Send mail to Grandparents

Most kids like to color, and if they are anything like my nieces, they can go through a pad of paper in a day! But what do you do with all those drawings? A refrigerator is only so big. Well, how many of those drawings are you sending to the grandparents? They were raised without e-mail and I think snail mail holds a high value with them and something they look forward to receiving. It is just not the same to scan it and e-mail it over. A friend who has a grandmother in an retirement home, say drawings and pictures from the grand kids are like every one's trophy wall. The more you have the bigger your smile. If your kids are older, and not as into drawing anymore you can still send mail to your parents. Trudy Triner provides you a fun list of easy things to send on her site http://www.makemomhappybymail.com/25-things-to-send-by-mail/ Old or young, make someone smile today with the gift of mail. Ciao. Ciao.

Cooking with Toddlers

One of my favorite things to do with my nieces is cook. I find it to be interactive, bring out a creative side in them and perhaps even giving them skills for the future. I can't believe I have friends (at my age) who barely know how to boil water. Ahhhh the age of dining out. I am also somewhat of a health nut and prefer things that are homemade, even if it is as simple as making a smoothie and pouring it into and ice cube tray for a mini frozen treat later. There are many books out there to help you out, should your cooking skills be rusty, but if you have toddlers in your mix be sure to check out The Toddler Cafe. http://www.chroniclebooks.com/excerpts.php?isbn=0811859274&store=books Many of the ideas don't even require any "cooking", just mixing of a few fun ingredients and freezing, which is perfect for summer time. Happy cooking! Ciao. Ciao.

Family Golf Open

With Father's Day right around the corner, how can one not think of a golf outing. While it is true not all guys are golfers....I'm talking about miniature golf here! You know, pee wee golf. How much fun would it be to have the whole family out for the first ever "Smith" Masters or the Olson Open. Time to get T-shirts printed up for everyone? Even those that don't golf would have fun and it is all about getting the family together! The best part is everyone has a really, really good chance at getting a hole in one! Find the nearest miniature golf course to you at http://find.mapmuse.com/interest/mini_golf Watch out, this is liable to become an annual event! Have fun. Ciao. Ciao.

Pretend Mailbox

A reminder that kids love mail, and also like to play postman. I'm in love with this pretend mailbox and all the letters that go with it. http://www.craftsburykids.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=233 It is all about imagination, and this brings it out. For me, I'd much prefer my little nieces play postman verses doctor. Also send them mail on a regular basis too. The real stuff can help build your connection with them and make them feel extra special. Ciao. Ciao.

Dress Ups

Last week we discussed 'Fancy Nancy' and she is all about the dress ups. I wanted to expand on that idea with something I did for my nieces who love to play dress ups. The first time I showed up with dress ups (aka old "fun & frilly" clothes, hats etc) I brought them a big storage box too. This was to start the collection of dress ups that I knew that would grow, plus keep my sister happy. She is one of those that everything needs to have a proper place of storage, aka neat freak. Which still perplexes me....how do you do that with 2 kids?! Anyway, now when I show up I have something fun to add to the box. Since I have pretty much cleaned out my closet, I'm working my way around the thrift stores etc. You can find some fun boxes at the container store http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?CATID=71230&PRODID=10015492 or just cover a old 2 piece box with some fun wrapping paper. The dress up box is such a fun thing to collect for little girls. Sorry not sure about what the nephews like to collect at this age, as I don't have any.....yet. Don't forget to play dress up with them! Have fun. Ciao. Ciao.

Fancy Nancy

With a book title like that how can you go wrong?! But then as Aunt Nancy, am I bias? The Fancy Nancy book series by Jane O'Connor is a must for little girls. Here is an excerpt from the book, so you can see for yourself just how sweet they are.... http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=87988020 They are simple, sweet, and about all the little things you can do to be fancy,everyday. My niece loves the series so much she just had a fancy Nancy birthday party. Dress ups for little kids is like being a grown up. Wonder if that is why my nieces like wearing my shoes so much? If you save some of your old "fancy" clothes or just fun pieces like a pink frilly nightgown or a hat (that derby hat is just collecting dust anyway), you can show up with dress ups the next time you visit. Then have everyone wear them to breakfast for a fancy breakfast. Your nieces/nephews/grand kids will love it. Have fun! Ciao. Ciao.

Outside Adventure

With the weather warming up, you can't help but want to get outside! Going for a walk/hike gives you time to have quality conversations with your nieces, nephews, grand kids etc, which is impossible to do while they are in front of the TV or computer. Not to mention the fact that everyone is getting some exercise. I discovered a great new twist for a hike or a walk that will engage the kids you love. Make a bingo game out of your hike! You can print a bingo sheet off Lorrie Sullenburger's site http://www.fitandfabulousoutdoors.com/ Make sure you carry some stickers, so as the kids find the items they can put a sticker on top...get a row of stickers and bingo!! I can't wait to get out and play bingo with my nieces! Ciao. Ciao.