We are ready for Spring! We are saying good bye to Old Man Winter and are making cupcake paper flowers. They are delightfully easy and need only basic supplies.
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Kristi's Favorites
Aunt Jennifer’s Pumpkin Bread (and cake too!)
My Aunt Jennifer makes the most delicious, moist pumpkin bread ever. I don’t even really like ‘pumpkiny’ stuff either. That is how good this bread is! When I visit my parents during the holidays, I usually find a loaf that has been delivered, and my mother always shares a piece or two with me.
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Play Dough Monsters
Play dough monsters can be whipped up in no time and work well as a Halloween party activity. The supplies are minimal and play dough is cheap to make.
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Water Science with Everyday Objects
A Summer Night at the Drive-in
Puppy Love ~ Toys to Make for Your Pup!
This is an unusual topic for CCK, but we are going to make DIY dog toys. It is likely that many of you have pets who are beloved furry family members. This post is for them!
Our grand-pup is Amelia. She is a mini aussie-poo, which is an Australian shepherd and poodle mix adopted Bethany and Adam, my daughter and son-in-law. She is a high energy dog, super smart, and lightening fast. She loves people and has a friendly, sunny disposition. However, she has to be kept busy or she finds trouble!
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“Press Here” ~ An Action Story!
“Press Here” by Herve’ Tullet is an amazing children’s book!
I was delighted to spend last weekend with my daughter and mother. As usual, our time together included a trip to Barnes and Noble where Lydia said, “Mom, look at this cool book.”
As she began to read I said, “I’m bored already.” To which she replied, “Mom! You have to DO IT!!”
I did it and it IS a cool book!
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Grown-ups ~ Are you ready for kindergarten?
Critter Painting!
Are you ready to have some serious fun?
I hope so because we are going to critter paint!
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Road Trip!! Activities for Kids
Summer is here and so is the time for the family road trip!!!
Traveling on the road with children, grandchildren, young friends, and favorite nieces and nephews can be fun and challenging. Having mini DVD players, games on the phone or iPad are awesome, but you if want to expand horizons a bit beyond screen time; here are some ideas and resources for your next road trip.
Fun, sanity saving road trip ideas:
Music
Take your’ child’s favorite music CDs or load up your phone or the the MP3 player with kid’s music. In the baby area of our Walmart there is a display of children’s CDs with a listening center so you can listen to them before you buy. Don’t forget lullabies for quiet times and classic nursery rhymes too.
- Your local library may have children’s CDs that you can check out.
- There are free kids music downloads at Free Kids Music.
- Kidsongs.com is another place to search for, purchase and download children’s music.
- Here is a summer song list for kids!
Books
Go to the library and check out books that are new and different. Also get books that describe your destination and activities.
Printable Games
Mom’s Minivan has printable games that are very fun! You can slip them into a sheet protector and play using dry erase markers so they can be used again. I was totally impressed with this website. Here are examples of Bingo, a scavenger hunt, and tic-tac-toe:
Here’s another great road trip bingo printable that is really cute too.
Create a binder for your child
Be organized. Games that have been printed can be put into a folder or 3 ring binder. Depending on your children you might want to have access to the binder and supplies to give to them as needed. However, another option is to give each child their own binder with the activities they enjoy. The binder gives them a place to write and a place for paper, a packet of crayons, pencils, stencils, and small activity books (all shown below are from Walmart). A pencil holder that you can snap into a 3 ring binder works very well to keep things together.
Teach your child to use a map or map app
Get a map, atlas, or a map app that your older kids can use. You can purchase maps that are laminated or you can print one from the internet. Highlight the route, mark stops and sights, then slide them into a sheet protector and put into their binder.They can follow the route of the trip which is a great way to teach map reading skills. Trust me…when they leave home for college you want them to be able to read a map even if they have a smart phone!
Eight Amazing Quick Tips
1) Know some classic road trip games like these.
2) Be prepared with a new book or small toy (or a toy or book they haven’t seen in a while) to whip out when boredom really arises.
3) Know where rest stops and parks are located. Pack a Frisbee or ball so that the kids can play when they have the opportunity.
4) Change seating arrangements. Sit in the back so you can read together, talk about the sights, snuggle and share some cheerios.
5) If you have babies and young toddlers consider traveling at night if possible. Just be sure that you are rested and can safely drive at night. Be safe!
6) Here are some preschool apps for your iPhone or iTouch. They are from 1+1+1=1 an awesome tot and preschool resource!
7) If you are grandparents or other loved ones traveling with your favorite little folks, make sure you know favorite foods and routines.
8) Keep track of your child’s blankie, binkie, or any other favorites!
I left my daughter’s ‘moe’ (beloved blanket) at Grandma’s and could find nothing that substituted for it. Everything was pushed away with a tearful “no Moe!” Feel free to learn from our mistake. 🙂
Most importantly ~ keep a sense of humor and have fun together!
What is your favorite traveling tip, resource, or activity?
