This is what we woke up to yesterday. It might just be the last big snow of the year (I hope so!), so we decided not to let it go to waste. But, to enjoy this fresh powder, we didn't pull out our gloves and hats. Instead...
Smores are WAY too yummy (and easy to make) to only enjoy when it's nice outside. If you've got a wood-burning fireplace (thankfully we do!!), then you can enjoy some INDOOR SMORES!
At least once a week I try to do a crafty little project with Landon. Paint is definitely his favorite medium...I'm sure you're surprised. :) If you're brave enough to pop those acrylic caps, here's a fun way to decorate your house with genuine love this Valentines Day.
Step 1:
Let your child paint a large piece of paper. We usedred, brown, and white.The great thing about this project is there are no "lines" to stay inside of, or particular shapes or outlines to create. Just let your little one enjoy covering the paper with color!
Helpful hint: Paper Plates make great paint trays (in a home or in a classroom).
Step 2:
Trace various sizes of heart-shaped cookie cutters all over your child's painting. If your child is old enough, he or she can do this step too. The more mixed colors, the better!
Step 3:
Cut out the hearts and find fun ways to display them around your house! Here's my favorite way to show off Landon's love-ly art!
We Pennsylvanians are partial to good ol' Phil every February 2nd (did you know he's a Steeler fan?!), but this morning we had an extra bit of love for him. No shadow! Hooray! We're ready for Spring.
No matter where you're from though, this holiday is a great opportunity to teach your kids a few things about history, animals, science and weather. Here are some fun ideas.
1. Make! Landon created this adorable little Peek-a-boo Groundhog at preschool today. Very easy, and super cute!
Make a cute, little brown blob on a stick...otherwise known as a groundhog. :)
Cover a styrofoam cup in some nice green grass (or leave it white to represent snow...much more authentic, actually).
Poke Phil's stick through the bottom of the cup. Play peek-a-boo as you push him up and down.
2. Sing! Most children learn through song. Try this one.
"I'm a Little Groundhog"
(to the tune of "I'm a Little Teapot")
I'm a little Groundhog,
fat and brown.
Popping up,
above the ground.
I sure hope my shadow,
doesn't show.
'Cause if it does,
we'll have more snow.
by Diane Thorn
3. Watch! This video is just right for little ones, and very informative. Even I learned a few new things about dear Phil. Helpful hint...let it buffer for a few minutes while you round up the kiddos.
Waiting for a white Christmas? Create one inside a simple, plastic container!
Have you child pick out an item or two to put inside your snow globe. Happy Meal toys work great! We actually found this festive tree at the local Dollar Store ($1/each). Use a glue gun to adhere the figurine to the inside of the lid. Press down firmly.
While the glue is drying, allow your child fill the plastic container 3/4 of the way full with some sort of household oil. We used baby oil, but canola or olive would work too. Oil is preferred to water so that the sparkles float and flutter more slowly when shaken.
Add a couple teaspoons of glitter to the oil. Landon loved this part!
Mom can now put the lid back onto the container. For an extra tight seal, I applied a thick layer of hot glue all the way around the lid.
