Squish Painting

The Invitation:

Paint

Spoons

Paper

Rolling Pen

The idea is to put blobs of paint onto the paper using spoons. Put another layer of paper on top and use the rolling pin to squish the paint in between.

Squish Painting

Bobo blobbed the paint, then smeared it all around to make a rainbow. The red blur is his spider-man hand.

I'm sharing at the Weekly Kids Co-op.

Sensory Tub: Transportation

A couple of weeks ago, I posted about a sensory tub fail. With a little more preparation and using items from our school for the Transportation theme, we had a success (and no eating the props!). I used blue tempera paint for the water, foam boat and helicopter cut-outs and shaving cream for puffy clouds. I sprinkled some glitter on the clouds to make them sparkle.

I added yellow and blue elements like a duck, strainer, pitcher and boats. I filled a spray bottle with green water, because that's what you get when you mix yellow and blue. Finally, I filled up the tub with blue water. Bobo's favorite part of the bath was spraying the clouds to make green rain.

365 Days Outdoors: The Bubble Truck

Last week we held our annual kick off party at my library. My favorite part was the Bubble Truck. The Bubble Man outfitted his Dodge Ram with all kinds of bubble making devices. The pictures do NOT do this event justice. I felt like I was in a fairy world surrounded by all those bubbles.

The Bubble Man provided about 30 buckets filled with bubble solution and bubble blowing accessories.

Definitely an attraction for all ages. I was serving nachos, so I didn't get to try this with Bobo.

We also had noodle races,

a star bean bag toss,

and a big hill to roll down.

I'm sharing at the Weekly Kids Co-Op.

365 Days Outdoors: A Storyteller

Chinese folk tale of the Belly Button Monster

Bobo visited a local park this morning to hear Addie tell about Sleeping Beauties and Beasties. Can you guess what his favorite stories were about? Beasties! Addie shared the story of Hercules and Strife, The Gunniwolf, The Belly Button Monster and Sleeping Beauty. 

Addie is a phenomenal storyteller on her own. When she uses puppets, though, something magical happens. Bobo's favorite story was the Belly Button Monster. He spied the monster in the bag during the story and kept asking about it.

Even though he was sleepy and hungry (we always bring snacks to early morning events), he was engaged the entire time.

I'm sharing this post on WMCIR, since Bobo's stories are always read aloud I thought it appropriate.


  

365 Days Outdoors: Drum Beats

We just started our annual park visits for summer reading club. This past Tuesday, we attended a drum ensemble with the added bonus of the history of the drum.

Unfortunately, these events are a bit early in the day for us. Last year, I took a snack and cuddled Bobo in a wrap until he woke up and was ready to join. This year, the programs are cutting into his coloring time. 

Almost all the other children joined in this percussion marching band.

Bobo was content to watch. Tomorrow we are going to hear my favorite local storyteller, Addie Hirschten, share some stories about Sleeping Beauties and Beasties. Bobo was too young the last time she came, so I'm eager to see how he reacts.

WMCIR: Ninjas, Monkeys and Dogs

The library's summer reading club began this week, so Bobo picked out some of his own books. When he pulled them off the shelf of the bookmobile, he said "These are for you to read to yourself, mama." That kid cracks me up! He chose RRRalph by Lois Ehlert. Ralph is a dog who talks. I think this book is wonderful for children who are a little bit older than Bobo, say 5-7, but he just didn't get it. He did love the classic Ehlert illustrations, though.

I snatched this book off the recently returned shelf as soon as I saw it. Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted to be Noticed by J.C. Phillipps is Bobo's new favorite book. Everywhere we go, Bobo tells people he is the American ninja. I've been telling him that ninjas are supposed to be secret. Wink would be an excellent ninja if he only remembered to be stealth, silent and invisible. Maybe ninja school isn't the right fit for Wink? Read the book for the surprise ending.

Bobo's favorite song is "Five Little Monkeys" as he loves jumping on the bed. Two Little Monkeys is Mem Fox's newest book in the U.S. Cheeky and Chee are the two monkeys playing in the tree. Something is lurking in the bushes, though. I adore Mem Fox books, and this one will be a great addition to my list of read-alouds.

I'll be sharing more of Bobo's picks in the weeks to come.

Aladdin Musical

Aladdin: The Musical

Bobo and I attended a matinee performance of Aladdin the musical on Friday. He was enthralled the entire time, asking questions and very engaged. I wish I could have taken some pictures of his expressions throughout the performance.

Genie received a Bobo original

His favorite part of the event was meeting the actors at the end. He said, "I talked to the REAL Aladdin, but a different genie." He knew the genie was different because "he" wasn't blue and couldn't fly (Bobo never realized the genie was played by a girl). Bobo asked the genie why he couldn't fly. Thankfully, the genie was a good sport and said he was too tired to fly today.

Bobo's first fan mail

Bobo wanted to give each character a note. He had prepared one on the way for the genie, but decided the rest of the cast needed something as well. I translated each note, so the actors would know what he said. The little boy playing Aladdin had the biggest reaction with a bright smile for Bobo. Bobo said, "I made Aladdin so happy." 

Catch that Bobo!

I had to run to keep up with Bobo after he prepared his notes. He rushed the actors, handed them the note then bolted. Jafar didn't know what hit him. I think he must have been staying in character, method actor? Bobo was a bit scared of him.

The beautiful palace of Agrabah

The Children's Theater group held this event at a middle school. I learned about it from a family who is involved at the library. We've been to one play before this performed at our local high school, Miss Nelson is Missing. If you haven't taken your little one to a play before, you can find a local one on your community web site or through the schools. They are inexpensive and under 3 is usually free. I do suggest taking a booster seat, so they can see better. It is a wonderful experience for all ages!