Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer

We're approaching those last few days of August, and we all seem to be slowing down a bit...even the kids!  If I could have squeezed my body onto one of those teeny, molded seats, I would have joined Jude on this lazy, hazy, hot and humid day. Prior to this picture, these toddlers had already worn out all the playground equipment, sang, danced and jumped to all the latest toddler tunes that we could remember before filling their bellies with sweet, juicy watermelon. Looks like they're enjoying a much deserved rest, wouldn't you agree?  
Relax and enjoy the end of our warm, weather season,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Please share an easy 'great-for-summer snack or drink' for the kids!
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The Element of Surprise

When I cranked the knob to get old Jack to pop out of his box, it was never as surprising or funny until Jude mastered it himself!  Now I find myself laughing just as hard as Jude as he jumps as high as Jack, each and every time he gets to the "pop goes the weasel" part. Although we both know what's coming up, it still cracks us up! This is a toy that's been around, some say since the 1500's, but seems to continue to entertain, even the grandparents among us.
P.S. Let us know some vintage toys that you've found your grandkids to still appreciate and enjoy!
Keep 'em laughing,
Bubbie and Jude
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Grandparents Day!

Question: What's a hug worth from a grandbaby? 
Answer:  More than money can buy...and we officially get to cash in on those hugs on September 11th this year, 2011. You see, The United States Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day in 1978. This special day to honor grandparents was initiated by a West Virginia housewife, Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade.  (A grandmother of 40!)
Some especially great activities can be found on the site:
Grandparentsday.com

Have you hugged a kid today?
Love,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Please share your suggestions for fun things to do with the grandkids!

Kids and Weddings

It was a gorgeous day for a wedding and Jude was anxiously waiting to be seated while discussing the ceremony program.  Being the youngest to be invited, Jude demonstrated his ability to stay perfectly quiet during the ceremony, and later brought down the house with his dance moves on the ballroom floor.  It was a great time for all with loving family and friends to help share in the uniting and celebrating of the newly married couple!  
Wonderful memories will follow for all!
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Share with us your good or not-so-good wedding celebrations with the kids!
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Fast Food Playgrounds Are Not As Clean As You Think

A few days ago I decided to take my grandson to a fast food restaurant for a lunch and play-date. With his "kid's meal" in one hand, and Jude's hand in my other, I found a great spot, close to the playground, to set down his food for feasting.  Not able to hold back from the fun, Jude took off as I chased behind him and found myself climbing up and through the tubular maze, ending with a twisty slide back down to 'start.'  It was all good fun, but far from clean!  I did not expect to see big pockets of animal droppings all along the way.  Needless to say I had to take a very disappointed toddler away before we had a chance to eat or go around a second time!  I drove him home and back to our favorite park by his house.  We got to have our lunch, play-date in a clean playground.  I've learned my lesson! 1. Be sure to check out the playground area before allowing the children to play. 2. Dorothy was right...there's no place like home!
P.S. I did call the restaurant to let them know the unsanitary conditions of their children's play equipment.  
P.S.S. Please share ideas and/or experiences similar to mine.  Always looking to make the world cleaner and safer for our little ones!
Learning as we go,
Bubbie and Jude
Related Article:
Fast Food Play Places Are Not As Clean As You Think!

Tactile Play

So there was this stick.  This was no ordinary stick. This stick was found by Jude and became his magical find for the day.  Where ever Jude went, so went this stick. And sharing was out of the question! After all, sticks like this one are not easy to find, especially when you live in a neighborhood filled with gardeners ready to clean-up and remove precious treasures such as this, before they hit the ground!
Sticks, flowers, bushes and other natural materials are starting to catch Jude's eye and sense of touch. We brought this stick over to the sand for some drawing fun and it lasted for a good ten minutes before it chipped away into a 2 inch stub, which was actually perfect for digging out that little pebble stuck under some dry brush!
Exploring nature in a safe and fun way, 
Bubbie and Jude
Any tips on nature outings you'd like to share?
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Cooperative Play

"It takes a village," or in "Jude's World" it takes five toddlers and a water fountain to fill a bucket. 
It's great fun to watch these cuties' work together towards a common goal.  Remy held the bucket, Jude kept the water flowing, Ella carried the bucket back to their play spot while Arden and Allisa cheered them all on! Of course, the process of filling the bucket was the fun part.  Once the bucket was filled and placed back where they wanted it, one of the sweeties conveniently knocked the bucket down and they had to start all over again!  Ain't life grand?

Fun in the sun,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Have you any solutions for keeping our kids learning and playing together?
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