly and tidily. That way, they’re easy to find and ready to come out next season!

  • A shoe organizer that hangs on the back of the closet door doesn’t have to be for shoes! They’re also great for costume jewelry, makeup, hosiery/socks, small toys such as action figures or legos, crayons, craft materials, and more.
  • Hooks for scarves, handbags, backpacks, and caps ensure that you can see all your favorites, and don’t end up cluttering the closet floor.
  • Add dividers into dresser drawers. Dresser drawers are the bane of many families’ existence. Why bother folding clothes if they mess up anyways every time you pull an outfit out to get dressed? Drawer dividers are a perfect solution for keeping clothes separated and nice and neat. Use anything from plastic grid inserts to fabric bins and DIY cardboard compartments to categorize belongings.
  • Store jewelry, makeup, and other small items in shallow canning jars, tin muffin pans, and cutlery trays. For a creative flare, align the inside of the drawers with colorful, heavy-duty wrapping paper or cardstock paper before installing the dividers.

3. Give Your Bedroom a Deep Clean
In addition to avoiding clutter, you want the space your family spends 6-8 hours a night in to be pristine and clean.

  • If you have carpeting, get it steam cleaned, including inside the closet and under the furniture.
  • Flip and clean the mattresses: sprinkle it with baking soda, leave it for an hour or so and then vacuum up the powder. The soda will soak up any odors and the vacuuming will pick up dust mites and dead skin. If you don’t have one already, a mattress cover can go a long way to keeping your mattress clean and fresh.
  • Clean all bedding. Even most throw pillows can go for a refresh in the dryer, to help get rid of any dust or dirt. The pillows you sleep on should be washed at least twice a year.
  • Replace pillows regularly—they get flat and their support weakens—and mattresses every 7-10 years.
  • Address window treatments and overhead fans or lights. These need to be cleaned and dusted thoroughly. If you are planning to wipe down the walls, start at the top and work your way down. Crown molding also needs a swipe!
  • Clean under the bed and move furniture such as dressers etc. so you can clean underneath and behind and get the piles of dust bunnies that tend to collect there.

Now that you’ve organized and cleaned your bedroom, your family can look at it as a nightly retreat, a place to relax and unwind, letting go of the day’s stresses and looking forward to a deep and restful slumber. Sweet dreams!

 

Marty Basher is the home organization expert for ModularClosets.com. He regularly offers advice on family and home organization including improved morning routines, best practices for setting up a productive homework station, and how to prevent the massive shoe pile up in the entry way.

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10 Tips for Organizing LEGOS

By Kim Ennis

Last Sunday, I was super motivated to clean and organize all of the toys! I have really been wanting to do this before Christmas. Parents, do you ever get overwhelmed by all of the toys, clutter, and those pesky little broken pieces everywhere? 

I like cleanliness, organization and things just being put away. Of course, with three little boys, I have learned to live with it, their mess that is. The boys do put away toys every night before bed but they have not been organized and put in their proper place every time. (Plus, they have a Daddy who may be the messiest of them all…) So, I took four hours straight to get the toys where they needed to be and also many large piles of items to get rid of by either donating or just trash. We are donating baby toys and things in good condition that need a new home in order to make room for the new things that they may be getting for Christmas. We are trashing or recycling the broken things, the very old puzzles, and other items that have a million little pieces—half of which are missing. I am also trashing or donating any free and cheap things they got over the years that are never played with any longer such as happy meal toys.

I will share a lot of what I have done to get the toys in order but today I am concentrating on the organization of LEGOS specifically. Check out my Instagram page where I’ve saved everything in my stories under the highlight “Organization.”

It may seem very simple, just sort by color, but as a Mom to three LEGO-loving boys, I have learned a lot about precisely how to best keep them organized for good.

Here are my tips for parents helping to sort and store their children’s’ LEGOS.

