We’ve hit all the notes, this week.

We’ve read a lot of books. Played a lot of videogames. Baked a lot of cookies. Built a lot of LEGO gadgets and buildings, and watched a lot of movies. There’s even been a snowball fight or two.

Thank heavens February break is nearly over.

Don’t get me wrong; it’s good to see the kids. But they are bored right now, and I can’t blame them. They like school. They like seeing their friends. And they hate being cooped up, which has been a necessary part of this week, with the temperatures and the precipitation being what they were.

It happens every year. One day off here and there isn’t a problem. By Easter break, the weather will, we hope, be nice enough to get outside a bit more. Summer vacation is just fun. Christmas break is busy.

February break is one big blah.

There are local organizations, such as museums, that have programs for break, and those can be good. We tend to avoid them during this week, unfortunately, after a particularly crazy day at one site.
(Don’t ask. It wasn’t the fault of the venue)

But some good things have come out of the week. I have a wonderful hand-drawn picture of a Dalek created by my younger son, especially for me. (He’s into Doctor Who right now.) I have (OK, had) three kinds of cookies, baked over the course of several days with my older son, who is very interested in cookies. And I have one particular priceless mental image.

After I’d ... OK, hidden ... in the back room for a few moments of peace one day, I emerged to find both boys sitting on the couch, one reading to the other, both rapt and focused. It was the perfect picture of brotherly love ... and one little boy’s desire to help.

We all survived another year.

Happy Monday.

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The boys will already have been back to school for a week by next Saturday, but I’m sure a bit of cabin fever will remain. Family Fitfest at the Buffalo Museum of Science might be a good remedy for that.

The museum promises information and demonstrations from 10 local sport and athletic groups for the event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 27. The University of Buffalo will even host a game of Quidditch, which is enough right there to get me and Sam to attend.

There will also be a toddler obstacle course, presented by Rolly Pollies of WNY, and more. The activities are included with general museum admission. Visit sciencebuff.org for more information.

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I reiterate my plea for recommendation for your favorite non-chain, locally owned kid-friendly restaurants. Let me know at jillmkeppeler@msn.com.

Thanks!

+Jill Keppeler has a bit of cabin fever herself. Follow her on Twitter @JillKeppeler or email her at jillmkeppeler@msn.com.

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