getting glasses, we decided to start spending even more time outdoors because that was the only thing that seemed to have any kind of correlation to slowing down myopia in studies . So we figured why not focus on spending as much time as possible outdoors. That meant creating an environment that was stimulating and interesting enough, especially for Lexi since she has a pretty high threshold on stimulation, just like her mama. I had a few items we loved before that we moved outside and then slowly "collected" other toys that have together created her "outdoor space". I almost didn't write about it, but then at the last second thought "Why not?" It's a great product, it makes a billion bubbles per second (best of all machines we've tried), Lexi begs for it daily, which usually means we go through the solution faster than we can stock up on it, but that's a great testament to how much fun the machine is. And technically, it IS an active toy, since half the time she is chasing and popping bubbles and the other half, she is dancing around crazily from excitement. BUY IT HERE: Bubble machine This one is pretty cool too. Previously to this townhouse, I've been looking at different playhouses trying to determine one with the features that would most interest Lexi's personality. The Towncenter comes pretty close to being a perfect 10. It has a gas station with a pump,  a door to open/close (Lexi is very action oriented, so this is important), windows that open close, a basket hoop and a soccer net (not too interested in that yet), it has a chalkboard and a phone. I even let her color the fruits and veggies in the "market" which she LOOOVES doing! BUY IT HERE: Townhouse Outfit by Garnet Hill    Â
This simple curvy  foam beam has served us well since Christmas. It assembles easily (can be done by a toddler) and Lexi loves practicing her beam walking. We often use it indoors but it's a great item to bring outdoors as well. BUY IT HERE: FOAM BEAM Again mentioned them at Christmas, as this was one of her Christmas gifts, she loves them and as she grows at each stage she finds more to do on these stones. Before she would walk, now she jumps from stone to stone. As she grows older I am sure she will find many ways to incorporate them into her play. BUY IT HERE: Riverstones She loves the idea of baseball, so she often has us bring out our mitts and her little mitt and play baseball. So I bought the T-ball set  and she definitely plays with it at least once daily. BUY IT HERE: T-ball Our starter trike is by Morgan Cycle and it's a BEAST! It's made of steel, heavy and looks and feels like it can withstand a legit car crusher. But it rides smoothly and looks like something Barbie would ride. And so I love it, and Lexi does too. Again no long distance biking, but it's a trike, a introduction to the world of cycling.  But it's truly a beautiful and beautifully made product! BUY IT HERE: Trike
I've been mentally writing this post the whole summer. Every time I would go outside with Lexi, I would think about mentioning this and that in a post on the blog. So I'll keep it short but to the point. After Table of Contents
4 comments
Comments are back? Yay!
FYI, re: running out of bubble solution–you can make your own super easily, by just watering down liquid dish soap (like Dawn). There are more involved “recipes” online, too, but plain old dish soap and water work just fine. Use trial and error to find the water/soap ratio that works best with your particular brand of soap. I’ve heard baby shampoo works, too, but we just use dish soap.
Hahaha! Sorry that was an oversight! It was supposed to automatically uncheck comments, but sometimes it doesn’t and I forget to check.
BUT thanks for the enthusiastic YAY and the recipe for bubble soap. I just ordered two huge bottles but will use your suggestion from now on. 🙂
LOVE
E
How is she doing with her balance bike?
Um not great. I see kids using these everywhere but as soon as she feels a bit off balance on it she puts it aside.
we are currently at the stage where she is afraid of anything moving. Won’t get on on her bike, trike, power wheels, slightly better on scooter but won’t ride it long.
Hoping it passes soon. But right now she prefers movement with her body rather than using a toy. It’s peculiar.