How we manage tv withdrawal

In the morning I go on a walk with my friend, but Luke decided he would much rather just stay at home and chill in front of the tv. As soon as Pete leaves the car Luke begins to scream and cry-- SHOWS SHOWS SHOWS!! He knows that sadly his shows will have to be postponed until after our walk. You would think that he would be used to this by now, we have been doing it for a month or more. His cries of protest were getting louder and more violent, even through the walk, which of course made chatting with said friend very enjoyable. It isn't like he wasn't getting his show fix, he got shows as soon as we got home. He became such a disruption that a couple times Pete and I worked it out so Luke didn't have to go on the walk and could in fact say home to watch his shows. Then his shows began to creep into every part of our day. Before naps, after naps, before picking up Jack, after picking up Jack, waiting for Pete, during dinner, and any free or semi-free moment in his day. If no was the answer then a toddler type meltdown was assured. I decided what we needed was a three day break from tv. Luke has been having his ups and downs just like any addict but we are getting through it. I have been getting through it because let's be honest tv helps a mom out. Assistance from the tv allows me to do lots of things like- take a shower, do laundry, wash dishes, clean, and even simple things like check my email before 1pm.

So without the tv here are some things we have done.

painting gourds and squash

Thomas has taken to eating paint

Luke likes smiley faces on his belly

Luke and I finished this morning

Luke proud of his awesome new "toys"

snap circuits anyone?

everyone in our family got tattoos

red velvet spider cupcakes-- with no black food coloring I had to enlist in Jack's help to get the color just right

Here a two short videos of Luke playing with the snap circuits