tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91741934839840746212024-03-28T23:29:53.155-04:00Little Page Turnersgreat children's books & activitiesChristianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.comBlogger410125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-80422339348162213392014-12-09T21:20:00.000-05:002014-12-16T21:21:09.149-05:00Christmas Around the World: Ecuador<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gPhr1_ZfDjJiLYfZYkoF50ENK6_9CH7ZklOE2eV_TUq9_q53Og9A6iPOAy071Q2K0oBqG0jgmcXgqFeeKYICsBt_Y1AsyS4v7y0__o8gxSA3EYkIQDWVFeXOvqYaeFclZeSFAAmXqtU/s1600/IMG_9001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gPhr1_ZfDjJiLYfZYkoF50ENK6_9CH7ZklOE2eV_TUq9_q53Og9A6iPOAy071Q2K0oBqG0jgmcXgqFeeKYICsBt_Y1AsyS4v7y0__o8gxSA3EYkIQDWVFeXOvqYaeFclZeSFAAmXqtU/s1600/IMG_9001.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I have been happy to feature several South American countries during this month, but it unfortunately always initiates an enthusiastic round of "Feliz Navidad" from my children. Today we focused on Ecuador and the kids learned of the great pride the Ecuadorians take in their nativity scenes.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4azhuohyqO9h4cZmxVOc_eJh-kTLaMwHWCalI-HKu2vgpGEIQNMB_m3Ifo2s3qbAwbwuATybFXKHl-2KVXiVkyW54pTju0dC8hPEXi-Z40yC_ula8ZM9-JDQEUMCFCfrtwgZ-X1ebG2Q/s1600/IMG_8999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4azhuohyqO9h4cZmxVOc_eJh-kTLaMwHWCalI-HKu2vgpGEIQNMB_m3Ifo2s3qbAwbwuATybFXKHl-2KVXiVkyW54pTju0dC8hPEXi-Z40yC_ula8ZM9-JDQEUMCFCfrtwgZ-X1ebG2Q/s1600/IMG_8999.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-29242324791556985452014-12-08T21:15:00.000-05:002014-12-16T21:16:20.741-05:00Christmas Around the World: India<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkpd1x4ExQX4L5tjT4UQszE10T8JTwZJty_wX1x2JER7SExtWlZP4wo4oTsGPzdRayW99TyLutvh2QDuMorVLNKDZqCFZe2_Y3bh-Un554BfLdWOfzsatDcZj5FfqeI5P8_7djuFjids/s1600/IMG_8993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkpd1x4ExQX4L5tjT4UQszE10T8JTwZJty_wX1x2JER7SExtWlZP4wo4oTsGPzdRayW99TyLutvh2QDuMorVLNKDZqCFZe2_Y3bh-Un554BfLdWOfzsatDcZj5FfqeI5P8_7djuFjids/s1600/IMG_8993.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
This is probably my worst costume to date. I posted the picture on instagram and one of my friends commented: "Master Splinter?!" Touche. I <i><b>will</b></i> give myself credit that after spending a summer in Nepal I know the proper way of putting on a sari. I have no defense as to why I put it on a (male) stuffed mouse. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8KXih1XHUM3-dk7i2TbYjcZ3c52JlsbRaYLy21cCLlUZbk6pnirYoz0hyEEg2CszhVY8ZwXczj_bJEmeVqy3BzT_BpiFX6375Be-vcgz5sa_pGKU-RFAo9GtcuUFLNfpN5T5tvqLOXw/s1600/IMG_8994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8KXih1XHUM3-dk7i2TbYjcZ3c52JlsbRaYLy21cCLlUZbk6pnirYoz0hyEEg2CszhVY8ZwXczj_bJEmeVqy3BzT_BpiFX6375Be-vcgz5sa_pGKU-RFAo9GtcuUFLNfpN5T5tvqLOXw/s1600/IMG_8994.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRF95pRs5v5szOMS7mFTbJZ7Q_RCKo2YtxPjfE4tEetQiNEAQXyEOwSkM_X2Y1kdnypBgMGHUdjeb5eIp2xcnTHzIvlDpShwSef-GVcRZAeM7lKyKSEIOoWXM-r7yw-YLKMx1N9oQIF1A/s1600/IMG_8996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRF95pRs5v5szOMS7mFTbJZ7Q_RCKo2YtxPjfE4tEetQiNEAQXyEOwSkM_X2Y1kdnypBgMGHUdjeb5eIp2xcnTHzIvlDpShwSef-GVcRZAeM7lKyKSEIOoWXM-r7yw-YLKMx1N9oQIF1A/s1600/IMG_8996.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-44670579634966930622014-12-06T21:09:00.000-05:002014-12-16T21:09:31.579-05:00Christmas Around the World: Norway<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtBfDSYp7z7KaNNi8enV0uFBWHLY61pHZwagTwrxvuBaxBEIQQ69fwuO25s5uP-EHYLPImvzWWFmclL3fk-inp0zrhFW1G4cmkIOqllIFM8RDVPfkIGiouIa7zkr9WOFJiUTW93OPrII/s1600/IMG_8974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtBfDSYp7z7KaNNi8enV0uFBWHLY61pHZwagTwrxvuBaxBEIQQ69fwuO25s5uP-EHYLPImvzWWFmclL3fk-inp0zrhFW1G4cmkIOqllIFM8RDVPfkIGiouIa7zkr9WOFJiUTW93OPrII/s1600/IMG_8974.