Perks to the job

There are a LOT of perks that comes with my job, and I am EXTREMELY fortunate to work with a program and co-workers that are based around family and understand the importance of balancing the two together. Today we had a Hands of Health Day event, which was for children and families and promoted healthy life styles and choices. I wasn't planning on bringing Sully today since it was a preschool day. I knew if I took him out for a few hours there was no way I would ever get him to go back today - not unless I wanted a nuclear meltdown on my hands. That and I have what feels like about 100 things to accomplish and get done, starting with finding my desk under stacks of papers and applications.

At the nudging of my co-workers and boss to go get him, I caved. I bounced my little jailbird out just before lunch and headed back to work. I'm really happy I did. We had a fantastic afternoon at the event - it was a nice surprise for him to get out early and I really enjoyed spending the afternoon with him doing something different. My little guy played so hard, he crashed in his seat before I even pulled out of the driveway to leave.

I wish I had got a picture of the entire event/set up. It came together nicely (great job ladies!) and was busy the entire day. If you live in Ventura, I would highly suggest checking out First 5. All of our services/classes/workshops/events are FREE for families with children 0-5!

He thought the fruit were hilarious!

My little apple. We had to take a picture of each fruit ... multiple times.

Eating his healthy snack he made. Rice cakes, colored cream cheese and gold fish crackers and a strawberry and banana kabob.

Learning about how to keep our teeth healthy

He got a kick out of the giant toothbrushes and floss

Playing Follow the Leader after spinning the Activity Wheel

I just thought his face was hilarious - and his little booty sticking out.

Decorating his Vegetable crown

Playing at the Farmers Market as the shopper

Cute, right?

Playing vendor at the Farmer's Market - ringing up people's food!

Attempting to hula-hoop for the first time ever

We won't be making nationals anytime soon ...

His cool fruit tattoo he picked out

Always the helper. My little guy was picking up trash and putting chairs away from outside without me even asking him too. Such a great kid.

The event also had music, Zumba lessons and free healthy snack ideas plus a handful of vendor tables.

The Loot:

First 5 tote

Potter the Otter Book

Fruit and Veggies coloring activity book

House Safety activity book and crayons

Two toothbrushes - Green sparkle and green penguin (Can you tell his favorite color?)

Get moving Moorpark bracelet

Stickers

Poison Control number magnet

Board book

Fruits and Veggies coloring crown

Popcorn

Child Id kit (We did it there. I HIGHLY recommend this for parents. It comes in a small kit you can do at home. It includes everything you need to fingerprint, photo, and DNA swab your child as well as keep a record of their height and weight in case they ever get lost.)

Parent kit books and DVD (You can pick up a parent kit for free at our centers.)

Activity and food group coloring cards

Healthy food group calendar

Recipe book

Car seat safety pamphlets

(I also scored and got a box full of Quality Child Care fliers for my Scholarship Parent packets)