Knowing my son would have little patience, I prepped EVERYTHING ahead of time. I laid all of our crafting materials on the table and made sure to line with with a table cloth that I could wipe down later. We had everything from stickers, shape punch-outs to markers, glue and of course scissors! The first project was paper cutting. I drew out shapes for him to cut. This project not only got him using scissors but also learning the names of the shapes too.

For our photo album project, I picked up two albums (one for his little sister) and pre-cut design paper that would slide into the sleeve. I also picked out the pictures ahead of time and pre-cut the borders (it is a little time-consuming but SO worth it in the end or else we would have never finished the project ). What my son basically did was choose which picture he wanted on what paper and glued it on.

We then moved on to painting where I set up his easel and let him go to town with washable paint.

My son really enjoyed this experience! Not only did he get to play with new materials, he also learned new skills. The best part of it was that I got to spend some quality one-on-one time with him. Now that he’s started pre-school, these activities aren’t so foreign to him anymore.

We recently did some pumpkin decorating…now I can’t wait to plan a Christmas Craft Day!

And so my creative juices immediately started flowing. I turned into “architect” and started the blueprint for the house: roof (if you look carefully you’ll see  a “skylight” – compliments of the box manufacturer), windows, garage and door.

Using a box cutter, I trimmed the side flaps of the box and taped them together to form the roof. I then outlined where the door and windows would be and cut them out. TIP: Use your tallest child to measure the height! Next, I used leftover paint from my son’s room and painted the house outside to minimize the mess and to allow for proper ventilation. It didn’t take too long for the paint to dry before I started “laying brick”. Here, I just cut design paper into brick sizes and adhered them to the house using spray adhesive. I also used spray adhesive to glue on fabric for the roof.

After the brick laying/spraying, the really creative projects began! I used fabric strips to line the edges of the doors and windows so that it wouldn’t be too rough for the kids. I used two large Lego pieces (with my son’s permission) for the door knobs. For the garage door, instead of making it function like a traditional door where it would open from the bottom, I decided to make it open and close from the top. That way I wouldn’t have to figure out a way to keep the large flap open and also avoid the chance that it could fall down suddenly altogether. I actually thought my son would take issue with the inaccuracy of it, but he seemed just fine. The flap being at the bottom actually allows for another area for them to spread out and play. I also “planted” some flowers, hung a paper wreath and added the U.S. flag in front for some curb appeal!

For some final touches, I hotglued buttons to the corners of the windows (I was going for that craftsman window trim look), framed some of the kids’ pictures and glued it to the interior for some added decoration. I decided to keep the walls blank so that the kids could draw on it…finally some walls they’re allowed to draw on

There are quite a few more ideas that I haven’t gotten around to yet like making a ceiling fan (made from cardboard – my kids LOVE fans), adding a carpet piece inside and hanging window curtains. One addition my son requested were electrical outlets so that he could “plug” in his vacuum (talk about creative!). So I drew it right on the house and poked a hole in the cardboard with a pencil. It worked out marvelously!

All and all, I was very pleased with the way it turned out. My son saw the initial frame but didn’t see it again until I was finished. Seeing the look on his and my daughter’s face when I revealed it was priceless and made the project totally worth it. The best thing was that I only spent $15 on the entire project. The only items I purchased were spray adhesive, the fake flowers and a paintbrush.

As with any house, be prepared for some home improvements. My little girl is quite a destroyer but I found that kids stickers are great for patch up work! So, it may not be the state-of-the-art playhouse with all the bells and whistles, but it is one-of-a-kind and certainly has more character than I’d ever be able to buy off the shelf.

After I got over the “wow it’s my shiny new phone that I can check my email, Facebook and Twitter on” phase I discovered the apps. (It’s a little embarrassing to admit but even though I’m in the IT industry the iPhone 4 is my first smartphone!) The commercials were right- there is an app for that! Of course some apps are better then others but it’s essentially endless for adults and kids.

Here are some of my kiddo’s favorites, whom at 2 years old is a pro at navigating the iPhone/iPad and YouTube to find games and videos.

Flashcards by INKids

She loves: the Bodies cards because the audio when you click on the person (they giggle, laugh, cry etc)

I love: There are tons of categories like alphabet, numbers, animals, shapes and more. That the word is said, but that you can also turn it off so you can ask them what it is. That it also has Spanish and since we go to Mexico quite often we all can learn! You can lock the app so they can’t leave it and erase some of your apps (not that I know right?! ha!) There’s also a few games like spelling and word match.

The iPhone app is free, the iPad app is $3.99 (HD and includes French/Spanish)

Peekaboo Barn

She loves: Not knowing what animal is going to be behind the door and making animal sounds.

I love: How she imitates the animal noises. So adorable!!

The app for iPhone and iPod Touch is $1.99 but there’s a lite version you can try. We’re actually using the lite version because she just loves the rooster and it’s easier to “find” it with only a few animals, but I do plan on purchasing it once she gets over the rooster phase.

Forrest Friends

She loves: Watching the animals fly when you press the keys on the keyboard. Playing hide and seek with the animals (the friends section) and coloring.

