After a round of the Cannobio Market, we set down on the stone wall of the harbour to relax with the kids while their grannies finish their mission. Soon we discovered a path between two line of bushes leading to the beach. This post highlights the things we sensed on this new place we discovered by accident.
Today we made a pit stop before going to Wonderwood early in the morning. The kids and I walked around the food stands to find something appetising. Although there were lots and lots of sausages and cheese on offer, we were looking for a quick bite this time.
But most of all we were looking for some play area to kill the time while grannies finish their rounds on the market.
5 – Five things we SEE with our eyes
Shiny waves rippling on top of the lake Colourful flower 🌺 garden around the playground hand trampoline park
Crazy orange 🍊 slide 🛝 on the kids playground that has no sides
Bagnino setting up the umbrellas 🏖️ and day beds on the beach 🏝️
We think this place is great because you can combine a half market day with a beach / playground day. It seems like a win-win opportunity for our three generation family.
Do you play a similar game when the kids are bored or not feeling confident to join other kids on the playground? I am all ears, share in the comments please.
With the constantly changing weather, it felt like April Fool’s Day over and over again. Sunshine one moment, heavy rain the next. It wasn’t the easiest month, but it reminded me how much the little moments outdoors can lift our spirits.
Real Life & Rhythm
We fell out of our everyday rhythm this month.
Our living space suddenly became much smaller after mould was discovered in the house we rent. We had to rearrange rooms, adapt our daily routines, and live in a space that no longer felt quite like home. Unsurprisingly, our sleep suffered, and that affected everyone’s mood.
Getting outside became our reset button.
Escaping into nature wasn’t always easy, though. Heavy rainfall and storms dominated much of May, making many of our usual adventures impossible. Instead of planning big outings, we learned to appreciate every window of sunshine.
May also brought two family birthday celebrations within just two weeks, giving us plenty of reasons to gather, slow down, and celebrate despite the challenges.
Outdoor Adventures & Highlights
Whenever the skies cleared, we packed our backpacks and headed to our favourite playgrounds, riverbanks, and lakesides.
Going out with the kids on my own meant we naturally slowed our pace. Instead of rushing from one attraction to the next, we noticed the tiny details—the sound of rushing water, the smell of wet forests after the rain, birds singing between the trees, and the excitement of little discoveries along the trail.
Although the rivers of Ticino were still too cold for swimming, we spent a wonderful afternoon exploring the riverbank at Pozzo di Golino. Throwing stones, balancing on rocks, and simply being close to the water was enough adventure for everyone.
Parco San Grato
Mother’s Day took us to one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Ticino: Parco San Grato.
From the large car park, the path leads through a wide entrance where the children immediately disappeared into the bush labyrinth. They laughed as they ran through the twisty paths, proudly finding their way back out again.
Further along, several signposted trails branch off through the botanical garden, making it easy to choose a route that suits different ages and energy levels.
We followed the main path uphill, passing the visitor facilities before reaching the restaurant about 15 minutes later. Although it was closed during our visit, the area around it became the highlight of the day.
Behind the restaurant begins one of the best barefoot trails we’ve visited.
A large wooden platform welcomes visitors with benches and shoe holders before the circular sensory path begins. Walking barefoot across different natural surfaces was just as much fun for the adults as it was for the children. At the end of the trail, a fountain lets you wash your feet before putting your shoes back on—a simple but thoughtful detail.
Across from the barefoot trail, a spacious meadow offers plenty of room for a picnic while children enjoy the nearby playground. It turned out to be the perfect place to spend a relaxed Mother’s Day together.
Favourite Moments This Month
Watching the kids run through the labyrinth at Parco San Grato.
Finding small breaks in the weather and making the most of every sunny hour.
Quiet mornings outdoors before the day became busy.
Family birthday celebrations that reminded us joy doesn’t need perfect circumstances.
Discovering that even a simple walk beside a river can feel like a real adventure.
