Things may have been crazy busy around here, but they are also going extremely well.
What's going well:
- Swim lessons at the public park have been not only cost effective, but a great way to have healthy, outdoor fun daily with little effort on my part.
- The Piano Made Easy computer game we ordered turned out to be a hit, and my kids have been learning about music. On the down side, they appear to have never made volume 2 of the series, and so the game will only get them so far. Humph.
- The absolute best thing (okay, maybe after the swimming) we've done this summer is Maker Camp. I tried to post about it earlier, but Weebly got all wonky. My friend Merri U. suggested Maker Camp to me, and my kids are in love. Join families all over the world to get daily videos about art/science/tech activities based mostly on materials you have around the house. We've built really fun toys, musical instruments, homemade sketchbooks, edible geodesic domes, woven baskets, and more. It's not too late to sign up, and even when it's over, you can use the old videos/activities as well as keep up with the new posts each day.
- Google also has a "camp." I don't like it as much as much as Maker Camp, and it only has enough stuff to keep you busy for one day, but my kids have enjoyed the videos a lot.
- The ping-pong table kit I ordered has been a winner. It also attracts other kids, which is a plus.
- Needlepointing on plastic canvas is a nice, quiet activity that my kids have been enjoying. We're making bracelets similar to this one and that one.
And because I've been such a slacker about posting, I'm offering a bonus tip: my friend Brianne L. posted this great evening outing idea on FB today: sunset hikes in Griffith Park.
What have been your hits and misses? Please share your discoveries in the comments.