Move: Lightning Bug Party

I saw this idea in Family Fun Magazine, and knew that we HAD to do it! 

Our invitation asked all neighborhood children to show up in their pajamas, and to bring their own jar and flashlight. Once they arrived, the kids adorned themselves in bright glow-in-the-dark bracelets, necklaces, and rings.

While we waited for dark to set in, parents helped their little ones make and decorate glow-in-the-dark lightning bugs (paint available at Michael's, about $2.99 ea).

Then, since we were delaying bedtime a bit, we gave the kids a burst of energy by way of Smores.

Finally, the little ones gathered to hear the rules of the game...'yes, your Mama can help you...of course you can give your bugs princess names...no, you can't count the lightning bugs you caught last night..'. While the kids (and parents) rounded up an impressive number of twinkling fireflies that night, the winner, a 6-year-old named Gabe, went home with a build-your-own-bug-catcher set, and a smile that barely fit on his face!

A good time was had by all, and I'm pretty sure

a tradition was started.

Munch: Dirt and Worms!

Recipe from: www.otterbox.com/dirt-and-woms-recipe/

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding
• 1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed
• 15 OREO Cookies, finely crushed, divided
• Gummy Worms! I like the sour ones. You choose.

DIRECTIONS:

POUR milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mix. Beat with wire whisk 2 min. or until well blended. Let stand 5 min.. Gently stir in whipped topping and 1/2 cup of the cookie crumbs.

SPOON into 10 (6- to 7-oz.) paper or plastic cups; top with remaining cookie crumbs.

REFRIGERATE at least 1 hour. Throw the gummy worms on there just before serving. Store leftovers in refrigerator. Dirt Cups can also be served frozen. Prepare as directed; freeze 3 hours or until firm.

Make: Egg Carton Caterpillars

Step 1: Read a caterpillar book...gotta love this one!

Step 2: Cut an egg carton in half lengthwise. We then cut that in half too, so that our caterpillar could move his "hips" a bit!

Step 3: Poke two small holes in sides of caterpillar's head. Thread a long twist tie (pipe cleaner would work too) through holes and curl up ends.

Step 4: If your caterpillar has two segments (like ours) poke one hole in each and attach with another twist tie. Leave about 1 1/2 inches of space between body segments so he has some "wiggle room".

Step 5: Decorate! We used crayons, google eyes, and rainbow pom poms. Very fun!