Lessons & “Note to Self” ✍️
This month reminded me that rest isn’t something to earn—it’s something we need.
When life at home feels unsettled, nature has a way of grounding us again. We didn’t need spectacular adventures or long road trips. Sometimes an hour outside was enough to reset everyone’s mood.
I also want to remember that children rarely care whether the day goes exactly as planned. Give them a puddle, a few rocks, and some space to explore, and they’ll create their own adventure.
What gets measured, gets done!
🌦️ Countless weather changes!
🌿 109 hours spent outdoors (just one hour less than April)
🚲 4 family cycle rides
🌅 2 morning walks
🧘 2 yoga sessions
🎂 2 family birthdays celebrated
Looking Ahead 🌱
I’m hoping June brings longer stretches of sunshine, warmer rivers, and a return to our family’s everyday rhythm.
More than anything, I want to keep choosing nature whenever life feels overwhelming. It doesn’t solve every problem, but it always helps us breathe a little easier.
Here’s to more outdoor adventures, more ordinary moments worth remembering, and hopefully a little less rain.
We are lucky enough that this place is almost in our back garden. It only takes a little effort to walk all the tiny humans down the ancient stairs of giants until the river bank. Once we arrive and kick off the shoes, the energy that comes through the sole of our tired feet is priceless.
First visit this year, on a not too hot sunny evening. The beach was almost deserted when we arrived. Only a handful of people passed during our brief visit.
5 – Five things we SEE with our eyes
White petals floating on the surface of the water
Large logs on the shore and in the river
Iron colour rocks forming the edge of the river bank
Sun rays playing through the trees, highlighting the depth of the river ground with a large spectrum of colours
Extinguished fire pits surrounded with large stones – I wonder: What was yamm was cooked under the sky
4 – Four things we FEEL/TOUCH
Soft silky sand under the feet
Cold mountain river water until the ankle – painfully cold but refreshing
Warmth of the sun on my face – at the same time,
Chilly evening breeze on the skin
3 – Three things we can HEAR
Splashing water when logs and rocks landing the basin
Birds playing their evening chatter songs
Bells of the cows from Vasco’s farm nearby
2 – Two things you can SMELL
Delicious barbecue from a nearby restaurant
Freshly cut grass from the nearby farm
1 – One thing we can TASTE
Slightly salty / sweaty taste on my dry lips
This place is truly magical. It is shaped by spring storms and floods. The water level can be shallow one year, but shoulder deep the following season. Soon as the nights get warmer and the days become hotter from sunrise to sunset, the beach will be filled with locals, and tourists. It is a vivid place, where people share memories and stories. I cannot wait for the first barbecue festa.
Recovering from seasonal flu (a gift from the educational system), we spent the first half of the Easter holidays in bed. I usually manage to get the kids through it without antibiotics, but this time I had to give in and take them for a check-up. A few days of proper rest, and thankfully everyone was back on their feet.
Easter was a gentle reset. We shared a simple family meal and enjoyed a quick but joyful egg hunt in the garden. On Easter Monday, we joined a “scavenger egg hunt” at a nearby farm—an adventure that fully lived up to its name. I noticed some seasoned moms tackling the trail by bike, which felt like a glimpse into our future. We walked the full 5.5 km instead—laughing, sweating, navigating a few tears, and soaking in the early spring warmth. Note to self: next year—bikes only.
Golf season is back, and our eldest has joined the junior group at the local club. He proudly carries his clubs to each lesson, eager to learn. Most sessions take place on the range or in the academy, and his excitement is contagious.
I’ve stayed consistent with my morning walks since mid-February. With longer days and warmer weather, we’re naturally shifting into more bike adventures too. This month: 11 morning walks and 10 days on the bike.
One highlight was a trip to Locarno with friends and their two kids. We made a very worthwhile stop at what might be the best ice cream spot in the region—huge scoops, no regrets. Most of our rides took us along the sandy river beaches, which are quickly becoming a favourite.
