Ashley had a great summertime post with an array of links for summer activities and inspiration. I was especially charmed with Martha’s suggestions.

And what about these jars? How fun for the kids’ bedrooms on a summer evening! I need to find some of that glow paint. ASAP

My husband caught the kids in the throes of some serious hunting last week. Perhaps that activity will end up on our list…

How about you? Got any great summer plans or traditions?

There.

I said it. I’m sure I’ve even said it before on this blog a time or two. But I guess that’s the whole idea behind being reminded of something.

One of the kids came down recently and asked us why grown ups don’t really play like kids do. I realize there is nothing in this little question that should stir guilt or angst in my heart. (For some reason it still does, though.) It’s true. Grown ups don’t play as much as kids do. They have things to do that make it possible for kids to enjoy their little lives and play. There are responsibilities. But surely I can find a little time for play every now and then…

Here are a few things we’ve been doing lately that bring out the little kid in me:

Labyrinth. Super duper interesting and GREAT for thinking skills.

Mario Kart. Who doesn’t love Mario?

Blink. SO Fun

We did some resist painting this week, which was fun for all. It took no time at all to pull together and the kids were delighted with it. (Sometimes I kick myself for putting off activities that require almost no effort.)

I often need to pull out this book for some creative ideas about getting outside. I’ve come to realize there’s no shame in cracking a “how-to” book to aid you in entertaining your kids. It’s better than not doing anything with them, eh?

I just found this little printout with 10 Ways to Play in February via the Let’s Explore blog. I think we could easily find a way to do each and every one of these simple activities in the month of February, along with making some Valentines. They are stoked about that.

So go on, make a little time for play. Your kids will not forget these precious moments.

Is anyone else playing catch-up today? I really don’t have much to write about. I’m too busy with laundry and cleaning. Life goes on, though. Doesn’t it? The grass just keeps on growing. However, here are a few little tidbits:

I’ve done a little reading this past week. These books are quite entertaining and I’m waiting on the final one to get here from Amazon, so I can know what happens! It’s been fun to read something purely for my own enjoyment–it had been a while. (Note: these are for older kids, not littles.) Yet another reason for me to get all my stuff done today, so I’ll be ready to dive right in once it gets here. I hear there might be a movie in the works. I’d pay to see it.

We love listening to this guy on Pandora. We haven’t yet been disappointed. I remember hearing Jump Up on Sesame Street once. We were all hooked and haven’t stopped being delighted since. It’s great for getting chores done, playing games, dancing, just whatever.

Made this a couple weeks ago. Pics to come eventually. It was easy and fun.

New to me site that inspires creativity and love for the home, and the beautification thereof.

For not having much to say, I’ve prattled on long enough. I’ve got work to do.  Happy Tuesday!

Then there came the real culture.

We went here to see various West Virginia artists demonstrate their talents and display their wares. (Oh, and there were chocolate chip cookies, too.) But seriously, a guy playing a washboard? Come on. So cool. And thanks to Laura Ingalls Wilder,  my daughter already knew what a washboard was. Can I just say that it’s very satisfying to see her passing on her knowledge to her little brother? I didn’t have to do any explaining. She did it all. So now they both know and they are pretty impressed that it serves an instrumental purpose as well…

When I asked the kids their favorite parts they said, “Playing on the marble train and watching the potter-ing. I just wanted to stay there.”

Conclusion on the day: Andy Pense of Guided Clay, when you start giving lessons in our town, we are SO there. What a swell fella. (and a positive outcome of homeschooling to boot!)

(and everyone’s a winner.)

I really enjoyed this simple post, and was reminded of so many simple things I love about life. Today, it was being in my pajamas all day, seeing my kids love and take care of each other, sunshine, mud, (glorious mud!) chubby baby elbows, empty laundry hampers, Cinderella Man with my hubs and Shelly’s strawberry pie.

Feel good stories such as A Christmas Carol rarely disappoint.

Christmas Nutcracker or The Elves and the Shoemaker on Storynory. Great way to keep the kiddies busy and happy.

Sufjan Stevens, Put the Lights on the Tree. Just fun.