Friday Favorites: Family Game Night

We are definitely a game-loving family.  The older the kids get, the more fun it is to play games together.  They have received some great ones recently for Christmas and birthdays. So happy that games all come in square boxes now and fit so perfectly in the box shelving we all use.

We also enjoy watching 'Family Game Night' on the HUB channel.  I always loved Double Dare and other family game shows when I was a kid, and my kids are the same way.  It is so funny to watch them watching it.  In the latest episode the family won a trip to Jamaica.  Both kids squealed like they themselves had won.  We asked if they knew what "Jamaica" was- they had no idea :)

This particular show is one of our favorites with life-size versions of Sorry, Cranium, Scrabble, Boggle, Operation, Guesstures, etc. Carter came up with the idea one night to recreate it himself.

He selected the games for each round...

and even recreated the Monopoly Cash Cards to use to determine the overall winner...

It was a great Friday family night!

Here's a few of our favorite games right now...

1. Great States (fun for school or anytime- all ages)
2. BrainBox (World and USA- reading required, but previous knowledge doesn't matter)
3. Qwirkle (LOVE this game!)
4. Sequence Dice (great addition practice)
5. Twister
6. Risk (one of Carter's favs- big surprise :)
7. Blokus (even Julia can play this one already)
8. GeoPuzzles (not a game, but really fun- the pieces are shaped like the actual countries)
9. Lego Creationary
10. Scrabble Flash (love this one for one or more players, all ages- so fun!!)

Friday Favorites

Time for Friday Favorites again.

OUR TOP TEN KIDS BIBLES/DEVOTIONALS/BIBLE STORIES

This is by no means an exhaustive list, just some items that have worked for us with 2-5 year olds. We are just on the cusp of really going deeper with Carter and I've been thinking back to what we've liked along the way. There are thousands of choices out there and it really takes time and effort to sort through it, so I hope this helps with some ideas...

1. The Beginner's Bible
This is a staple in most homes and was the first Bible for both of our kids. We started them at 2yrs and would read 2 stories before nap and 2 before bed. We read through the Bible 10-15 times by the time we're finished, which really gives them a good overview and familiarity with people and plots.

It amazes me how such a simply written text can be so powerful. This is the Bible we were reading with Julia during her surgery and treatments over the summer. It was Divine power the way God would speak the exact words we needed to hear at that exact moment through a toddler's simple Bible.

2. Scholastic Read & Learn Bible
This was their second Bible around 3-4 yrs when they started wanting more information. I like the writing style of the Scholastic Bibles.

3. The Lion Read & Know Bible by Sophie Piper
I had a lot of difficulty finding a next step Bible for Carter once he turned five. There's a pretty even split at this level- they are either 'learn to read' editions or actual Bibles. I wanted one more step before we move up to a traditional Bible. This one has been wonderful. It fills out the stories with even more detail and character depth. It also includes teaching sections on Bible anthropology, geography, and history. I love the writing and teaching style of this one.

4. God's Mighty Warrior Dev Bible by Sheila Walsh
We use this devotional as a part of our school time. It includes Bible stories, devotions, and activities to do together.

5. God's Little Princess Dev Bible by Sheila Walsh
They make one for girls, too.

6. Jesus Wants All of Me by Oswald Chambers
I picked this up at a Christian bookstore on sale for $4 at the recommendation of a friend. It is a devotional with a short paragraph, picture, and a Bible verse for each day. It is written for Children but I have found it very challenging and convicting for myself. I recently discovered there are actually a series of these books. When we get a solid grasp of this one we'll have to move on- that might be awhile :) This stuff is deep! We read each entry in the morning at breakfast.

7. Step Into the Bible by Ruth Bell Graham
This is a family devotional book we are actually just starting, but I'm excited to use it.

8. Big Thoughts for Little Thinkers by Joey Allen (The Scripture, The Mission, The Trinity, The Gospel)
This is a 4 book series of little books on really big topics. They do a great job of explaining the fundamentals of Christan theology in words and pictures, for preschoolers and elementary children. These are words our kids here so often, but how often are they actually explained?

9. Stories From the Bible by Kathryn Smith (Joseph's Coat of Many Colors, David & Goliath, Jonah & the Whale)
These books I actually found at the grocery store for $2.99. They are storybooks from Parragon Press that retell some of the most well-known Bible stories. Being a teacher, writer, parent, and book lover I am constantly noticing the writing style of books. So many children's books miss the mark when writing so that children understand. I am often changing the words as I read to them. This is one series that gets it right. I like the playful illustrations and imaginative use of words and feelings.

