A few days ago I received a big box in the mail.  I rolled my eyes when I saw the myriad of packing peanuts in the box, but the children were delighted.  After several attempts to keep the children away from the box, I finally decided that I was willing to pay the price for many hours of harmless entertainment.  That box has been the most popular playsite in the house.  I don’t know why, but the kids love to sit in it and play.  Miguel even brings his blanket and curls up in there.

Of course, peanuts spill everywhere, and we must sweep and pick up many times a day.  Soon I’ll tire of the “fun” and get rid of the box and its contents.  Of course, when I decide to do that, I’ll need to sift through the peanuts and remove the small toys, miscellaneous animals and any children hiding within.

But until then, it’s one way to keep kids happy during these cold days when I can’t just shoo them outside to go play.