One of the things Alyanna would often tell me is how much she wished she lived during “my time” and had a compound like the one I grew up in, where she was free to run around as much as she could without fear of getting bumped by cars or getting “kidnapped by bad guys” (her words, not mine). She always looks forward to our trips out of town because it would usually mean more nature to see and interact with.
It’s not just her. All our kids get excited at the thought of going somewhere out of city because they know it not only means more playtime for them, but more playtime with mom and dad — without distractions.
If you think about, much of the “family time” we get to spend on a regular basis is really more of having to accomplish a certain set of things to do. It doesn’t help that there’s the traffic that practically cuts the time we have in half, leaving most of us tired by the end of the day. For those of us who stay at home with the kids, there is still that tendency to always need to have something “educational” or productive to do as an output for homeschool. It seems that relaxed family interaction is reserved only for night times or weekends.
I remember when life was much simpler then. Of course, I grew up in the province so that must be a factor to consider…but I really still want to keep life simple for my kids. I don’t really want to save family time for weekends or late nights. I want to be able to enjoy them as much as I can, and not allow the demands of today’s society to cloud my judgement as to how I choose to spend my days with my kids. I also want them to experience more playtime just communing with nature and seeing the beauty of God’s creation (this is a feat if you live in the metro).
One of the activities that the kids and I really enjoyed and up until now still talk about is our trip to Sta. Elena Fun Farm in Cabuyao, Laguna. (This trip was extra special for me because this was my last trip before being ordered to be in bed rest. As in, I went from riding a carabao cart to having to stay in bed the very next day!) We are so thankful that Oreo, in its campaign to promote family playtime, invited some moms and their families for a day of play and fun at the farm.
I’ve been raving about Sta. Elena Farm to my friends, so for their sakes (and for yours, too), let me post some of the photos we have that represent some of our highlights for that day.
The kids loved interacting with the animals– they were able pet them, carry them, feed them….even ride on some of them!
Carabao cart riding!
Fishing was a test of our patience, but it was a good experience for all of us– especially since we also saw how one should put the bait (a.k.a. worms).
I absolutely LOVE this tender moment between these two!!!
Alyanna was able to channel her budding adventurous side somehow. I know for others, this is really nothing much. But for my kids who grew up in the city and only got to experience playing outdoors the past two years when we finally moved, this is something!!
This was Mika’s first-ever attempt at climbing one of these….and that’s about how far she went.
One of the kids’ absolute favorite spot was the “sand house” (Thanks to Michelle of MyMomFriday.com for this photo….and I think some other photos below hehe).
When it started getting hot, it was the perfect time to sit and regroup…and enjoy good food and some fun and simple activities with Oreo.
The first game was an Oreo-stacking game using chopsticks– I super loved this game! This was good for practicing eye-hand coordination, as well as strategizing and coming up with different techniques with the use of chopsticks.
Mika placed the “winning Oreo” 🙂
Side note: I love games that involve teams. 🙂
The second game was a “Guess the Oreo Flavor” game. Honestly, I grew up with only one Oreo flavor– the original one (Was it because we lived in the province?? Or did my parents just deprive me??). So fun to know that Oreo has been introducing so many flavors now! Their newest one out in the market is the Oreo Strawberry.
Okay, so while the girls and I were involved in the games, the father-and-son duo were up to something else.
And then, the little boy couldn’t stop…
Lunch was generously provided by Holy Carabao Farms– which, I must say, was really good.
Penne with Kale and Bacon (Note: not your normal processed bacon. Holy Carabao has partnered with local farmers to provide them not just with organic produce, but with meat from free-range animals as well.)
For the kids: Chicken Balls with Sweet Potato Mash (This was really filling!)
…..uhm, so obviously, I had some too.
The best-ever Sauteed Bananas!
Seriously, I just tortured myself posting these.
(Ah, but there is a way to order! Call Lhynn at 09164753211 or 09204688785)
Thank you Hindy and Melanie (the women behind Holy Carabao Farms) for sharing your heart (and food) with us. 🙂
And thank you Oreo for a memorable time with friends and family! 🙂
(With fellow moms and the kids, from left to right): Michelle Aventajado, Cai Sio, Didi Tiu Tang, Rina Zamora, Kris de Guzman, Neva Santos, Michelle Lim, Conci Navarro
And thank you Lawrence del Mundo of Life Unscripted for capturing these moments beautifully! 🙂
Visit Oreo on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram (@OreoPh) for more ideas on how you can play with Oreo.
Where will your imagination go when you #PlaywithOreo? See for yourself in our latest Wonderfilled video with Yelle. Pour yourself a cold glass of milk and enjoy.