tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64374423144742808112024-03-06T01:20:26.859+12:00World Preschool MomI'm super mom to a super busy, super curious four year old. We live in Fiji right now and enjoy loads of one on one time together. This blog is where I share our successful and not-so-successful experiences during daily Learning Time.World Preschool Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01148029623992170590noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-7332069913349539832008-09-15T12:37:00.016+12:002008-09-21T01:08:55.416+12:00Hello Again and Five SensesI'm back! I'm back! Well mostly back. Life has felt crazy the past two months. Whew, it's nice to unpack the suitcases again...even if it is only for four weeks. It's long enough to get some projects going. In fact right after we finished putting things away A. said, "now we have to do an art project because it has been so long since we have done one." I guess he's been missing it too!<br /><br />As an explanation, we've returned to the states for a little while. Saying bye to Fiji was a bit of a heart-break--so many wonderful learning opportunities, beautiful sights, and lovely people we will miss. I console myself only with the discovery of the US East Coast, it's an exciting new adventure awaiting us now.<br /><br />By the way, thanks to everyone who has been making such wonderful comments here on my little blog. Right now I just can't respond to all of them, but in the future I will. And please know that I read every comment and can't help smiling at the kind words shared with me. Thank you so very much for brightening my day!<br /><br />Well, enough chit chat, let's get down to business. The <a href="http://laugh-learn-love.blogspot.com/">LLL</a> theme of the month (it's changed to monthly instead of weekly), is <a href="http://laugh-learn-love.blogspot.com/2008/09/sensory-activities.html">the Five Senses</a>. I have some lousy photos from a nice activity we did one morning focusing on the sense of touch. We gathered several random items and made our own texture book. A. provided the word lists to describe the various items and of course was in charge of the gluing.<br /><br />Here are the gathered texture supplies:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvZ3I_5Wy_GiGfjA4TVAeVyv0Ps-jk9B7UMDNvAnViq15UxoHhzryQHRG-5Ff-CmzHqQnnNReMXuh0XlcLwHXvnGq2W6TSAIsHmI8665soohe2yKLGzfsu7902zFA7tBRkA-vZTOiJ9k/s1600-h/DSC00531.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvZ3I_5Wy_GiGfjA4TVAeVyv0Ps-jk9B7UMDNvAnViq15UxoHhzryQHRG-5Ff-CmzHqQnnNReMXuh0XlcLwHXvnGq2W6TSAIsHmI8665soohe2yKLGzfsu7902zFA7tBRkA-vZTOiJ9k/s320/DSC00531.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248083692000040898" border="0" /></a><br />Here is a page from the finished product--I told you it wasn't anything spectacular:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0ZHyLBloe7eq30YCUXiddPyHdDlCBHikHFoCu9A_vAuRR3zY-lWholXTTdXPxHGwvm68Fbj07k7YG5waq7213-UmbQAhlGUopcDK2bPikcxPwF3tHwkBhGE8MHwKptX7TV-XtyP5k74/s1600-h/DSC00536.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0ZHyLBloe7eq30YCUXiddPyHdDlCBHikHFoCu9A_vAuRR3zY-lWholXTTdXPxHGwvm68Fbj07k7YG5waq7213-UmbQAhlGUopcDK2bPikcxPwF3tHwkBhGE8MHwKptX7TV-XtyP5k74/s320/DSC00536.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248084435936557906" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And this is about how things looked for a week while we were slowly making our way across the country. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuhjyZgiiBQINdrWh04JSNgFrHNRmBXvG7VoTn6JU3OqJkiRvOmOkAaE7-Rm61jJNBbL0MFuvK0-TzV5JT1rlo4mX3xuuoPklT24huU4uZ6OIl9v12gQXK_gkQb33GXKom1kUxu1UND4/s1600-h/DSC00657.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuhjyZgiiBQINdrWh04JSNgFrHNRmBXvG7VoTn6JU3OqJkiRvOmOkAaE7-Rm61jJNBbL0MFuvK0-TzV5JT1rlo4mX3xuuoPklT24huU4uZ6OIl9v12gQXK_gkQb33GXKom1kUxu1UND4/s320/DSC00657.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248080730435645138" border="0" /></a><br />Tight fit. I decided to incorporate the 5 senses theme into one of our travel games. We decided to go on a pretend walk in different locations and use our senses to tell us what was there. Our first stop was the jungle; we heard a jaguar, saw a colorful toucan, felt the wet leaves, and more. We followed the jungle with a deep sea dive complete with tasty plankton, rough coral, and striped fish to name a few. It was great fun to transform the boring landscape around us into a whole new world using our imaginations. Everyone loved it. I'm thinking I'll hang on to this idea for when we need a quick waiting activity somewhere. No supplies needed besides an active imagination!<br /><br />For some other wonderful activity ideas, check out <a href="http://laugh-learn-love.blogspot.com/2008/09/september-theme-of-month-5-senses-this.html">this list of posts</a>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-3342138560507289592008-08-15T11:05:00.008+12:002008-08-16T05:16:30.939+12:00LLL Theme of the Week: ExerciseI'm really not available much these days, but I wanted to at least put a few ideas down (without photos) on this week's LLL theme: Exercise.<br /><br />Something I'd like to do is make an exercise calendar or maybe weekly schedule is a better name for it. First you make some cards with cut-outs from magazines or drawings that portray different exercise ideas. Then at the beginning of each week let your children pull them out randomly for the week. They participated in the planning, and can anticipate what activities are expected each day. You can have a week full of activities already decided upon that you can plan for in advance.<br /><br />Here are a few exercise ideas I came up with. It probably works better to have lots of choices, so be detailed when possible. Also, make duplicates of the favorite activities.<br /><br />Go for a walk (to the park, to the store, in the neighborhood, at the beach, etc.)<br />Play in the park (soccer, baseball, choose specific parks, etc.)<br />Bike ride (again, to a certain destination, or at a specific location)<br />Dance (when my son was 2-3 yrs I would let him jump on the bed while I danced to Wiggles)<br />Yard/ Housework (don't tell me you aren't sore after spending the day deep cleaning)<br />Yoga for Kids (I haven't done this, but I'd LOVE to get a DVD or something and try it...any suggestions?)<br />Pillow Punching (see <a href="http://aplaceofourown.org/activity.php?id=184">here</a>)<br />Obstacle Course (who doesn't love one of those)<br />Follow the Leader (make a line using tape and add stations for certain activities like jumping jacks, etc.)<br />Indoor Wrestling (see <a href="http://aplaceofourown.org/activity.php?id=240">here</a>)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-16371908936890179992008-07-04T05:55:00.005+12:002008-07-04T06:19:00.811+12:00LLL: MeasurementsThe Theme of the Week for <a href="http://laugh-learn-love.blogspot.com/">Laugh, Learn, Love</a> is <a href="http://laugh-learn-love.blogspot.com/2008/06/theme-of-week-challenge_30.html">Measurements</a>. This sparked some good conversations, especially in the kitchen. It's amazing how just thinking about a certain thing helps me to bring it up more often in our daily experiences. We also had a planned activity focusing on measuring length or height. We took photos, but they were terrible (bad lighting ion a rainy morning), so you have to use your imagination. <br /><br />Materials: Measuring tape, scissors, string/yarn/ribbon. You will also need several of some other items--we used straws and dominoes. <br /><br />Using the string we cut a length equal to A.'s hight, then mine, than my husbands. So we had three strings, all different lengths. We taped them to the floor for some comparisons, first to each other. "Oh look, my string is longer than yours, but daddy's string is the longest of all." etc. <br /><br />Next we brought out the measuring tape and measured and recorded each one in inches. Then we lined up other objects to see how many it took to reach the end of each person's string. "A. is 18 1/2 dominoes tall, but only 6 straws tall." etc. <br /><br />After this I taped the strings to an empty wall with papers giving our recorded measurements inches, dominoes, and straws. <br /><br />We have guest arriving today, so we will ask them to participate as well. We'll measure their height and put the strings on the wall next to ours to get even more smaller/taller examples. <br /><br />I also taped a few things (pencil, spoon, toothbrush) to a paper and helped A. use a ruler to measure and record how long they were. On another day I found a page in his workbook that had 4 clown pictures, all different heights. The instructions said to use a coin to measure how tall each of them are. That turned out to be a fun variation too. I figure it can easily be repeated with other pictures.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-55741595817147027342008-07-01T13:25:00.000+12:002008-12-10T22:43:08.442+12:00Stapleless Paper Chains<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjyZBOBTB9UxpnOpsgwm08pjZQEl0j7roXLZZiaktJXqhMYDRHUPxdtKF4p5ciCHAU8FtzePCAtlcHiBt3DCTv_673f4bWxLH4kGWr1BytzX14Rc4xpkpj53EiFnSIuZiPQ00gzNXylo/s1600-h/DSC08787.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjyZBOBTB9UxpnOpsgwm08pjZQEl0j7roXLZZiaktJXqhMYDRHUPxdtKF4p5ciCHAU8FtzePCAtlcHiBt3DCTv_673f4bWxLH4kGWr1BytzX14Rc4xpkpj53EiFnSIuZiPQ00gzNXylo/s400/DSC08787.