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

Meet and Greet

"Gentleness is a learned behavior. You can help teach your child to be gentle by modeling the behavior yourself, by having your child role play with a doll or stuffed animal, and by helping your child to be aware that her movements and tone of voice are just as important as gentle touch."
Grayson begins his animal toy playdates with a meet and greet. After lining up all of his animals in a neat row, Grayson gives each a gentle hug, followed by a kiss and a little conversation. He usually calls them by their animal names and uses their animal sounds for communication. Grayson is well versed in a multitude of animal languages. He's corrected me many times :)))))
Gentle hugs from,
Bubbie and her Grandkids
Below please find a few links I found helpful:
Play Gently Instead of Roughly
Teaching Your Toddler to be Gentle

A Coving-Out Party

 

It had been 18 months since my sweethearts were together due to Covid. Wow! They were chomping at the bit to break loose and stir up some fun and laughter...and that is just what they did! Although, this was not a full-on Bubbie's camp, we did pack quite a bit of noise and catching-up into a one-night, two-day stay. Even, one of my grand doggies got into the act. When we said, "say cheese," good old Storm held his own. Storm did not miss a beat when it came to tag, relays, or ball play. He was in it till the end. Everyone slept soundly that night, and after they left, and I cleaned up a lot of the sticky, I slept an additional few days, just for good measure. Can't wait for another! I'll be planning a full version of Bubbie's camp this summer, including t-shirts and our "Happy Birthday to Everybody" party! I say, "get 'em while they're young, because they grow up before ya' know it :)"

Hugs,

Bubbie and all her grandbabies...and Storm

Going to Grandparent Camp

Planning Grandma Camp 

Children Learning to Play Music and it's Many Benefits

10 Benefits of Children Learning a Musical Instrument
Teaches Patience. Playing an instrument means having to persevere through hours, days and possibly years of practice. ...
Creates Responsibility. ...
Boosts Self-Esteem. ...
Improves Reading Skills. ...
Exposes New Cultures. ...
Enhances Coordination. ...
Promotes Math Skills. ...
Encourages Self-Expression.
Well, I'm sold and have been since learning an instrument myself, as a child. I passed the opportunity on to my children and in turn they're now offering the same to their little ones. My grandchildren are loving the process and I love watching them perform! I get to hear a variety of instruments amid a range of ages. I've got a three and eight year old on piano, a six and nine year old on keyboard, an eleven year old playing percussion, and there's my four year old on guitar. That's a whole lot of sound with an incredible amount of fun mixed right in!
Virtual, musical hugs,
Bubbie and her grandkids! 

Top 10 Instruments for Children to Learn
Musical Benefits  

 

Pretend Play~Great Exercise for the Body and Soul

Dress-Up Can Teach Kids to be Good Humans "Trying on other mindsets and character traits lets the pretender experience feelings that they might not experience otherwise," Golani says. 

Why Kids Love to Play Dress-Up
"Literally walking in other people's shoes may give kids valuable experience in, um, walking in other people's shoes. In fact, studies have linked role-play to empathy: Kids who engaged in it were more skilled in judging how other people might feel than those who didn't."

Who knew:?) I thought kids were simply having fun! This kid is apparantly on his way to an African Safari and ready to lead his animal friends on an exciting run through the jungle, two times around! And believe it or not, before changing costumes, he just finished a harrowing escape from the bad guys as he and his Super Hero friends rescued three innocent kids from the BG's clutches. Whew! Pretend play can be quite an exercise for the imagination!!! 

Virtual hugs, 

Bubbie and her Grandbabies

Training Kids to Train Puppies

"Having a dog is a great way to set rules for your children and teach them about responsibilities." so says Ceasar. Since our shut-in, due to Covid-19, I've been watching Ceasar's words come to fruition with my grandchildren and their new, furry critters slowly acclamating to each of their households. It didn't take long for love, laughter and some major adjustments to quickly take place while rules and chores were divied out to keep order, as best as could be expected. I'm thrilled to report at this time that the kids are loving their dogs, the dogs are loving their kids, and their houses are still standing!

Virtual hugs,

Bubbie and her Grand kids and her Grand doggies plus one Cat! 

