"Something Fun"

A couple of weeks ago, desperate to convince Caleb to finish his lunch, I promised him that as soon as he was done we would do "something fun." The tactic worked like a charm, but my steel-trap minded little boy has daily made me regret saying those two words. Now any time he is bored or in need of encouragement or just plain ready for a new diversion he'll come to me and say "Mommy, I need to do something fun." That statement regularly tests my resourcefulness and powers of creativity. Under the guise of doing something fun we have visited the playground countless times, danced to every track on the ipod at least twice, cooked or watched cooking shows (Caleb loves the Food Network), and done every Thanskgiving and now Christmas craft I can think of. Below is a sampling, for posterity's sake, of some of our crafty creations from the last several weeks. Some have been more engaging that others, but I am proud to say I haven't yet failed to produce "something fun" when bidden.

a Caleb sized scarecrow

Indian corn made using punched holes and glue
(this and other ideas are from Amy's blog)
a Thanksgiving crown he refused to wear...

but was happy to share with Isaac

pasta colored with vinegar and food coloring...

for decorating pictures and,
making garlands

it's supposed to be a turkey
yarn stars

more Indian corn, this time painted with q-tips

this too is supposed to be a turkey made from a styrofoam
ball stuck with various beads, strait pins and pipe
cleaners (this project was a big hit with Caleb)
Frosty and Santa

the obligatory hand-print turkey