  1. Assess what you have. Bring them all to one common area where you can look everything over and see all of it together.
  2. Find appropriate storage. We have a small tool organizer from Akro Mills. I highly recommend this one. It was Hunter’s favorite Christmas gift last year, not kidding! He is in 1st grade and loves organization like his Mama. We also have a tall stand-up drawer for larger completed pieces and all of the manuals that come with LEGO sets.
  3. When assessing and sorting, you just have to start somewhere. I took the biggest pieces out—things that were built or half-built and set them aside for the larger stand-up drawer.
  4. Next, sort by color. Start with what you have the most of. For us, it was black and gray. Ask for help here, Hunter (7) and Deacon (5, almost 6) were helpers. Wyatt (2) was not into it. Many hands make light work!
  5. Also, make separate piles for things that are not LEGOS bricks such as LEGO people, windows/doors, windshields, tires, and so forth. These things can have their own drawer.
  6. Do not waste your time taking pieces apart. Some things have 5-10 small Legos put together. This may be something they are working on and so I just put it in the color drawer that it is mostly.
  7. Now you can pull out the drawers and put them on the floor or table when ready to play. Keep the built pieces in the larger storage container and then encourage them to sort and clean up when done with the LEGOS for the day. Eventually, they will get into the habit and will be doing this on their own.
  8. Use the LEGO plates for building! This will help to keep what they are building and so it won’t break or get destroyed. (LEGO plates can be pricey but also make a great Christmas gift.) I do not personally recommend off-brand, it is a different quality.
  9. This will be a constant job but it will help in the end. My boys are so happy to have it organized because it helps them to play and build more easily for years to come.
  10. This is not for 3-year-olds (or younger). Wyatt is ready to destroy everything I have done. It won’t be worth your time and energy for them to just dump out all of the nicely organized containers. If you have a young one, keep your older kids’ nicely organized LEGOS out of their reach!

Anyway, I bet you never knew so much went into keeping LEGOS! But when you are a Mom to three boys who happen to all love building, you learn a few things along the way. I remember spending countless hours with my brother and friends at our babysitters playing with LEGOS, just building for hours upon hours. Our family loves them so much and is a great break from screen time and especially in the wintertime when they may not be able to play outdoors. Getting organized now will help you to feel ready for all of those holiday and Christmas gifts!

I always love to hear from you, if you have more tips to share, please do!

This post originally appeared on Kids' Toys Organization: LEGOS.

Located in Bloomington, Indiana I am a wife, full-time working Mom to 3 boys, a part-time graduate student & a writer. I am also an optimist, problem solver, peacemaker, gardener, runner and a crazy-busy mom just trying to enjoy each moment. I truly value my friends, family and my mommy tribe.

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Sink, Swim & Float! 6 Sensational Science Experiments

by Shelley Massey

When you’re a parent—especially during COVID—sometimes, “absolutely not” becomes “whatever floats your boat” a little more frequently. And, because they’re kids, you’d better be prepared for their millions of questions about what that really means, exactly. So teach them with a fun at-home scientific activity! A day of boating science is as fun as it is educational, and we’ve got six simple science experiments for kids that are bound to make some waves!

Weight and Buoyancy

Not all light things float, and not all heavy things sink, but why? Try this experiment by Rockabye Butterly to test various household objects and toys for buoyancy. Sort the ones that float by size, shape, and weight. Do the same for the ones that sink. You'll be amazed when your piles of objects that sink look similar to the one of those that float.

Scientific Principal
An object's size may play a factor in whether something will float or sink, but it's not the only factor. Density, how solid something is—or how tightly packed together its molecules or atoms are—is a better predictor of whether it will float or sink.

All photos by the author. 

 

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A UPS Driver Hid a Package from This Woman’s Husband & Deserves a Round of Applause

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Too many Amazon packages? Don’t worry, this UPS driver will hide them from your spouse.

Shopping online is one of the blessings of parenting in the 21st Century. You never need to leave the house to stock up on supplies, but the downside is your porch will probably be constantly piled with packages. One clever woman has the perfect accessory to pair with her online shopping, a doormat that reads, “Please Hide Packages from Husband” and that’s exactly what her UPS delivery person did.

In the now viral post that Ebony Freeman shared on Facebook, she shows a picture of a giant package hilariously sticking out from underneath that genius doormat. The caption reads, “Oh my god look! The UPS guy actually hid it under the rug!”

