lego fun - supersized

This past weekend, we surprised the kids on Sunday and took them to the Legoland Discovery Center here in Grapevine, TX. It took quite a bit of coordination in advance to get here. Several months ago when we wanted to go, we checked online, and everything was "full." This time, we purchased a time slot that was available days in advance - as the site advised. But we didn't realize until we got there, that this only secured our time slot... to wait in line!



And we can see why. The place is wall to wall covered with families making stuff, playing, jumping, climbing, riding, eating, and even just standing there on their smart phones {which was frustrating}. Other than the sheer crowds, I was impressed by what the center offered young kids.



For example this play area - requires children to wear socks. Which we didn't have or know we needed. Good thing the lego shop stocked them - $1 a pair. Children were also not allowed to exit the play area until a staff person matched them with their parent... which is a relief.

And the rides were pretty sweet - thrilling enough for the kids' brave hearts, and fun enough for us to ride a long.





The real lego action came when the kids built their cars and raced them. This giant ramp was an exuberant idea for Noah, as he loves anything and everything that has to do with vehicles. At home he races them on the floor... but here, he got to see the car he made practically fly off the ramp and crash. By rebuilding it, he learned how to make it light enough, but sturdy to win... over and over again.



Ava enjoyed the car races... but perhaps the karaoke stage in the Princess castle area even more. She sang Itsy Bitsy Spider and Head, Shoulders Knees and Toes... with complete passion...  feeling like like an instant star... something she's always wanted to do.




But as a family - I have to say, our favorite part was catching the 4D shows. We got rained on, snowed on, felt like we were riding in a helicopter with our hair blowing.... the simulations were fantastic! The good part is that they are also short enough to enjoy the experience. After 10 minutes of trying to use the glasses, I was ready to take them off.



There is something so timeless about Legos. And the Discovery Center is worth exploring at least once. 2-3 hours is plenty of time to explore the fun and watch all the 4D shows- but by 5pm, the place started to clear up, and we were able to zig zag freely... which meant a longer stay. By 6:30, we were tired, and ready go... especially the kids who snoozed during the car ride home.

Before you go....
Definitely check out their website before you go - discounted tickets are available for purchase online. Plus this will help ensure you can get in line.

Plan on bringing socks and yummy food with you {cafe selection is minimal}.

Also, be prepared for crowds. If you have a thing about germs - then this place isn't for you. The play areas are touched by thousands of hands - and I didn't see any cleaning done at any point of our 4 hour stay. Be sure the kids wash up often! Also, have a plan of action of what the kids should do if they should get lost.

Make the best of it -  at times I wanted to approach other parents who were just sitting on top of the play area dividers and using their smart phones, to move so that the kids could have a space to build - it just wasn't worth it. The kids quickly learned to work around the chaos - hopping from one area to the next - as the flow of the crowds pushed them... which I think takes away from the actual time, environment and concentration kids need to be creative and encouraged to build.

Ramadan paper lanterns

Lots of wonderful craft ideas out there to get the kiddos involved with the celebrations of Ramadan. Lanterns are commonly used to light up and decorate the streets at night - when everyone is out. But at home, this works just as well for us to decorate our table with.



We used a template from Smart Ark. The glue stick didn't work too well - so I eventually had to pull out the masking tape and add some to the tabs from the inside. You're suppose to cut out the squares on the inside so that when these are attached to a string of lights, they can show through. But we used ours to decorate our kitchen table... and of course, pretend they were telescopes for a bit...



More great ideas on Smart Ark's fun page...

kids backpacks... from sentimental to sweet finds

Earlier in the year, Dad found a purple backpack along curbside that looked new. He picked it up, dusted it off, and filled it with a ruler, calculator, glue, and even chapstick and presented it to Ava {without telling my Mom, who has been wanting to buy Ava's first backpack for years}. Ava was absolutely elated... and gave him a giant hug. It was a very sweet moment for Dad and Ava.

Mom still wanted to buy her something new. So over the course of the months she'd ask, "Ava, what kind of backpack would you like Grandma to buy you?" ... and Ava's why-didn't-you-know? kind of reply was always the same: "I already have a backpack. The one Grandpa gave me." {smiling}.



When Mom was little, she remembers carrying a leather satchel to school... and when I was a kid, I received a vinyl backpack satchel as a gift... it was white with colorful animals on it, and it was my most favorite piece I owned {more than toys}. In high school, my older sister traveled to Greece and brought back a leather brown messenger bag. Its 15 years old, and I still carry it into the office with me. Satchels just bring back fond memories... but that's not to say that the bag Ava carries at the start of her academic career - will actually be with her for always {although wouldn't that be sweet?}

So let's think outside that box for a moment...  and see what's out there.  Here are my favorite picks:

1} Resembling almost exactly what I have, this leather backpack from the Cambridge Satchel Company in the UK, is just timeless - and is at the top of my wish list for Ava. It comes in several sizes, vibrant colors like yellow and orange, and is priced at around $151USD.

