I really wanted to review some lovely books about grandparents, because today we had a lovely day at Opapa’s house (Opapa = Grandpa in Austrian). We went there to hang out whilst The Englishman studied for some exams.
We arrived, expecting, Opapa, sunshine, a sandpit and a blow up pool. We went away having Gotten Crafty unexpectedly!!!
We have no Grandparent books, but Zoe at Playing By the Book reviewed a whole bunch of fabulous sounding ones here. We have two on order and will have to wait on Mei Mei for Christmas, as it is a little more expensive.
But this is what we made:
I recommend the catamaran configuration as the one cork configuration even with “stabalizers” toppled a little. I poked holes with the toothpicks and broke it in half to connect the corks. (Red Ted spent most of the day without clothes on, so, I am sorry, no photos of Red Ted playing with the boats or Opapa!!!)
And then Opapa found some Christmas Stamps and Red Ted got stamping (only an Opapa gets out Christmas Stamps in July!!). We will be coming back to these stamps shortly!!
Once home, we revisited an old favourite of Red Ted’s: Tell me about The Sea, by Justine Smith. We have two books in the series and also have Tell me about Baby Animals. When he was a little younger he preferred Baby Animals (which Pip Squeak adores right now aged 8mths). Now I think he prefers The Sea (2.5yrs). But they are both lovely books – nice simple images with things to “do” on every page (count, find, look), some nice shiny surfaces to touch, as well as some flaps to lift towards the end. Lovely for them. Lovely for you and a little education on the side! Tell me about The Sea has a page all about boats. Big ones and little ones. Fast ones and slow ones. Even some sailboats. Perfect.
What boats have you made with your kids?
Parenting in Blue Jeans - Jennifer Bruining says
Lvoe the cork boats! I’ms saving mine for a cork board but I may just be able to part with a few for cute boats!
Visiting from TILT
Red Ted Art says
Oh yes, I am sure you wouldn’t miss a couple….
Almost Unschoolers says
Very nice! It would be perfect to float down the little creek outside our library.
Christianne @ Little Page Turners says
Cute boat!
JDaniel4's Mom says
The boat is a great way to celebrate Christmas in July.
Michele says
a great idea for a summer day with little ones!
Chris says
I’m adding cork boats to our ‘things to do this summer list’, thanks!
J. Hill says
Thanks for linking up to the Mad Skills party!
Its Sew Stinkin Cute says
Super cute… I will have to remember this for next time we drink wine… Save the Cork. What a fun little kid activity. Thank you for linking to It’s Stinkin Cute Craft Thursdays!
Kaysi @ Keeping It Simple says
What a great idea, I love it!
Stephanie Lynn says
What an adorable idea! My little guy would love these for the pool. TFS Thanks so much for joining the Sunday Showcase. Hope you have a wonderful week! ~ Stephanie Lynn
Sandrine says
Love the catamaran! I think I’ll take a few corks with us to the beach next week – Yes, I know it sounds like a good excuse to drink too much wine, but in Turkish hotels we usually drink beer! There’ll be no shortage of toothpick though.
Deb Chitwood @ Living Montessori Now says
The cork boats are great – so simple yet fun! Thanks for sharing the idea! Visiting from Tot Tuesdays.
Amy says
OH this is a great idea and post. What a fun way to learn.. THanks for linking up with us this week..
imtopsyturvy says
What a fun summer idea! Thanks for linking up to Topsy Turvy Tuesday’s! It’s because of great idea’s like your that the link parties are so much fun!
Red Ted Art says
Oh thank! What a lovely comment! Love your link up party too!!! Thank you for hosting! x
Bridgette says
Thanks for joining us for another great Anything Related! ~Bridgette