The post was shared and liked thousands of times, with commenters coveting both the awesome doormat and the delivery person. “I had no clue it was going to get that much traction,” Freeman told Good Morning America, explaining that her husband Mike doesn’t actually get upset with her shopping habit. “I have a package a day coming from Amazon but he thinks it’s funny.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Courtesy of Ebony Freeman

 

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They Said the Days Would Go by Fast

By Krissy Dieruf

Photo: Photo by Jenn Evelyn-Ann on Unsplash

Yesterday, for the first time in 10 years, all three of my children went to day camp. Feelings of terror and excitement flooded through me watching them climb the bus one at a time and disappear into the tall rows of forest green leather seats. My youngest is four and I wondered if he would be okay. I reassured myself the camp has a specific group for his age, with trained counselors. He will be fine. Then I went home and looked at the clock. It was only 9:00 a.m. and I would not return to the bus stop until 4:00 p.m. to pick them up. I had seven whole hours in front of me to fill.

I swear I heard birds chirping outside my window, I saw the sun shining (even though admittedly the clouds were a bit heavy that morning). I couldn’t wait to dig into my options: the jobs, projects, ideas, cleaning, organizing, shopping, writing, reading, napping, everything I had compiled on my “To-Do List” for the last ten years since my first child came into the world. Nothing has been done since that day. And now, it was time.

But where to start? The list is so long! I had not a second to waste and yet all I wanted to do was turn on my favorite show and sit with my coffee, not moving a muscle. I looked around at the few little piles of toys and clothes and dirty dishes, small enough not to feel messy, but enough in the corners to make our home feel cluttered. They have been sitting there in different shapes and ways but present somewhere for the last ten years.

Did it happen? I wondered to myself. Did the days of babies and diapers, sippy cups and tantrums, mama pick me up’s, naps and refusing to nap days finally pass me by? They said it would happen, people out in public, random strangers, older relatives, they all said it. At the grocery store with one kid on my leg, one screaming in the cart, while the third chants in a British accent, “We’re panicking! We’re panicking!” a well-intentioned stranger seeing the actual panic in my eyes as I darted through aisles grabbing random boxes off the shelves would cheerily say, always, “These days will go by fast!” I hated them saying it because I didn’t care. The days were long and hard. Parenting small children is like living in a fog of overwhelming joy, excruciating fear, and overall survival (yours and theirs). Yet, as they grow, the fog lifts little by little until one day you send them off for the whole day and you realize you can see again. The days did not go by fast, but they did, apparently, go by.

Now, here I am sitting by myself at my kitchen table in silence savoring a dreamy cup of coffee. I can see clearly for a few hours. Just as it was at the camp bus stop, it feels exciting and terrifying at the same time. It is a new era, having big kids. They have been little for so long, it’s all I’ve known, the thick time-consuming hands-on seconds of every day. They are dwindling, and while I will miss them, I honestly cannot wait for the next phase. The one where they keep getting on the school bus every day and I am left for a few beautiful hours to do the things I have set aside for the last ten years. I will never get those little years back. And while they have been messy and wholly disorganized, I know they have been beautifully lived with giggles and smiles and play days. They have been relaxed and lazy and adventurous. Creative, intuitive, and open to the world around them, my kids have hopefully learned among the piles and dust that life isn’t about being perfect. It is about spending time, not orchestrating time. Making things up on the fly, not scheduling days down to the minute. Life is about living in the moment, not worrying about how it looks to everyone else.

The camp is only one week. They will still come home at the end of each day and need me. I will be refreshed and ready. The next ten years will still be about raising these little rebels into responsible capable people, they are not on their own just yet. But for this week, I am happy to soak up the precious hours of quiet, and I might try to clean at least a little bit in between my coffee breaks. Truthfully, as much as I am reveling in the calm of their absence, I can’t wait for them to pile off the bus again and tell me everything they did while they were gone.

Krissy Dieruf is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and three children, loves to sing and dance around the house and has a soft spot for rebels and crazy hair. 

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