spicing up the weekends

Several months ago Dan and I were getting weary of hearing pleas from the boys to watch movies almost every day. Has anyone else had to deal with that?! It was becoming a huge headache. At times, it really was just easier to put in a movie for them, and give myself a little down time with the baby. One day, after philosophizing at length about our long term parenting plan, Dan and I decided to spin the whole situation positively and initiated Fun Friday (I know the name is totally cheesy, but its simple and the boys have taken to it :)

So, basically Fun Friday means the boys only watch movies on Friday. That way, its a special treat for them. They get out their blankets, we pop popcorn, sometimes we'll make treats or have a special drink. The boys love it! Its been awesome! We choose the movie together the week leading up to it and boys always look forward to what's coming.

We start the premiere after lunch. Its become a great way to kick off the weekend. Seriously, its made such a huge difference. Whenever they ask to watch a movie all we have to say is "Yes! Think about what movie you want to watch on Friday." Their free play has even become more creative since we've started this because they imaginary play for long periods of time, day after day.


{Ok, that was hilarious! I was just about to write that they've come up with some creative little schemes, when Forrest appears wearing this (above) and says, "Look Mom, I'm a robot." Ha Ha!!!}

After a couple months of Fun Friday, we started thinking it would be even better to devote more time and energy into reading. We usually read a few picture books during the day here and there and every night before bed. We decided though, that it would be a neat challenge to venture into the world of chapter books. We decided to start with the children's classic, Charlotte's Web.

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I wasn't sure how the boys would do listening to a book with only a few pictures here and there. Forrest struggled to pay attention for long, (we'll stick with picture books for now) but I could tell Andrew was really listening and imagining the characters. And, he adored it!! He would always beg me to read just a little bit more before we put it away. He was absorbed in the storyline.

As soon as we finished the book, he started playing Charlotte's Web with everything, especially his farm animals. Here's one of the set ups he made. You can see Wilbur on the roof. Wilbur camped up on that roof for days. Then, next to Wilbur you can see a black feather. That's his Charlotte...I thought that was a pretty clever idea. :) The link-a-doo rings are Charlotte's Web. Not to mention, those farm animals had all kinds of interesting conversations. It was pretty funny to eavesdrop on those!


After a good week of this we decided it was time to host our own viewing party of the newest version of Charlotte's Web for Fun Friday. It is an adorable movie!! Have you seen it yet? I was really impressed with the music and voice talent.

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There were some deviations from the book but the differences created great conversation for Andrew and I to compare and contrast the book and the movie. It was also fun watching the movie after already knowing all the characters and the storyline. I think the boys felt more connected with the characters this way too.

Now we are really starting to get excited to do this again. I'd love to hear any more chapter book recommendations you have! Please share away!!!