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Norway (and Sweden) is home to Monty's favorite Christmas cookie - pepperkaker! The girls start asking around Halloween when we'll be making Pepperkaker.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mvNiibiG1KHcJCoa-VYPAxYzfTU08JPWcLSRjTY7tUc767rDidPFOjZcpojqeu31vIe6FSRTC3bvYQiZQPq83L9maSkshbDULRCvG7asqeAEV_5JIkjOoOiMHXuRrv8p5MyoXXMtIwI/s1600/IMG_8973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mvNiibiG1KHcJCoa-VYPAxYzfTU08JPWcLSRjTY7tUc767rDidPFOjZcpojqeu31vIe6FSRTC3bvYQiZQPq83L9maSkshbDULRCvG7asqeAEV_5JIkjOoOiMHXuRrv8p5MyoXXMtIwI/s1600/IMG_8973.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As soon as they got home from school, they got cooking!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8O1NmARixQSyBgsB04MWyUvBkfNZOpE2I1MAJNYGL0RKmEcfOv7NnkNy4NXtZqUfr28BTSY3lvrjHf6zDjGGEGHfQSbjfZd7sW5OrR77iaxpAEX0iC7krkFfZBrosmUSTXhKXsNJD0c/s1600/IMG_8986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8O1NmARixQSyBgsB04MWyUvBkfNZOpE2I1MAJNYGL0RKmEcfOv7NnkNy4NXtZqUfr28BTSY3lvrjHf6zDjGGEGHfQSbjfZd7sW5OrR77iaxpAEX0iC7krkFfZBrosmUSTXhKXsNJD0c/s1600/IMG_8986.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
If you'd like to try the version we make, you can <a href="http://whatsinthebible.com/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2012/10/Pepparkakor_Recipe.pdf" target="_blank">find the recipe here</a>. (I also highly recommend the video that the recipe comes from! See below.)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=litpagtur-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0063FGFJ6&asins=B0063FGFJ6&linkId=CA4RJJRXECC6WI3B&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe>
</div>
Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-83779942407443052692014-12-05T21:01:00.000-05:002014-12-16T21:01:52.432-05:00Christmas Around the World: Netherlands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPOqoOYnSNfn2Pl-ln2czuw4O7SbKq_aTE2nFo74VpMvIGHTGL-05yjjZXre9GZueKruKw_cfJz1SOf32Eu3Bb5YAwZZ7C965Keln8bgopbe_IhGspkGUHbcNGzVFWOADQUG1lU5hBRY/s1600/IMG_8955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPOqoOYnSNfn2Pl-ln2czuw4O7SbKq_aTE2nFo74VpMvIGHTGL-05yjjZXre9GZueKruKw_cfJz1SOf32Eu3Bb5YAwZZ7C965Keln8bgopbe_IhGspkGUHbcNGzVFWOADQUG1lU5hBRY/s1600/IMG_8955.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
St. Nicholas Day is December 6th. In the Netherlands, they celebrate by putting out wooden shoes with a gift for Sinterklaas and a carrot from his horse.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtrTBCcLuQDZjiGDpeE5SKTWOCKxAJCvPPwtUVD_8OFQKFB0SRh6zCt7hmlw1UXgPDh-c2G6qJV-Kmbd05HR3QHvPg03aqH_vsHeHswjEqiy-WDjlE7ldDgRbsJQfoT17vfLgljBBhfg/s1600/IMG_8956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtrTBCcLuQDZjiGDpeE5SKTWOCKxAJCvPPwtUVD_8OFQKFB0SRh6zCt7hmlw1UXgPDh-c2G6qJV-Kmbd05HR3QHvPg03aqH_vsHeHswjEqiy-WDjlE7ldDgRbsJQfoT17vfLgljBBhfg/s1600/IMG_8956.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Monty filled his own shoes with hay and carrots, while the girls put baggies of snack carrots in their boots. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9Djr6kq8ZZKUhFZN_zKdH-3DGpT9G2A7fu_nBzYJ37dGL8SDRQfa6aHmG0-mKVsE4BJIL-55haX6IaNYQ0zQpE5fPrUZkc44aB1CL5KwxZ4kLT2ITu0RY-j3Lh0kiirVeN7GCtYkeJo/s1600/IMG_8972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9Djr6kq8ZZKUhFZN_zKdH-3DGpT9G2A7fu_nBzYJ37dGL8SDRQfa6aHmG0-mKVsE4BJIL-55haX6IaNYQ0zQpE5fPrUZkc44aB1CL5KwxZ4kLT2ITu0RY-j3Lh0kiirVeN7GCtYkeJo/s1600/IMG_8972.