Introducing Kids to a New Puppy

4 Ways to Involve Kids in Dog Training

Picture Perfect

 

Nothing makes my day brighter than passing my fridge on the way to anywhere to catch a glimpse of my grandkids' artwork. Whether they mail it to me, hand it to me, or send it through my phone, it doesn't take me long to show it off. Their work is always a refreshing pick-me-up no matter my mood. Using my well-worn letter magnets, I always message them back with a picture of their work covered by my admiration and love. And, it's always fun to find their signatures within their masterpieces...a finishing touch I always encourage:)
Virtual hugs,
Bubbie and her Grandkids
Here are a few links I thought you might enjoy:
Benefits of Displaying Childrens Art
What to do with Kids' Artwork
How to Display Kids' Art

Puppy Love During Covid and Beyond

True love can be expressed in many different ways, especially towards that special someone in your life who just got fixed, is really sleepy and is stuck with a plastic cone over his head!
Here we find Grayson, our compassionate toddler, stepping right up to the plate in order to bring comfort to his puppy, George. I'm not sure if George is fully aware of his new roomate but Grayson took it upon himself to crawl into the crate and snuggle next to George to show he cares.
Our Covid-19 lockdown has created an uptick in sales and adoptions for cats and dogs. For many, bringing in a new member for the family has brought much joy. For this family, George has been a welcome addition. Oh, except for the cat. Yep! The cat's not so happy. Actually she breaks out the wine each time he's out for a walk thinking he's not coming back,...but that's a story for another day :)
Take care, and stay safe.
Virtual hugs,
Bubbie and her grandbabies, and grand doggies, and grand kitties
Covid-19 Answers from Humane Society
Introducing Kids To A New Puppy Cesars Way

Back To School, Covid Style

 

Backpack?....check!

Homework?...check!

Hair combed?...check!

Mask?...check!

Mask??? Yes! And don't leave home without it, especially if you're going to school! 

Fortunately, there are so many fun designs to choose from, it helps make mask wearing for kids a bit easier during our, hopefully, last months of having to deal with this pandemic. 

...and I continue to remind myself, "this too shall pass!"

Stay safe and Happy Thanksgiving "2020,"

Bubbie and her ever-lovin' grandkids

Kids CDC Face Masks 

School Masks and Accessories

Helping Kids get used to Masks 

7 Tips Helping Children Wear Masks 

Tot in a Box

This "tot-in-a-box" is one happy camper. With toys, treats, and his bestest, furry friends along for the ride, Grayson is up and running in his new, mobile, cardboard, recreational vehicle. Only downside for me was to be appointed the Head Hauler of said box from room to room...and let me note, without financial compensation!!! Hmm...let me take that back. I did get plenty of payback in the way of giggles, singing and lots of words of encouragement, such as, "More!" "More please!" and "Bubbie, more!"
Between cardboard boxes, paper cups, and paper plates, there's always so much fun to be had!
I've included a few links below for lots of active, play ideas for the kids.
Virtual hugs from,
Bubbie and her Grandkids
The Genius of Play
Cardboard Box Play
Fun and Easy Games with Dad

Halloween Covid Style

 

Pumpkin, pumpkin along the wall, who's the cutest of them all? Yes, I am biased when it comes to my grandkids, so I'd have to pick Finn!
Halloween is certainly different this year and not all neighborhood streets are permitted to be open for business. Anticipating this possibility for this little one, I came a knocking at his door with enough Halloween goodies to create one humdinger of a party. Finn had a blast setting the table, decorating cupcakes, giving everyone a different color cat hat, filling each plate with goodies, and of course, lots of activities to keep him busy for the two hours spent celebrating Halloween, Covid style...indoors and no guests. Although, we did invite his bestest and furriest friends, Raccoon and Kermit, both hand puppets and amenable to anything we wanted to do. The party ended on a happy note with enough left-overs to play out and play over for several days to come. And...he is doing just that!
It's always fun finding ways to overcome obstacles, especially when it comes to our kiddos.
I've included a few links below for more ideas to help create an enjoyable Halloween experience this year!
Happy Halloween from Bubbie and her Grandkids!

Halloween and Covid 19

Celebrate Halloween Even in Quarantine

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 

Blowing Bubbles at the Beach

The day was clear and warm (but not too warm). Actually, it was a perfect day to hit the beach! With very few beach goers other than us, and the "us" refers to myself, my son and my grandson, we were happy campers! I learned that when you pick the middle of the week, earlier in the a.m., not a holiday and with many folks staying in because of Covid 19, you can pretty much have the pick of the land.

So, after staking our claim, time was spent building castles, snacking and jumping the waves. Bubble blowing came last and that was the highlight of my day! Since there was a bit of wind, we had a lot of help with the blowing part. What a great sense of calm we enjoyed as we watched (and Finn giggled) at the size of the bubbles and the distance each traveled before popping. And, my favorite part was that it all happened high enough off of the ground to be sandless :))))))

Hope you're all staying safe and well!

Virtual hugs from Bubbie and her grandbabies!

Enjoy a few wonderful links regarding the many benefits of bubble blowing for young and old:

11 Benefits of Playing with Bubbles
The Health Benefits of Blowing Bubbles for All Ages
Using Bubbles to Help Kids Relieve Stress

The Story of Finding Montana

Dear Parents and Grandparents,

I am excited to share with you a book written by a very good friend about her sweet, boxer named, Cherokee. I had the privilege of illustrating this 32 page, children's story which is now on Amazon in Ebook and paperback forms.  This very true story is about the unusual attachment and love two sibling puppies had for one another before being separated and brought to their new homes. Although Cherokee was moved twice, he eventually and miraculously finds his sister, Montana. With the help of their families, they were able to rekindle their friendship forevermore.