10. Designed by God So I Must Be Special by Bonnie Sose
This is a great book for every age. A reminder to all of us about how much God loves each one of us and how he designed us to be exactly who we are.

And one extra, the Anytime Bible by Mary Manz Simon. I've heard good things about this one for use with primary age students. It has great discussion starters.

What are your family favorites?

Friday Favorites

OUR FAVORITE HANDHELD PRESCHOOL VIDEOGAMES:

• Leapster:Scholastic Math Missions
• Leapster:Mr. Pencil's Learn to Draw & Write
• Leapster: Scholastic I Spy
• Leapster: Scholastic Get Puzzled
• Leapster: Leapfrog 1st Grade
• Leapster: Scholastic Animal Genius
• VSmile: Cranium
• VSmile: Bob the Builder
• VSmile The Lion King
• VSmile: Little Einsteins

Carter's first system was the VSmile. We have both the TV unit and the handheld. We also have the AC acapter and car charger. The TV unit is fun for one or several children. I like that it takes turns and allows both kids equal play time. The handheld unit we use for trips and appt waiting rooms. Our only frustration is the car charger cord falls out while the kids are playing which can get very frustrating, though you can just use batteries.

The Leapster is the current favorite in our house with both the kids. If I had to choose only one, I would choose that one. I love the Scholastic and Leapfrog games they offer and the power cords are much more reliable. The Leapfrog phonics and reading games follow the same lessons and style of the DVDs- reinforcing the same concepts, songs, etc. Many of these games are harder to find in stores, but are always available on Amazon. (A set of cheap headphones are a bonus, too.)

Carter also enjoys playing the PSP (its actually Daddy's he uses when he travels for work). Carter plays MLB 09 The Show, NCAA Football 09, and Bust A Move Deluxe. He has fine tuned his knowledge of sports rules through many of these games. We use it as a reward in our house. If he completes his chore chart for the week, he is allowed to play the PSP in the car on Saturdays and Sundays. We also take it on long car trips with us.

Friday Favorites

OUR TOP TEN KIDS' TV SHOWS... in no particular order (and some of the concepts they teach)

1. Toot and Puddle (geography, friendship, cultures)
2. Sid the Science Kid (scientific method)
3. Wonder Pets (teamwork, music, animals)
4. Little Einsteins (music, cultures, travel)
5. Zooboomafoo (animals, nature)
6. Pinky Dinky Doo (vocabulary, story structure, creativity)
7. Little Bear (story telling, friendship)
8. Imagination Movers (problem solving, critical thinking)
9. Special Agent Oso (life skills)
10. Curious George (scientific discovery)

These are our current favorite TV shows. The kids usually watch 3 shows a day, but this summer it has been more because of Julia's illness. Some of the shows we will watch any episode, while others I preview first. One of the great things about Tivo/DVR is that I can keep episodes we like recorded and preview others in advance. There are certain topics our family chooses not to watch- ex. fears, teasing or name-calling, pirates, aliens, monsters, Halloween

Friday Favorites

I thought this would be a fitting top 10 list during our road trip of the mid-Atlantic. Chances are we are watching one of these as you read :)

OUR TOP 10 KIDS' DVDs Summer 2009:

1. any Leapfrog (Word Factory, Letter Factory, Math Circus, etc.)
2. Little Einsteins
3. Wonder Pets
4. Cedarmont Kids
5. Twenty Trucks
6. anything IMAX
7. Tonka DVDs (came free with their trucks!)
8. Stomp
9. All About... (helicopters, planes, buses, space shuttles, etc.)
10. Fisher Price Little People
11. Blue's Clues
12. Elmo Visits the Doctor

(Okay sorry, it was actually 12. Just think of it as two free.)

Friday Favorites

OUR TOP TEN RAINY DAY TOYS
Since we've had a lot of it this week I thought this would be a good post for today. At the top of my kids' lists would probably be there umbrellas and boots- both worth every penny! I also can't resist a 3 yr old in boots. I think it's like a trademark. They almost all do it and it's the only time in your life that boots and dressup clothes is acceptable daily attire :)

1. Fisher-Price dollhouse We all love the dollhouse. This is actually her second after the FP My First Dollhouse and now we use both. One thing dollhouses often skimp on is the food. We came up with this idea last year. We went to our local craft store in the dollhouse section and bought a pack of plates and 2 bags of miniature food. Then when we brought it home we used mod-podge/decoupage glue to adhere it to the plates and to coat the top. Let it dry and... tadahh!! dinner is served! We have 8 plates now and Julia loves that everyone can eat.
2. Learning Resources cash register

The kids love to play store. They use all the play food, expired coupons, play shopping baskets, wallets, play money, and of course the cash register. I love this one because it actually works as a calculator and has a variety of games and activities pre-programmed at different levels.