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217871663077825570" border="0" /></a>The classic paper chain is, well, a classic. But sometimes even an old favorite needs a little "chainge". These new paper chains take extra time, but require no staple, tape, or sticker to secure each link. Plus, it's fun to change the shape, and they are easy enough for a 4 year old to make without injury (didn't you ever staple your thumbs together making a paper chain?) I have, with difficulty, found instructions for Stapleless Paper Chains in two locations. <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_13667_make-valentine-paper.html">One </a>was rather confusing and lacking any photos or diagrams, while the other was a pdf that was impossible to locate a second time. I decided to attempt my own tutorial for it. So, here we go.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">You'll need:</span> paper, scissors, pencil, and two round templates (1-2 inch and 2-3 inch).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Making the Links: </span>I cut a regular size paper into fourths--in half vertically and then in half horizontally. This creates a chain link approximately 3 inches long. You can go for the jumbo size and use a whole sheet of paper (yielding a 5.5 inch link), or even a teeny tiny version. Any size rectangular paper will work.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTqhPd0-Kbj1RhZviRtHVUWMJB391OvpaAEDoLwxckTRKOIKl5uUL5LA1kK0kIJIvMz5f9j1Ja8iMGcFfxQHASqsgzEcbn6p7XeL1gdO8KFSdMUwSsR6in3XbzwSKqNAQD3geCORhkPc/s1600-h/DSC08724.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTqhPd0-Kbj1RhZviRtHVUWMJB391OvpaAEDoLwxckTRKOIKl5uUL5LA1kK0kIJIvMz5f9j1Ja8iMGcFfxQHASqsgzEcbn6p7XeL1gdO8KFSdMUwSsR6in3XbzwSKqNAQD3geCORhkPc/s200/DSC08724.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217873573805649010" border="0" /></a>Fold your paper in half vertically. Next fold it in half horizontally. You should now have one folded edge on the left side, two folded edges on the bottom, and four edges on the right side and top.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5ss1Yz2iGoHELr0boRx73TbGJjTfaqUUviESqhmSYiqFJhkClwW0E4Qcy9gl2oJXJ95DVWg5ZWad6b16RWIjvLp1HDw6Yb3x3p4fACtgFcTQ8DXN8lOTDI4Nt-xe3ZDri73YvcmcdFM/s1600-h/DSC08726.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5ss1Yz2iGoHELr0boRx73TbGJjTfaqUUviESqhmSYiqFJhkClwW0E4Qcy9gl2oJXJ95DVWg5ZWad6b16RWIjvLp1HDw6Yb3x3p4fACtgFcTQ8DXN8lOTDI4Nt-xe3ZDri73YvcmcdFM/s200/DSC08726.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217874501979172338" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01TDRlxvVyAlODS5BU_bLhp-XWFduqs2myNg6SFyXCft9aIEE5BmJbPIhMxujiX0DISs-YBch84gQFtQUiSggA1qcrwSwNVeYTSf7YtZ0iTUX94t3WPvIhxNLe3aZOly02B6L8zWq8Kk/s1600-h/DSC08727.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01TDRlxvVyAlODS5BU_bLhp-XWFduqs2myNg6SFyXCft9aIEE5BmJbPIhMxujiX0DISs-YBch84gQFtQUiSggA1qcrwSwNVeYTSf7YtZ0iTUX94t3WPvIhxNLe3aZOly02B6L8zWq8Kk/s200/DSC08727.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217881377479001266" border="0" /></a></div>Using the larger round template, draw a semicircle starting at the top, left corner with the straight edge along the folded left side. Using the smaller template, draw another semicircle within the larger semicircle. A little less than a half inch from the left side draw a vertical line starting at the bottom of the paper and ending where it connects with the semicircle. I call this bottom part the "stem."<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Fqy14TRAr_N2LA12ZYKfsDY4X3xyILXt1JYTa8LD-JjoFYGFkDkBauGzRZbVlnY8j-PGKSHZodaMRHGLsbidLsrhaCrdfE010fACcIuFD9MPCTMPNckCbjiqVe-C-2zkhpYl7uufvxo/s1600-h/DSC08730.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Fqy14TRAr_N2LA12ZYKfsDY4X3xyILXt1JYTa8LD-JjoFYGFkDkBauGzRZbVlnY8j-PGKSHZodaMRHGLsbidLsrhaCrdfE010fACcIuFD9MPCTMPNckCbjiqVe-C-2zkhpYl7uufvxo/s200/DSC08730.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217876207662443650" border="0" /></a></div>**<span style="font-weight: bold;">Note</span>: The center cut must be wide enough for the next chain link's unfolded stem to fit in. Also, try to keep a good distance between the tops of the semicircles. The smaller the distance, the weaker the chain link.**<br /><br />Now cut along all your lines. This is a finished link. If you want all the links to be identical in your chain, you can create a pattern to trace from this first link. If you want each one to be individual, don't bother drawing any lines--just cut freehand (it adds a charming spontaneity).<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-kmvCV0SIEtrg95sLET7HhDVOL2jFjuMGbDXPfh2rI0lHNxDSMVuF1TEzUryMzv-LND8ajla6URdp08QFEtOD3b79zwKKu9jYzwszknWXntCWQXwFps0w8YUVJJ-M2TsxBolj9tOkXQ/s1600-h/DSC08732.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-kmvCV0SIEtrg95sLET7HhDVOL2jFjuMGbDXPfh2rI0lHNxDSMVuF1TEzUryMzv-LND8ajla6URdp08QFEtOD3b79zwKKu9jYzwszknWXntCWQXwFps0w8YUVJJ-M2TsxBolj9tOkXQ/s200/DSC08732.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217876796058317170" border="0" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Connecting the links into a chain:</span> Vertically fold link 1 and feed it through a horizontally folded link 2. Repeat this process until you have reached the end of your chain. Then secure the very last link with a small piece of tape.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQqEap6PxKNW1ldDu0mM98u3Wwsq5bdmSyE2CJVnR0zV78WNODToKIMylfBtEfKBh4QPTM-So_YeIvYP8LUGUzbaXQiIsY7Mih2vy13sPFeXSMW33WLEJ1Rjd7r0nrtcmfZozSq22Tl0/s1600-h/DSC08737.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 126px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQqEap6PxKNW1ldDu0mM98u3Wwsq5bdmSyE2CJVnR0zV78WNODToKIMylfBtEfKBh4QPTM-So_YeIvYP8LUGUzbaXQiIsY7Mih2vy13sPFeXSMW33WLEJ1Rjd7r0nrtcmfZozSq22Tl0/s200/DSC08737.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217878756396765522" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVQ7m-fi3WLCiATrNEDdyUJDxhmafrTjxgvm4MKMzpYzsr-jqGkmDvUBMIofOImLlf9nnzloBHBkUQlAYCOj0c7liTwjht9TSodLLc-9VJTHnHh1SnJkmJNrwRGcrD-PjCLoT7HJ2AWo/s1600-h/DSC08738.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVQ7m-fi3WLCiATrNEDdyUJDxhmafrTjxgvm4MKMzpYzsr-jqGkmDvUBMIofOImLlf9nnzloBHBkUQlAYCOj0c7liTwjht9TSodLLc-9VJTHnHh1SnJkmJNrwRGcrD-PjCLoT7HJ2AWo/s200/DSC08738.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217879671100306738" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7T_Abpa1cO7XA_QMlZT1QjsJWtJ6t0YPjQdUJlszWFpbTCrDrWQb6anj6Qw4DOkp0f3wgabMeRGgWfz3yAD_LbD5LbXPDCgEb508Lhf6kaZXWP5U2ysJU8PaL28kfx_VEEcCzQKfJb8/s1600-h/DSC08741.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7T_Abpa1cO7XA_QMlZT1QjsJWtJ6t0YPjQdUJlszWFpbTCrDrWQb6anj6Qw4DOkp0f3wgabMeRGgWfz3yAD_LbD5LbXPDCgEb508Lhf6kaZXWP5U2ysJU8PaL28kfx_VEEcCzQKfJb8/s200/DSC08741.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217880149199267714" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shape variations:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rectangle</span>--Very easy to cut the straight lines of the outer shape. Great for younger children if an adult can cut the centers.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00EeTcw5AT_fUHx0NA9ORU72R_z0JN1_n5WSk799CL8sJoTOOTA3V_G_izebe8PPkR_OPNXueTeb8ejad80cgfCQJGVJs2NOolOXlDahEgQX4q8VpXoMBSh8UIeWkpqInxNDhxs0_XdM/s1600-h/DSC08751.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00EeTcw5AT_fUHx0NA9ORU72R_z0JN1_n5WSk799CL8sJoTOOTA3V_G_izebe8PPkR_OPNXueTeb8ejad80cgfCQJGVJs2NOolOXlDahEgQX4q8VpXoMBSh8UIeWkpqInxNDhxs0_XdM/s200/DSC08751.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217885513663178162" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQ3fzwuBq3DzaJe47tqTfF1t8RFTSjFcvY2lDTZt4aCySfhmmUa_pkIiyeNyGj0xccDZzslps9pWQxFmJYqYc4X9b8OrLJkjWgWLNhpKXwzeZd3TPsHSS47DUWd0u2cx04Yensa5z54c/s1600-h/DSC08758.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQ3fzwuBq3DzaJe47tqTfF1t8RFTSjFcvY2lDTZt4aCySfhmmUa_pkIiyeNyGj0xccDZzslps9pWQxFmJYqYc4X9b8OrLJkjWgWLNhpKXwzeZd3TPsHSS47DUWd0u2cx04Yensa5z54c/s200/DSC08758.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217886448032561474" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Y"</span>--This was the easiest for my son to cut. I drew a line that curved up towards the top right corner. Then I cut out the centers.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdGK6CNwJeRR7vJzsUtvUexwICxc-GHAczggPdIwyQ1Kpqhtb3w0Di0c4IwI_P2ZX_GFSr9tPf_7YtH1sFGrz3QU11c2DlxXOHQjxV0XRGvLc86vESrvT6pZZz_xxSKsbQ8N98fuQMug/s1600-h/DSC08778.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdGK6CNwJeRR7vJzsUtvUexwICxc-GHAczggPdIwyQ1Kpqhtb3w0Di0c4IwI_P2ZX_GFSr9tPf_7YtH1sFGrz3QU11c2DlxXOHQjxV0XRGvLc86vESrvT6pZZz_xxSKsbQ8N98fuQMug/s200/DSC08778.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217889018510034066" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_q3YoBpyUR-UybvYwYMXRl9GftaI38seU0TNSbEmvVcgjO8APB7NzjpaGmhls3YcH7xpE4p67phICsQjYo3CZW0GVaZGO96tMMKSlaIVh5NEAaI4N1xd2YHyeGcN2BTuJa3cJblSTOCM/s1600-h/DSC08782.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_q3YoBpyUR-UybvYwYMXRl9GftaI38seU0TNSbEmvVcgjO8APB7NzjpaGmhls3YcH7xpE4p67phICsQjYo3CZW0GVaZGO96tMMKSlaIVh5NEAaI4N1xd2YHyeGcN2BTuJa3cJblSTOCM/s200/DSC08782.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217890678605587010" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Heart</span>--Perfect for Valentine's Day.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf64aJP93FqtonyIGGyWjzHb2YQlRgoPS5Zx-Qyevc-Wg29a10Dr3P40dShacCCinMMfvPhH8-dBoBJdzncikWUFDVTY12DkHFOM94l6J6aZWkTWXq4uD0_W3kBxjBOXVlyWJbLmh1pDY/s1600-h/DSC08761.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf64aJP93FqtonyIGGyWjzHb2YQlRgoPS5Zx-Qyevc-Wg29a10Dr3P40dShacCCinMMfvPhH8-dBoBJdzncikWUFDVTY12DkHFOM94l6J6aZWkTWXq4uD0_W3kBxjBOXVlyWJbLmh1pDY/s200/DSC08761.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217883920560566450" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEU4SfytJl5U0nj0hfhEsNy4QtmEaczn6A_9X6zgB2ijxUkp71thenz2l41-RR9P3-ryiPqFKPMHQNSGbLAcS0tJCSam0r_IUvu9MCJpwFgj26y2uVfZOfx87Mq-TVamSQCIaJzRe4dA/s1600-h/DSC08766.