Field Day Adventures

The "field day" I imagined: a handful of track and field events organized for the students at my daughters' elementary school. What I saw was quite different. Yes, there was an element of competition, but it was mainly an opportunity for pairs of students to wander to the 20 fun stations that the teachers had set up for them. Kids were engaged in tug-of-wars, tossing games, relays, face painting, tai kwon do and all manner of active games out on the open field behind the school.

Some snapshots:

My petite daughter had fun tugging!

Sack race - classic!

Ever tried toe fishing?

Hopefully they changed the water as the day went on.

Running + water = another relay variation.

Linked to Try New Adventures Thursday.

Finding Mulberries in May

The hands that picked - mine, my son's and two of my daughters.

Picking berries is an activity that my son talks about all year long.  Normally we've gone berry hunting in June.   But spring came early this year, and we've been out picking mulberries before school gets out for the summer.

Though these days are very busy, I don't regret taking time to harvest nature's bounty and continue what's become a cherished summer memory with my kiddos.  Though we're leaving Nebraska at the end of the summer, in our next locale I am told we may find Saskatoon berries.  I look forward to trying them.

Have you ever picked mulberries?  What's your favorite berry to pick?  

Easy Felt Magnets (for Travel Bingo and More)

Materials Needed:

• Magnetic tape (I found 1-inch wide 10-foot rolls at Wal-mart)
• Adhesive-backed felt sheets (available at Jo-Ann Craft Stores and Wal-mart)
• Metal stove top burner covers (found at Dollar General or Wal-mart)
• Spray paint, optional
• Bingo boards inserts
• Scissors
• Clear Contact Paper 

My 4 year old's exploration of symmetry

To make the magnets and magnetic boards:

1. Carefully peel backing off from felt and the magnetic tape.  Press magnetic tape and felt together, making sure they stay straight and smooth.  Trim strips and cut shapes (squares and triangles) after magnetic tape has been attached.
2. To go with the magnets, our MOPS group made magnetic activity boards using metal stove top burner covers (which I painted first).  Choose a paper insert (travel bingo or farmers market vegetables) to cut out and laminate with contact paper.  Place on the inside of the burner cover.

A portable game for when kids are on the go...

...or for arranging on the fridge at home

 This idea is linked to It's Playtime!

Why We Aren't Planting a Garden This Year

Our lone tomato plant, which sprouted of its own accord

Since acquiring a backyard five years ago, planting a little square foot garden with my kids has been a favorite spring and summer pastime.  We've still got plenty of seeds and a square raised garden frame that has served us well.  But I am resisting the urge to plant this spring for two very good reasons:

1) We added another child to our family. And she is a delight.  Even more fun than growing a garden.

 2) We are anticipating a big move this summer.  My husband has been busy job hunting and scrambling to finish his dissertation. The desired result: that this hectic season of graduate school will finally come to a close.

His research interviews are completed, but there is still a ways to go before he finishes and graduates (by the end of the summer?).  Thankfully he's an excellent writer and types much faster than I do.  And on the job front, he's just accepted an offer for a faculty position outside the U.S.  I'll share a few more specifics in the weeks ahead!