How to Make the Most out of the Winter Months as an Arizona Mom

If you live in Arizona, you know that it's hot from about May to October... And when I say hot, I mean hot.

Although we find lots of ways to try to enjoy the heat (aka tolerate it), we live for those "winter" months. So here's a couple ideas for really making the most of the beautiful weather while it's here.

This one may be obvious, but get outside as much as possible! In the morning, when you first get home, eat outside, and play outside until bedtime. This may be an unpopular opinion, but we try to skip all indoor activities (museums, bowling, movies, etc) until it warms up again. We can't waste the precious nice temps!

Take up a new outdoor hobby. Maybe one of those hobbies you haven't done since you've had kids... Each season as your kids age, it opens up new possibilities. We love to hike, but we'd also love to try paddle boarding and kayaking again. A few years ago, this isn't something we would take our tiny kids out to do, but now it feels much more attainable.

Don't wait for the weekend! Yes there is more time, but don't waste those other 4/5 days. This takes some planning and prep. When we hike during the week we make sure everything is ready to go so we can meet at the trail as soon as we pick everyone up. We also brace ourselves for a late dinner and bedtime... It's totally worth it.

Write yourself a reminder, and put it somewhere obvious. You know how people write out affirmations and put them around their mirror? Do that, but with your reminder to enjoy the nice weather as much as possible. I like to write it over and over in my planner. Or make a seasonal vision board, I love the idea of cacti all over my wall to remind me to get out.

Last tip, cruz with the windows down! Besides hiking, this is my favorite. I also love that my littles ask to roll the windows down, makes me think I'm really teaching them to enjoy the little things.

Happy adventuring