Summer Fun

This week's Show Us Your Life at Kelly's Korner is all about activities to do with your kids.  Now this is something I sometimes struggle with, especially since I don't have many friends with kids.  But over time, and with many suggestions from my favorite bloggers, I now have a few tried and true activities that Spencer loves to do. 

I don't know how many of you live in the South, but right it's so hot, I honestly think you could fry an egg on the sidewalk; it was 90 degrees at 9am and 102 by noon.  So all of our current activities are revolving around the temperature outside.  Right now, Spencer's favorite thing to do is water the flowers. I give her the hose and she diligently makes sure each one is thoroughly soaked- as well as herself, ha!  When we are both sufficiently wet, we do "foot prints."  This simply involves walking in a puddle or spraying your feet with water, and then stepping onto a portion of the deck that's dry.  We match up our footprints and then we count how long it takes for it to "disappear."  These days, it only takes a few seconds before the water evaporates.

She also likes to go swimming in the pool.  We mainly swim together in a little pool in the backyard, but sometimes we go to an actual pool.  I get really nervous around those though, so the little one makes us both happy.  But honestly, we can only stay outside for a little bit of time because it's so hot, so then I have to find fun things to do indoors.  Here are a few of our favorite things.

1.  When I write this, I know ya'll are going to think I'm crazy, but wait for the ending- BUBBLES!  Spencer loves bubbles, but I don't love bubbles inside.  It drips everywhere and makes a mess, not to mention that somehow it always manages to spill over.  But then my mom found these at Kroger, and our lives haven't been the same since. 

You just squeeze the bottle and the wand appears- the wand can't come out- and you start blowing bubbles with NO mess.  And it has something in it that prevents it from really spilling out if you knock it over.  Spencer will sit and blow bubbles with this thing for a ridicously long time.  I turn the fan on and that makes it even better, especially if she's in the mood to chase them down!

When the weather's not as hot, this is a great bubble activity to do with your kids.  Dandelion Daydreams did this with her daughter and I had just had to try it.  We had so much fun making our own bubbles and using all different things around the house as wands.

2.  Barnes and Noble Storytime-  Every Tuesday morning there's story hour and singing, and it's FREE! Most every store has this program, but to find out times, or other activities, click here to search for them. For kids who are a little older, they have a great reading program where you read eight books and fill out this passport, your child can pick out a free book. 

3.  Chick-Fil-A Craft Hour - On Thursday mornings, Chick-Fil-A has a craft activity for little kids.  Check your local store to find out when they do theirs and what time.

4.  The Children's Museum - Richmond has a wonderful one, it's actually where Spencer's birthday party is going to be next month!  The best thing about them is that they have things to do with children of all ages, so all of your kids will have something fun to do.

5.  Fun Crayons- I know everyone in the world has probably read this on some blog, but it's something that always entertains Spencer.  I did a whole post on it here, but basically, break up your old crayons, put them in a silicone tray with fun shapes, and bake them until they melt.  When they re-harden, the crayons make great funky colors and your kiddo(s) will be thoroughly entertained.

I can't wait to read about everyone else's activities- you can never have too many things to do with your kids!