If your kids and/or grandkids love animal stories with happy endings, I believe they'll want to read and re-read Cherokee's telling of "Finding Montana."

Thanks always for stopping by!

Stay safe!

Virtual hugs, 

Bubbie and her Grandbabies

 

Kids Needing Glasses

I was six years old, in first grade and loved my red 

and white striped glasses. Being allowed to pick out

my first pair made all the difference in the world.

Being able to read the blackboard like all the other

kids, helped a lot, too! It was great to learn my

grandson's experience was much the same.

Although, Jude was a bit older when needing his

first pair, he's thrilled with his selection and can't

believe how his world has opened up. His first

hours were spent excitedly discovering everything

readable without the need to squint. Ain't life grand!!

Keep on staying safe and washing those hands!

Virtual hugs,

Bubbie and her Grandbabies

How to Encourage Children to Wear Glasses

Five Easy Ways to Get Kids Wearing Glasses

Fighting Boredom During the Shut-In

Have your kids or grandkids been shut-in a little too long? Are they literally climbing the walls like my grandson, Elliot? Fortunately, there are still an enormous amount of things he hasn't seen or tried yet. Spending just a little time scanning the web, I was able to point some sites out to Elliot which I'm also happy to share with you in the links below. A few favorites of ours are, Mo Willems Lunch Doodles at the Kennedy Center, for those who love drawing and Dance Along to Pharrell Williams' HAPPY, for those who have a lot of energy and whose parents would like them not to climb their walls, clean feet or not!
Stay safe, and be well!
Virtual hugs, 
Bubbie and her Grandkids
Fighting Kids' Boredom during Covid Outbreak
Keeping Kids Pre-K thru 5th Grade Busy 

Virtual Kid's Birthday Parties

Who said, "Virtual birthday parties can't be fun?" Not Finn! His day started out exceptionally early in his back yard filled with balloons, signs, presents, cupcakes, and let us not forget the "Happy Birthday" chalk drawings all over the ground. You see, this day he turned four years old and this day will not be forgotten. There were video chats sprinkled throughout the day with friends and family taking part in the excitement of watching Finn blow out his candles, open his presents and reveal his newly appointed finger ready to count past three. It was a long day for the birthday boy and it was reported he slept soundly that night, along with his parents...Zzzz...!

Happy Virtual Birthdays!

Virtual hugs,

Bubbie and her Grandbabies

Birthday Ideas While Social Distancing
Virtual Party Performers During COVID Times 
Creative Ways to Host Kid's Virtual Parties

Getting Along Lovingly During Quarantine Time

 Getting along with one another, in the same house for weeks at a time during our quarantine, doesn't have to be stressful. Take it from this two-year-old. Grayson uses his often successful snag-them-when-they're-not-looking technique. It's pretty simple. Step 1- Look for an unsuspecting soul, who's totally self-absorbed in something they adore. Step 2- Carefully and quietly, sneak up from behind them. Step 3 - Take hold of their arms if you can, and begin with a slight squeeze while working your way into a comfortable body hug. Step 4- Be sure to get away before you're found out, then advance to another family member who is also in need of some sweet, baby love!
Stay well and stay safe!
Virtual hugs,
Bubbie and her Grandbabies
Families Together in Quarantine
5 Ways to Minimize Family Fighting During COVID 19 

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 

Zoom Time with the GrandKids

 

It's been quite a while since I've been able to visit my grandbabies because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Not knowing exactly how much longer I'd be waiting, I took to YouTube videos and learned how to Zoom. I was ready to test out my newly acquired skills on my 6 honey bunnies.  I invited them all to a Show and Tell party. Considering they ranged in age from 2 years old to 10, I decided to begin with the youngest and work our way up. My invitation mapped out my plan to their parents. Each child was asked to have something ready to share. Our call began with our two-year-old holding his favorite horsie while we sang Old Macdonald. He loved filling in all of the animals' sounds as we went along. Without missing a beat sweet pea number 2 showed us how to carefully build a Batman car with his legos. Cutie number 3 performed acrobatic tricks while her sister tumbled masterfully alongside her. My two oldest grandsons then dazzled us with a magic trick involving 2 sofa pillows and a ton of giggles, for our grand finale. Since this event gave everyone a chance to share their favorite things, it ended on a happy note! We're all looking forward to another Zoom-a-Palooza!

I've included a few links with ideas for your own video chats. Enjoy!

Stay well, stay safe, and keep in touch with family and friends. 

Virtual hugs, 

Bubbie and her Grandbabies

Zoom Games and Activity Ideas

Fun Video Calls with the Kids