3. Wii (MLB Power Pros, Wii Sports, and Active Life:Outdoor Adventure)

Yes, we love the Wii at our house. Carter is the biggest into the sport games, but we recently got the Outdoor Adventure with playmat and we all can play- jump rope, climbing, mine cart racing, sliding, etc. We are laughing in no time :)

4. bathtub paints
I've posted about these before. They can turn around almost any mood in our house and our so easy to make. Here's the recipe:

Stir together 1/2 c. dish soap (use a pure and gentle formula) and 4T cornstarch. Divide into little cups and add one drop of food coloring to each and stir. I used empty applesauce containers (I keep a stack in my cabinet for art projects.) or a muffin pan works, too.

5. balloons and homemade paddles These are so easy and great fun. All you need is paper plates, paint stirrers (or other large craft sticks), packing tape, and a balloon. These are great for kids parties, classrooms, or rainy days. It is great for gross motor and helps develop coordination in younger kids- think 'slow motion tennis'. And the best part- it's fun for one, two, or a group.

6. Elefun

7. Playskool Rose Petal Cottage Julia got this last Christmas and everyone has enjoyed it. I love the versatility. The two halves can be used open or together. The furniture is durable and just their size. It can be collapsed and stored under the bed if needed.

8. Geotrax

Carter got into these as a 2 yr old when he fell in love with trains. We have actually preferred it to the wooden variety because the trains move by remote control. The pieces snap together and stay. We like to get it out on cold or rainy days and set up a track through the living room.

9. IKEA kid's tent


10. Baseball Guys (KaseyKids)
Carter uses these to pretend with, place dice baseball, do instant replays, or just to play. For added fun you can add baseball card, too.

Friday Favorites

OUR TOP 10 OUTDOOR TOYS FOR SUMMER 2009

The Friday Favorites Top 10 will be a new weekly occurrence. Hope you enjoy this little sneak peek into our nutty family. In no particular order, here are the top 10 favorites in our house this summer (with a 3yr old and 5 yr old)...

1. Little Tikes water table
(This has been a part of summer for 5 years at our house. We used to play on the front porch every day after nap when Carter was a toddler. Now it's in the backyard and a fav of every age group.)

2. bucket of ice
(As simple as it sounds kids love a bucket full of ice. They play with it in the playhouse (pretend ice cream), water table, pool, etc. Great boredom buster!)

3. Melissa & Doug easel with paint
(Great inside or out. I love that my kids are old enough that I can leave paint out for them all day. We get our paper rolls from IKEA.)

4. water bucket and large paint brushes
(Kids love to paint. When they get bored give them a bucket of water and some adult size paint brushes and send them out to 'paint' the house, porch, playhouse, ride-ons, anything!)

5. Little Tikes Super Spiral Sprinkler
(I picked this up at WalMart for $10, 3 yrs ago, and it is one of our all time fav outside toys. It is durable and fun for kids 1-10. The balls are dropped in, spiral down, and shoot out the middle. The sprays are adjustable and gentle enough that you don't repeatedly get sprayed in the face.)

6. Franklin MLB rubber bases
(As you know already baseball is king in our house. We picked up this base set at Target and it has been perfect. They are flat, durable, lightweight and go many places with us.)

7. sidewalk chalk

8. sandbox
(When Carter was 2yrs old, Daddy made this 8x8 sandbox in the backyard. Both our kids would live in it. They have logged hundreds of hours playing year round. In the spring and summer we keep it in the shade with a canopy. We also have a snap on cover.)

9. Swim Ways Spring Float (kids size)

This is such a fun boat for the kids (infant and up). They can easily get in and out themselves and give each other rides. (We also love the Swim Ways Power Swimr vests. It has been essential to helping Carter learn to swim independently. It gives him the extra buoyancy he needs to get stronger. After all it's really hard to float when you have no body fat!)

10. kiddie pool with slide

What are your favorites?