Saturday, March 3, 2012

Being Outside

Well it is a nice warm 75 degrees here in Texas. It is March, and that means it is almost summer, we even played in the sprinkler yesterday. Well not summer yet, because I think the next few days are going to be in the 60s. Regardless it is time to be outside more. Yesterday we (me and the girls) were outside for the entire afternoon. I love watching both girls just kind of do their own thing, and yet come together to do something. I have been trying to make a conscience effort lately to get my kids outside.

I've also been trying to take it more seriously that Ruth asks me everyday when she gets to go to school. She is 3, not even 3 and a half yet. But I know 5 is coming quick. So we make the most of our days together and every now and then the teacher in me throws in an educational activity but mostly we just play. That is school for her age, just play.

Two resources that I have been using a lot lately are .....
Full of ideas and activities for preschoolers and toddlers and even infants. Focusing on the power of play.
Fifteen Minutes Outside by Rebecca Cohen
365 activities to do outside to get out of the house and connect with your kids.

So here is a few pictures of what we have been doing outside lately.

R with her Rollie-Pollie Habitat and M with her bubbles

Just putting rocks from one bucket into another, later we put water in the bigger one, and wow she was excited!
Creating a house out of a cardboard box, complete with a mailbox. She is decorating at this point.


So I hope you fellow Texans are enjoying this beautiful weather. I do not look forward to the days of 100 degree weather, so I am going to enjoy this and go outside as much as I can.

Monday, February 6, 2012

A little yarn and a little felt....

So I have seen these cute little things circulating the blogoshphere, and when my sister told me she would love one for her birthday I was so excited to try them out. This was my inspiration here.....

So I headed out to look for some striped ribbon, and felt and began.
Below is the one I made for Mel for her Birthday in December.


Easiest thing ever to make! I made one for my sister in law for Christmas. We actually had that family Christmas after Christmas, but hopefully she can put it out for Christmas next year! I am brainstorming colors for a Spring one.

Some more felt craft ideas I love.....
Felt Food - I really need to make these for the girls

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Banging Wall

I posted this picture awhile back

Our library had her book called The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections

Some awesome ideas on really letting your kids create meaningful experiences. My favorite idea was the banging wall, and since my girls like to make some noise. We went for it. Well I spent like 3 months collecting old pots and different metal and plastic "stuff." Then I was finally able to convince my husband to pull out the power tools and that pallet that had been laying around the yard. It took 30 minutes!
Ruth loves to dance while making music. Marie loves it because it is loud. Ruth wants to show every kid that comes over. I look forward to incorporating more creative things outside and inside for our kids.

It has been in the upper 70s all week here in TX, so we are outside most of the day. I am trying to find some fun crafts to do for the birds that are hanging around. Yesterday we saw two blujays and a cardinal. What are you doing outside?