One day, I took all three kids out on the bike—one riding independently and two with me. It wasn’t exactly smooth (a few technical hiccups along the way), but we made it home safely, and I felt ridiculously accomplished. Note to self: with a bit more practice, I’ll manage one child on the back and one asleep in the double Thule. Goal for this summer. Worst case—I build some much-needed muscle.
Our favourite adventure spot, Wonderwood, is officially open for the season. It runs on weekends and bank holidays, and we usually go for the “plus” ticket (return within 14 days for a small extra fee). As I’ve mentioned before, it truly offers something for everyone. (Linking our previous visit and latest High5 sensory check-in here.)
With warmer weather, birthday parties in Ticino have moved outdoors again. This month included a beautiful double birthday celebration in nature, up on Monte Verità. It felt just as much like a parents’ gathering as a kids’ party—children roaming freely through the woods, while we chatted nearby. As usual, I found myself stationed at the playground with my two youngest, catching toddlers mid-tumble alongside a few wonderful moms.
May in Planning
Bank holidays
Two family birthdays
Mother’s Day
Trip to Hungary
School trips and open days
1000 Hours Outside Challenge
We passed the 300-hour mark in April, spending over 110 hours outdoors together. As the days stretch longer, it becomes easier to say yes to going outside—even when it feels inconvenient.
In just over a month, school will be out. And with it, a little more freedom to shape our days around fresh air, movement, and time together.
Even in the messy weeks—the sick days, the logistical chaos, the moments of doubt—getting outside continues to be the one thing that grounds us. Not perfectly, but consistently.
Meriggio is a popular chilling spot in Losone. It is a huge open space with plenty to offer.
We visit this place regularly with friends and family. Today we biked there with my two older kids. One on his bike, while my daughter behind me on the kiddo seat. It takes about thirty minutes to reach this park from home.
When out and about we like to play ‘High Five’ game while we catch our breath and rest our legs.
5 – Five things we SEE with our eyes
Sun behind the clouds
Clouds in front of the sun,
Feet in the sky,
Bark mulch
children playing
4 – Four things we FEEL/TOUCH
Breeze on the skin while rocking back and fourth on the swing
Indeed we love this game so much, I decided to dedicate a category to such posts. I hope that once the kids are more tech savvy, they may like to take pictures of the high fives they come up with. For now we just aim to notice and add an adjective to the thing we highlight.
Do you play a similar game when the kids are bored or not feeling confident to join other kids on the playground? I am all ears, share in the comments please.
I often find myself feeling a bit overwhelmed when my kids ask to buy something unplanned for. I try to explain our spending limits, but I also recognize that simply discussing this topic doesn’t give them a chance to practice healthy money habits. What really matters is the opportunity to practice, practice, practice to master a skill.
In real life, Dr. Stephen Day is a university professor. He taught many teachers how to create mini-economies in their classrooms. As he proclaims in his book, he and his siblings were born into this concept. His father, Harlan Day, had written the book called ‘The Classroom Mini-Economy‘. His parents tested the concepts on the brothers as they grew up.
About the Book
In this book, the author gives hands-on advice to parents to introduce their kids to the world of a money-led economy by creating a household mini-economy. The safe environment (household) allows kids to practice money earning and management. The system explained is highly flexible and scalable to suit your own family values.
The above link is an affiliate link. If you make a purchase through this link, I may get a little commission from Amazon at no extra cost to you. Should you choose to do that, I thank you in advance. 🙂
The book is filled with practical questions for both parents and children; furthermore, it offers lessons to teach children along the way. The author urges to keep answers and ideas light to start with, as too much seriousness could prevent long-term commitment from kids.
The clever structure of the book allows readers to whiz through the key concepts in the first chapter called “The Mini-Economy Quick-Start Guide.” Although I think once you buy into the concept, you will want to read the following chapters for a deeper understanding.