I love: That it introduces her to music and animals. That we animal noises together! She presses the key and then we go, “hoo hoo” or “oo oo ee ee.” There is also a story mode, but we haven’t made it past the first few pages. She just loves the keyboard. There are also a few coloring pages that keep her occupied for quite awhile.

The app is for iPad only. Best part- is it’s free!

Here’s what I did:

1) I dug through my fabric bin and found a neutral fabric for my son’s table. I measured 40″ X 80″ to allow for a good drape below the table top surface. I then cut out paper pieces to outline the stove “coils” and “knobs”:

2) Next, I outlined the pieces with chalk so that I could then sew on the ribbon and felt appliques:

3) Here’s the fun part: I sewed on the ribbon “coils”, added the felt knobs and for additional interest and color, stamped on the alphabet in the middle section. No reason why he can’t learn while playing, right?! Now I have a Top Chef in training!

BONUS: You know how I love multi-functional stuff, right? Well, this table cloth also has a red-checkered underside that I can flip over and/or use as a picnic blanket. I also sewed on corner pockets to store items (keys, toys, etc.) that will keep the blanket from blowing away!

There are 4 levels to the museum and many different play areas.  The Little Peanut had so much fun that we’re planning on heading back whenever we can. We had to drag her away from World Works, the water filled “action-packed, hands-on environment that encourages investigating, experimenting, problem-solving, and observing.” She also had so much fun grocery shopping and cooking in Our World, the “unique neighborhood experiences encourage kids to connect, cooperate and communicate.”

An added bonus for us: she took about a 2 hour nap when we got home! If you know our girl then you know that on a good day her naps are just about an hour long.

Some tips:

• Get there early. It can get a little crowded in some areas by lunch time.
• Speaking of lunch time. If you park in the ramp you’ll probably have to make a stop at McDonalds once the kiddo’s get a glimpse of it! It’s going to be crowded there at lunch time too. So either pack some lunch or plan to eat earlier/later then normal to avoid the lunch rush.
• Parking in the ramp is only $3 with validation. Or if you’re lucky enough to get street parking it’s free.
• The museum suggests leaving strollers in the car. It really is a good idea if your kids are able to walk. You’ll be busy chasing them around!

Fun & Free 4 kids ~ Stillwater, MN

A few weekends ago I delivered some consignment goods to Darn. Knit. {Anyway} in Stillwater. (DKA is a great store btw! Yarn and fabric galore with an amazing boutique of local crafters/artists.) It had been awhile since we vistited and thought it would be a fun day trip for the family. The Little Peanut had a lot of fun exploring the shops along Main Street, the St. Croix River and Teddy Bear Park.

Teddy Bear Park was our first stop. It’s just off main street but seemed like quite a trek because of the hill we had to climb! The effort was well worth it though. The park has got to be like heaven for kids! There are multiple play areas with slides, tunnels, monkey bars and a lot of climbing opportunities.

The whole ride home we kept wishing that there is a park similar to this in Minneapolis, so if you know of any please let me know!

After dragging the Little Peanut away from the park we headed around Main Street visiting shops and taking in the sights. There are tons of antique stores, art galleries and boutiques to visit. When our legs got tired we went to the river front. There is a large area that would be perfect for a picnic and if you time it right you can see the lift bridge in action.

We had a great time and only had to spend $$ on gas and lunch! A bonus was that the Little Peanut took a 2 hour nap after we got home! (If you know her then you know she ususally only does 45 minutes or an hour if we’re lucky.) The only thing I would change is packing a picnic lunch for us to enjoy on the river front.

Some tips:

-Most of the shops in town have a free map that you can pickup so you can make sure you don’t miss a thing!

-There is free parking in the parking lot adjacent to the Brick Alley Building from October 31st to May 1st.

-For more activities in Stillwater visit Discoverstillwater.com

Tinkerbright theme from Hostest with the Mostest blog

When I do buy clothes for my daughter I tend to go with the brightly colored ones since we get a lot of pastels as gifts. That’s what drew me to this one – the bright bold colors used as a twist to a Tinkerbell theme.

Super Mario Brothers theme from At Home with Kim Vallee blog

Mario Kart is one of my favorite Wii games. I instantly fell in love with the Yoshii and Mario statues, the coin boxes and the colors this mom chose. I just might have to steal this idea for my own birthday and make it a Wii party too!

Robot theme from Hostest with the Mostest blog

How darling is the robot centerpiece?! I just love the plates and cups as well. Find out more about how the robot was made and where this mom got the darling plates and cups in her post at HWTM.

Ladybug theme from Hey, Bubbles blog

My baby shower theme was ladybugs so of course I had to include this one!

Fairyland theme from Hostest with the Mostest blog

This one by far is my favorite. From the color theme to the decorations (see the place settings below!!) to the entrance to “Tinks workshop” this party seems like every girls dream. It makes me want to find my own paper wings to decorate.

My little peanut has many more birthdays to come and I can only hope some of them will be as amazing as the ones above are. I’m still recovering from the slew of ladybug things my mom has gotten for my girl since the baby shower so I’m avoiding one type of theme, but I’ve got some ideas and can’t wait to get started. I’ll also share some of them after the big day so stay tuned!

*photos are from the respective blogs they are posted on.