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They weren't thrilled with the idea of leaving their shoes outside all night, so they set them by the tree. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZpYyMvqnbbWgatxA0xjuLtvTAwsYWis97R7beiFUS9DIBzNH_Sf-MN5Y16hohgGRfJCZcA_UWIYs04J_jhR43j7-XqFntROxJVLoBM4p7rojT9bhpo48WByIeJ_maues2GP35Bgy57E/s1600/IMG_8971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZpYyMvqnbbWgatxA0xjuLtvTAwsYWis97R7beiFUS9DIBzNH_Sf-MN5Y16hohgGRfJCZcA_UWIYs04J_jhR43j7-XqFntROxJVLoBM4p7rojT9bhpo48WByIeJ_maues2GP35Bgy57E/s1600/IMG_8971.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-5094322859428844182014-12-04T22:23:00.001-05:002014-12-04T22:30:00.685-05:00Christmas Around the World: Australia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5T3SIrR0yOWquXeUvNOAjYIidJJZ4VtArhdegcTgg_fZ1xcAgQdqmdQf4Cb2HGpSnfN1Cw4mj4ev-fIFGLATxbBkMIrZxRPIfgkI7BbuAmlxWdgDqOrDvpb44FqYCo_P4OG61qOei1w/s640/blogger-image--1074257141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5T3SIrR0yOWquXeUvNOAjYIidJJZ4VtArhdegcTgg_fZ1xcAgQdqmdQf4Cb2HGpSnfN1Cw4mj4ev-fIFGLATxbBkMIrZxRPIfgkI7BbuAmlxWdgDqOrDvpb44FqYCo_P4OG61qOei1w/s640/blogger-image--1074257141.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Merry Christmas from the land down under, where Christmas falls in the middle of summer holidays. The girls found Monty soaking up some rays. </div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHWNbcBkNuGanWGTNDQ6SSIkFOvYiwjLxOTA0cWppzd2lYo0s_PTVFMiD0zZ4JvKPPDoRsBdk0P9u4XV25pYM9qgk9-0NAE1i4U39GcEgTofkCjCGxaa6Xr-zbFnERbUqTh6RoZ-OByY/s640/blogger-image-1620642375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHWNbcBkNuGanWGTNDQ6SSIkFOvYiwjLxOTA0cWppzd2lYo0s_PTVFMiD0zZ4JvKPPDoRsBdk0P9u4XV25pYM9qgk9-0NAE1i4U39GcEgTofkCjCGxaa6Xr-zbFnERbUqTh6RoZ-OByY/s640/blogger-image-1620642375.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
They also discovered nearby a copy of Christmas Wombat by Jackie French. We love the whole series of wombat books which follow the antics of one single-minded wombat. The Christmas book tells the tale of the wombat's hunt for carrots while he hitches a ride on Santa's sleigh around the world. Simple, clever, and unbelievably cute!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=litpagtur-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0547868723&asins=0547868723&linkId=C6NV3ACMRFV2LNRT&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=litpagtur-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0618381368&asins=0618381368&linkId=XNX6DTOK4TFYCZOR&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=litpagtur-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0547430051&asins=0547430051&linkId=ZOOYFDWXYBCOPDPW&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=litpagtur-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00877A6ZC&asins=B00877A6ZC&linkId=QMONCDYMLOGY2GFI&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe></div>
Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-42003366177371952922014-12-03T19:05:00.001-05:002014-12-04T22:29:51.513-05:00Christmas Around the World: Ghana<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxnCawIAeIqhmpGmMEdLfR7iME-YVp3dGGVNWon58iw88ixBUtypgkJCvYhpnOXfDFpmYym5zzRDAcE2wJheIMa35C_PPzmiXCKyLJIirueOVQhMT7pULkftAvDpjmUPJtffsOApLfu4/s640/blogger-image-94867231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxnCawIAeIqhmpGmMEdLfR7iME-YVp3dGGVNWon58iw88ixBUtypgkJCvYhpnOXfDFpmYym5zzRDAcE2wJheIMa35C_PPzmiXCKyLJIirueOVQhMT7pULkftAvDpjmUPJtffsOApLfu4/s640/blogger-image-94867231.