Picnic at Lake Garda

The wee man can't help but to get excited about a visit to Lago di Garda. Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and makes a popular holiday destination. Armed with a bucket and spade and a picnic in t-shirt and shorts no less we head for our destination. Bardolino is only about a 30 minute drive from the Nonni's house. There is a paved pathway along the lake side to walk or scoot as you prefer and it is lined with pebbled beaches perfect to stop and enjoy the sunshine. Wildlife does include over friendly ducks so be aware that you need to protect your food (you are not allowed to feed the ducks by the way). The wee man did not know whether to be excited or afraid when they came close for a nibble. We were also very excited to spot a swan sitting in her nest. Lots of time was spent collecting and throwing pebbles into the water. A spot of "fishing" then took place along the dock and supposedly he managed to "catch" a bucket load (imagination is needed here!) Obviously while most of this was happening mummy was rather happily relaxing on a blanket reading her book! After our picnic of brioche, cheese and proscuitto we kicked our bare feet in the sunshine and felt the different sensations on the stones and the grass. Rather bravely together the wee man and I did manage to dip our feet into the rather cold water of the Lake. 

Parco Giochi Arsenale

We have been greeted with beautiful sunshine here on our holiday in Italy. Our jackets our off! This morning we headed to the play park at Arsenale in Verona. The nonni bought the wee man a little scooter for while he is here and he has been having a great time testing it out. There was a lot of adventurous climbing before we took a break to pick some flowers and drink some juice. I was rather impressed as the wee man has been quick to look for and make friends with the other children here. We found ourselves sitting down enjoying the sunshine while he played. 

  

Project 365: Days 89 - 95

Day 89: Birthday card for Nonno

Day 90: Cat for Zia Silvia

90: Eyelashes

Day 91: An apple a day....(one of our 7 a day!)

Day 92: Non ci arriva! 

Day 93: Games on Nonna's tablet

Day 94: "Press Here" by Herve Tullet

Unconstructed

I have probably been guilty as the wee man has been growing up of finding the need to fill every moment of his day. In some ways it was easier as the days went by quicker in others it made the day more stressful especially if we were stuck indoors. Getting him out and enjoying the fresh air will always be important to me and occupy some part of our day if it can. Structured activities like book bugs and bounce and rhymes, either gymnastics or swimming and yes we did rugby have also been great not only for development but for socialising and building friendships with others (for both the wee man and my sanity by the way). There are moments though when it is good to just stop.

It was easy to use the TV as a babysitter as I needed to the chores or yes enjoy a cup of coffee in peace. Now though I have been keeping the TV off. I have not said lets play a game or suggested arts and crafts. I have just let him be. The wee man's imagination suddenly comes alive as he builds worlds with his toys. He quickly finds ways to entertain himself and the toys that usually spent the day untouched were suddenly the focus of his attention. I find myself stopping what I am doing listening to a stream of conversation that my wee man is making up. It's possibly a scary way to see myself through his eyes as he has long conversations between his toys using the language I will use with him. He also gives his toys names of the young people at nursery and they play games together. 

Unstructured time or what others call boredom has certainly shown itself to be beneficial. It's finally something that is simple and effective. There are no rules and there is no right way or wrong way. It's making sure a few things are accessible to him and he decides to use them as he chooses. Everyday you get something different.