Let the Merriment Begin!

How much fun can you cram into a long weekend? When two boys are involved -- ages 5 and 6 (although we are reminded, he's almost 7!), the answer is "a lot!"

Rick and I were kid-sitting the boys while their parents were spending time with a cousin in Indiana. We decided they shouldn't have all the fun and had quite an agenda of activities. The oldest had been asking about "doing a craft" since we last saw him, so I cam supplied with lots of crafty projects for Christmas ornaments.

These guys were on it -- Rick's mom and I supervised but they were doing the work. First it was making these cute little snowmen....

Then we went on to houses made from a pre-fab crafty house base. 

We covered them with washi tape, stick ons and just about anything else that suited their fancy. They added a bit of drawing and they were good to go!

Then we painted min-canvases with markers and attached a ribbon hanger.

They decorated birdhouses with buttons .... 

...  and bendy-dolls with markers.

Cam went off the grid using an empty ribbon spool! Give a kid stickers, washi and a base and they're off to the races!

The trees weren't even in place yet, but they now have about a dozen decorations!

Then it was time for yet another project -- and one they had  been waiting for. . .  It was gingerbread house time! Grandpa was in charge of the frosting (otherwise, there would be none left) and the initial construction, with Great-grandma Kttty's help.

Once it was stable, the fun part began! 

 

And when all was said and done, they were very proud of it -- and wanted to immediately demolish and eat it!

We convinced them to keep it intact until their parents got home! Meanwhile, they took up the camera and here we are!

The next day it was off to Belle Isle, a large state park island in the Detroit River. After a stop at the playground (where I wiped out and mashed up my back the day after getting everything realigned!). Oh, to be able to fall and just get up again like they can!

We headed into the nature center. They had a picnic area outside so we enjoyed a lovely, unseasonably gorgeous afternoon together.

Then it was back to the house -- I was crammed into the back between two booster seats (believe me, it is the most uncomfortable place in the world!) But my companions were jolly and that makes up for a lot!

 

I couldn't end this post without a bonus photo of their sweet cat, Waffles.

I am convinced that if cats do indeed have nine lives, this is my Marmelade Gypsy, returned to the family in an only slightly new form (a female this time!) but just as sweet and curious as the original.

It was good to see my Gyp again -- even if he is a she named Waffles!

 I think it's safe to say. . .

. . . that my Christmas season has officially begun!

Sharing with:    Friday Face Off    /   Love Your Creativity   /   Rain's Art Date    /   Share Your Style