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Did you know the official language of Ghana is English? So, Merry Christmas! Today the kiddos learned that Ghana is a grower of cocoa. </div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDRiMNYQLbGhjYaMANiC2_IUjMUSflLNVcMD8yVnCl1jyI-SElKwCgk8N0pD2wBYTpxnyUdC0ZZmrx8GuEqvmUSak8SQqP2qWODs4jE3x8MIHR90ddUEuX1pi7vq9U_qzgKmH4QWbI5U/s640/blogger-image--541952966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDRiMNYQLbGhjYaMANiC2_IUjMUSflLNVcMD8yVnCl1jyI-SElKwCgk8N0pD2wBYTpxnyUdC0ZZmrx8GuEqvmUSak8SQqP2qWODs4jE3x8MIHR90ddUEuX1pi7vq9U_qzgKmH4QWbI5U/s640/blogger-image--541952966.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I wonder what Monty will teach us tomorrow... or what he'll be wearing! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
(Btw, the "costumes" I'm putting on this poor mouse are not meant to be authentic traditional garb of any of the countries we're covering. My talents and time are woefully limited! Please don't take offense at any of my pitiful attempts.)</div>
Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-61648296923591377952014-12-02T20:30:00.001-05:002014-12-02T20:38:28.297-05:00Christmas Around the World: Germany!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnl3JPqSbLBOYUd5U0s6A550x__a8Ufk9BHdSJ3AT8kYkpUd3XHlXMlYVPcO8QePKZzeLNzPouvvXredmFfJsqabjheSETZsDWxCT3kBu0vXbCBepmnq3TPvRH_o0x8SMmfVeYvXTALA/s640/blogger-image--1522184955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnl3JPqSbLBOYUd5U0s6A550x__a8Ufk9BHdSJ3AT8kYkpUd3XHlXMlYVPcO8QePKZzeLNzPouvvXredmFfJsqabjheSETZsDWxCT3kBu0vXbCBepmnq3TPvRH_o0x8SMmfVeYvXTALA/s640/blogger-image--1522184955.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Frohe Weihnachten! Our first stop around the world was Germany! My grandfather's side of the family was German, so many of the German traditions just feel "right" to me. Here is what Monty had to tell the girls about Christmas in Germany...</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzNEiYqx88hVbBGv-uiC0b9eKSW-SYtgMWlcOwv67JtaEKJ4o4vh9TvtEJiDTE7mfggnngy1X4omUCXUfZliIpXVmEnFaetLbUI3GKwzWaxL-uerCa-B1L3tlq15iZRfjZKKpJ5QGzes/s640/blogger-image--396217432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzNEiYqx88hVbBGv-uiC0b9eKSW-SYtgMWlcOwv67JtaEKJ4o4vh9TvtEJiDTE7mfggnngy1X4omUCXUfZliIpXVmEnFaetLbUI3GKwzWaxL-uerCa-B1L3tlq15iZRfjZKKpJ5QGzes/s640/blogger-image--396217432.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This mama had way too much going on today for baking, so we went with a foam house I picked up on clearance last year. All the fun - none of the mess! ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTDtd1zcBXz1-x3YF1_LowGJbAHkKl71uQ_eD_-C744jIG3Uh_DYw-FvWDHvLXJqspMecxHp24E0K_06Em6aO-HG8hTikySrrniddpzz4jcews2iEqm7_qDL91qbWs_wuCnlvxBwFGFc/s640/blogger-image-1359908760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTDtd1zcBXz1-x3YF1_LowGJbAHkKl71uQ_eD_-C744jIG3Uh_DYw-FvWDHvLXJqspMecxHp24E0K_06Em6aO-HG8hTikySrrniddpzz4jcews2iEqm7_qDL91qbWs_wuCnlvxBwFGFc/s640/blogger-image-1359908760.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I noticed that Target is carrying a similar foam house again this year. I also found this one:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=litpagtur-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00OO9M63M&asins=B00OO9M63M&linkId=76EZZRQSG7AGO7GX&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe></div>
Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-34607190348367180342014-12-01T14:31:00.000-05:002014-12-01T14:32:24.725-05:00Christmas Around the World with our Christmas Mouse!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWJQbXB2WymfHIZd-ZCZLAEy8eKG4TzBENXKf3A6MpltJ29LsOCRy-Mot5GevnbPNPoLg3kwlG_sJRve7RHobu1WhEdhSoQf9qdNKgtciV_-2hnghPiRC9w_HoOew2YcUaCXTSC4PAig/s1600/IMG_5161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWJQbXB2WymfHIZd-ZCZLAEy8eKG4TzBENXKf3A6MpltJ29LsOCRy-Mot5GevnbPNPoLg3kwlG_sJRve7RHobu1WhEdhSoQf9qdNKgtciV_-2hnghPiRC9w_HoOew2YcUaCXTSC4PAig/s1600/IMG_5161.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's December 1st which means our beloved Christmas Mouse has returned! (For those of you unfamiliar with the Christmas Mouse - an elf on the shelf alternative - you can view my original post <a href="http://littlepageturners.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-christmas-mouse-elf-on-shelf.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
<br />
Montgomery, our mouse, travels throughout the year and send the girls pictures, pins, and information about the places he visits. This last year he toured Europe.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7StwaAQMa1weAqSU9AEukoc19taq43Rb78aLl-ewAw52TewqxP1h9NohTD_EbhajHQqgWhXunTvCUrJ4itOZx0YS4SEJDOwnnppKZb-ZJ0jXbwBEDsGcAoLRn4_W5rOc_hWnV0OB2EI/s1600/photo+2(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7StwaAQMa1weAqSU9AEukoc19taq43Rb78aLl-ewAw52TewqxP1h9NohTD_EbhajHQqgWhXunTvCUrJ4itOZx0YS4SEJDOwnnppKZb-ZJ0jXbwBEDsGcAoLRn4_W5rOc_hWnV0OB2EI/s1600/photo+2(3).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Inspired by his time abroad, Monty has decided that this year he'll tell the girls all about how children around the world celebrate Christmas. This morning the girls woke up to find Monty like this...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDkS29hy8GkgVPhRIdpFF8FVwg1V_fsJlyaNqwFedttQkt9V7Y5fx3HA3uvXEyCFGcABxEtsB3iT0-ysZ2hLAD5F3Wj2A-6wQ5gwwgMPGIyiXx27-omvqMojvc4Z2pvHE_O6My-Bg5ZE/s1600/IMG_5163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDkS29hy8GkgVPhRIdpFF8FVwg1V_fsJlyaNqwFedttQkt9V7Y5fx3HA3uvXEyCFGcABxEtsB3iT0-ysZ2hLAD5F3Wj2A-6wQ5gwwgMPGIyiXx27-omvqMojvc4Z2pvHE_O6My-Bg5ZE/s1600/IMG_5163.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTd45evGapp8YC3AFsQ1KgFfrhp3fxtOp6_cvf88RpzO7v-PAmr9CyunbnN04n9rww86QR4U0f3wk8x_JIdTADD6qEQUhScyqokjD8GFDdM3-KQq28bzbEnirQXa9XB3t1B5z8kC1FSA/s1600/IMG_5165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTd45evGapp8YC3AFsQ1KgFfrhp3fxtOp6_cvf88RpzO7v-PAmr9CyunbnN04n9rww86QR4U0f3wk8x_JIdTADD6qEQUhScyqokjD8GFDdM3-KQq28bzbEnirQXa9XB3t1B5z8kC1FSA/s1600/IMG_5165.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Follow along with us for a Christmas Around the World tour! There will be new traditions, crafts, and of course yummy treats to try.<br />
<br />
Monty has his room all set up and is ready for a fun month ahead!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5JWgUHsrnF0cBO1aZIwTl_mbF81oYbTIXVs0Aqvx15K8A6npfOrU_Y8rwo88em8k3gVbfGHTfN-CHO0V3fjZX4-W2jn_sGYBvCON-vGuSE1ZKHHQHN5VUk1DmA8uLen97FTRVF-VhJE/s1600/photo+1(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5JWgUHsrnF0cBO1aZIwTl_mbF81oYbTIXVs0Aqvx15K8A6npfOrU_Y8rwo88em8k3gVbfGHTfN-CHO0V3fjZX4-W2jn_sGYBvCON-vGuSE1ZKHHQHN5VUk1DmA8uLen97FTRVF-VhJE/s1600/photo+1(2).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-15899015515910029622013-11-25T10:18:00.000-05:002014-12-01T14:20:26.567-05:00The Christmas Mouse: An Elf on the Shelf Alternative<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqPE6AUqvOoEKa6fOrcv6ZJFj0v6OQQ43tOo-ivAwAfz7PwblkMTWWsl-6WtUfszJWfwLCQTN_R33ZwjUoRE9YaxtF_JSNWYGXY0XwFlLHEen-PTB-d-UvzscuzkZVxxjBwHYbUoV3WQ/s1600/monty_mouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqPE6AUqvOoEKa6fOrcv6ZJFj0v6OQQ43tOo-ivAwAfz7PwblkMTWWsl-6WtUfszJWfwLCQTN_R33ZwjUoRE9YaxtF_JSNWYGXY0XwFlLHEen-PTB-d-UvzscuzkZVxxjBwHYbUoV3WQ/s1600/monty_mouse.jpg" height="640" width="425" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We don't "do" Santa at our house. (<a href="http://jenhatmaker.com/blog/2011/11/29/the-christmas-conundrum" target="_blank">Jen Hatmaker</a> sums up how I feel about Santa, probably better than I could.) So when the Elf on the Shelf became popular, I ignored it as an option for our family. What I wasn't expecting was that every one of my daughter's friends would have a family elf, and that those elves' antics were the daily talk on the playground. And I'll admit it, I was also getting a little jealous of what fun those families were having. Thus the Christmas Mouse was born!