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEU4SfytJl5U0nj0hfhEsNy4QtmEaczn6A_9X6zgB2ijxUkp71thenz2l41-RR9P3-ryiPqFKPMHQNSGbLAcS0tJCSam0r_IUvu9MCJpwFgj26y2uVfZOfx87Mq-TVamSQCIaJzRe4dA/s200/DSC08766.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217884574859049778" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spade</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8HSjqK8En-hE50mvH-5HqBDA81BFHJVDewmdCL02ZHGx-PMHh_JN37Gj50VysWH4cK37S9KrYKwEquIRknJPXB4qPvEmdrHsEKtcmILfHpxYM4CG2DwoZcj6gb0PhhXrz4lLr_67pWw/s1600-h/DSC08770.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8HSjqK8En-hE50mvH-5HqBDA81BFHJVDewmdCL02ZHGx-PMHh_JN37Gj50VysWH4cK37S9KrYKwEquIRknJPXB4qPvEmdrHsEKtcmILfHpxYM4CG2DwoZcj6gb0PhhXrz4lLr_67pWw/s200/DSC08770.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217891026181962370" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFj_7bzf5zkACioTfUP2U9ID4CgrDx6LufiUrGPILbszfeNcJR_JmQIFYNqHwa_AbGLcYD4FPDjwIzyk2mGrMJIdx4irles2qXBXqF99wxz5u-zcV02qDRr7qcVDWSBUyChrleza-m6w/s1600-h/DSC08773.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFj_7bzf5zkACioTfUP2U9ID4CgrDx6LufiUrGPILbszfeNcJR_JmQIFYNqHwa_AbGLcYD4FPDjwIzyk2mGrMJIdx4irles2qXBXqF99wxz5u-zcV02qDRr7qcVDWSBUyChrleza-m6w/s200/DSC08773.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217891383630537842" border="0" /></a><br /></div>As you can see there is still room for quite a bit of additional improvisation. Hope some of you enjoy trying this.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rrKSJTe_zpNoqX1oXo-rFIUeypNfaWkWm4sUuu1VT6jLg2UDrm1Yk3o1gu7yN_I_6x6fDjH6a4KZ6Lop-H3kJuiI2C5eqUW5KEknSW89PrjuRiYJj33Mkduk57UytbgYNla_22j2Aa8/s1600-h/DSC08798.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rrKSJTe_zpNoqX1oXo-rFIUeypNfaWkWm4sUuu1VT6jLg2UDrm1Yk3o1gu7yN_I_6x6fDjH6a4KZ6Lop-H3kJuiI2C5eqUW5KEknSW89PrjuRiYJj33Mkduk57UytbgYNla_22j2Aa8/s400/DSC08798.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217891815683413218" border="0" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-66720073625340269222008-07-01T10:51:00.013+12:002008-12-10T22:43:09.189+12:00Crayon Rock Art<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_V5PPzr6NkOWEpXtn88hn2ddq8VQPk2kEdGu5DNzW5Zs_8O113g0VbpjQfcoIfHcG8IgV8PRuBLmXpR-hTVlsMWXV8YLRxzaWpblpohMEwaV1ULIu8gniGDwGf7g0nLWRekMuPdOUbRM/s1600-h/DSC08887.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_V5PPzr6NkOWEpXtn88hn2ddq8VQPk2kEdGu5DNzW5Zs_8O113g0VbpjQfcoIfHcG8IgV8PRuBLmXpR-hTVlsMWXV8YLRxzaWpblpohMEwaV1ULIu8gniGDwGf7g0nLWRekMuPdOUbRM/s400/DSC08887.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217859731862019970" border="0" /></a>I know this isn't a new one, but maybe it's been a while for some of you. We had a wonderful time making these colorful art pieces.<br /><br />***<span style="font-weight: bold;">CAUTION</span>: watch out that little (and big) fingers do not get burned on the oven, hot rocks or melted wax during the project! Constant parental supervision on this one.***<br /><br />What you need: crayons (our Crayola and RoseArt crayons produced much more vivid colors than the no-name brand), rocks, foil, hot pads, and access to an oven.<br /><ul><li>First collect some rocks, we preferred the larger ones. </li><li>Wash, dry, and place in an oven for about ten minutes or until hot.</li><li>Place the rock on a sheet of foil (with a hot pad or towel under the foil) and decorate with your crayons. The hotter the rock, the more runny the wax will be.</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsOt-5FYmq0KyTOIbPdW-SbJhSzu_AcTJkRc6vChCbz6PeukhV-kAK8S2bdq-GdSM8QgEM9JTvT79BGbBDtkwfw9fGfF_ewvTEs_B7gv3PmtkFgvV9StuKIqx-SzwYrG7gkSbgsPfTAg/s1600-h/DSC08892.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsOt-5FYmq0KyTOIbPdW-SbJhSzu_AcTJkRc6vChCbz6PeukhV-kAK8S2bdq-GdSM8QgEM9JTvT79BGbBDtkwfw9fGfF_ewvTEs_B7gv3PmtkFgvV9StuKIqx-SzwYrG7gkSbgsPfTAg/s320/DSC08892.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217866066404231442" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28qHStKPB6RRw1hbhyphenhyphenpN3Ov0Qdu1hJaBjugCtwRbMmCaHnuSrpl7HEbH9lMb-ZqvlpGO4Gmgje6ienm0jL4dESolcCEl-mrlLblUxyrgPMdVonUBWNTFQMefjX__X-AjOuj5D7Qt3HuU/s1600-h/DSC08831.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28qHStKPB6RRw1hbhyphenhyphenpN3Ov0Qdu1hJaBjugCtwRbMmCaHnuSrpl7HEbH9lMb-ZqvlpGO4Gmgje6ienm0jL4dESolcCEl-mrlLblUxyrgPMdVonUBWNTFQMefjX__X-AjOuj5D7Qt3HuU/s320/DSC08831.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217865262764816194" border="0" /></a>As you can see, there was some serious concentration going on here.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTUnSRiZja-Qdlmtt12MVTt-datQ5SYvLaDr3EGxMzucsOSbnZMueD67bLeS_x-G7guJCUD0LE5mZfTqoFzlGqcufMEiCzXw_lTH6koOSsl-3N92QyXpbshpP_E2JW2rDlhs-4JwbIsk/s1600-h/DSC08849.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTUnSRiZja-Qdlmtt12MVTt-datQ5SYvLaDr3EGxMzucsOSbnZMueD67bLeS_x-G7guJCUD0LE5mZfTqoFzlGqcufMEiCzXw_lTH6koOSsl-3N92QyXpbshpP_E2JW2rDlhs-4JwbIsk/s320/DSC08849.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217862347675429138" border="0" /></a>The final photos didn't come out too well, but trust me they are better in person--very bright and cheerful.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39TXkP8CMZzM9R7-GXqdxygPIOq0YtnhC5p2qoZdq-HsgTxEVbHnmqEaL59Tc6eLvjCGPAsz1wjHhiY44bzhs6OWZh5bTV6tuanFl2Bh80yZB-Q7g6K_3Qi5J2IgulTtLphqkVZOh4JM/s1600-h/DSC08908.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39TXkP8CMZzM9R7-GXqdxygPIOq0YtnhC5p2qoZdq-HsgTxEVbHnmqEaL59Tc6eLvjCGPAsz1wjHhiY44bzhs6OWZh5bTV6tuanFl2Bh80yZB-Q7g6K_3Qi5J2IgulTtLphqkVZOh4JM/s320/DSC08908.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217868380709186418" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-65235818213367942652008-06-24T10:30:00.013+12:002008-12-10T22:43:10.028+12:00OLD<a href="http://www.unplugyourkids.com/">Unplugged Project</a> this week:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSwXT-LNed5K_aiXoD6CMYSVi9tgm7P3NnGGhkVi2KPGrtniN944kauqIJDcVRHqXbmGyuYvsUaa9gGywneWxmKwn-TpNpQjVjhyphenhyphenR8JrwY3dGF-8_NhByaAf5k-dcAUgpOVHqp3rSXcY/s1600-h/DSC08645.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSwXT-LNed5K_aiXoD6CMYSVi9tgm7P3NnGGhkVi2KPGrtniN944kauqIJDcVRHqXbmGyuYvsUaa9gGywneWxmKwn-TpNpQjVjhyphenhyphenR8JrwY3dGF-8_NhByaAf5k-dcAUgpOVHqp3rSXcY/s400/DSC08645.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215230404942489986" border="0" /></a></div>We decided to go the reading/rhyming route this time. Using some small wooden alphabet letters and a homemade cardboard pattern we rhymed the word "old". If you don't have a wooden alphabet, try using the plastic magnet letters or even the foam ones.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcKNxVaOkmZgKzqixFp1rALFc1-I6mNS6hS8l9lJm5Pcsk52rvjcBwRpqTTtPKaDvGEW0X-3ywwx4kU8973NAjeUOvlYrXHiejDppTzpxx3PCu4Vf5jdO-cXnYXStjEUVvZ78S913B-A/s1600-h/DSC08624.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcKNxVaOkmZgKzqixFp1rALFc1-I6mNS6hS8l9lJm5Pcsk52rvjcBwRpqTTtPKaDvGEW0X-3ywwx4kU8973NAjeUOvlYrXHiejDppTzpxx3PCu4Vf5jdO-cXnYXStjEUVvZ78S913B-A/s320/DSC08624.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215231187852012658" border="0" /></a></div>A found the right letters for his template and then we set about looking for 'real' words that rhymed with old by trying out each of the letters in the alphabet.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLKMDYfd5TgD15EA5N1lVCU8G_Q-0KIzsO2VY5P5cHhMma94JfnSTqTaMx7fOJOSxk89HF0aZM9rIWfoNqM1XrhsKEon0GU2CQk01wsaUZcwWzDF7fqKEU7CZxfC5Ai-IpsDEFOaquK0/s1600-h/DSC08631.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLKMDYfd5TgD15EA5N1lVCU8G_Q-0KIzsO2VY5P5cHhMma94JfnSTqTaMx7fOJOSxk89HF0aZM9rIWfoNqM1XrhsKEon0GU2CQk01wsaUZcwWzDF7fqKEU7CZxfC5Ai-IpsDEFOaquK0/s320/DSC08631.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215231746353450290" border="0" /></a></div>Our favorite part of the activity was making silly words. A couldn't help laughing at the sound of some of them.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXi8NoIoblYuWrFy6-9yqvytDKxP6Dvt_2Z67sQRTIrnm4qeRGSG_t-Foss3c8uDSmA7i1cMreC3p142Y-LWueGkOChRPhdi8T7Cgwbkmty6ZQDRVEdJq5po64UddIkA9IeqkQ0q7aKY/s1600-h/DSC08634.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXi8NoIoblYuWrFy6-9yqvytDKxP6Dvt_2Z67sQRTIrnm4qeRGSG_t-Foss3c8uDSmA7i1cMreC3p142Y-LWueGkOChRPhdi8T7Cgwbkmty6ZQDRVEdJq5po64UddIkA9IeqkQ0q7aKY/s320/DSC08634.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215233764554215218" border="0" /></a><br /><br />**Update: I had no idea my little set of letters would spark such interest! Unfortunately they are something I found in a Fijian nickel and dime store for about $5. There was no brand or "made in" information on the packaging or on the wooden box itself. So sorry to everyone interested. :-( <br />Check out Carrie's comment below to see some links to other wooden alphabets. Thanks Carrie!<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-72291572660458086222008-06-23T00:00:00.006+12:002008-12-10T22:43:11.237+12:00LLL: BalloonsHere is my post for <a href="http://laugh-learn-love.blogspot.com/">Laugh, Learn, Love</a>'s Theme of the Week: Balloons; four ideas I have created myself and borrowed from others.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Balloon Badminton</span>: Almost every kid I know loves to play some form of "keep away" with balloons. You know, hitting it up and trying not to let it touch the ground. Well, we developed a variation on it that always results in a case of the giggles. Using fly swatters as rackets, we hit the balloon back and forth to each other like a game of badminton. Sometimes I put A on my bed so he is further from the ground (it's easier for me to get to the balloon in time when it's a higher to start with). And sometimes we use the couch as a net we have to hit the balloon over. I pretend it's my exercise on some days, but it's always great for getting A's wiggles out.