New Year...Same Routines

Happy New Year!  I seriously love a New Year.  There is so much excitement and a fresh outlook.  It also helps that New Year's Eve is all about things that sparkle! :)
In this house, we are back from all our amazing holiday adventures which included my sister's amazing wedding!  Now that we are back, we are getting back to (or at least trying) our routines...FOR EVERYONE! :)  Oh man it is hard to get a 3 1/2 year old, 18 month, and the parents back in the swing of things.
Calendars and schedules have always helped me.  Before the Christmas break, a preschool teacher shared that it might be helpful for the kids to do a countdown for going back to school toward the end of break.  Lightbulb!  We do countdowns for holidays, but I have never done a countdown for going back to school.
We did ours this morning and my little guy was so excited!  He was excited to complete the project, but also seemed really excited to understand when he would be going back to school and started talking about what he would be doing at school.  It honestly appeared organizing for him as he counted the days.  He asked that we make one for his little sister as she will be going back to music class...of course...sister needs a countdown, too!
You could make your countdown anyway that works best for you.  We chose to make a paper chain.  I let the kids pick their colors.  After we assembled the chain, we hung them on the door in our kitchen/play room so it is an easy visual reminder.  Nothing fancy (obviously), but hoping it helps for a smooth transition back to school (and music class) :).
What are you all doing to help your family get back into your groove?


XOXO,
Julianne