</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIj3n6F3OY8F5ZLxg27JxoYkpTzVUyPnoFMsKk-feqdXD4HseZKqMKZylLrJrAk4sTuSFD4ZvDV75xi8JUv-gkc4Ixp6TOncjhyo_RRZQwzvztXXjNzclLKzK0IwWXyTvej20ISJbl34/s640/IMG_2424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIj3n6F3OY8F5ZLxg27JxoYkpTzVUyPnoFMsKk-feqdXD4HseZKqMKZylLrJrAk4sTuSFD4ZvDV75xi8JUv-gkc4Ixp6TOncjhyo_RRZQwzvztXXjNzclLKzK0IwWXyTvej20ISJbl34/s640/IMG_2424.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Montgomery P. Mouse reported for duty last December 1st. Each morning the girls had to find him somewhere in the house and in return, Monty would give them that day's assignment (via a typed note). Sometimes the assignment was simple, such as a challenge to do one nice thing for someone that day. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83EjV3GcN05EkzaJgU9Az2W9SF-BlliliQCDA-pRmjhyphenhyphenaeE4-I-4tLktKyfAb5LXgU7E4zRVd6mDOhfTQTpxXfEJvRwaUpn17UBQBpIlXFu3kGAmd4vfseQ_zm9vqd0slsi497o1f0ZQ/s1600/monty_dolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83EjV3GcN05EkzaJgU9Az2W9SF-BlliliQCDA-pRmjhyphenhyphenaeE4-I-4tLktKyfAb5LXgU7E4zRVd6mDOhfTQTpxXfEJvRwaUpn17UBQBpIlXFu3kGAmd4vfseQ_zm9vqd0slsi497o1f0ZQ/s1600/monty_dolls.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes it was
exciting, like being given $50 to spend on the World Vision catalog, so
they could be a hero to a less fortunate family. </div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODGg1rUwILzX7xH3WQhQX2jp4NrJnJWauV_iUfNgMKR4OjgQlySIuG2QvO-ALTgYjfn80BA2kwzwILsU8Ax-uqdMaAopCWFYLBGWh5V7DzYZ6Rfk07PbbFmvLBr7MA5KZa7pgzL1tJSg/s1600/monty_hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODGg1rUwILzX7xH3WQhQX2jp4NrJnJWauV_iUfNgMKR4OjgQlySIuG2QvO-ALTgYjfn80BA2kwzwILsU8Ax-uqdMaAopCWFYLBGWh5V7DzYZ6Rfk07PbbFmvLBr7MA5KZa7pgzL1tJSg/s1600/monty_hero.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And sometimes it was simply fun, like being told we were going to see the Garden of Lights that evening. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_01pQnNxWkzM9CrSTdEg92AaFUZFlN1IyMu9wbzlG5tbbOOiBbMKye8V0Gbh-Af4l4ui9PGSuqWuG_gpiGxKyLHnYX73WG6EbzjFpeSLXrlKmd1dGvaNNeKQSdHZXHzt0jmbug5zdDE/s1600/monty_lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_01pQnNxWkzM9CrSTdEg92AaFUZFlN1IyMu9wbzlG5tbbOOiBbMKye8V0Gbh-Af4l4ui9PGSuqWuG_gpiGxKyLHnYX73WG6EbzjFpeSLXrlKmd1dGvaNNeKQSdHZXHzt0jmbug5zdDE/s1600/monty_lights.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't emphasize enough how much my girls LOVE their Christmas mouse. If (for whatever reason) you're looking for an alternative to the Elf, consider creating your own Christmas Mouse.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
To create your own Christmas Mouse, here's what you'll need...</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h4>
A Mouse</h4>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=litpagtur-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0007WHYVO" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEZsNY-wBFDi8p38YtWlSyJtW3YbxFHnBAEORU1a7CaI6oqcF2-zv8oslQa7xSxctTzuhhr27R2CMQCMaugneuYQo8WfV5odaTQbCNQo9zyxipLFElQve6Ho8zZ2MRAFz7oAbE20mAtQ/s1600/41bR0KQlJoL.jpg" height="188" width="320" /></a></div>