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Balloon Puppets</span>: The way a balloon slowly sways and bounces makes it perfect for a silly puppet bobbing his head up and down. We used yarn for hair, pompom for a nose, rubber band for mouth, and a Popsicle stick for the puppeteer to hold. Just about anything will work though: buttons, stickers, paper, ribbon, etc. Find what supplies you have around the house, or simply grab a marker and draw until someone new comes to life. (Markers are A's preference--nice and fast.)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-FuiE1USOEeaK0DWXs7xqFRNf5TF1E0X2J80gb-VBUPhBnev3Z5xGfqRNweQaZLcBNW-AJjScQp8tC7pkcH8SEPWEBjjORNJ-vzc0QmL-WVndy9IfPwD9BLNHXav8WqFViFaoteVxAY/s1600-h/DSC07825.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-FuiE1USOEeaK0DWXs7xqFRNf5TF1E0X2J80gb-VBUPhBnev3Z5xGfqRNweQaZLcBNW-AJjScQp8tC7pkcH8SEPWEBjjORNJ-vzc0QmL-WVndy9IfPwD9BLNHXav8WqFViFaoteVxAY/s320/DSC07825.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214902759221433122" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92FGXlW26ddrlLvZigQlWHe01OPDzRlIpIZuHJHm4GCFV2597B3vQKbQ_qwXE4id_QvHFzBROawWEfheDQ-UYqazTb4q2QDmE2aqyToXicCW6dHqUEYyacyFZZvqbXc6lVTe6khVVaXc/s1600-h/DSC07822.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92FGXlW26ddrlLvZigQlWHe01OPDzRlIpIZuHJHm4GCFV2597B3vQKbQ_qwXE4id_QvHFzBROawWEfheDQ-UYqazTb4q2QDmE2aqyToXicCW6dHqUEYyacyFZZvqbXc6lVTe6khVVaXc/s320/DSC07822.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214902327604198514" border="0" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><a href="http://luckybeans.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/06/the-crafty-crow-balloon-balls.html?cid=119783946#comments">Balloon Balls</a></span>: I saw this idea on <a href="http://luckybeans.typepad.com/my_weblog/">Luckybeans</a> and knew it would be an instant hit in our house. I simultaneously hoped really hard it wouldn't be a disastrous mess too! In the end it was a fantastic, mess-less activity. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB51k28im7Q2nzr_TI0HevUOtYxr3CYNwd0rGYM1EMI4X9ypiN1BFLRsPAjSE0K9oe5TYvSSz3MW3j9mMo2ZmAksXfquSUUUJ3wV91vChhiGLKSFvvIFsAsc7Q0Rg6nggianmdSOgqmHo/s1600-h/balloon+balls+luckybeans.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB51k28im7Q2nzr_TI0HevUOtYxr3CYNwd0rGYM1EMI4X9ypiN1BFLRsPAjSE0K9oe5TYvSSz3MW3j9mMo2ZmAksXfquSUUUJ3wV91vChhiGLKSFvvIFsAsc7Q0Rg6nggianmdSOgqmHo/s320/balloon+balls+luckybeans.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214079841828364962" border="0" /></a>We made a super large one and a med-small one. World Dad stole the small one to use at work as a stress ball (not that his current job is at all stressful, just boring). We did have fun tossing both of them off the balcony to Solo who was a very good sport about being the target during target practice.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlf2HHeD8OnJc0j3baBd3OBmBLymowvFrB2KLNrUUvVo_3ZKX_q880Asjernsip0a-MvY2KJwdYK0EG25sSuBMuN2CA5s2tVFIvoLFw2C6KzA4F7GytGEZEinfALF79QmliSEfO_VR7M/s1600-h/DSC08278.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlf2HHeD8OnJc0j3baBd3OBmBLymowvFrB2KLNrUUvVo_3ZKX_q880Asjernsip0a-MvY2KJwdYK0EG25sSuBMuN2CA5s2tVFIvoLFw2C6KzA4F7GytGEZEinfALF79QmliSEfO_VR7M/s320/DSC08278.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214901233893495202" border="0" /></a></div><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.education.com/activity/article/balloon_science_first/">Balloon Science</a>: We haven't done this one yet, but I want to try it soon. We have a two week school break right now, so it's looking like a perfect opportunity. If we do, I'll try to post a photo.<br />**UPDATE: it was a successful science project. Here are the before and after pictures.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2gq0jOlXANg7CJSmEcVIVPui6aZKbfyQxzwkK4vRgQxthDfa_bpykOznzXDeDIGYiJUxV9KGyqJestz6w_nUP6SShApudJAYJAV6QcM1S6VrctD-TKJtQqo56hwkqEdLMa3oxOqX2o8/s1600-h/DSC08651.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2gq0jOlXANg7CJSmEcVIVPui6aZKbfyQxzwkK4vRgQxthDfa_bpykOznzXDeDIGYiJUxV9KGyqJestz6w_nUP6SShApudJAYJAV6QcM1S6VrctD-TKJtQqo56hwkqEdLMa3oxOqX2o8/s320/DSC08651.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217789999190309858" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0afA0ln8H0Og6UfNM3zKUDTjsoPIDVBbjB5aZ4lYbzgqZoAwZYJeRigWvY5LxjjTIdGMIGlCanhl8gIT4VyxNB6EmQ7qlmaOQd_Xp6kgk_F3FLax32wNIQyz-oRbuVPuoZJ2bb3JWIw/s1600-h/DSC08654.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0afA0ln8H0Og6UfNM3zKUDTjsoPIDVBbjB5aZ4lYbzgqZoAwZYJeRigWvY5LxjjTIdGMIGlCanhl8gIT4VyxNB6EmQ7qlmaOQd_Xp6kgk_F3FLax32wNIQyz-oRbuVPuoZJ2bb3JWIw/s320/DSC08654.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217790627724902674" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-59114117115072983582008-06-21T14:04:00.000+12:002008-12-10T22:43:12.069+12:00Non-scary activities for the darkI've become <span style="font-style: italic;">that </span>mom who uses old toilet paper rolls for a multitude of kids crafts. I'm not proud of the extreme tackiness. But what can I say, they are plentiful and free, why not put them to use. Here's the latest activity.<br /><br />Armed with a push pin and a safety pin we punched holes in several old TP rolls. Some designs were, well, quite abstract. While others were made by following a penciled pattern.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_svTmiyFl5MMYL14XlQUmFHJthu3XY7rEsZ37lt6sDjzMPR92X6MhShz5xHqCxTMb7rjO6l-YMk9411JMvYF3wv1WdgLysr8iK0bg9CpD3_85rsr4ieUQtM8lhaUZELqMpQOnV6zmf4Y/s1600-h/DSC08573.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_svTmiyFl5MMYL14XlQUmFHJthu3XY7rEsZ37lt6sDjzMPR92X6MhShz5xHqCxTMb7rjO6l-YMk9411JMvYF3wv1WdgLysr8iK0bg9CpD3_85rsr4ieUQtM8lhaUZELqMpQOnV6zmf4Y/s320/DSC08573.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214262228320612850" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_DaS8VSdZn9RLUBwP5ZK3UwTX1LY0szT4qRDe7MUfeRQjwp3MBzMvo_OuwtWHEvKME-eagPW1zwS7D2240A9NwqCvj7Tj2fyWMrfiInQTlpB1F-kzoC-I2ZsMAMEHXC5y7rGxOHmYkA/s1600-h/DSC08559.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_DaS8VSdZn9RLUBwP5ZK3UwTX1LY0szT4qRDe7MUfeRQjwp3MBzMvo_OuwtWHEvKME-eagPW1zwS7D2240A9NwqCvj7Tj2fyWMrfiInQTlpB1F-kzoC-I2ZsMAMEHXC5y7rGxOHmYkA/s320/DSC08559.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214264147527233106" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And here is the final product all lit up with a mini flashlight. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNVjUKCWNPGZUSc4FHB73mtlApUAeJTn4jOJcYG6Nt8TlBFUHfnIGn4dvja2wrqOSlVHax8V8ghqsbComGpskCXzsyKG4fE_88Iq9Lh6WtTL2ju4QpYq18jko0wbnbWmxb8V-XSLRapw/s1600-h/DSC08584.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNVjUKCWNPGZUSc4FHB73mtlApUAeJTn4jOJcYG6Nt8TlBFUHfnIGn4dvja2wrqOSlVHax8V8ghqsbComGpskCXzsyKG4fE_88Iq9Lh6WtTL2ju4QpYq18jko0wbnbWmxb8V-XSLRapw/s320/DSC08584.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214266315617783906" border="0" /></a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span>We also pulled out a blue Wal-Mart Glow Stick to see how that would work . Not a bad varriation. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavfyn1vrBnsV4SNvVu8AIaF0PWnUrC7809YYxkqMAqrsOBqKkMmo5jcsykgZq13coFaHQYt6E00NTzMl6DIzFQSnDp1zvYWCemz7w7QSRx6WEBYCNPQ-JDgIyUzeIz_rgjrG7AeP52Fs/s1600-h/DSC08590.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavfyn1vrBnsV4SNvVu8AIaF0PWnUrC7809YYxkqMAqrsOBqKkMmo5jcsykgZq13coFaHQYt6E00NTzMl6DIzFQSnDp1zvYWCemz7w7QSRx6WEBYCNPQ-JDgIyUzeIz_rgjrG7AeP52Fs/s320/DSC08590.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214260040825469410" border="0" /></a><br /></div>We then attempted to play the shadow game. This is really a fun one when you can get it to work right. Unfortunately our flashlights were uncooperative. Let me explain, first gather a bag of random, smallish items. Then in a darkened room have your child sit facing the same direction as you, but in front of you (so they can't see you), and guess the objects as you hold them up in front of the flashlight. Here's the thing, make sure your flashlight has the right shine circumference (is there a technical term for that? Someone help me out) otherwise there are double shadows or blurry images, etc. Our best light for this activity was a headlamp which was even better because I was left with two hands free. Unfortunately the bulb gave out on me. Boo hoo. But try this one next time the power goes out. It's fun.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-89400638337238539302008-06-18T19:40:00.005+12:002008-12-10T22:43:12.457+12:00Yard SoupThis was the product of his creative efforts. He spent all afternoon collecting and adding ingredients, remembering (and changing) the recipe, and constantly stirring his soup. I thought the finished product was rather beautiful.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlzmnLLrrNVUOhvyrNfLQoIFuh-rX2wWFmxvFcaOiWi0jX0HjUbpenJqH6qT2TpVhc-7nEuWDc-tuxe0iNcv0jfcRKYpt0LckJwOp1x2SDmOlTnvBNH0lxaS_JQJw-NceiXLE_YBPOow/s1600-h/DSC07826.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlzmnLLrrNVUOhvyrNfLQoIFuh-rX2wWFmxvFcaOiWi0jX0HjUbpenJqH6qT2TpVhc-7nEuWDc-tuxe0iNcv0jfcRKYpt0LckJwOp1x2SDmOlTnvBNH0lxaS_JQJw-NceiXLE_YBPOow/s320/DSC07826.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213124542241229314" border="0" /></a><br />He enjoyed the experience so much he made a second soup from leaves, sand, paper, water, and I'm not really sure what else, but it sure stunk after a day or two! Not quite as pleasant of an activity that time around, but still perfect for pretend play. