Getting energy out indoors: Color Dash

Color Dash is a simple game that  my husband made up for times when the boys are full of energy but we can't go outside. It's simple enough that once my 4-year-olds had played it with grownups a few times, they were able to do it on their own.

All you need are some small colored objects (we used some little 1-inch wooden blocks) and a bucket or other container.

Step 1: Scatter the blocks over a designated area of the floor.

Step 2: Pick a starting line and put the bucket on the floor. The players line up by the bucket.

Step 3: One kid chooses a color (they take turns), i.e. "Red!"


Step 4: The players run toward the blocks, pick up all the red blocks as fast as they can, and run back to put them in the bucket.

Repeat steps 3-4 until all the blocks are back in the bucket.

So simple and there's no winner (though of course you could give each player their own bucket and see who ends up with the most blocks if you want to go that route) but it can keep them occupied for a good 30 minutes and lets them burn off steam.

Transformers

While I was making dinner, a short blond Transformer came up to me and said quite seriously, "RC, we have a new emergency rescue thing that's gonna keep you safe. I'll show you. So come wiss me, OK?" He led me over to the secret shelter (made of blankets), then put his hand on Dad's shoulder and said in a deep voice, "Optimus Prime here is our leader from Mars."

This week in 2 blue land

Anecdotes from this past week:

I have two little superheroes running around with cardboard shields, strategizing in very deep voices. The dark-haired one started advancing toward me threateningly and the blond one was quick to say, "No, don't fight her! She's my mom!" ♥

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 Alex, as I was loading groceries into the car: "Good job buying tilapia, Mommy! It's my favorite. You're a nice person. I love you." Heart melted again. (I think he's making up for trying to attack me earlier today. ;))

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As I was heading out solo for a doctor appointment, Will told me seriously, "Be careful! If there are any bad guys, just call us, and we will come, OK? And remember to bring your cell phone!"

A message from above ...

(During naptime, about 20 minutes after I told the boys, "OK, no more talking; it's quiet time.")
Will: Hey, Mommy! God is coming to you!
Me: God is coming to me?
Will: Yeah. God is coming to you to tell you something.
Me: Really? What's he coming to tell me?
Will: He's not coming to die you. (?!) He's just coming to tell you that I can talk for a little bit before I go to sleep. OK?

Traffic jam

As we were leaving the Y today, we got caught in a bit of a traffic jam thanks to early school dismissal. I was kicking myself for not taking an alternate route when Alex piped up excitedly from the back seat, "It's a car party!"
I love 4-year-olds.

Gum and growing up

Will: Mom, can I have gum now?
Me: No, not yet. You can have gum when you're 5.
Will: Ohhh, you mean when I'm Daddy's age?

Conversations with Will

So I was being playful with the boys, calling them by the wrong names. They were laughing and correcting me. I asked, "But how can I tell who is Alex and who's Will?" just to see what they'd say.

Will (very matter-of-factly): Well, I'm Will, and *I* look like *you*. The same. And that guy (pointing) is Alex, and he looks like Alex. Well, he looks like you, too.
Me: Really? And what about Daddy? Who does he look like?
Will: Well, Daddy ... Daddy is a ninja.

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upon waking from nap
Will: Alex is the best brother ever!
Me: He is? Aww, that's really sweet.
Will: Yup! That's the brother that I picked out, Alex.