Category Archives fun

Making Sand Art Cards

Dear NHL and JSL,

The two of you adore making crafts. With a smaller house, it is sometimes hard to get into more elaborate items in our space. Last summer, we spent a lot of time at Michaels for their passport art program. One of our favorites was the sand art (Tibetan sand paintings) for China. This year, the library had a sign up for a Sand Card Art activity run by the Scotia-Glenville Traveling Children’s Museum.

When we walked into the room, everything was set up. This is what you both found on the table that we sat at:

Some Sand Art Supplies

Each of the tables around the room were set up the same way. There were items to trace, pencils, scissors, cardboard for glue, glue, q-tips to use with the glue, and cards to design. Then, in the front of the room, there was a table that had a table cloth strategically set up on it.

Lots of Sand Colors

One of the librarians introduced the nice woman from the museum who explained the steps in making the sand art. She also showed everyone some card examples. Once she was done, it was time to get to creating. Both of you wanted to make a dinosaur, so you began with that.

Dinosaur Sand Art Card

After the dinosaur, you both created some other items and it was fun to watch. NHL, you wanted to make the scar that is on Harry Potter along with his name. JSL you did more modern art and mixed sand color technique.

Sand Art Creativity

One other thing that I noticed was the table where the sand had been sitting at the start. The sand colors on the table cloth were just fascinating to look at themselves.

Sand Art Aftermath

Although it was hard to keep up with both of you at the same time, it really was a lot of fun. I can not wait to head to more events over the rest of the summer with you. Oh and perhaps we will get some supplies to try sand art for the holidays.

Love,

Mommy

P.S. A huge thank you to the libraries in the area for hosting such amazing programs for the kids over the summer. Your patience and smiles are greatly appreciated.

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Keeping Cool During the Summer

The weather around the country and beyond has been strange over the last year. Crazy storms, flooding rains last spring/summer, warmer than usual winter, and now unbelievable heat and fires in many regions. It has been very warm here, but for the most part it has not been too humid (YET). With fans and AC units, we can keep the house where we are much more comfortable than being outside.

When the temperatures are so warm, I wish we had a pool. We have a little kiddie pool I can toss it in the backyard for the kids to cool off for a bit.

Little Swimming Pool

The reality is that the kids are getting too big for this and the adults in the family can not really use it for more than dipping feet in. I miss my Nana and Papa’s pool where the entire family could splash, play, and laugh together more. It was also a place where we could learn to swim and practice.

Since we have no family pools to go to now, we have to look for alternatives. Thank goodness parks in the area have put a lot of spray grounds in. We have tried a few of them and definitely have a favorite now. Just the other day, TechyDad came home from work and went to cool off for about an hour before dinner with the boys. Here they are in “water jail” while enjoying the time there.

Park Spray Area

So my question to you this week is inspired by the photo above:

Do your kids like going to a spray ground or do they prefer pools? If you have any other suggestions on staying cool with the kids outside, I would love to hear them.

It's Me

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Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this fun for Friday. Please be sure to head over to her blog to say hello and sign the linky there if you are participating.

Aloha Friday by Kailani at An<br<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
    /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
    Island<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
    Life

Aloha #211

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Making Wind Chimes

Dear NHL & JSL,

This week we went to the library for one of their summer projects. They were going to make wind chimes and it was a two part project. We had to sign up for it since they only had supplies for so many people.

Wind Chime Craft

When we arrived, all of the supplies for the painting day were set out for project. You had paint brushes and small terra cotta pots. The librarian explained that you would be painting these on the first day. Lots of paint options were set out for people to select from. NHL, you wanted all warm colors. Your selections were red, orange, and yellow. JSL, you immediately wanted blue and then gold. The gold was not working right, so you opted for green and yellow.

Paiting Wind Chimes

It was fun watching your techniques. JSL, you wanted to cover the entire pot in one color and then add some stripes and dots of another. NHL, you were going for a more bold tie-dye effect. Both of you were done rather quickly, so we brought the clay pots to the room for them to dry over the holiday.

Top of wind chimes ready

Since the next step was VERY time consuming, the librarians helped you out. They had baggies set up with fishing line attached to a bead and the chimes at the end. There were five of these, the clapper (which was missing a string), key ring circle, and latch to hang up your creation.

Beads for the wind chimes

Both of you had a lot of fun creating all of your beaded sections. While you worked on those, I tied them onto the key ring.

Making Wind Chimes

We had to leave the clapper off since it was getting knotted up with the string they had left. Not a big deal since the chimes and beads were producing a nice sound on their own.

Finished wind chimes

Now we just need to figure out where to put the wind chimes. I think we may get some hot glue to make the key ring stay in place. It was a lot of fun to make a new craft with both of you during a summer fun event at our library. I can’t wait to see what we do next time.

Love,

Mommy

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Making Mini Golf Memories

There is something extra special about going back to a place that you went to as a child with your own children. Add in going with your parents to watch them with the grandkids, and it is even more magical. On the fourth of July, TechyDad was working to move his office to a new location. Nana and Papa decided to surprise the kids by taking them to a Golden Pond Miniature Golf in Clifton Park.

Clifton Park Golf

The place has not changed much since I went there as a child. They have kept it clean, in good condition, and possibly even made some improvements. While walking around, I had visions of my brother and I learning to avoid the water hazards, getting a hole in one in a certain location, and bringing our neighborhood friends there to enjoy.

On the flip side, I watched my father assist the kids with holding the golf club the right way. I saw my mother smile as I recalled certain items. Then, there was the laughter, running, and smiling from my boys.

Fourth of July Mini Golf

Although we missed TechyDad, we had a great time beating the heat on the shady golf course. I know the kids will definitely want to head back here again and I am sure we will. For me, it was not only about making new memories with my boys, but also reliving some special times from my childhood. It is always nice when a location from your past lives up to your expectations of years gone by.

What did you do with your family on the 4th of July?

It's Me

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Faux Tattoo Fun

Dear NHL and JSL,

The summer of 2012 may be dubbed the season of faux tattoos in our house. We have bought some in the past, but neither of you were really interested in them. The Avengers ones that I bought you for Chanukah sat for months unopened. Last week, one of you asked to buy some Toy Story tattoos from Michaels while we were there for an event. I said sure. The next thing I knew, you each had three tattoos, while I had one.

Toy Story Faux Tattoos

I am not sure what changed your interest in them. I have a feeling it may be thanks to seeing your cousins wearing them at JSL’s pirate party. It has been fun watching the two of you debate between Toy Story, Avengers, and other random tattoos that we have around the house from over the years.

Faux Tattoo Time

No matter what tattoo you pick, I will love you both to infinity and beyond!

Love,

Mommy

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