(check out these cuties under portfolio...and get yourself to Johnson Lake)

As I was driving out to Johnson Lake today, which I totally recommend, I looked in my rear view mirror and was in awe of my little Ryder sitting so quietly looking out the window. Yet funny enough I still had this urge to hand him the iPad just to ensure he stayed still and quiet for the drive. It had me thinking, we all survived without the iPad, and I remember all the silly games we played in the car to pass the time. My boys have been on many road trips from the very early days of their lives and we have maintained the rule that the iPad only comes out when really necessary. I want them to be comfortable with boredom and have the ability to entertain themselves when there is nothing around. I was happy that Ryder could sit in his chair for an hour and be content just looking out the window. In this day and age being conscious of not over stimulating our children is something we all need to think about. I say this as I sit here on the computer, watching Netflix, with my phone right beside me...yikes.

My hope is that I could give my boys a spoon and box to play with and they would have the ability to use their imagination and have fun. Who needs all the toys and gadgets anyway...I do! Don't get me wrong, I indulge in "show time" with Ryder, and most days I do it because I am being lazy and need a break. But finding the balance, like so many things in life, is what I strive for.