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2KWwvip75d-1aI4wA1v6L8ABa62BzwcWWeu2a03VXwHWg-KorWau-3x9dpCmiEL9-IsKCCUxEh0wlyncazI9mMDYC4IMypGiQrzVckoaJhm0NKdY2rQ18ElfeXj_6Qc2w46FUyR2uqs/s1600-h/DSC07832.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2KWwvip75d-1aI4wA1v6L8ABa62BzwcWWeu2a03VXwHWg-KorWau-3x9dpCmiEL9-IsKCCUxEh0wlyncazI9mMDYC4IMypGiQrzVckoaJhm0NKdY2rQ18ElfeXj_6Qc2w46FUyR2uqs/s320/DSC07832.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213125790512279730" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-51383031818179609412008-06-18T16:07:00.004+12:002008-12-10T22:43:12.619+12:00Aphabet Balance Beam<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-Gj2ZXg0_C1phsHILaWH8AJE2QCzes6vHzbaID2-eDiVDir9Vm9yP2Lu4WAK_GTAi-rDe9YXQexdtnRPhhLzALRZWzH8ht3A63QDYlggY_H8uT3di3WJK_6Y6L7nr-cmKSb0_dhcvoc/s1600-h/DSC08154.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-Gj2ZXg0_C1phsHILaWH8AJE2QCzes6vHzbaID2-eDiVDir9Vm9yP2Lu4WAK_GTAi-rDe9YXQexdtnRPhhLzALRZWzH8ht3A63QDYlggY_H8uT3di3WJK_6Y6L7nr-cmKSb0_dhcvoc/s320/DSC08154.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213741194290763026" border="0" /></a>I have tried several times to make a walking line for A using colorful electrical tape. Just something he can follow with his feet while concentrated on balance. He never likes it. But, as we were playing with our small alphabet foam squares he found the very long line irresistible to his little feet. Over and over he walked along his new balance beam. It wasn't long before we were changing the configuration to make a square, rectangle, zig-zag, and more. I'm thinking this is a perfect rainy day activity to get out some wiggles.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-36774407460831139542008-06-18T16:00:00.008+12:002008-12-10T22:43:13.381+12:00Suva ZooWe decided Suva needed a Zoo. So we made one! It was a great two-day activity that kept A busy...and me too.<br /><br />Here is the planning and painting stages. We used a cardboard box that had been cut down one of the corners and flattened. Then we gathered up all the random boxes and cartons I had been saving from an early garbage death and glued them down according to our mental blueprints.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyMutPq4rvxjBYkRvO7jJ3OlEPsbvURQL1ggI5IFqDGjziczmMiadue4nuekGVnTX4X-lGelHYuS1PL7RDdHnziS5GVMLhH1_-IWUVavSKS4C_8Czu1LfGNbd9Ysw_5yrSP9_iuVNCG0/s1600-h/DSC05814.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyMutPq4rvxjBYkRvO7jJ3OlEPsbvURQL1ggI5IFqDGjziczmMiadue4nuekGVnTX4X-lGelHYuS1PL7RDdHnziS5GVMLhH1_-IWUVavSKS4C_8Czu1LfGNbd9Ysw_5yrSP9_iuVNCG0/s320/DSC05814.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213082660641706978" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefCcl6PcEVeSMEhAgJmHoscTKE2Hu2VLpU7uBWPuP-EECfqBANTtYzOmrNQNQamnME6u-Is9epXF9yRryaSvX5EsmDeFW7rYKSdEDWuy7b2sSgBXaTzYXdh_CedYnsPhcXPGJsYlJagA/s1600-h/DSC05819.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefCcl6PcEVeSMEhAgJmHoscTKE2Hu2VLpU7uBWPuP-EECfqBANTtYzOmrNQNQamnME6u-Is9epXF9yRryaSvX5EsmDeFW7rYKSdEDWuy7b2sSgBXaTzYXdh_CedYnsPhcXPGJsYlJagA/s320/DSC05819.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213091467610768754" border="0" /></a><br /></div>And here we have the finished project. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkZD3oDLDY1AGCr1IgCQfFf5sONnkqNY7cGIr0JhwYFn_SBU5ZavyWVvrMmiXxRjpz5fpJMRQO5lT2S6vNtu2_mIOo_fy_stgXNcNbfoIAdbWFid1sb6K7VWCarWCmHMqoQ2Q8PU4pjM/s1600-h/DSC05825.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkZD3oDLDY1AGCr1IgCQfFf5sONnkqNY7cGIr0JhwYFn_SBU5ZavyWVvrMmiXxRjpz5fpJMRQO5lT2S6vNtu2_mIOo_fy_stgXNcNbfoIAdbWFid1sb6K7VWCarWCmHMqoQ2Q8PU4pjM/s320/DSC05825.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213085303981420258" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkp03KFkfnVkOvFnGRYEJqpcqceqnkmrKTEeOVw8Ga7G0VHRVEISnEL_6tNM1Y8PEMxZ2YQQs-xA4olVcQ9LLATsgLRg1qqgEtldpdf5lBWI7K4WWqAs8o1YYMKDEZ1Wf9bo90BSWbHw/s1600-h/DSC05835.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkp03KFkfnVkOvFnGRYEJqpcqceqnkmrKTEeOVw8Ga7G0VHRVEISnEL_6tNM1Y8PEMxZ2YQQs-xA4olVcQ9LLATsgLRg1qqgEtldpdf5lBWI7K4WWqAs8o1YYMKDEZ1Wf9bo90BSWbHw/s320/DSC05835.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213088164920563650" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Mr. A has so many plastic animals of varying sizes and colors that we were at no loss for filling up the cages with wild critters. It was fun to move them around and play zoo keeper, but not fun enough. The activity was abandoned quicker than I hoped, but I count the creation process as the real success.<br /><br />(oh-we actually did this a few months ago, but never posted it...too busy playing.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-29139379470332711022008-06-18T11:12:00.006+12:002008-12-10T22:43:13.522+12:00Straw Snakes<a href="http://www.unplugyourkids.com/">Unplugged</a> theme of the week is <a href="http://www.unplugyourkids.com/2008/06/15/homemade-shrinky-dinks-weekly-unplugged-project/">Plastic</a>. Although very late, here is my plastic activity contribution: Straw Snakes. Simple, but thoroughly enjoyed by my four year old.<br /><br />It started with some scissors and straws. I let him cut them into any size piece he wanted. We had super skinny, super long, and everything in between.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVpqjOTzXMjP2NxZfzUrbjx5c3rw6FJdRmRKXs-hhHpAdvi1kWGKVhU_lRLalPuD9gaGao4WJTq9IyKKA8nclCQlYotcVr3lSi4RtpSglxGXjqL08M1yW3XKmdOFsQsjUunnveE8jc9Q/s1600-h/DSC08324.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVpqjOTzXMjP2NxZfzUrbjx5c3rw6FJdRmRKXs-hhHpAdvi1kWGKVhU_lRLalPuD9gaGao4WJTq9IyKKA8nclCQlYotcVr3lSi4RtpSglxGXjqL08M1yW3XKmdOFsQsjUunnveE8jc9Q/s320/DSC08324.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213733424059151170" border="0" /></a>Then he threaded the straw pieces onto a shoelace (you could also use yarn with tape at the end or a pipe cleaner). Ta-da! You've got yourself a pet snake.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVyWzOYgGgRRHfEj21R31hihrF3JaF-ZyALhXPOAyybJUNmTKKFpa-OtEhLUSyytxabi0doA_RsU2KqwcqQeOuJ4zogojj5hv6XEMDsn6_rqWNXX53_FA9BNbfDsfP01xA1T8yLWem2E/s1600-h/DSC08329.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVyWzOYgGgRRHfEj21R31hihrF3JaF-ZyALhXPOAyybJUNmTKKFpa-OtEhLUSyytxabi0doA_RsU2KqwcqQeOuJ4zogojj5hv6XEMDsn6_rqWNXX53_FA9BNbfDsfP01xA1T8yLWem2E/s320/DSC08329.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213733887652337490" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-16690993069825641442008-05-31T08:31:00.009+12:002008-12-10T22:43:14.360+12:00Marble Painting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrFssKvQwKuksS0BgHsTt8TVE156xgVBzTwDiyVuu0laxC3L-G1aBC9Z25c3sWGkxr3bitCVKkQzmxOPUyqJhK4vTydNZsitHr2v-lznizs-drfCgO8G7mebs-7ANYAgQv7o7OdL5Yis/s1600-h/DSC07817.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrFssKvQwKuksS0BgHsTt8TVE156xgVBzTwDiyVuu0laxC3L-G1aBC9Z25c3sWGkxr3bitCVKkQzmxOPUyqJhK4vTydNZsitHr2v-lznizs-drfCgO8G7mebs-7ANYAgQv7o7OdL5Yis/s320/DSC07817.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206275871872286434" border="0" /></a>I've been wanting to do this for a while. Shortly after waking up this morning A announced he wanted to do an "art project with paint". Then I remembered next week's theme was "paint" over on <a href="http://laugh-learn-love.blogspot.com/2008/06/theme-of-week-challenge.html">Unplug You Kids</a>. It was the perfect opportunity.<br /><br />We used an old plastic ice cream tub, but it works just as well with a shoe box or any kind of box with a lid. Then we placed a piece of paper in the box, added some dabs of paint and dropped in the marble. We slowly rolled it around with the lid off to see what was happening. Then we put the lid on and shook it faster. We made five pictures, each with a different combination of colors (red, yellow, blue, white, black). A's favorite was the one with all five colors. Oh, and the all blue one is mine....what can I say? I wanted to get in on the fun too!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsy22Rwb-MpvsY8EmmSzbNoO1uIgdGWXwZ9CDDdqu-s_Bn4tRD4nTlWZeXt_WNFMWTopdxipUWVK0ee5YQngBaMgp3ytlw2Ko63GOBh9gF7Mf6-2i2zZ3qgpYboph6kq3JPo9A9iHcgE/s1600-h/DSC07800.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsy22Rwb-MpvsY8EmmSzbNoO1uIgdGWXwZ9CDDdqu-s_Bn4tRD4nTlWZeXt_WNFMWTopdxipUWVK0ee5YQngBaMgp3ytlw2Ko63GOBh9gF7Mf6-2i2zZ3qgpYboph6kq3JPo9A9iHcgE/s320/DSC07800.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206274536137457362" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAp3JtJX1kPXJ2bPEmSwibNmulKMi2wfT-C5EILcyCPq3REdL6dsu79jwYJT71blGEqvsii8skCsO58xL2NvX4QKtjtsyp89s2prk7m1VRlgQqgjQ81S-vt4GAn0FOCyTvc1FN673oLDE/s1600-h/DSC07801.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAp3JtJX1kPXJ2bPEmSwibNmulKMi2wfT-C5EILcyCPq3REdL6dsu79jwYJT71blGEqvsii8skCsO58xL2NvX4QKtjtsyp89s2prk7m1VRlgQqgjQ81S-vt4GAn0FOCyTvc1FN673oLDE/s320/DSC07801.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206274050806152898" border="0" /></a><br />I tried to make purple for him, but it came out too watery. I grabbed a straw and let him blow it around in the box to make a different abstract design. He concentrated very hard on this, but in the end preferred the marble approach.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzf1yVZs_ntPa2aoi0HgmIoB_oN776-QBF5zSjWx_V6KUDiPM7e_N3DaG88Ibvkgc1nZtxAWSw2ABt3stuJgWq8viPljr0LJ_xYbf8EepS5nbsxGKGfa4Y8Bm5uPl9hIUnmKvxrWslpQ/s1600-h/DSC07809.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzf1yVZs_ntPa2aoi0HgmIoB_oN776-QBF5zSjWx_V6KUDiPM7e_N3DaG88Ibvkgc1nZtxAWSw2ABt3stuJgWq8viPljr0LJ_xYbf8EepS5nbsxGKGfa4Y8Bm5uPl9hIUnmKvxrWslpQ/s320/DSC07809.