There is a chill in the air and after several days of unusual November rain, we are about to get much cooler, so now seems as good a time as any to soak up the last of Fall.  Last year it took a little time for Enzo to warm up to the idea of playing in the giant leaf pile Josh’s Dad prepares for all the kiddos.  This time, though, he ran right into it and his cheeks were already getting rosy by the time his cousins came to join in on the fun.  This boy runs hot, that’s for sure.

Phoebe, on the other hand, is like me and wasn’t too thrilled at the idea of playing in cold leaves.  She was more content to sit and eat her snack, but eventually we managed to get her to at least sort of join in.  I can’t blame her, I’d rather sit on the sidelines and just watch too.  I kind of don’t want to tell her what’s in store considering she whines when it’s cold out at day care and they go outside to play.

If you’re Enzo, however, the highlight of a giant leaf pile is being tossed into it. I have a feeling if his thrill seeking continues, I’m going to lose just as much sleep in the years to come as I do now.  I guess it makes sense, though… kids aren’t aware of all the dangers and worries that adults consider, so why should being tossed 6 feet in the air into a pile of leaves be at all disconcerting? Granted, even bloody noses and other bumps and bruises don’t stop him from jumping off things he shouldn’t and fearlessly climbing whatever he can.

While we’ll need to keep Enzo’s active side busy this winter, we’ll have to come up with a combination of inside and outside activities considering Phoebe isn’t a fan of being cold and wet.  I loved sledding when we were kids and building snow forts, so hopefully we can do some of that with the kids and find other activities now that they’re older and not quite as affected by a late night here or there and an occasional missed nap.  Last winter was a bit of a bummer, especially after we got back from a nice warm vacation in California, so I plan on making it as fun as possible this year.

If anyone has any tips on winter activities with small kiddos, do let me know!