Our Take on the Book
We just had a conflict about something precious going missing only a couple of days after the kids received it. I feel absolutely done carrying the burden of purchasing things for them if they cannot look after them at all. This book could not have come at a better time in our lives. My eldest is big enough to understand the basic concepts laid out to put into practice.
My expectation is that this system creates a win-win situation for both parents and children. It will not only provide a learning opportunity for our kids, but also align our chores, allowance, budgeting, and spending. My eldest is in first grade, and I am already thinking of getting his classmates’ families on board for more fun.
Discussion With Our Eldest
Me: Do you remember when we were in the shop and you asked me if you can have this and that?
Son: Yes, and the answer is no.
Me: How does that make you feel?
Son: Sad.
Me: How does that make me feel?
Son: Hm.
Me: Sad too. I think it is time you learn about the money cycle. What goes around, comes around.
Son: Huh? What do you mean?
Me: Let me show you. In this episode, Bluey spent her 5 bucks from the tooth fairy for something she doesn’t really like and so she would have liked it back. Her dad explained that it doesn’t work that way. But we can see how that 5 bucks goes around the market in full circle.
He instantly got hooked, especially after the example from the Bluey – Goes to the Market episode. After this, I told him that we need a name for our mini-economy and that we need to design our own household currency.
There you go, the seeds have been planted, and I honestly cannot wait to update you on what’s next in our mini household economy journey.
If you wish to find out more from the author directly, check out his substack here. It’s called Paper Robots: Helping Families Talk About Money and Work
From winter to summer, we’ve got blown over with a horrible wind lasting for a week. Opened and closed the month with sickness and rough coughing.
Beginning of March
Riding the motivation wave from last month, I continued waking up super early to go for an hour walk before sunrise. Overall I managed to get out 19 times in 31 days. I am now focusing on increasing the number of days I take 20’000 plus steps.
AgriNido
AgriNido is a parent-child morning on a farm led by a childcare professional. We basically met up with a bunch of parents and their tiny human aged 1 to 4 years-old. We followed our guide around, who introduced the kids to all the animals on the farm.
Once we collected some fresh grass, we fed the bunnies, while the other half of the group fetched some water for the tiny bunnies. Then we visited the goats and played on their playground after topping up their hay stack. Next we cleaned the donkeys and last but not least we cleaned up the stable of the alpacas before feeding them some carrot and apple slices. After the tour the smaller visitors were ready for their well-deserved nap time in the car on the way home.
It was a truly hands on experience both for the kids and for their caretakers. I wish this type of nursery would take place on a weekly basis in our area. I would have signed up for a day a week as opposed to one more day in an indoor setting. But I am told it takes a lot of permits to operate such a setting in our region.
Safari Park
March 19 is a bank holiday in Ticino. It is also Father’s Day. As my husband was working that day, I packed the car and set off to visit the Safari Park at Pombia, Northern Italy. The park – for our surprise – was much more than a Safari Park.
After a quick lunch we set off to visit the reptiles in the Rettilario. With more than 400 animals of 100+ species, the kids were eagerly looking through each terrarium to spot the well hidden creatures.
Next up, we hopped on one of those cool Dotto Trains to feed the animals at the Safari Park. Before we took off, they handed out buckets of carrots to everyone so we could toss them to the animals through the train windows. The giraffes totally knew it was snack time when they spotted the train coming! With their chests at eye level, they had to lean down to grab the carrots we held out. My youngest was totally amazed by how long the giraffes’ tongues were and ended up finishing the ride in grandma’s lap, watching those big guys from a comfy distance. Our daughter and eldest had a blast feeding the animals, even though they often dropped the food on the ground instead of handing it to them.
