Spring is almost here my friends! I don’t think there is anyone more excited for spring than my little family. We have had so much fun in the snow since moving to Buffalo, New York, but some sunshine and warmth would be wonderful. Who else is ready for spring? Riley keeps asking if it is almost summer and I keep reminding her that spring is before summer and its actually supposed to be warmer than what it is right now. I am not sure she is liking winter very much anymore. I have to keep reminding her that winter will be over soon. I laugh so hard about this because the reality is we moved to a place that really only has two seasons; winter and summer. The weather here is gorgeous in the summer; lots of nights out on the town with live bands and park days full of festivals and fun, but winter is long and can seem arduous.

When we moved back home to Buffalo these were the things that I was excited most about; summer nights and spring strolls. Lately we have been feeling a little stuck in the house since it is so cold outside and I have had to get creative. Our latest creativity journey has taken us on a picture journey. I pulled out our little instant camera from my wedding and found some film to go with it. Naturally I wanted to save it for something special, but was intrigued by the idea of watching my kids see a photo developed instantly. The kids were so entranced with the first sight of the photo and of course asked to take more. They had all these ideas on where to put them in the house and started off doing the same pose at first. Literally the cutest thing I have seen them get excited over recently.

I think my kids really love being able to get creative using a camera just like mommy but without assistance (they don’t have to hand the phone back to me or my DSLR). They get to have something of their own and they think it is literally the coolest thing hanging their works of art (pictures) in their rooms.

I love to see my kids get creative on their own and pose how they feel comfortable. Riley wanted everyone facing the camera, so as you can see…she is bossing it up and turning Matthew’s head towards the camera. The boys were laughing about who knows what and enjoying every minute of their little shared joy. I am so glad I am able to capture their love for one another through film and even though I am not a professional, I enjoy the process of photography. I like the art that goes behind a good photo and the emotions felt while taking a photo. I believe my kids see that and want to be just like mommy and daddy (“Instagram parents”). I know we must look so ridiculous to so many people who have watched at dinners with our phones out and seen us on the street with our DSLR, but I can tell you we have shared many laughs over what we do. My kids are well loved and I think that is why they want to take photos on their own; they want to capture life while it is happening to remember it forever.

How are you getting creative with your kids? How do they #followyourart? Share all the details this way by commenting below. This mama is running out of ideas and I need some refreshers. Seriously… I have been single parenting since Christmas and I would love some new ideas or some oldies that you would like to share with an exhausted mommy. I was honestly excited to work with Gymboree on this post because it gave Riley a chance to express her style and creativity. Riley and I set aside time while the boys were down for their naps and she picked out all the pieces she wanted to wear. It was an opportunity for me to get to know her more and she was able to share and feel heard. I am seeing that my kids really want to know we are listening to them.

SHOP THE POST

GIRL cardigan | GIRL dress | GIRL purse | GIRL necklace | GIRL shoes | GIRL stockings
BOY sweater | BOY button-up | BOY pants | BOY shoes

This post is sponsored by Gymboree.