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

Candy Land or Bust

 

Candy Land was one of my all time favorite board games growing up! I loved the bright colored board and the huge assortment of candy that dreams are made of for kids. Setting-up was quick and it always drew big crowds. There was often a player or two sitting by just waiting to jump in when a seat at the board would empty. We didn't worry about recharging, screen eye strain, or being alone at play as often happens with electronic games. Laughter, chatting and discovery were ongoing as time was spent socializing with family and friends. These memories incentivized me to introduce this game to my grandson.

I was thrilled to see him take to it like a duck takes to water. He dove right in, and with minimal instruction we were moving up and/or across the board with delight. He couldn't wait to draw his next card, giving his red gingerbread man a chance to run towards the finish line. His enthusiasm was contagious. I heard he hasn't tired of the game and it's been weeks since his adventures in Candy Land began. I'm already debating on which game I'd like to bring over on my next visit. Little ones are so much fun, especially when I get to sneak in reliving some of my most precious childhood moments!

Virtual love, 

Bubbie and her Grandkids

Board Games vs. Video Games

A Brief History of Board Games 

13 Ways Playing Board Games Benefits Your Child

Candy Land Was Invented for Polio Wards 

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 

The Many Benefits to Playing "Hide and Seek"

 

Hmm...I wonder where Finn is hiding? I've looked under, over, and behind everywhere I can think of! And he's so quiet, too! Oh, no! He's under my desk! Why didn't I think of that! He's tricked me again. I've got to become a better finder because I'm really not good at hiding either, as my grandson would quickly agree!

Hide and Seek is a great game to be enjoyed by all with many wonderful skills to be practiced and learned.

I've copied a few links below on the subject for your reading pleasure! Lots of ideas on ways to elevate the game, too!

Do share a game you play with your kids/grandkids! Always love to hear from you! 

Talk soon,

Bubbie and her Grandbabies

14 Reasons to Play Hide and Seek 

Playing hide-and-seek is a traditional part of all of our childhoods and with the benefits it gives growing children, it’s a tradition that should be carried on into the future.

Continue reading at https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/child-activities/why-playing-hide-and-seek-is-good-for-your-child/#gs.vz5f0d |

Why Playing Hide and Seek is Good for Your Child

Playing hide-and-seek is a traditional part of all of our childhoods and with the benefits it gives growing children, it’s a tradition that should be carried on into the future.

Continue reading at https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/child-activities/why-playing-hide-and-seek-is-good-for-your-child/#gs.vz5f0d |

Playing hide-and-seek is a traditional part of all of our childhoods and with the benefits it gives growing children, it’s a tradition that should be carried on into the future.

Continue reading at https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/child-activities/why-playing-hide-and-seek-is-good-for-your-child/#gs.vz5f0d |

Sidewalk Chalk

Talk about time management! Jude figured out a way to draw twice as much, in just half the amount of time! (What a guy!)
So far, our favorite game to play with sidewalk chalk is, "Jumping to Ten!" I get to draw and number ten squares on top of one another. All the kids line up and wait their turns to jump from one square to the next, while reciting the numbers. (Our version of Hop-Scotch!)
Please share any sidewalk chalk games with us, that you find fun for the kids. We're always anxious to learn about new ones.
How To Make Sidewalk Chalk
Easy Sidewalk Chalk Games
Indoor Fun With Sidewalk Chalk
Best,
Bubbie and Jude

Opening and Closing Doors

What can be more fun than opening and closing a door? For a toddler, this activity means making loud noises and playing peek-a-boo!  For me, it means catching fingers and toes, accompanied by loud cries!  Trying to discourage Jude from this game, I place my foot in the door opening without Jude noticing, and tell him the door is broken.  He doesn't buy it, so I toss a plush toy over his head and into the next room shouting, "Go get it!"  The dog thinks it's for him, pushes past us, and fetches!  I then turn on a Raffi CD, sweep Jude off his feet, and we dance and sing our way through three songs.  Who knew opening and closing a door could be so exhausting!
Bye for now,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. What do your grandkids enjoy opening and closing?
Related Article and YouTube Video
Why Kids Love Opening And Closing Doors 
Raffi In Concert/YouTube 

Peek-A-Boo

Where is Jude?  I can't find Jude anywhere!  Where did he go?

Why can't Bubbie disappear that easily? Jude, what's your secret?  I can't figure this out!  No matter how hard I try, everyone still finds me.  Don't they know I am invisible, unavailable...temporarily gone from the face of this earth?  I actually think they find me faster when I try to hide.  More urgent matters seem to erupt when I attempt this feat.  Something breaks, phones ring, dogs fight, even bridges collapse!  Well maybe not bridges...but there was the overflowing toilet that rushed it's way through my doors, floors, and ceilings!  Maybe I've got to work on closing my eyes tighter?  That's it!  It's the eyes!  There he is!  There's Jude!  I see him now!  Then we laugh, and play again.  
Imagine that!
Bubbie
P.S.  Would love to hear about one of your little one's all-time favorite games!


Related Articles:
Why Some Babies Love Peek-A-Boo 
Games With Baby