What our Kids do for Fun on Smoky Days

Dress up and go into a ship, cave or a giant's mouth...

A fan generated wind tunnel...

Watch out for the lion!

 My oldest daughter remembered when they were small they enjoyed building a wind tunnel out of a queen sized bed sheet and a fan.  Yes, that's it.  So simple and so much fun.  She weighted down the edges of the sheet with a few folded heavy blankets. 

The younger ones played a long time inventing different scenarios in which they might find themselves enclosed inside something.  I've read somewhere along the way that children are learning to creatively solve problems when they are imagining themselves in different situations.  So nice to know that our lions, tigers, orphan babies, or tea party goers are engaged in active play and learning at the same time.

Can't you just imagine yourself in a flower garden?  Oh the smell...

 A great way to preserve your child's art is to take pictures.  Another friend gave me this tip for not feeling guilty about throwing it away.  You can keep a copy forever this way!  Although I will always keep the original for these pictures, they are just too good and too cute to throw away. 

Fireball's impression of his new baby brother....

I love it!  What our children can interpret through art is priceless!  When was the last time you sat and drew anything as an adult?  Why do we stop communicating through simple art?  Sending cards just isn't the same thing is it?  Time to sit down and draw with your kids, even if you can only manage a stick figure, they'll think it's fun and cherish the time you've spent with them, at the table, talking, laughing and simply drawing. 

Another fun thing we've started somewhere along the way is purchasing cards from our kids.  They fold a paper and draw on the front and there's a great card to send for a thank-you or a birthday.  Who doesn't appreciate a child's drawing?  I'd rather add some change to my child's piggy bank, then line the pocket of a mass producing card manufacturer.  Not that I don't enjoy a store bought card, either, but you'll have to admit they are ridiculously expensive for what you're going to get out of it.

Well, that's all our latest and greatest idea's for now.....