Picnic in the Park-ing Lot

When the going gets tough, the tough get going! And, I can't think of a better time to practice this quote literally than now. Especially when you're shut-in with a three-year-old who loves the outdoors as much as you do. All it takes is a car, some favorite foods, and a place to park. A beach with a harbor full of docked boats was the setting for this outdoor excursion. It had all the ingredients needed for a fun and memorable experience. There were lots of things to count and talk about. Photos were snapped, songs were sung, and a round of "I Spy with my Little Eye" turned out to be a perfect end to this lovely day in the parking lot by the sea!
Hoping you're all staying safe and well!
And thanks always to everyone helping others. You are our heroes! 
Virtual Hugs, 
Bubbie and her Grandkids
Safe Play for Kids During Covid19
Best List Ideas Ever for Kids during Covid-19 

Home Alone with the Kids!

I can't tell who's enjoying themselves more, Finn or the lego guy! And, if you think that was fun, you should have seen Finn using balloons as balls, sock-skating on wooden floors, and oh, yeah, building spiders with marshmallows and pretzel sticks. Now, that may sound like a lot to you, but if you've got little ones, you know that took less than an hour! The day was young and it was on to somersaults, relay races, scavenger hunts, and acting out rhymes. 
So, if you're home a lot with the kids these days, don't forget your camera and your imagination for lasting memories. 
Stay safe, stay well and a gigantic  thank you to everyone helping others through Covid 19. 
Virtual hugs,
Bubbie and her Grandkids
P.S. I've included some links below, with great ideas for "Home Alone" with the kids!
Happy, Busy Learning for Kids at Home
Creative DIY Kids Learning Games 
25 Indoor Exercises to Get Kids Moving

A Dissectologist in the Making

A dissectologist is a person who enjoys jigsaw puzzle assembly. I don't know if Jude was ready to claim this title just then. Sorting out the edges was a no brainer. Lots of smiles there. Piecing them together, on the other hand, furrowed his brows a bit and slowed down the process a lot. Concentration set in and I'd catch him looking up every once in a while wondering if there's a "group all" button hidden along the table's edge. (Where's a computer when you need one?) As the hours went by, with breaks in between, more picture was revealed, his smile returned, enthusiasm grew and I believe Jude was ready to thank John Spilsbury for inventing the jigsaw puzzle in 1767.
With the need to stay in, for now, puzzles can be a welcome stress reducer for all ages. Not to mention so many other benefits puzzles claim to produce in the links below. 
Stay in! Stay safe! And don't forget to wash your hands, a lot!
Virtual hugs,
Bubbie and her Grandkids
Best Jigsaw Puzzles for Kids-2020
6 Reasons Jigsaw Puzzles are Great for Children
Benefits of Jigsaw Puzzles for Toddlers Development 

Adorable Animal Links for our Kiddos

"Hello, Mr. Tails" said the toddler to the new pet goldfish in his home. This new presence is a welcome addition to this household. Waiting out the Coronavirus is giving many of us a chance to slow down and pay attention to things, people and animals, we would normally pass right on by.
Besides that, I'm up to a dollar twenty in change. With nothing to do, I found myself walking around with a rag, cleaner, broom, and vac. My house now has a wonderfully clean smell with a bit of a shine, too. Who knows? This could become habit forming! But, I digress. The real reason for this blog is to share some sweet links I found, which might give our kiddos something to "ooh" and "ahh" about. I know I did! (And don't miss Fiona, the baby hippo. Cute as can be for a hippopotamus!)
Stay safe, wash your hands, and don't forget to floss!
Virtual hugs,
Bubbie and her Grandkids
Fiona, the baby hippo learns to walk up and down a ramp!
Explore Livecams/Farm Sanctuary, Penguins, Kittens and so much more!
Kinder Playtimes' have a day at the zoo with you.

Having a Covid 19 Break Not a Breakdown with the Kiddos!

The kids are at home. Check! Parents are at home. Check! Everyone is at home at the same time for an unknown amount of time. Aughhhh!!! You've probably gone through your "list of things to do with the kids while waiting out the Coronavirus" in three days or less. Movies, popcorn, board games, baking, charades, Facetime, Zoom and other assorted and experimental activities have been checked. What to do now, you say loudly and in a most disturbing way. Well, I'll tell you exactly what to do. Here it is. I've been thinking about this all week as I sit alone, in isolation, and I got nothin'! Ziltch! Nodda! But, I did some research and hopefully, you'll discover bunches of activities to do with the kids and lots of good advice from those in the know in the links below! Move forward and may the force be with you:)
Stay safe. Wash your hands. And, don't pick your nose!
Virtual hugs and kisses,
Bubbie and her grandkids
What To Do With Kids On Coronavirus Break Without Losing It
Tips For Families/Zero to Three: Coronavirus 
Avoid Cabin Fever/125 Ideas For Kids During Covid 19