We saw these animals during the 45 minutes drive:
Giraffes
Zebras
Ostrich
Buffalo
Antilopes
Rhinos
Elephants
Hippos
Lions
Tigers
Pelican
Camels
After the Safari ride we had to visit the amusement park before heading home. Although we were still in the Safari Park, the fun rides had to be paid separately. As that Thursday was not a bank holiday in Italy, the park was almost exclusively ours 🙂 One big bonus for families with neurodivergent kids. One of the employee told us that during the holiday season they get around 4-5000 visitors per day. That Thursday we visited they had about 300 visitors. It was a very chill day for them.
Leolandia
For our father’s day trip we opted in to see what Leolandia has to offer. It was a gloomy day with spurs of sunshine here and there.
It was a mix of emotions throughout the day. I would definitely advise against visiting with a neurodivergent child. We faced a lot of minor challenges, that did not went down well with our daughter. I am talking about simple things, like you are not able to choose the colour of the ride you need to sit on when it’s your turn finally. All the rushing to take your spot and the sudden ending of it, was a lot to take in.
We also had lots of fun feeding the farm animals and meeting Bluey and Bingo. Lunch was surprisingly great. Only saying because we are so used to eating crappy food when visiting such parks. But not this time, there are many options to choose from.
Of course at the end everyone must leave through the souvenir shop. Ensuring that people not only go home with frate memories but also with a souvenir in hand.
April in Planning
Easter Time in Ticino
Family visiting from Italy and Poland
Longer Days – more time to spend outdoors
Our Bikes needs a face lift
1000 Hours Outside Challenge
It’s heartwarming to see that we managed to spend 85 hours outside, even if it felt like a slower month overall. We faced some challenges with illness at both the beginning and end of the month, which made our outdoor adventures more limited. Nonetheless, during the two and a half weeks we felt well, we truly embraced the time we had, planning experiences that allowed us to enjoy full days together in nature.
Snow, hail, rain, storm, breeze, clouds, sunshine and anything in between. Temperatures were varying between -6 to +17 degrees Celsius (with the feeling of 25 in the sun). The first flowers had appeared in the garden, although the ground was still asleep.
Beginning of Feb
Spring cleaning at home turned into room swaps. We turned our bedroom into the kids room and created a cosy sleeping room. Decorated the walls with posters and set up a book shelf in the corner. There is plenty of space in the middle for our pikler frames. Our new bedroom feels more spacious with our furniture than we originally thought. There is even space for my work station in there. Away from the noise of the TV in the living room.
Our little ones tried a new activity in Locarno. The trial day of the Ball Session was fun. We have to decide whether to spend our Saturday mornings in a gym, now that basically ‘summer’ is here.
We tried one of the viral Insta recipes, and it quickly became our go-to dinner meal. Baked parmesan onion crisp. Here are some of our raw photos, which don’t do it much justice. I’ve linked one of the videos in case you want to try it yourself. This dish is a delicious alternative to bread, as you can fill it with anything you like for a sandwich. You can roll it up or simply layer it with your choice of filling in between.
Just before the holidays, the kids dressed up in all sorts of costumes to celebrate Carnevale in the school. For merenda I made a light fruit snack and served it on a crocodile.
Vacanza di Carnevale
Ski break in other places. A whole week off school. We packed the car and drove to Hungary. Checked in to our hotel just before dinner. Not bad for a 1000 km plus trip. Key is to leave early and pack the night before.
We spent nearly the entirety of the week within the cozy confines of the hotel, seeking refuge from the stormy weather outside. Each day we ventured out briefly to tackle some administrative errands in town. Regardless of our short errands, we relished in the abundance of delightful activities that AquaWorld had to offer.
Unfortunately on this trip we couldn’t explore in person the city, but we cannot wait to return very soon.
By the end of the month
Our two little ones start to switch from parallel play to cooperative one. It is so nice to see them playing together more and more.
As the days light gets longer, the winter blues is lifting and the energy returns in us and everything around. I decided it is time to get fit again. Now that my youngest is two, I have slight memory of what it felt like owning my body again. As the kids returned to school, I decided to carve out an hour of my day to myself. I decided to wake up early every morning and go for a walk / jog. Those 60 minutes are life saving. I actually have some thoughts of my own now. I listen to the river cascading along the rocks next to me and the birds singing on the trees as it gets lighter. It is liberating both to the soul and to the body.
