Gymnastics

We went to a local gymnastics location a few weeks ago to enjoy some fun and of course exercise! Some of the kids had never experienced gymnastics before and they had a great time. I as usual to waaaaay too many pictures, so I put them together in a brief slide show. as well I have attached a video of this cool thing they did with the kids at the end of the session called "hot dog" too cute! I can't wait for us to go again!

Food for thought?!

I found this quote and thought I would share it.

Toddlers are more likely to eat healthy food if they find it on the floor. ~Jan Blaustone

Childrens Festival

I finally decided to give the children's festival here in town another chance after a rather unsuccessful trip a few years ago. I am glad that we decided to go as the kids enjoyed it and it was much more organized! Unfortunately it was cut short when L fell ill and had to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance. The staff were a great help and thanks again so much to the parents that whisked down to the festival to help us get back. The kids were confused and it was a rather stressful time and to get us all back on the bus and in one piece just felt too overwhelming at the time. we did have a chance to paint some masks and listen to a performer with many hats and get our faces painted. We were also snapped by a local reporter although unfortunately even after getting all of our information we did not end up in the paper, which was a bit of a bummer. Anyhow here are some pictures of us enjoying the performance.

At the Circus, FINALLY

It was nearly a month ago that we did the theme "circus" with the kids and made plans to do a mini "carnival circus" in the back yard, the kids made flag banners, we made "weight lifting weights" ring toss, tight rope walking, and of course face painting so we could have animals at our circus. Well the weather did not co-operate, between rain rain and more rain and HUGE smog and humidex days, we had to put it off, but finally we just decided who cares how hot it is, we are gonna do it. And the kids had a great time. in fact they now ask when we go outside if we are "gonna do the circus again" lol it was soo cute!

Getting Fit!

We had fun in May learning about all the different ways we can make sure we stay healthy. Eating well, getting lots of sleep, and of course exercise! We had a week of learning different types of exercise! First we had A and G back for a visit with their mom whom is a Pilates instructor who taught the kids a bunch of different moves. I wish I was that flexible!! and we did Elmo-size and a Kids fitness DVD I have. The kids really enjoyed it!
I've attached some pictures of the kids learning pilates!

Update on "L"

Today was such a crazy day. We had our field trip planned to the Children's Festival which in itself can be a bit hectic, the kids on the bus, not losing anyone, keeping everyone happy etc etc. But as most of you parents know, we had an incident with my assistant L and she nearly fainted and, She ended up being taken away by ambulance. it was quite upsetting for some of the kids and they were of course full of questions which is hard to answer at an age appropriate level.
Thanks to the two parents that were able to steal some car seats and help us get the kids back. I was quite concerned about getting them back and help calm their worries and questions. However we made it back safe and sound. I had to make reports with security and the site director of the event and I know they were going to be in touch with L. I was in touch with her and the cause of her illness was severe dehydration! I always worry so much about the kids getting enough fluids, we will all be on her back from now on :P her body was completely laking in fluids. So let this be a lesson to all of you DRINK YOUR WATER!! anyhow she is home and resting and may or may not return to work tomorrow. She is a bit worried that she "ruined" the day which of course is not true.
L we are just glad you are feeling better!

Bubbles! What is it with kids and Bubbles??

Well as many many parents and childcare providers know, bubbles are always a hit. Well L and I got tired quickly of blowing a million bubbles so I got a bubble machine, MUCH better! and the kids go crazy!! Even the dogs do actually! Guess that is why I have seen liver scented bubble mix in pet stores! anyhow, I absolutely love the look on the kids faces when we put the bubbles out... so had to share them with you!

Slave Labour or just plain Fun?!

We all know how kids tend to believe pretty much everything we tell them, which can be to our advantage at times, and this was one of those instances. I am a firm believer in providing activities outside as much as inside to enhance play, imagination and to promote new knowledge and skills. So on one of our hotter days, we went outside to play and I decided to let the kids "paint" the fence. Its simple really, a bucket of water (mine is blue so the contents doesn't look clear) and paint brushes of all different sizes. The kids dip the brushes in the water and "paint" the fence. the water makes the fence change "colour" and the kids think they are actually painting! I had a couple kids worried they would get the "paint" on their clothes ha ha. Its too cute! Of course now they want to do it every day which doesn't make it quite so "special" but its fun all the same.

Teddy Bear Picnic

Every year we try to have a few themes that are just for fun. that includes a Teddy Bear theme. We ready stories and get out or teddy bear book that has a cassette (yes cassette) and we listen to it every day! The kids love it. We also have a teddy bear picnic where we put on teddy bear ears and sit on a blanket (outside if its nice which unfortunately I don't think I have ever had the luck to do) and eat Teddy grahams, bear paws, care bear gummies etc. The kids love it! So here is a few pictures of us enjoying our Teddy Bear picnic

Nap time... Sorta

We all know how much kids give such a fuss when it comes to having a nap every afternoon. Here at Krafts & Kids, its part of the routine and generally we don't have too much trouble, but it still can be a stressful part of the day. A few weeks ago, the kids started this new "game" called nap time. They pull out all their blankets and pillows and tell me "shhh its nap time" and lay on their beds pretend to sleep, pretend to snore, cover one another up, read books, say good night, over and over. They had a blast! If only they were this excited about nap time when it really counts!! Here are some pictures, and yes even "piggy" had a nap too!