This is the mouse I used from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007WHYVO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0007WHYVO&linkCode=as2&tag=litpagtur-20&linkId=LDUPZYWIKRV66VYJ" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a> (aff link). It's called an elephant mouse, and although you can't tell from the picture, the poor thing has a HUGE nose. If you go with this guy, you'll want to fold the nose under, stitch in place, and add a glass bead to make a "real" nose. That's what we did for Monty and he's just as cute as can be! There are tons of options on Amazon for mice (check out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=stuffed%20mouse&linkCode=ur2&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Astuffed%20mouse&sprefix=stuffed%20mou%2Caps&tag=litpagtur-20&url=search-alias%3Daps" target="_blank">this search</a>) but I liked that this one had closed hands, allowing him to "hold" items.<br />
<br />
<h4>
A Character</h4>
Give your mouse an outfit, name, and back story. My friend Bethany made this amazing outfit for her Christmas mouse...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvEDrVjQko1rqnV3cixBHyDf1OJal2HB0MmQCmyZHEPgF4Tdh9fQxu7Zp7koZiGP3tD6n2nW3pz7mu3Aed_zYuSZ8uSsif7GSGA459Uersvim7_GWn17ST-km1PYPbWiUpXA2SxJVyvE/s1600/12254_10200209571190305_1987838866_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvEDrVjQko1rqnV3cixBHyDf1OJal2HB0MmQCmyZHEPgF4Tdh9fQxu7Zp7koZiGP3tD6n2nW3pz7mu3Aed_zYuSZ8uSsif7GSGA459Uersvim7_GWn17ST-km1PYPbWiUpXA2SxJVyvE/s1600/12254_10200209571190305_1987838866_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<h4>
A Plan</h4>
It can be a little exhausting to have to be creative EVERY night in December, so here's 25 ideas to help get your creative juices flowing...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. Mouse reading a book - Read your favorite Christmas book that evening.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. Mouse enjoying cookies and milk - Bake Christmas cookies together after school.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. Mouse with a globe or world map - Write letters to your sponsored children.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4. Mouse cutting out hearts - Show love by spending x amount of dollars from World Vision catalog.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5. Mouse making <a href="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/originals/13/e2/89/13e2895aaf31e834e8fb4cbb50380fe3.jpg" target="_blank">marshmallow & toothpick sculpture</a> - Kiddos get to do the same.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6. Mouse tangled up in Christmas lights - Go driving to see Christmas lights that night.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
7. Mouse with playing cards - Family game night!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
8. Mouse with drinking from mug (or buried in marshmallows) - Hot chocolate after school!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
9. Mouse hanging from tree - Make homemade ornaments.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
10. Mouse with <a href="http://www.cupcakediariesblog.com/2011/12/snowman-donuts.html" target="_blank">donut snowmen</a> - Morning treat!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
11. Mouse footprints leading outside - Play outside today.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
12. Mouse roasting marshmallows over tea light - Let's do s'mores!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
13. Mouse with candy cane - Kids told to try to find all the hidden candy canes in the room.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
14. Mouse with remote - Movie night!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