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206273277712039586" border="0" /></a><br />Considering the mess was negligible and the fun was substantial, we are going to pull out this activity again soon. And I'm so glad it gave me an opportunity to finally contribute to <a href="http://www.unplugyourkids.com/">Unplugged</a>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-66639749953445594922008-05-29T14:35:00.013+12:002008-12-10T22:43:15.493+12:00Color and I Spy BooksHere are a couple mini books I've made during the past few weeks. As usual, nothing fancy. But A always enjoys a little surprise.<br /><br />For both books I used the <a href="http://www.makingbooks.com/hotdog.shtml">hot dog booklet</a> pattern at <a href="http://www.makingbooks.com/freeprojects.shtml">Making Books with Children</a>:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXSTwGzyGX8OU8mkUv1RZQQeTO3Y13ZhMbnQLpfOhRIqQCLWfap4bU5cLL-i6ChCJ3HAt3QypPnpE9hPOqtazsYSA5x7t9aPDJtFxkQRiZwY7OwYBmgVS9Y0zHBbfgH3lZHoRJm5CAJI/s1600-h/DSC07595.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXSTwGzyGX8OU8mkUv1RZQQeTO3Y13ZhMbnQLpfOhRIqQCLWfap4bU5cLL-i6ChCJ3HAt3QypPnpE9hPOqtazsYSA5x7t9aPDJtFxkQRiZwY7OwYBmgVS9Y0zHBbfgH3lZHoRJm5CAJI/s320/DSC07595.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205637416393801330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">My Rainbow of Colors</span><br />Using markers we colored A's index finger with ink. He stamped the same color as many times as he wanted all over a page. Each page had a different color. Then I went back and drew in some simple (very simple!) faces and scenery for the characters and added the color word.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02xta_Gchz5gGjqLUHnP_qRyRZQvZfmyTvGKW85z4ay2vogoJt91ZKDYg_glZjEPSiXz0wvXtkPIaqD2eujm3ARtTgtfDJMUddK2XVOi0BTRgWeqpWR8LFb5Hxf7cJVosJ8MLSyPaLPs/s1600-h/DSC07330.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02xta_Gchz5gGjqLUHnP_qRyRZQvZfmyTvGKW85z4ay2vogoJt91ZKDYg_glZjEPSiXz0wvXtkPIaqD2eujm3ARtTgtfDJMUddK2XVOi0BTRgWeqpWR8LFb5Hxf7cJVosJ8MLSyPaLPs/s320/DSC07330.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205638507315494530" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSzaQWvJGYoWevDc-rm2D_BJdplt8aCem4tmH0Web_Q-uz5nuta9FCy8ckZyeA3C6AEPdHJ_30Unpx9_a7dlMAcATM9mdeRYKJu0xeYqql-tZL8Pa5k69O1GmFr49j0E1E604No79Nqw/s1600-h/DSC07596.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSzaQWvJGYoWevDc-rm2D_BJdplt8aCem4tmH0Web_Q-uz5nuta9FCy8ckZyeA3C6AEPdHJ_30Unpx9_a7dlMAcATM9mdeRYKJu0xeYqql-tZL8Pa5k69O1GmFr49j0E1E604No79Nqw/s320/DSC07596.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205636282522435170" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUm0MW00nhbvMgyIS9lfXDqhIPilanBGSUYXPWW8ylVXZ99uj7T_I2DwNpf3IS6Kd2OO8ql1SSR72jT4j6KZEkIlNWhcjfLWH1mMwjhhDOAy-e0KmuBEWQF_Bgu0mNc8w7VSAXI5dhDg/s1600-h/DSC07597.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUm0MW00nhbvMgyIS9lfXDqhIPilanBGSUYXPWW8ylVXZ99uj7T_I2DwNpf3IS6Kd2OO8ql1SSR72jT4j6KZEkIlNWhcjfLWH1mMwjhhDOAy-e0KmuBEWQF_Bgu0mNc8w7VSAXI5dhDg/s320/DSC07597.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205634448571399762" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5DqQq8Ij6GL4g7Ua5GGDkxOHK1sDnQEh-ih-W2yFPkVf-oD84-QbzOZPgOD2ocGj-pnLhaMzw7ZuH5Yn2oM9QeWPhORrwDChQae7hit3vuISSWl9gGRJT-g84O8X4SOa2h_cN9SRtio/s1600-h/DSC07599.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5DqQq8Ij6GL4g7Ua5GGDkxOHK1sDnQEh-ih-W2yFPkVf-oD84-QbzOZPgOD2ocGj-pnLhaMzw7ZuH5Yn2oM9QeWPhORrwDChQae7hit3vuISSWl9gGRJT-g84O8X4SOa2h_cN9SRtio/s320/DSC07599.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205632812188859970" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I Spy the Alphabet!</span><br />I saw an idea on <a href="http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/">Crafty Crow</a> for a personalized I Spy book. It was taken from <a href="http://marytree.blogspot.com/2008/02/mini-swap-makes-it-to-cinncinati.html">this post</a> on <a href="http://marytree.blogspot.com/">marytree </a>where they took photos of toys, then cut and pasted them into a book. I simplified it a bit and cut letters out of an old catalog, then glued them onto the pages and made a list of what letters needed to be found. I'm going to make a few more I Spy books with different and increasingly more difficult themes, but I need to get some doubles of catalogs /wrappers /magazines first. This is also the kind of book that A can help make by cutting and gluing the pictures if we needed an activity. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HzA2DTp4jLMj2cwRAzU45amwxO-qnkTvvfO1D1ozS-rr0jL7O5CTBa-WEd4Qll4qkIefHpN4a5XW39cY8J2oSBZP4psFwbvlGNtIRts4no6DGXiRLCYgqbj8NnWhFqCNNERtnMOmPVo/s1600-h/DSC07585.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HzA2DTp4jLMj2cwRAzU45amwxO-qnkTvvfO1D1ozS-rr0jL7O5CTBa-WEd4Qll4qkIefHpN4a5XW39cY8J2oSBZP4psFwbvlGNtIRts4no6DGXiRLCYgqbj8NnWhFqCNNERtnMOmPVo/s320/DSC07585.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205630385532337698" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacFPRISr70NzjOn4ZlpZAJIgNPT340oYOIIUtBQMZadmiPrrFe0zdGE4SJ7D9enS_CIbDBVc9rhtZc7-zmeQZamZgQKvYbDq9BQWqyhvAsBICW-7DAViMXZQQpoFqALAZOuNkTGz_Whw/s1600-h/DSC07591.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacFPRISr70NzjOn4ZlpZAJIgNPT340oYOIIUtBQMZadmiPrrFe0zdGE4SJ7D9enS_CIbDBVc9rhtZc7-zmeQZamZgQKvYbDq9BQWqyhvAsBICW-7DAViMXZQQpoFqALAZOuNkTGz_Whw/s320/DSC07591.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205631476454030898" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-44657473749321026902008-05-21T16:53:00.004+12:002008-12-10T22:43:15.866+12:00Bubble Wrap<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_YmByIpIbsfmgXkbe7X0qdaClshmW5ehtPew3KUEddzmGf9SCunDy82aqekA9FiNl7qM2H-a0TKryyTuNvWLkyzAZZzOFFH7jjozia7L183h2vVzW4kkWokPMO_g4YqbTmo976GHUG8/s1600-h/DSC06711.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_YmByIpIbsfmgXkbe7X0qdaClshmW5ehtPew3KUEddzmGf9SCunDy82aqekA9FiNl7qM2H-a0TKryyTuNvWLkyzAZZzOFFH7jjozia7L183h2vVzW4kkWokPMO_g4YqbTmo976GHUG8/s320/DSC06711.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202690642857284146" border="0" /></a>If you find the bubble wrap is too difficult for little fingers to pop, try using a rolling pin. It's great.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeZK1ysIpzGiPcomP_Th32y-hv0SsbvzVItoG1AqKiwpH5igqlnLw8t16spUuC_1jC_6JzMPIpKy51ME9tIhb0IUqhhVvWkSAN2Wk_FKoCGkPVYYElzsFNCOjzOdfcQDDVWxybhNpTUs/s1600-h/DSC06709.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeZK1ysIpzGiPcomP_Th32y-hv0SsbvzVItoG1AqKiwpH5igqlnLw8t16spUuC_1jC_6JzMPIpKy51ME9tIhb0IUqhhVvWkSAN2Wk_FKoCGkPVYYElzsFNCOjzOdfcQDDVWxybhNpTUs/s320/DSC06709.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202690969274798658" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-77845956684185328462008-05-19T16:32:00.005+12:002008-12-10T22:43:16.900+12:00Sewing ButtonsWith an embroidery hoop, scrap fabric, and a large button I taught my four year old how to sew. I didn't think he would enjoy it, or even have the patience to finish, but he was hooked by the challenge of the project.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfprNQY_no7G9_OcvZuFig478s-YOfnS5ybzHi3yCHvK38sDMnMgKrfWPktsks_B3wYLtBfukfRf09IuZe_9qKPYFhPhf9Jc1wfwVdulN4efXYiGHalfqGwfKoWiNG997eu4o6v5fbu5Y/s1600-h/DSC06767.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfprNQY_no7G9_OcvZuFig478s-YOfnS5ybzHi3yCHvK38sDMnMgKrfWPktsks_B3wYLtBfukfRf09IuZe_9qKPYFhPhf9Jc1wfwVdulN4efXYiGHalfqGwfKoWiNG997eu4o6v5fbu5Y/s320/DSC06767.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202688143186317842" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHWVdHdH6K1R4tgBeu-htr-Pbus0lr2e3I2Fkx4Y1MTGB8Pp7hlBs2DW76YxBIEHBm4ZaWfibEEjLMlVBQuwsKh7V-2mKQcWFi3i1qsDBGU9tkPC8LR0FypULXW_wr3zO7fDh_7RxVGQ/s1600-h/DSC06775.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHWVdHdH6K1R4tgBeu-htr-Pbus0lr2e3I2Fkx4Y1MTGB8Pp7hlBs2DW76YxBIEHBm4ZaWfibEEjLMlVBQuwsKh7V-2mKQcWFi3i1qsDBGU9tkPC8LR0FypULXW_wr3zO7fDh_7RxVGQ/s320/DSC06775.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202686365069857282" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgretj-7aRcMa4DqupqP2eK0usATO4Ai0li2YdCbNq_Huf717zFNKVV8JjZtKbXsG6gTFDGntljyhKzlpm_5grJPYCCA2wssd3Byep2JTDMMLTIRcQ62p8lTcCkkPhnDT6GS-1RdA3lI_E/s1600-h/DSC06779.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgretj-7aRcMa4DqupqP2eK0usATO4Ai0li2YdCbNq_Huf717zFNKVV8JjZtKbXsG6gTFDGntljyhKzlpm_5grJPYCCA2wssd3Byep2JTDMMLTIRcQ62p8lTcCkkPhnDT6GS-1RdA3lI_E/s320/DSC06779.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202689461741277730" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VrvcRo4HwxSYTghRI8Qr3ZDMG_kdIWBl5I8E_4DQ3rIf9MMae_sBU3FcVlf_o6xhlw-uDY0b-cHbPDUXnvkiu4d3q05rO5CS2fDy3DqpK6Y1oG3y3VGLKrna3YOZWutKCHDRQj4Ovco/s1600-h/DSC06787.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VrvcRo4HwxSYTghRI8Qr3ZDMG_kdIWBl5I8E_4DQ3rIf9MMae_sBU3FcVlf_o6xhlw-uDY0b-cHbPDUXnvkiu4d3q05rO5CS2fDy3DqpK6Y1oG3y3VGLKrna3YOZWutKCHDRQj4Ovco/s320/DSC06787.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202685806724108786" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-86273068905718245752008-05-19T15:38:00.007+12:002008-12-10T22:43:17.066+12:00Octopus and Iceburgs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHseYCKJw5VEz08Vb1JJx3b73eNkvMjfGA7DANt6SWs3qG-cZ9sIMs5yr7XzGXX2I00oCgnQF5riCE3Fc9y3B7Q2QcDgwvEnnWGosl_rQh8PJYoeyE2LUJ2j28YWnZf4chyuQozanuxY/s1600-h/DSC06999.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHseYCKJw5VEz08Vb1JJx3b73eNkvMjfGA7DANt6SWs3qG-cZ9sIMs5yr7XzGXX2I00oCgnQF5riCE3Fc9y3B7Q2QcDgwvEnnWGosl_rQh8PJYoeyE2LUJ2j28YWnZf4chyuQozanuxY/s400/DSC06999.