2} This red leather Japanese pack, or Randoseru, a term borrowed from the Dutch meaning backpack, is such a, well, Japanese version of #1. Japanese style is as hip and trendy as they come. I read how its common for Japanese grandparents to purchase these as gifts for their grandchildren starting school, {how appropriate} and accommodates kids for 6 years. It's so beautifully simple - and I love the red. It's size is a deterant though - approximately 9x11" - and so is the price. Even on ebay, new ones are going anywhere from $99 to $850 USD. I know... I know....

3} The messenger bag from Apple & Bee... such a cute design isn't it? The wooden buttons, little birdie... I feel like Ava should be riding a bike with this slung over her side. If it had backpack straps - it would have even been better. The pluses? It's made out of 100% organic material, and is also reversible - so 2 designs for 1, for $30 USD.

4} I'm a huge fan of quilted bags. A few years ago, my friends helped me make my own quilted tote - granted it took me a year to finish - but still, I carry that thing everywhere. There's just something so vintage, comfortable, and everlasting about quilts. This one is Vera Bradley - and if you're a fan of hers, you can choose a handful of designs that come in both preschooler and big kid sizes. The Viva la Vera pattern (shown above) is currently on sale for $75 USD.

5} The Solar System bag by Crocodile Creek is just one example of how the designs are unique to its brand. The quality is on par with others in the market {if not better} - but how cute is this solar system bag? my favorite...  Pluto is actually crying in this scene... and there are matching lunch boxes and drink bottles too. This is a bit sentimental for me, since Ava loves astronomy and learning about the planets. A huge contender for us, priced at $28 USD!

6} Last but not least, this one caught my eye too. "Papar" is the name of this owl, and she comes from Dante Beatrix - a popular line carried in stores around us and online. I can just picture Ava walking to school feeling, "I didn't get my donuts and milk this morning. Grrrr...." LOL! More fun designs to choose from for both boys/girls and run about $52USD.

So what do you think? Which one is your favorite? And what will your little one be carrying to school this year?

Ramadan 2011 - Family Resources

I can't believe its already August! And Ramadan is here!! A time to slow down and be mindful of ourselves, spiritually and physically, and of those around us in our communities, family and friends.

Of course I think that should be a daily thing for us all - but life gets in the way sometimes. Like for me, my intense anticipation of Ava starting school has been bubbling up inside of me for the past month now- so I'm not completely myself these days. Everything feels so rushed, even maddening at times. We're even taking on some home renovations too... and well, there's finances to contend with... and the list goes on.

Yesterday was the first day of Ramadan... {exhaling}... and I'm looking forward to the next 29 days of practicing these better habits. Over the course of the month we'll be posting Ramadan related stories... and Eid celebration ideas, but for now, I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite resources about our holiday:

Educational References
What is Ramadan? -  Wikipedia, BBC News, and About.com 
The Whitehouse - President Obama's Message



Curriculum and Teaching Ideas
Lifetime Learning at Home - A wonderfully organized homeschool blog outlining projects and teachings for preschoolers.


Books

My First Ramadan by Karen Katz. I bought this book several years ago and its genuinely a great book to introduce children to Ramadan basics and cultural traditions practiced all over the world. Ava loved all of Katz' books as a toddler. Her lift-the-flap books mimic curiosity while others integrate lessons about sharing, being a big sister, and even controlling emotions - all are so graphically portrayed through color and exaggerated shapes. So to have this book as part of our collection by Katz, is a lot of fun.

Reading scripture from the Quran is essential - and a copy of My First Quran Storybook is a great foundation to start with. Written for the younger set in mind, this is a great book to read together as a family and explore the historical time line of how things came to "Be" as well as the moral messages and teachings. It also sparks great conversation - like the Story of Prophet Noah - and the kids want to know "why?" Growing up, I learned not to question the stories from our Holy Book. Seeing my own children ask in the same wonder, compels us to openly discuss and share what we each think. And of course, there will be open ended responses, that even they are content with. These are treasured conversations indeed.

There are terrific online resources too - from educational teachings ideas, photography from all over the world. Here are my favorite picks:


Creativity

Used with permission: Ramadan Joy

Ramadan Joy is a creative companion for families during the month of Ramadan, and includes wonderful arts and crafts ideas, fun recipes, sewing projects, and gift ideas. The "Ramadan Joy" and the "Barakah Life handmade" blogs are part of Barakah Life, a Creative Living company offering products, classes and workshops. Owner Khadija is also co-founder of  Creativity and the Spiritual Path, a platform of creative conversations, with artist Peter Gould {also worth checking out! especially his artwork for kids!!}

Used with permission: Handmade Beginnings

I'm also in love with Handmade Beginnings - this Mom's entire blog is dedicated to nourishing and educating beginnings with her own children - from Islamic teachings, to Montessori lesson plans, as well as ideas for crafts, recipes, and so much more. Check out her blog for ideas and daily inspiration!

Crayola never disappoints - we've used their coloring pages last year - and plan to again this year. There are other ideas for older children to try their hand at geometric art and portraits.

Photography
Photography has a special place in my heart. And it sings when the kids get behind the lens too, or browse through pictures with a sincere appreciation and remembrance of the moment passed. Looking at Ramadan photos from around the world - makes us feel smaller, yet collective.. and of course, makes us crave traveling to see these these places for ourselves...

