Category Archives fun

A Coloring Giraffe

In a few weeks, I will be the mother of a nine year old. This is hitting me hard because, in a year, my kiddo will be in the double digit years. In an attempt to figure out some ideas for NHL’s birthday present, we went out in the rain to Toys R Us. While NHL and I were looking at some school supplies, we noticed someone rather tall coming from behind us. We called for JSL and he came over to get a photo with a very special giraffe. Geoffrey Giraffe at Toys R Us

Geoffrey was beyond patient and posed for two photos with NHL alone, and then the boys together. He even got down to their level for a sweet photo. Little did he know that we are big giraffe fans.

While I was looking at things for NHL’s Muppet birthday party, the boys went over to a table to do some coloring. Shortly after I went to look at them, someone else joined the table.

Geoffrey Giraffe coloring

The boys were alone and coloring with Geoffrey for quite a while. I have to say, this is one talented giraffe. He was able to color neatly and stay in the lines. Meanwhile, my little artist was showing his latest style of coloring. JSL seems to be going more abstract these days. Rather than stick with simply blue, he likes to maximize color exploration. It may look like scribbling, but he is very exact about the destination of each color and section it is placed into.

Coloring Geoffrey Giraffe

After coloring, we went to explore the store for a little while. NHL gave us a few ideas, some Legos and Nintendo DS games. Still, we need to try to get other ideas before his big day. Until then, I will be switching my attention to TechyDad. His birthday is in less than a week – yikes!

It's Me

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Jelly Beans in the Name of Science

Dear NHL and JSL,

Last year, we went to a lot of the summer programs at the library. We are doing the same this summer. It has been a lot of fun and quite a variety of items to do. Last year, one of your favorite items was the kid style chocolate blind taste testing. This week, they decided to do something similar, but with jelly beans. NHL, I knew that you were going to be in heaven since you adore jelly beans. I will admit I was worried about JSL.

01 Jelly Bean Science SuppliesSince I was nervous about JSL’s reaction, I made sure not to talk too much about it before we arrived. As we began, the two of you were excited because all of the kids were thrilled about the prospect of candy.

JSL, as I suspected, you were not overly thrilled with the jelly beans. You started to pout and get upset. I made a deal with you that I would cut the jelly beans in half and you did not have to eat any that you did not like. Thank goodness the purple jelly beans that we began with were very tame and you seemed to enjoy them. Things fell apart a bit by the time we arrived at the pink. You got through most of the green and then NHL helped to let you know ones to avoid.

NHL, you were in love with this activity and not just because of the candy. When I looked over, you were well into the second set of jelly beans and recording your data. What shocked me was you did not simply put an “x” next to your favorite. You had a system. You gave each jelly bean a score from one to ten so everything was noted as you went along. This was really good thinking since JSL had a hard time keeping track of the flavors as he went along.

Here’s a video that I made the two of you of the fun from the experience. Something to remember the scientific study of jelly beans.

We had a great time and talked about how scientific the sheets were and what other items could be done in a similar fashion at home. The best part was that everyone had fun, JSL tried new items, and NHL explored data collecting. I know I can’t wait to check out more of the events the rest of the summer and make more memories with the two of you.

Love,

Mommy

For those interested in the types of jelly beans used by the library, I asked. Here are the answers (the favorites were not done being tallied up when we left):

  • A – Jolly Ranchers
  • B – Regular from Price Chopper
  • C – Starburst
  • D – Spice from Price Chopper
  • E – Sour from Price Chopper
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A Kermit Sized Surprise

Dear JSL,

Last Sunday, I decided to head out just with you. Our goal had been to look for a birthday present for NHL. Since the three of us are together every day, it is hard to shop and make things a surprise. When I asked you where you wanted to go, you said to the mall with Build-A-Bear. I agreed to take you there, but told you that we would only look.

Papa Smurf, Kermit, Miss Piggy

When we walked into Build-A-Bear, I watched to see if you noticed the bin of Papa Smurf dolls sitting there. After a while, you stared to ask to make something. You saw Kermit, a cute bear with stars, and then Papa Smurf. You had been asking for Papa Smurf since he came out just after you made Snowflake.

I sent a text message to Daddy. I mentioned that you had some birthday money and perhaps if you really wanted something after your rough week we could let you. When Daddy agreed, you were not sure if it was a trick. Then, you narrowed it down to two choices.

Build-A-Bear Decisions

After some time to think about it, you decided that you really wanted to bring Kermit home to your friends. Yes, Kermit had a special place in your heart because he was also a puppet. We both had a lot of fun together during this time. I think to this day you are still shocked that you were able to make him.

 Kermit the Frog at Home

In the end, the smiles on your face, the laughter, and the adventures that Kermit has been on have made it even more of a wonderful experience. I can’t wait to watch Kermit continue to bring you comfort. More about our fun making him soon.

Love,

Mommy

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Summer Fun from Pinterest

Last summer, we had a lot of rain and I was constantly trying to figure out what to do with the boys inside. Rain has hardly been an issue this year. Instead, heat and humidity are making it hard to spend too much time outdoors. This is where Pinterest has been helpful. I have found some very interesting items to try out with the boys.

My Pinterest Crafts for kids, Crafts for ME, Summer Fun, and Educational Fun at Home boards are places I go to for ideas. While out and about with JSL the other day, I confused him with some purchases. Here they are:

Supplies to make slime

Thanks to a pin that I noticed the other day, I knew that I needed liquid starch and clear glue (not the easiest to find) to make slime. When I saw the glue on the shelf at the store, I went on a hunt for the other missing item. The food coloring is already at home. Next step, we will follow the directions on Tot Treasures: Explore the Art of Play to hopefully make slime like the pin below:

Source: tottreasuresnorthbay.blogspot.com via TheAngelForever on Pinterest

 

 

Now we have everything all set to make our own slime and you know I will be taking photos along the way. What other items have you made, or seen that you would love to test out with the kids (or yourself) this summer?

It's Me

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