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201933341338751426" border="0" /></a><br />After checking out <a href="http://wondertime.go.com/">Wondertime</a>'s <a href="http://wondertime.go.com/create-and-play/article/wading-pool-games.html">3 Great Games for a Wading Pool</a>, I decided I had to try out the Octopus with A. let me fill you in on the steps.<br /><br />1. Using a screw or other small, sharp object, punch a hole near the top of a 2L soda bottle, and another near the bottom.<br />2. Fill the bottle with water.<br />3. Cover the top hole with your finger and magically watch the water stop spilling out the bottom hole.<br /><br />A enjoyed showing this trick to everyone who passed by. We had some good conversations about how this happens (As the water leaves, something has to take it's place. So if no air gets in to take the water's place, no water will spill.) We then punched one more hole in the middle and predicted which hole would have the larger squirt of water. He was right in the prediction, and I was glad he didn't ask me why because I didn't have a great way to explain pressure to a 4 year old.<br /><br />We also followed Wondertime's suggestion of making some icebergs for the pool. We talked about if it would sink or float, and considered the hefty weight involved. After testing our theories I set it on the grass, sprinkled it with salt, and then let him decorate with a few drops from different food coloring bottles. The salt helps the ice to crack and well, become bumpy so the color shows better. We both liked watching the colors spread and mix.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-30654626105414280772008-05-19T15:29:00.003+12:002008-12-10T22:43:17.412+12:00Cup MemoryWhen we moved in there was an opened package of plastic cups in one of the kitchen cupboards. For sanitary reasons I wasn't too excited about drinking from them, however I found several other ways to put them to use. One of the most successful was a new version of the Memory game. I used alphabet stickers and placed them on the inside bottom of the cup; although any kind of medium-small stickers would work as long as you have two of each picture to make a pair. Turning the cups over to find what was inside kept A's attention a bit better than cards. And in the end, storing them was as easy as stacking them up.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4gcuxS95hnx0gl6PxcOdZ_ApbwavXEstYrtnxgLfUuJq7toBdPpnBDz8KB4yOahzf-V01icY73Y40DhYGpMZwiuv42GWoxhVrlNQSANXneH4c3MF3IVpSKSrGWqNI9_uN01_igoCV8Q/s1600-h/DSC07355.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4gcuxS95hnx0gl6PxcOdZ_ApbwavXEstYrtnxgLfUuJq7toBdPpnBDz8KB4yOahzf-V01icY73Y40DhYGpMZwiuv42GWoxhVrlNQSANXneH4c3MF3IVpSKSrGWqNI9_uN01_igoCV8Q/s320/DSC07355.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202683397247455698" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJgHdU2DoaVISIZQ2A-hw9lbWDjlZUnKMpxEyDgYFFs7h4Gm1BToPvBT_dOIXy6RDqOI_bYaztxhmF_Rh1hSyRb2SHxn5sO6mL71Puf8hElSbll3T_L9UfWXhOzW5SBZwhlDD5-wzhVM/s1600-h/DSC07361.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJgHdU2DoaVISIZQ2A-hw9lbWDjlZUnKMpxEyDgYFFs7h4Gm1BToPvBT_dOIXy6RDqOI_bYaztxhmF_Rh1hSyRb2SHxn5sO6mL71Puf8hElSbll3T_L9UfWXhOzW5SBZwhlDD5-wzhVM/s320/DSC07361.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202684088737190370" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-86731073594570670282008-03-26T07:32:00.006+12:002008-12-10T22:43:17.788+12:00Who knew<div style="text-align: center;">I let A. guide the activity, this is roughly how it went:<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. sort by size<br />2. sort by color<br />3. sort by size<br />4. sort into "families" (by color) in the egg cartons<br />5. Big ones became mama hens, little ones eggs and baby chicks....lots of "Peep, peep"-ing<br />6. I challenged him a bit to put three babies in each hole, and one had to be orange<br />7. Back to sorting by family<br />He would have kept going, but it had been about 45 minutes and I was growing bored and moved on to other activities. It was funny for me to see him dust off his hands after he had satisfactorily made a grouping of some kind. He was so intent on it all.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3dYqaCzLXlMTMQI0c68QsI1TVJGoo9Y__IrPqdeBlGqNOE6ZnozTNQoZDe0UE_paq_J__h19XpIyeEpJranDDvoZpH9oDAArmvUgsEKfw-XfR5LYOCsOrrR8pGU-4JUPSRjcL2RpNcU/s1600-h/DSC05650.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3dYqaCzLXlMTMQI0c68QsI1TVJGoo9Y__IrPqdeBlGqNOE6ZnozTNQoZDe0UE_paq_J__h19XpIyeEpJranDDvoZpH9oDAArmvUgsEKfw-XfR5LYOCsOrrR8pGU-4JUPSRjcL2RpNcU/s400/DSC05650.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181767597213927218" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Rakfu8L-id9TATzuMXo-6XWPbkJqx2KFLG11-k07-PbwfLR06JYZ0X0vUqDq2HlEg-YYuDf6gbt0PrRLQbqs1ezBXGrCrrElrtTwttoPptszMZk7Hqc4t8lMzzhg4fxO7Q1ZVD_HBWA/s1600-h/DSC05646.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Rakfu8L-id9TATzuMXo-6XWPbkJqx2KFLG11-k07-PbwfLR06JYZ0X0vUqDq2HlEg-YYuDf6gbt0PrRLQbqs1ezBXGrCrrElrtTwttoPptszMZk7Hqc4t8lMzzhg4fxO7Q1ZVD_HBWA/s400/DSC05646.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181764977283876626" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBBPq_p4XVou0Ae0vzw_Af8JuW-ID95MjvoQZYlcbJSbDmzr-YiG1bWyek5f-3zRsFBql9IVGkwcNXRUV54yw60pHIgQnzTHs13vD-AYsSRvd-k5Whr26HZ2h-dz9RhitGiBuhqkIyvw/s1600-h/DSC05649.JPG"><br /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-33070645569707866292008-03-05T10:01:00.004+12:002008-12-10T22:43:18.201+12:00Button, Button, Who's Got the Button?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOv7FoeV7JQGOGUVizYTy05U8K_CEWyBd-rwbcJDeEQSclwF7j26bd98KSYC7L3lUEtre81d_9AJInzEVdGXXZ81pihsTV0B1baoTYFT21kZanskVCUwgIVXL9L3tTdvd2prbus-wyhM0/s1600-h/Copy+of+DSC05285.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOv7FoeV7JQGOGUVizYTy05U8K_CEWyBd-rwbcJDeEQSclwF7j26bd98KSYC7L3lUEtre81d_9AJInzEVdGXXZ81pihsTV0B1baoTYFT21kZanskVCUwgIVXL9L3tTdvd2prbus-wyhM0/s320/Copy+of+DSC05285.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174010230507370994" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60rC4b2sbGGNyRc8qSoYyShTgjBZakf-NP_hcJRphS970GGcMWQkg2q5iF_AZGsnO0XNu3vKOOBJ0l5DWw9J4KUUz9fAalOXm0-Q1pW5-XbyJPqFZLhuIyxY9Pb3ZcJ0Kb6x3no0K1oM/s1600-h/Copy+of+DSC05289.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60rC4b2sbGGNyRc8qSoYyShTgjBZakf-NP_hcJRphS970GGcMWQkg2q5iF_AZGsnO0XNu3vKOOBJ0l5DWw9J4KUUz9fAalOXm0-Q1pW5-XbyJPqFZLhuIyxY9Pb3ZcJ0Kb6x3no0K1oM/s320/Copy+of+DSC05289.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174010453845670418" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMRdaZZYZEgnA7JfsAttvrx4S53OUUirPHBYXRGecnwK7tjn7LVfqDZBk9OL9S-Ltsvo_mvNKvbm1XW6WYrk9k0fL_UppPSuRScCU1rZYJXsZ548XvvQTdi5TBxZNYJsT4NJx8IFGzmA/s1600-h/Copy+of+DSC05290.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMRdaZZYZEgnA7JfsAttvrx4S53OUUirPHBYXRGecnwK7tjn7LVfqDZBk9OL9S-Ltsvo_mvNKvbm1XW6WYrk9k0fL_UppPSuRScCU1rZYJXsZ548XvvQTdi5TBxZNYJsT4NJx8IFGzmA/s320/Copy+of+DSC05290.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174010342176520706" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-20574158890130233932008-03-02T14:18:00.004+12:002008-12-10T22:43:18.333+12:00Nature Walk Poster<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqXOA91IffS6q3VJ40sEBv60h8jstdg3AO18Z9pwicAjnEqKIbwGaJY67eZFwUXT_5L8-lNU8Zgt7o1kl5_CbBG-8mTzliU3PKD_B12uGPAgRWXy145jkHJOYKZtNlgChdphpRNdqw_U/s1600-h/DSC05124.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqXOA91IffS6q3VJ40sEBv60h8jstdg3AO18Z9pwicAjnEqKIbwGaJY67eZFwUXT_5L8-lNU8Zgt7o1kl5_CbBG-8mTzliU3PKD_B12uGPAgRWXy145jkHJOYKZtNlgChdphpRNdqw_U/s400/DSC05124.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172963893612425970" border="0" /></a><br />Just a quick photo to get back in the habit. Here is a poster we made from our nature walk one day. I really emphasized all the words as we were writing them and gluing the items on.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-37752500980311504322007-12-10T13:01:00.000+12:002008-12-10T22:43:18.574+12:00More Christmas Advent Fun<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQ0YXYGNQmd8H1_j_AtTnWc614aIG-zJrd7p8ryF8a8aepuW9P0OxQAr8wmNBxBbMlu2DdwUDjlZgrvKZ1e0lQK4jx0vw424wo-kwSyt-7mNBm1bkE1lvdJGeSQcybP4oeNrTx_74ZR4/s1600-h/DSC03261.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQ0YXYGNQmd8H1_j_AtTnWc614aIG-zJrd7p8ryF8a8aepuW9P0OxQAr8wmNBxBbMlu2DdwUDjlZgrvKZ1e0lQK4jx0vw424wo-kwSyt-7mNBm1bkE1lvdJGeSQcybP4oeNrTx_74ZR4/s320/DSC03261.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142144109584854754" border="0" /></a>Our nativity puzzle (this was the only picture I could find). We read about it, then cut it up and put the puzzle back together. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDko6NKAJ1T_wmpvJt1UEqJ3DpLkgy-hFMKXif9dIQZMr27jh5SBZ1rsrJS7YMmtsXoYp6cCuN86VJFBBrrjZ6FzIwA2FQNRBM4-Puum3okpj2X1_9y1ad7x2Q35RZCRRsNf2eG2X4t2k/s1600-h/DSC03248.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDko6NKAJ1T_wmpvJt1UEqJ3DpLkgy-hFMKXif9dIQZMr27jh5SBZ1rsrJS7YMmtsXoYp6cCuN86VJFBBrrjZ6FzIwA2FQNRBM4-Puum3okpj2X1_9y1ad7x2Q35RZCRRsNf2eG2X4t2k/s320/DSC03248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142143976440868562" border="0" /></a>Christmas shakers: rice, food coloring, empty bottle. And now we have noise makers for New Years!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-13510349923698230312007-12-07T11:55:00.000+12:002008-12-10T22:43:19.990+12:00OrnamentsI really don't have time to detail the activities, maybe later. For now here are a bunch of photos. You can make up your own captions.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0U5GqcIqF4kPxG8uN160ruibsjzVHODdsHrsIY8Z84SusdFlxaqnqX4VHc0ZbW_1i7Jm9aoWlaCZOxv3o9ykwjnFnxgU6eenJLKPykQINx0GmPafUS5TinJeb0YFFX9bcg7pQRPS3Go/s1600-h/DSC03163.