As the days are warmer and nobody is ill, we also spend more time outdoors. Enjoying the sunshine, roller skating, tree climbing, cycling, and skateboarding.
1000 Hours Outside Challenge
This month, we logged 60 hours outdoors, bringing our total to 116 hours for the year. While this may not seem like a significant amount for just two months, I’m not concerned, as I know that the first couple of months are typically our slowest, with the fewest opportunities to get outside. Our main season spans from March to November. I’m quite confident that we’re already surpassing last year’s hours, and that’s what truly matters to me. Improving in what we do is essential for our growth—never compare your progress to anyone else’s pace.
What a bipolar month you turned into January… You began with your exciting, action filled, sweet half, before turning into a gloomy, sickly few weeks in the middle / second half, just turn back to normal for the last week before February arrived.
Off to a Great Start
Every day was filled with adventures. We kicked off the year with a snowy day trip to Monte Tamaro. Where we had fondue lunch before sledging on the slopes. We explored the Fortress and the rode back down on the cable car.
On the way home, the little ones fell asleep. We drove straight to Ascona for the New Year’s Day Fireworks Show. Entering the underground parking lot, we spotted an A4 sized paper saying that the show was cancelled. We were confused, but went ahead to park. We agreed that Ascona is worth a visit even without fireworks. Later at home we saw the devastating news about the New Year’s Eve celebration party that ended tragically for so many young souls in Crans Montana. No wonder the fireworks and other extravaganzas planned for the beginning of the year, were cancelled or toned down. I think you would agree that Ascona is magical with its winter lights.
We celebrated a friends birthday in Italy and our eldest had a chance to try go karting for the first time in his life. What an experience for those 6 – 7 year old boys to race on the track for the first time together.
Next up we visited an iceskating BBQ party up on the mountains with many of the school friends of the kids and their families. We got to know an acquaintance family to one of the boys. It turns out that this family is as much traveled (or perhaps more) than we are. We, moms spent the whole afternoon getting to know each other’s colourful stories and adventures. Note, to self – I must reach out to her to strengthen connection.
We celebrated our youngest’s second birthday. This cheeky monkey is really putting the cheeky into the m…. Cake is made by my Mom, who has enormous passion and patience to create the masterpieces for her grandchildren. I feel really lucky to have such a great grandmother to our kids.
We ended up visiting Como one more time a week later to meet up with Mac’s cousin. There we took the kids to an American restaurant, which offers access to a soft play area with the lunch kids’ menu. The food was delicious and it wasn’t overpriced. The mayhem started when we descended to the soft play zone. With plenty on offer, the age range went from 0 to 12 years. Around the main zone, four side half open rooms hosts birthday parties. That afternoon all rooms were rented. A constant flow of kids with parents arrived all afternoon. Once the kids were adequately worn out, we returned to the restaurant for our dessert and coffee before heading back home.
The Middle
The day after this adventure our youngest started to show signs of flu. Next couple of days, he slept through the following few days and nights. His fever crept up above 40 degrees Celsius. Then on Tuesday, the eldest got sent home from school with fever. He suffered the most. I actually had never seen him so – so ill. His fever crept up as well, he cried out loud having muscle pain especially in his legs and back. Usually he sleeps off the illness, but this one was harsher on his body than ever. He could not get himself to eat for a week and often throw up the little water that he tried to send down.
By Wednesday, our daughter was sent home as well with fever. Interestingly she had handled it easier than ever. She had two days of fever and sleepiness. The third day she was on the mend by the look of it. Although the next week, she was still sent home from kindergarten with another round of fever, but luckily that only last 24 hours.
