Did you guys know the majority of people's childhood memories involve being outside? It's true! (Go ahead and think of some of your own favorite memories to prove it to yourself - it's ok, I'll wait.) So why am I bringing up this fun factoid? To drive home the point that now is the best season to be making memories with the kiddos. Today I'm sharing one of my very favorite things about being outside during the summer as a kid - making banana boats over a camp fire. Ever tried 'em? They're … [Read more...]
Fresh Finds to Get the Kids Excited About Exploring Nature this Summer
Today's the day guys - in a few short hours we will no longer be the owners of the home we've been in since moving to Seattle five year sago. And, more importantly, the home we lived in when both of our children were born. It's definitely a bittersweet moment but we are looking ahead at some wonderful new possibilites on the horizon. In the meantime, I'm a little pre-occupied today. So I thought it would be great time to re-post our extremely popular "Little Explorers" gift guide from last … [Read more...]
Playtime Cheat Sheet No. 3: Warm Weather Play
It's June - Hello Summer! This month's playtime cheat sheet is all about playing in warm weather and it's got something for everyone. Without further ado, here's Alli with a fun DIY sprinkler project and 24 more great ideas. I'm so happy to be back sharing some of our favorite ways to play in the warm Summer weather! I love Summer. But then again, who doesn't? Kids do... for obvious reasons. But adults too (because I have a theory that Summer actually brings out the kid in all of us). We … [Read more...]
How to Build a Sandbox… Finally!
Hey friends. We're still working furiously to get our home ready to put on the market this week, but I haven't forgotten about you! Since I didn't get around to posting about our DIY sandbox until the end of the summer when it first debuted - I thought I'd get ahead of the game this year and post it now. You know, so you could build it and actually enjoy it all summer. It's a good project - you should totally do it if you have the space. Young House Love even based their sandbox on … [Read more...]
Make it: Plant-able Paper Earth
Every once in a while we do a project here on MPMK that I'm over-the-moon excited about. That's how I feel about these plantable earths for Earth Day. They're so cute, I want to send a few to everyone I know. I loved making paper as a kid. I don't know why, maybe it's something about the mess. Or maybe it was the idea that I could make the very same thing I used so often in my daily life, all by myself. (just prettier) Regardless. I loved making paper, and this time was no different. It was … [Read more...]
Ways to Play with Nature (Inside & Out) All Month Long
Ever noticed how much kids love a good theme? A central topic is such a great way to get little ones engaging in all sorts of things - reading, writing, art and (best of all) new types of open-ended play. Plus planning a few weeks of play around the same topic gives the kids time to come up with deeper questions and learn more. Announcing MPMK's latest venture: Play Theme Cheat Sheets! As we said, playing around a theme is a great idea - the only drawback being that it requires a bit of … [Read more...]
Dealing with Night Time Fears Through Play
One of my boys was blessed with my very over active imagination, which can be fun during the day, but not so much at night. We've battled our nighttime monsters in different ways. We talk about what good dreams he wants to have that night - where he wants to go, what he wants to do etc. I've also given him an old remote control so if he wakes up from a bad dream he can change his dream channel. Another way to battle those monsters is by melting them! This activity is fun … [Read more...]
Our Favorite Ways to Make Memories Outside
I'm having so much fun rounding up our best posts for you to peruse while I'm working away on the site's redesign. Today we're covering our all time favorite outdoor activities. Take a look at the list and find a few items to put on your summer bucket list before it's too late. 1. Get Creative with Sidewalk Chalk - Grab some cheap sidewalk chalk, your camera phone, and ideas from this post and you'll have at least an afternoon's worth of playtime. You'll also have some super cute … [Read more...]
DIY Water Blob (Tips & Tricks)
Much to me and my husband's disbelief, our little girl turned two recently. (Two! I'm officially no longer a mama with babies at home.) To celebrate, we followed our new family tradition and had the grandparents come play with C while we took S out on a special outing with mommy and daddy in the morning. When S was born, we made a point of all coming home from the hospital as a family - which means that this was quite possibly the very first time S has ever had both parents all to … [Read more...]