Summer of the Kiddos - Part Two: Healthy Snack Bracelets

Getting our little monsters to eat healthy snacks is a big priority for us.  We have been really trying to limit the amount of sugar they have been consuming.  This is a big deal for our youngest in particular, who really seems to react to it.  There have been times when I have wondered if my sweet little boy has been possessed, and then realized that someone had given him chocolate.  It is almost like he loses control of himself... and it is not the most fun to try and reel him back in. I don't mind giving them having the odd treat, but we try to limit it whenever possible.

When I saw these snack bracelets pop up on pinterest, I knew they would be a perfect activity for our little ones.  They are both always asking me to "sew something", and this looked like a great opportunity to let them use a needle and thread.  Because the pieces are so small, and the task itself can be quite finicky, these bracelets took them about a half hour to complete - this was a huge bonus, as I was actually able to get a few things done around the house while they were quietly entertained.  The majority of the snack mix went into their mouths, and not onto the bracelets, but as the ingredients were all healthy, I didn't mind at all.

To make our bracelets, we used dried blueberries, cut up dried mangoes and apricots, cheerios, and popcorn.  Basically, I used whatever I could find in the cupboard that was healthy and small.  If you wanted to switch things up a bit, and didn't care so much about the healthy part, you could always throw some mini marshmallows or gummies into the mix :)

Summer of the Kiddos - Part One: Foamy Bath Paints

Well, as we are currently on Teacher Strike in B.C. until further notice, my summer with my own kiddos has officially begun.  My plan this summer is to spend a lot more time at home.  Last summer was a whirlwind of activities and playdates, and it really felt like we missed out on some much needed downtime.  Once September hits, between work and the kids dance and hockey practices, it feels like we are living life on a treadmill.  

In order to facilitate some time at home, I scoured pinterest for some kid friendly summertime crafts and activities.  My little darlings tend to tear the heads off each other if I don't keep them busy.  After pinning a few ideas, I made a quick trip to the dollar store, and picked up enough stuff to get us through a few afternoons.

Unfortunately, the majority of activities I planned actually involve the unheard of idea of sunshine in June.  Sadly, our weather here has been horrid.  The kids really wanted to swim in the backyard, but the rain and overall yuckiness outside had me move them inside to the tub instead.  Luckily, I had picked up supplies to make these foamy bath paints, which kept the kids busy long enough for me to clean up the messes they had previously made.  Such is the life of a mom ;)

These tub paints were made using simply shaving cream and a few drops of food coloring.  They enjoyed squirting the shaving cream into the bowls and mixing the colors, and were excited to take them upstairs and test them out.  They started off using a paint brush to paint the inside of the tub and shower, but ended up using them as finger paints to paint each other.  I was a bit worried that the food coloring would stain the inside of the tub, or their skin, but it didn't seem to be a problem.  I gave them, and the tub, a quick rinse when they were done, and all were squeaky clean :)  All in all, a pretty great way to spend a rainy day :)