I love Michigan… (really I do!)
Except when the weather plays with us. It taunts us. It messes with our children and their sanity!!!
For two weeks we had gorgeous weather! Warm, Sunny, just Beautiful! My boys got to go outside in shorts and play with all their long lost outside toys! It was wonderful to let them out of our little house and into our backyard.
We played ball
Found ropes
Sweat in March!
Played in our giant sand box!
But then, Michigan, you played with me… You went back to your frigid ways. My children were once again cooped-up in the house… and this time… we were all going to go crazy!!!
There comes a point when no matter how many awesome toys you have in your house, you kids just do not want to play with them. They would rather play with anything besides what you got them for Christmas!
So, I came up with an idea. Something new. Not original with me. Couldn’t tell you where I saw it or what brought it to mind, but it was worth a shot!
I had a large stock of dried beans in the back of my pantry.
(I try to keep a back up pantry supply especially for winter)
They would do…
I dumped them in a shallow storage container. Threw in a few bowls and spoons. And BAM! Hours of fun and entertainment for two very cooped up boys!
(See Dixie staring at the beans? She was very confused whether she should eat them or not)
(Dixie gave up and exhausted from thinking too hard!)
Yes, the beans didn’t all stay in the box. But it was super easy to pick up.
There are so many creative Mammas out there! I hope to get my creative juices flowing with this first idea. I may be finding little red and white beans for the next few weeks. But let me tell you….
It was soooo worth it!
That’s a great idea! Another idea I used all the time at the preschool and is easy (but best done in the kitchen area) is cornstarch and water. It provides hours of entertainment and fun! 🙂
I will have to try that one soon! =) Thanks Sarah