Times Live,  The Washington Post, USA Today and of course, Peter Gould!

just a cardboard box

Oh... the simple joys of a playing with a cardboard box! Ava came into the bedroom wanting to tell me about the weather - in a very reportedly way. So I found her empty radio box in the garage, cut out a "screen" and put it over her head. And just like that, she was reporting the weather from the tube. Its quite funny hearing her interpret the news - since we don't watch it at home. But she described the sunny day ahead very vividly, and flipped her "paper" to move on to the next topic.

The "TV" didn't have to be painted, or fancied up - kids see past these so quickly so that they can focus on the good stuff - the fun! With just a little creativity with what you already have at home (no store bought stuff) playtime using our imaginations - is indeed priceless. You might want to also grab your video camera too - oh the things they say....

kids make dinner: pizza pinwheels

Planning dinner sometimes feels like we're playing yahtzee - but instead of dice, thoughts of, "what to make... what to make?..." are tossed in our heads. Aaron's the chef in our household, but when you have a tough day at work, hit the pool with the kids after wards - there's little time left to prepare a hearty, nutritional, the kids-will-eat-it kind of a meal. Which is why recipes from websites like, mealsmatter.org - that are healthy and easy enough for the kids to help with - are a perfect go-to resource.



Jump for more pics of the kids making pizza pinwheels! It takes about 10 minutes to prepare 12 mini "pies" and just 6 minutes in the oven, leaving much more time for us to sit around the table together - and savor the dinner prepared by the kids much more...

preparing for kindergarten

Counting down. In less than 1 month, Ava will start kindergarten - and I am more than just beside myself. The summer has taken up our days... with this or that. And when we pause, I remember, "Ava, we need to work on your workbooks right now!" Workbooks that help her practice cutting, matching, answer riddles, write her alphabet, count, and so on. Some times she finds it very boring. And her restlessness has her squirming in her chair, or day dreaming. She's easily distracted, and will ask me questions, and I have to help her refocus. Not always easy. In fact, I find myself huffing and puffing during these moments. Yesterday was one of those moments. She finished an entire notebook, skipping the coloring exercises. So when I asked her to go get her markers so she could finish - she came back like this:



We both laughed. So hard. And it made me realize that although I have been on this mad dash to make sure she's "prepared" for kinder, the most important thing we have to be prepared for - are knowing when to embrace moments like these.

I love you Ava. I know you will do a fantastic job in school. And I know, that your light-hearted, don't be so serious... make time for laughs and have fun, kind of attitude will serve you well for the rest of your life. Much more... than coloring inside the lines.

Even I am still learning that... I'm proud its from and with you, Ava.

this moment

{inspired by Soulemama}  "A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember."

3 techniques, 2 days, 1 mr. seahorse

Inspired by this assignment from Deep Space Sparkle - a fantastic art blog - we set out to produce artwork like the great Eric Carle too. I thought this would be a fun project to try on this summer day - because A&N love Mr. Seahorse and it brings back memories of our beach trip.  The layers, techniques, and two-day process was part of the beauty of this art project. Most of the time when kids do "art" they have an idea in mind. Here, they discovered how "art" itself can be pieced together - to make even bigger art.

Jump over to our Creative Crafting corner to see how this:



turned into this:


Don't forget to jump over here!

chapter books

Through the years, we have filled our shelves with countless picture books for the kids. Both Aaron and I are huge fans of books in general {from the smell and touch to the story plots and knowledge learned...} Picture books for the kids say a thousand words - they like to look at each page before its turned and examine different things... point out expressions, or what "others" not in the story are doing. This makes reading with the kids the same book over and over again - timeless, which I think, is what makes a good book - wonderful.

sorting and matching and more

Last week, I picked up a new game for the kids called Seasons - Sort and Match Science Game from Lakeshore Learning. The kids had fun sorting the miniature figures into what they thought belonged to the right season. We took turns picking out an item from the box, and if it didn't go with their season card, it was the next person's turn.  As each object came out of the box, I asked questions about them. After Ava placed her sunglasses in "summer" I asked if we wear sunglasses any other time of the year? Or why we can't build a snowman in Spring? And general facts about weather...

this moment

{inspired by Soulemama}  "A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see."

setting sail

Who needs pool toys, when you can sail a boat? To change things up a bit during splash time, Ava and I made 20 paper boats with the stack of square fluorescent note sheets we had at home. I can't remember how old I was or who taught me how to make a boat, but after looking online to link for this post, I realized I do it a little bit differently. I'll have to share that with you in a second post. After doing it just once, Ava was able to make some of her own... and then we played the voices of the ships preparing to hit the high seas...

dining room redo

So.... back in November, I was craving a redo of our dining room. I had an inspiration board of sorts... and well - so much has happened between then and now... and finally, this past May, in time for Noah's birthday, we finished it. Well, most of it anyway.

This is what it looked like before...

and here's where we are now...

More pics and details of how we pulled this together are posted in the homestyle section of our blog. It was an ambitious project to finish in less than 2 weeks...

this moment

{inspired by Soulemama}  "A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see."