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0U5GqcIqF4kPxG8uN160ruibsjzVHODdsHrsIY8Z84SusdFlxaqnqX4VHc0ZbW_1i7Jm9aoWlaCZOxv3o9ykwjnFnxgU6eenJLKPykQINx0GmPafUS5TinJeb0YFFX9bcg7pQRPS3Go/s320/DSC03163.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142138392983383650" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNETYv_hMz7NzBc-LPl1k0IxLgxVhMPZL4J7KlFYoQfXIflDEOmEBBc1A97xGMYbKBkkG7T5UtiTtpWaE7HY25lqMNfOdN46xPr05FDsQqDzv6SmlO0WX-GF1Dsou8aG0wTt50Q_2Tm9A/s1600-h/DSC03165.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNETYv_hMz7NzBc-LPl1k0IxLgxVhMPZL4J7KlFYoQfXIflDEOmEBBc1A97xGMYbKBkkG7T5UtiTtpWaE7HY25lqMNfOdN46xPr05FDsQqDzv6SmlO0WX-GF1Dsou8aG0wTt50Q_2Tm9A/s320/DSC03165.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142138740875734642" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ywDb1PeO6HJsZkUGoHwqUf2XIzsiVugFNWrIFTnxMqZuDzY1ps3dDEZEBnqhFQgcRkKvONfc3DzmhLugwWPEuweRO68wntQ3_Kd5gUB5rC73WYrxywvQz0WHf4nQ8_k8TigB6UxK74g/s1600-h/DSC03171.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ywDb1PeO6HJsZkUGoHwqUf2XIzsiVugFNWrIFTnxMqZuDzY1ps3dDEZEBnqhFQgcRkKvONfc3DzmhLugwWPEuweRO68wntQ3_Kd5gUB5rC73WYrxywvQz0WHf4nQ8_k8TigB6UxK74g/s320/DSC03171.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142138972803968642" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoog5JxcC7cf_pxV4k5xAMBV9uBYuQVn8g1OVQQ2D_VJhbkxyQ-tCnUssHKnpMfmrxmu9uz8jlBP7qpovtvezJ3eyvGhBHuKB_ZBLF_zEWE8yYSeu4ZMolXTQq7VrB0ok-c0xVVu4TpvE/s1600-h/DSC03192.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoog5JxcC7cf_pxV4k5xAMBV9uBYuQVn8g1OVQQ2D_VJhbkxyQ-tCnUssHKnpMfmrxmu9uz8jlBP7qpovtvezJ3eyvGhBHuKB_ZBLF_zEWE8yYSeu4ZMolXTQq7VrB0ok-c0xVVu4TpvE/s320/DSC03192.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142139548329586322" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EEql-gHgA7rD-U77S0jw4uW_f3ELm00py_5xcsT3sXbiCyv0_i-064TsH1boiNRymhA7oSj66etrgaZYQL04n58d0OKT-f3jJi8svN8EomkBxJPJBOTleaK9-QYZlsVfuBtDmIa38SU/s1600-h/DSC03196.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EEql-gHgA7rD-U77S0jw4uW_f3ELm00py_5xcsT3sXbiCyv0_i-064TsH1boiNRymhA7oSj66etrgaZYQL04n58d0OKT-f3jJi8svN8EomkBxJPJBOTleaK9-QYZlsVfuBtDmIa38SU/s320/DSC03196.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142141266316504754" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEing_LRjDy5a6dL3sbankE92jJryxWilX2ofGu9lNWGwdqBDpyqCq0KEK57f5z_cXG1CrsKiLGp7P_GBZg-WCsJshUAqf2yH1GQ9EfWweoYMY0c2-s-6hEi7x49V-fJIPaWvj5tSRrU8NY/s1600-h/DSC03205.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEing_LRjDy5a6dL3sbankE92jJryxWilX2ofGu9lNWGwdqBDpyqCq0KEK57f5z_cXG1CrsKiLGp7P_GBZg-WCsJshUAqf2yH1GQ9EfWweoYMY0c2-s-6hEi7x49V-fJIPaWvj5tSRrU8NY/s320/DSC03205.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142140252704222882" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguklpypbX3Dv2EqDykh3DOzGHsbLer8qgIfcU-wbzdYxoH9dENq5MbZxchnZR6Vh4CAmcu3BPRN3kxP0ogD0QgB7X-fDZrDo7U7E6RzXP_Jb8Jbjji7hqk2uwmMvsI7DoczlOlQL_lqf4/s1600-h/DSC03213.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguklpypbX3Dv2EqDykh3DOzGHsbLer8qgIfcU-wbzdYxoH9dENq5MbZxchnZR6Vh4CAmcu3BPRN3kxP0ogD0QgB7X-fDZrDo7U7E6RzXP_Jb8Jbjji7hqk2uwmMvsI7DoczlOlQL_lqf4/s320/DSC03213.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142141609913888450" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-2936485737106511742007-12-07T10:58:00.000+12:002008-12-10T22:43:20.643+12:00Christmas Counting Game<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3D7qDePtpSLBkYNezImvmKSWfZM44TFCSnNhB9vkN1cR-zggek5Id4W6IyfZfzVXNBc4KKWll36v3GnnEUblEVj4C-TjgP2ERzxLri6a7plEBbhXRJGbZ26NpCKo6gvGZkf7N4uX2Nnw/s1600-h/DSC03150.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3D7qDePtpSLBkYNezImvmKSWfZM44TFCSnNhB9vkN1cR-zggek5Id4W6IyfZfzVXNBc4KKWll36v3GnnEUblEVj4C-TjgP2ERzxLri6a7plEBbhXRJGbZ26NpCKo6gvGZkf7N4uX2Nnw/s400/DSC03150.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141011562995429250" border="0" /></a>Count the number of ornaments on the tree and then put a clothes pin on the correct number down below. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHV-c-hIur-NceVLYKcy81yY_RrQHz-XtRIeM8khiQj8FNzgc5-Cfz_oM5zZqJafkmf3o1ikdgZ9aLO_EvZWtkpLcb1O7lx-9EF7LQS4vf1qKtcRJOo43duWitfLlsQDR4uwEQoNM2hU/s1600-h/DSC03149.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHV-c-hIur-NceVLYKcy81yY_RrQHz-XtRIeM8khiQj8FNzgc5-Cfz_oM5zZqJafkmf3o1ikdgZ9aLO_EvZWtkpLcb1O7lx-9EF7LQS4vf1qKtcRJOo43duWitfLlsQDR4uwEQoNM2hU/s400/DSC03149.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141011459916214130" border="0" /></a>We also counted snowballs. That was an easier one to make, but less fun to play. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxbk2yxCoVmeU9Fx7Vd9Z7ce9eSrpmk8nDmF3-ogHk_ISEFK0DQFldsO0Dy3t11jpuAItLWGFMNZjRNVCyhJWYFlaHlDIkz5rXlmlC8j3caF806jDwFpbLf1BkPbllUo7pj_e0dPAjSg/s1600-h/DSC03152.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxbk2yxCoVmeU9Fx7Vd9Z7ce9eSrpmk8nDmF3-ogHk_ISEFK0DQFldsO0Dy3t11jpuAItLWGFMNZjRNVCyhJWYFlaHlDIkz5rXlmlC8j3caF806jDwFpbLf1BkPbllUo7pj_e0dPAjSg/s400/DSC03152.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141011657484709778" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437442314474280811.post-3845277804348301162007-12-05T20:31:00.004+12:002008-12-10T22:43:21.587+12:00Candy Garlands, Pipe Cleaner Wreathes, and More CardsGetting ready to make the candy garland. Hope we have enough candies to make a long one.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahigfqQuJiymUq_K1_Ku9yrFL1OVBaE3IW3DOxU7b3LeGuWlZNpcKt5v1rnNSazGtmN7amZfPJXCc1DzexrNTRWqBUey7tzwe-I_Waw2nP4RvnaaT2z_4DaYTVILs6a0oKairYAU7Rkk/s1600-h/DSC03118.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahigfqQuJiymUq_K1_Ku9yrFL1OVBaE3IW3DOxU7b3LeGuWlZNpcKt5v1rnNSazGtmN7amZfPJXCc1DzexrNTRWqBUey7tzwe-I_Waw2nP4RvnaaT2z_4DaYTVILs6a0oKairYAU7Rkk/s320/DSC03118.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140404404943630114" border="0" /></a>Towards the end A helped by flying his plane over to the pile, selecting the next candy, and then dropping it off to me. This plane is one of his many creations. He'll find random objects and them obsess over creating something (usually a plane). The problem is he gets so frustrated when it doesn't work exactly how he sees it in his mind. Funny thing is, he has 8 perfectly good airplanes and 3 more helicopters in his toy box! The inventing/creating gene has definitely passed from father to son.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5v5LUY1QanT2ZqDCohk5MR8Z7CLUe7l5VnBmQKHkqt9G2yldr1hhb48a9K9yovujz8hPCdxrBE8BT3NwnVu6CsSHqGmIhl8Se5EFx_SYiMZITGUtz0A-bDbmSD3oqoj-sg_KUZ7J4oBw/s1600-h/DSC03126.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5v5LUY1QanT2ZqDCohk5MR8Z7CLUe7l5VnBmQKHkqt9G2yldr1hhb48a9K9yovujz8hPCdxrBE8BT3NwnVu6CsSHqGmIhl8Se5EFx_SYiMZITGUtz0A-bDbmSD3oqoj-sg_KUZ7J4oBw/s320/DSC03126.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140404310454349586" border="0" /></a>Here's the finished snake...er...uh..candy garland. There was absolutely no pretending that it was a giant snake. Nope, none of that. :-)<br /><br />I stumbled on another craft somewhere in my surfing of the past week that I thought A could handle. Once again I overestimated his attention and ability, but we saw it through to the end anyway. It's a mini wreath made by wrapping pipe cleaners around a cardboard circle. Yeah, hideous, but a good activity to pass the time together. These were taken at the half-way point when A's attention was on it's last leg. The faces were all his idea.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9R11uoVrERi7C843uy68VaVPnimpFeIYqpMRldlb0uOH-zekjn0XguXZCLLE9ZDL_nu9mj66LfF92APsU3lKYlZx4tFxAFWYzovrUHBMT0pGy1myDkv24Kbm9tFQyLyO0X08hhZxH5I/s1600-h/DSC03142.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9R11uoVrERi7C843uy68VaVPnimpFeIYqpMRldlb0uOH-zekjn0XguXZCLLE9ZDL_nu9mj66LfF92APsU3lKYlZx4tFxAFWYzovrUHBMT0pGy1myDkv24Kbm9tFQyLyO0X08hhZxH5I/s320/DSC03142.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140404130065723122" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuny5ewNDAvHCyBQ2FxyE6k35sTElz85HmxOiw8bFXUEBgd7f8bswOxUHfrmKu1st9Ajm8AxK2GW7A3QEOB0geLjeT-EbMLkIk_FDL3cBY5ebI2_0FuNNfjed3qYxI01Q35310W8VTig/s1600-h/DSC03143.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuny5ewNDAvHCyBQ2FxyE6k35sTElz85HmxOiw8bFXUEBgd7f8bswOxUHfrmKu1st9Ajm8AxK2GW7A3QEOB0geLjeT-EbMLkIk_FDL3cBY5ebI2_0FuNNfjed3qYxI01Q35310W8VTig/s320/DSC03143.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140404035576442594" border="0" /></a>Here's the lovely end product. I keep reminding myself that I have to hang it on the tree.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDkaZBYlcBbPN_uF-5-t3MM2fZ06XBcV3ems6TaP7yQ2aycODenhOkIjKtLOTpERy3wza8ls5ujnXljxQSELmt-4aY0El2STCBkrhOjRCNYtSvj6IqmmmDKrBt-mupUUXAlUWlRxF82U/s1600-h/DSC03146.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDkaZBYlcBbPN_uF-5-t3MM2fZ06XBcV3ems6TaP7yQ2aycODenhOkIjKtLOTpERy3wza8ls5ujnXljxQSELmt-4aY0El2STCBkrhOjRCNYtSvj6IqmmmDKrBt-mupUUXAlUWlRxF82U/s320/DSC03146.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140403941087162066" border="0" /></a>Another batch of cards made today. I was surprised at the interest and ability A had for this one. He did his own cutting and gluing (with my direction). During the crafting he told me these remind him of a jack-in-the-box. Clever little mind.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNt5dmU69pNSIPVKr43N6jFyaxt1_dpyAaO1xSY30_DOi7bgEHGPMBY5bCvjSBw_m5EQ704WyaZPdreq0U94RFrY1VlRCTsRHErNjciTTQ5qng3rhaDTtSEFrkYc0lcYTl1sEy_8HuAEg/s1600-h/DSC03134.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNt5dmU69pNSIPVKr43N6jFyaxt1_dpyAaO1xSY30_DOi7bgEHGPMBY5bCvjSBw_m5EQ704WyaZPdreq0U94RFrY1VlRCTsRHErNjciTTQ5qng3rhaDTtSEFrkYc0lcYTl1sEy_8HuAEg/s320/DSC03134.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140403850892848834" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1