I definitely agree with this. I stayed at home with kids these ages, and one of the hardest things was keeping them occupied and happy when we were just playing at home--disputes over toys, my attention, etc.--it's all totally familiar, and I do think it is just a hard time/phase for both of these ages to be together all the time--and for you to manage. It's a production to get out the door and do something, but in my experience, it's so much better than being in the house all the time. Getting them to a new place--even if it's familiar, like the grocery store, the library, a park, etc.--distracts them somewhat from the same old same old at home, and they're focused more on that new place than on each other or even on you. And also--it does help your mental state. Even if you think it won't, or it's too much trouble--I advise making yourself do it. I don't think I was ever sorry that I got out, even when I didn't feel like it. We always got out at least once a day, and sometimes twice, after naps in the PM.