I struggled with the most horrible migraine so far in my life. It took a week to get rid of this awful headache. It felt like the mucus in my nose / head turned into cement and that pushed on my brain. All I could feel that my head will literally explode. I do not wish for anyone to have this feeling. And yet, I think my mom is having the same kind of headache at the moment.
Mac fell ill as well. High fever, muscle pain, awful cough and cold, headache. The list was endless. He head to stay home two extra days that week as he had no energy from the fever.
I hope this is the end of this brutal flu. And I hope, you are not going through this with your family.
Welcome Back Normality
After skipping three swimming sessions, a couple of Budo classes and whole lots of days in school, kindergarten and nursery, we finally made it back to our normality. The air outside is still crisp and around zero degrees Celsius. But finally the sun is back on our terrace. We get two doses of sunshine throughout the day thanks to the high mountains surrounding our valley.
Bandii Gianée – Chasing the Winter Away
This year, we got a dust of snow overnight mid January and nothing more, but cold and some rain – not complaining. The kids were, but its all ok. Same as last year, we got together with the kids of the school / kindergarten and their families to scare the winter away. The streets were filled with deafening noise while we walked around the old town. Arriving to the church, lovely author Valeria Nidola (writer of Mucche in Volo) presented a story for the kids. Followed by food – drinks – music by the fire.
Page Turner Challenge
Finally we onto ‘chapter books’, I am not sure why but I think I was waiting for this moment more than my eldest could imagine. He is happy to follow day by day (or I should say night by night) as the story progress. I feel these kinds of books really take you on an adventure and let you grow your imagination (which I always lacked of)…
How Winston delivered Christmas is a colourful adventure story of the main character, Winston the Mouse. I read it in italian and I cannot wait to re-read it in the years to come. The chapters are short and easy to grasp. Between each chapter there is an activity for children to do in preparation for Christmas. It’s a lovely read and a great alternative to sugary advent calendars. Story and activity a day to make the days fly by until Christmas.
Winnie-the-Pooh is a classic that brings back many memories of my childhood. My eldest cracks up of spelling of the animals and various names of imaginary figures, such as Wizzles and Woozles and Heffalump. The very important Missage of Piglet and the Expotition to the North Pole are his favourits. I have to admit that the long sentences challenge my breathing ability sometimes.
It’s okay NOT to share is an eye opening book for me. As a single child having three kids I feel I have to relearn what to do in certain situations. These kind of books are my rock and I try to listen to them while cooking in the kitchen. Unfortunately I am not in a position yet to sit down with a book 18+ in my hands.
The 2026 Book Club List of the 1000 Hours Outside Challenge proposed the book ‘Parental as Anything’ for January and I went along and listened to it while cooking. The subtitle sums up really well the value of the book. I loved listening to it.
We attended the ‘Storie & Biscotti’ after school event, where the kids listened to two stories in italian. And as previously mentioned during Bandii Gianee, Valeria Nidola presented a story for the kids.
At school the kids go to their library every two weeks and they can lend three books for a month. This month only my eldest managed to attend one of the library sessions. He is into comic books now. It’s the third Minecraft comic book that he borrowed from the library. At first I thought he reads it once and that’s it, but he keeps it by his pillow and after our high-low-buffalo and What made you proud today? chat, he turns on his night light and reads until he falls asleep with his glasses on.
1000 Hours Outside Challenge
Adventurous start of this month led us to more hours spent outside in the nature than last year during the whole month. The first two weeks, we spent over 30 hours outside. Then after two weeks bedrest and the last week we ventured out although starting slowly and gradually building up the kids stamina over a period of few days.
Last year January we spent over 35 hours outside, while this year I am proud to say that over 56 hours. What a difference to our family. How did we do it? Our approach to stay outdoors has changed significantly. We are looking for adventures on days when everyone is free of work, school, kindergarten and nursery. On weekdays, we try our best to lengthen our time in nature after office hours. All in all, it worked out well and here are some extra snippets of some precious animal time,
The last 31 days were like a rollercoaster, I am so ready to see what the next 28 days bring. Hello February!
