The Treacherous Threes

Three......is.......really...........HARD!  For everyone.  It has been tantrum city around our house for the past few weeks.  Two definitely had it's moments for us, but it was nothing compared to this age they call "3".  I feel that parents are sorely mislead.  It seems that everyone talks up the "terrible twos", in fact, it even has it's own title.  Why is three never mentioned?

At three, many children have the abilitly to focus on a task for longer periods of time = tantrums that last for at least (seemingly) 90+ minutes.

At three, many children are more verbal and comprehensive = LOTS of talking back.  Some of my favorites:  "It's not FAIR to wear a blue shirt!" or, "I DON'T WANT TO EAT MY YOGURT WITH A SPOON!"  and,  "I don't want the bubbles to melt...WHAAAAAAAA" (in the bath).

  how is it possible to be sad over chocolate ice cream? ....from the ice cream truck???? 

All of these have fairly easy solutions, change shirts, try yogurt with a fork or as a fruit dip, add some more bubbles to the bath....  We can't even get to the solution part though.  Before I can even ask or talk about how we can resolve the problem there is a screaming, kicking tantrum.  AGGGGGGHHHHHHH!   Once the tantrum starts, forget it.  It's OVER (the peace in our house I mean).   I try to think of and be sympathetic to how he must feel when he is in the midst of this all out fit, and I try to be as patient and loving as I can, but also firm.  Sometimes, there is no solution, every suggestion is wrong.  Every suggestion results in a new wave of angry tears.   Sometimes it is down right funny, sometimes it is downright draining. (A lot of the time it is down right draining).  Sometimes the only solution around here is to let him cry until he is done.  Then, just as if I never gave him a spoon, all is well and he is laughing and hugging.

**Three is no where near 21 so we are outlawing the use of whine.  When *whine occurs, mommy needs lots of extra *wine.  The amount yesterday would have put me in a stupor for a week straight.

  

 My conclusion:  Tantrums topped with wanting to be naked constantly are starting to wear us down just slightly...

Calling all parents...how was three for your child and how did you survive?????

Johnson's Farm

Last weekend, (I know I am still a little behind) my friend Gail and I took the kids to Johnson's Farm for the day.  If you live in the South Jersey Area and you have never been, then I do believe that you are really missing out.  Even though it is a VERY commercialized farm (and a little pricey) it is totally worth it to go and check it out.  There is SO MUCH for the kiddies and adults a like.  Playground, animal feeding barnyard, splash pad, beach sandbox, discovery barnyard and play area, hayride, any kind of "picking" you can imagine (we picked strawberries) and a wonderful fresh farm store that features anything from the farm and beyond that you heart desires.  We easily spend a few hours enjoying all of the fun and then had a delicious lunch before Bella was ready to nap!

First the hayride, where one certain kid just couldn't leave the hay alone, and got Mommy yelled at by the tractor driver...(well more like scolded).

 Hey! I have hay on me!

We got off of the hayride (THANK GOODNESS) to pick some of the most delicious red plump sun warmed strawberries.  They were so good, more eating was done by me some than picking.

 An inherited love of strawberry snacking

After a ride back to the farm Jackson found a cool spot in a pile of sandy dirt to keep himself occupied while I paid for our strawberries.

So obviously clean up was the next logical thing to do which ended up being great fun for two kids who could easily reach the sinks.

By the time we got to the play area, the sun was blaring and my toddler was running so my camera took a break. 

Finally we cooled off with some fun at the splash pad and little shopping from the farm market for lunch.

All in all, a perfect way to spend a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon!  Thanks to Aunt Gail for being amazing and suggesting this awesome outing!  We certainly will be heading there again soon!