Things are heating up @ Camp Granma regardless of what the weather man says! Its been a long, cold, snowy winter in middle Tennessee.Two weeks ago we got 4 inches and it actually stayed on our road five days!
Adam likes being dragged behind the sled, while Eve likes to use her feet as breaks. We got lots of "Snow Fun" in and are looking forward to more.
As a Granma, I get excited about snow! I hope for a snow day or two, and break out all the "Goodies" As soon as I hear snow is in the forecast I gather items such as movies, games, crafts, recipes and upcoming holidays.
My theory is "Keep it Simple"
Movies: Movies are easy in my house because we have a DVD and VHS players. The beauty of a VHS is that I can find the movies very cheap at Garage Sales and Thrift Stores. I buy family films based on the seasons. When it snows we like to watch Snow dogs during our family movie time.What better way to get in the mood for snow much fan?
Games: Board games are a must in our house, but making games for the season is always a step above. We like Bingo, so we are making bingo cards with snowman button markers. We also do a lot of worksheet papers. Word searches can be made at any age level and are free from http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/ Check my free printables.
Crafts: As a family, we make decorations and later add them to our scrapbooks. Some are even great seasonal gifts as well. Its fun to pass a gift to someone just because its National Ice Cream day. Not only do you share the memories of making a craft with you Grandchildren, but you also pass it forward when they surprise someone with something handmade by a child, for no expected reason.
Some things we make and store with our seasonal decorations. Handmade window hangers make one of a kind background papers, Snow days are great for making small holiday decorations, and I always try to have a project ready for a larger upcoming holiday.
I try to keep it on the cheap. Oriental Trading Company is great for craft kits ranging from foamies, for the younger ones to wood crafts for middle school students to pottery and sewing for teens. If a snow day is coming and you need ideas in a pinch, head to one of the main craft stores in your area. I like Hobby Lobby
For several reasons including, the 40% off printable coupons, and Christian themed Holiday crafts. If there isn't one in your area, you can also order online.
Build on a project from one year to the next. Last year our preschooler used paper heart cut outs as candy heart window dangles. They were very simple, and cute, and some were inserted into scrapbooks. This year we are going to use the others as a banner. Adam is learning his alphabet, so he is going to color letters to glue to the hearts and Eve is using her sewing skills to string them together. (Pictures coming).
Check my list for Craft Ideas.
Foods and Snacks: For foods we tend to fill up on high carb comfort foods, and we consume a lot of these snacks. Some of our favorites are Sausage Cheese Pinwheels, Pigs in Blankets and Fruit Muffins.We spend a lot of time cooking, so meals tend to be of the ready to heat and eat varieties. Soups, stews,roasts and chilli are all favorites in our family. Check my list for recipes.
Activities: Dont forget to plan on layering clothes, and have the Gloves, scarves and hats ready. Get the sledd out and soap the rudders. Gather items for your snowman. We make small family snowmen using barbie hats and scarves, as accessories, and leftover Halloween candies for the features.
If the Weatherman says snow, gather the Grands and make some memories!
