Too Much TV

I never wanted to be that parent who let the TV babysit my kids. But shortly after Carl got back from Iraq I realized Justin was watching WAY too much TV when he threw a tantrum after I turned the TV off and tried to do some puzzles with him. I'm sure many parents will agree that at certain times the TV is needed (i.e. like when you're cooking dinner and need the kids out of the kitchen or when you're doing laundry).  Well unfortunately I relied on it too much while Carl was gone.

Although I must say that TV isn't all bad. After all, I credit Sesame Street and Elmo with J learning his numbers and ABCs. And when the boys watch TV they watch educational shows (Sesame Street, Your Baby Can Read, Baby Einstein) and rarely just regular cartoons. That being said, I was determined to limit even the amount of educational TV the boys watch and start doing more interactive things with them. The first few weeks were tough; they have short attention spans. Now that the weather is nice we're able to take them outside or to the park.

Now we'll never get to only one hour of TV a week day like we were allowed when I grew up but I think we're on the right track.  But any suggestions for indoor activities, you know, for those rainy days, would be greatly appreciated.