The More We Get Together the Happier We Are!

I was fortunate to have lots of company during the holidays. Not only did my grandkids stay with me for almost a week, but one of my grand doggies got to join in the fun, too! Although my honey bunnies range in age from 4 to 12, they often engage in the same activities helping each other along the way. Whether we're setting the table, prepping a meal, building candy sculptures, creating art, or blowing bubbles for the dog to pop, there's always something that requires everyones help. The time moves pretty quickly and settling down for a movie each night is a welcome unwind and treat (especially the complimentary popcorn) for all!
Thanks for stopping by!
Bubbie and her Grandkids
Games for Older & Younger Kids
Older Kids Helping Younger Kids

Hey! Who invited the bear?!

Hey! Who invited the bear?!

I certainly did not! My hands were full enough with six, adorable and energetic grandchildren! They had been asking for another Cousin's Camp since the last, and I'm always here to please...and I did with three days and two nights of tie dying shirts, water play, arts and crafts, birthday party celebrations, games, lots of eating and of course, running around. What fun we had!

 Since I always follow up with a Shutterfly book filled with pages of their most memorable times spent together, it's always easy to get them to strike a pose.  And now that I have the kids taking turns illustrating the front and back covers of the book, it's added another dimension to their experience. They not only look forward to camp, but they adore their collection of special times at Bubbie's house.

Hugs from the gang!!!

Camp Ideas

Hosting Camp for the Grandkids

A Perfect Kid's Gift

She liked it! She really liked the gift I gave her. I believe I was more excited than my granddaughter.
Unless I'm given the exact spelling of what my grandkids want, I'm at a loss.  It turns into one big guessing game. I find myself asking store clerks for advice. (Actually begging for advice.)
When the time comes to give my gift, I'm sure to attach the receipt, apologize as it's being opened, and usually have some cookies waiting in the wings. But this time was different. Katie's response was immediate. No receipt or apology was necessary. It was love at first sight. She adores drawing anywhere, anytime. This sweet "Pipity", oil-clothed tote, opened up to all the accessories needed to bring her ideas to life. With an easel, pockets and a shoulder strap, this little honey was ready to get to work at home, in the car, or even at Bubbie's house. 
Share with us your successes, suggestions, and thoughts on gift-giving for kids. Love to hear from you!
Best, 
Bubbie and her grandbabies 
How To Choose The Perfect Gift For Your Child

When Big Brother is Away...

When big brother is away, little brother will climb on his bed, get into his toys, rearrange his room, and then Bubbie has to remember where everything went, and put it all back together before big brother comes home! Whew! I get quite a workout on those days!
BTW: The little one and I have discussed telling his big brother about this little secret of ours, but we both decided that some things are best left unsaid...especially when the telling will get us in a heap of trouble :))))))))))
How do you keep your little ones from messing with their siblings belongings? Would love to hear your ideas!
Best,
Bubbie and her Grandbabies
How to Sibling Proof Your Room

"Keep a box of things in your room that your siblings are allowed to use. This will encourage them to play with only what you allow them to. Consider changing some of the items in it once a week or so. Tell them that they have to clean up after themselves whenever they use it, or you won’t add new items to the bin.^"

Sand Play Activities

Just 2 weeks ago I couldn't get Jude to like the sand.  He walked around it to get to the slide, and needed all particles that would kick up and stick to him, removed immediately.  Well, turns out that sand toys married the two.  Not only did Jude discover the fun of digging, but he also realized he could bring sand home via pant cuffs, socks and shoes!  Can't wait until the weather gets a bit warmer and we add water to the mix!
Fun in the sun,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. What sand toys do your kids/grandkids like best?


Related Article:
25 Fun Sand Play Activities 

Fun and Games With Toddlers

Hide and Seek happens to be one of my favorite childhood games.  It gets to be even more fun as you get older and wiser.  I always lost to those more ingenious than myself at hiding, but I've finally found my equal...Jude, my 18 month old grandson.  Now, this boy knows how to hide!  The game lasts about 3 minutes, which is right about where my attention span sits these days.  We than move on to bigger and better activities, such as; popping out at each other from behind the bed, racing down the hall, and spinning anything that will spin across Jude's wooden, play table.  As long as his imagination, curiosity, and creativity continues to grow, we'll never be at a loss for play!

Fun and games forever,

Bubbie and Jude

P.S. Where does imagination and fun take you while playing with your grandkids?

Related Article:
Why "Hide and Seek" Is So Much Fun 

Precious Moments With The Kids

How's this for fun?  First you take 2 or 3 handfuls of wood chips and throw them into a bucket .  You then dump the wood chips that you tossed into the bucket, onto the ground, which is covered in wood chips, which you used in the first place to put into your bucket .  Easy!  Relaxing!  No math skills required!  I've tried it, and would highly recommend it!  As a matter of fact, when Jude discovered it for himself today, he was so fascinated by it's simplicity that he spent 10 minutes repeating the process, until boredom set in, and he moved onto bigger and better things...like finding stuff on the ground (moving or not) which you're not supposed to eat, let alone pick-up!
Another eventful day at the park!
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Share with us your precious moments with your grandkids, and/or kids while playing at the park!
P.S.S. Thanks!
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Store For Knowledge (Sand Toys)
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