An impromptu discovery. Light at the end of the tunnel that leads into a local paradise.
Growing up in various big cities, it was unimaginable to enter a tunnel system like this when I was a child. Life in a valley brings change of scenery. Tunnels like this help the rain water tickle down the mountains to the river. It is safe most of the year, but of course the devil never sleeps.
My brave son and his grandfather explored the underground system by the time I caught up with them at the playground. His face lit up when he saw me and finally could share his new findings with me. He immediately called me to return underground with him. So we did. I wasn’t expecting such a pretty view after walking through a few dark round tunnels.
River bank in the sunset at Centovalli, Ticino, Switzerland
Out in the fresh air again, we slid down a few large water washed rocks to get to the riverbank. Complete tranquil scene greeted us. We filled our lungs clean fresh air. Warmed our skin in the setting sun. I could had spent hours sitting there listening to the melody of the River Melezza.
‘Vacanza di Carnevale’ brought on March in Ticino. I suppose this school holiday is better known as ski break or winter break in other parts of Europe. Something new to get used to. Moms on the last school day (before the week long break) would wish ‘Buon Carnevale’ to each other. Which simply implies to have a great week holiday with your family.
International Women Day
From one generation to another we always celebrated on March 8. Women in my family would get a little plant or flower and we would definitely have some sort of cake at the dining table. I suppose it is another excuse to indulge in some naughty extra calories.
Father’s Day: Brunch at Monte Generoso
Highlight of the month of March has to be the trip to Monte Generoso on Father’s Day. Last year on Mother’s Day we visited Säntis. It set a theme in my mind for any future Mother’s and Father’s Day. Interestingly, in Switzerland, many attractions like this, come up with an offer for the fathers and mothers visiting on the respective dates.
Father’s Day in Ticino is different to the rest of the cantons of the country. It is aligned with Italy. On this day, they celebrate Saint Joseph, or in Italian San Giuseppe, and is an official public holiday.
With an extra bank holiday in the pocket, we could freely set off to visit Monte Generoso. Read here about our trip to this beautiful mountain at the border of Italy / Switzerland.
Garden works: Sowing & Planting
As the days got longer and warmer, we spent more and more time in the garden. First we dusted off all the items left outside during the winter. Once it looked a bit more orderly, we measured out a small strip to convert it to a small kitchen garden. This part is the sunniest although most of the time our garden is in a shade from the tall trees on the side of the plot.
This small strip was fenced off then filled with over half a ton soil. The weather did its part in integrating the soil to its new home, by raining heavily for about a week. Once the clouds cleared we carried on with sowing seeds. Here you can see the before, during and after images of the reno.
It is a great little project for the kids. They all seem to enjoy looking after this small plot. Easy excuse to spend more time outdoors, since the seeds / plants need water. Water is the middle name of my family. I think we were all some sort of fishes in our previous lives.
Swimming Sessions
This month the first period of swimming lessons came to an end. The second had started straight away though. Our eldest levelled up from crab (Granchio) to little seahourse (Cavalluccio). Our youngest also completed their lessons and received a duck badge that we need to saw on their bathrobe (accappatoglio).
As I mentioned before we all love the water and being in the water. We visit the pool 2-3 times even on days when there is no lesson. It is a safe place where all the kids are happy.
1000 Hours Outside Challenge
Over 72 hours spent in the nature. This is almost two full working weeks. This brings our yearly count to over 150 hours. I am so happy with our progress and I am proud to see our little ones enjoying themselves in the nature.
We are lucky to be surrounded by such beautiful mountains and many lakes. Our local bucket list of places we would like to explore. We hope to bring you along our tiny trips by colourful travel journal entries, many picture and videos.
Hello April
Swimming, gardening, Easter holiday, cousins visit – these are just a few of the things we look forward to doing in the coming month.