15. Mouse cleaning bathroom with toothbrush - Clean the bathroom. (Hey, we can't always just have fun!)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
16. Mouse with disco ball - Dance party tonight!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
17. Mouse with blank paper (and maybe spy costume) - Message (your choice) in invisible ink.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
18. Mouse with beginning of a story - Kids need to finish the story.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
19. Mouse with tea party - Join in!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
20. Mouse delivers mini xmas tree to kids room. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
21. Mouse with crayons - Kids get new coloring pages.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
22. Mouse with glow sticks - Give a pack of glow sticks to the kids to play with after dark.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
23. Mouse on cushions at piano - Practice Christmas music piece.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
24. Mouse dressed as a king or shepherd - Read the nativity story.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
25. Mouse hanging from stocking - Merry Christmas!</div>
<br />
<br />
By the way, to keep the excitement alive all
year (and to work a little geography into our afterschooling), Monty
left for a cross-country trip right after Christmas. He has been sending
the girls postcards from his travels...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjImD5SS3sRT8CObAdq68lKN6UA1ZWPSxgArT08Q4du6A7XSRmj5wg7Ip6tC9qVHg0SuP1PfguRIwH8RK76fClBFqbHgoGm27ZcSK9xxAuKE4yeunL_ZK7zNCT6jjNCUmreMNcxqnFdP8U/s1600/photo(31).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjImD5SS3sRT8CObAdq68lKN6UA1ZWPSxgArT08Q4du6A7XSRmj5wg7Ip6tC9qVHg0SuP1PfguRIwH8RK76fClBFqbHgoGm27ZcSK9xxAuKE4yeunL_ZK7zNCT6jjNCUmreMNcxqnFdP8U/s1600/photo(31).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
My oldest was a little concerned that he continues to move farther west (when we live on the East Coast), but I assured her that by hopping on a plane he can make it back in a day. They CANNOT wait until he returns this December 1st! And, really, neither can he. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0lw2izAQitcceBYs_Z9S4yAsrmVArDipSz0AspcXtXn0EKyiYMNcIZz78qZrCBIM83OnnCuh7eO_KrBLAUW8YJJi33mbKswrF1ppoIwnqmwXTYnSaeiRNnOHz8v_YNVYJSIPgvW6ajc/s640/IMG_2418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0lw2izAQitcceBYs_Z9S4yAsrmVArDipSz0AspcXtXn0EKyiYMNcIZz78qZrCBIM83OnnCuh7eO_KrBLAUW8YJJi33mbKswrF1ppoIwnqmwXTYnSaeiRNnOHz8v_YNVYJSIPgvW6ajc/s640/IMG_2418.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-55269276171985387702013-09-03T14:11:00.004-04:002013-11-25T10:18:32.297-05:00First Day of School!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9XIfTa4iz4DB73YzTcYWuqR5F-AtwPi1rf3r1e9tkI5gFw5SrirZsWrOBmzi26a8K_48K3sD4gu0op81CwlZk0UYWDHHprIi7WPM3P8dG7LZEbLcrJNS5l7o1N8aRMfPRJm_6QdHPbA/s1600/IMG_3787a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9XIfTa4iz4DB73YzTcYWuqR5F-AtwPi1rf3r1e9tkI5gFw5SrirZsWrOBmzi26a8K_48K3sD4gu0op81CwlZk0UYWDHHprIi7WPM3P8dG7LZEbLcrJNS5l7o1N8aRMfPRJm_6QdHPbA/s640/IMG_3787a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My baby started kindergarten today! Our city does full-day kindergarten, so it's going to be quite the adjustment for everyone. We both managed not to cry at drop-off, but we gave each other some pretty watery smiles. I was so proud of how brave she tried to be. What a difference <a href="http://littlepageturners.blogspot.com/2010/08/no-no-school.html" target="_blank">a few years</a> make!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWNcWn_Gp0c4hNTLpkxdCfvzlcs5lvfd5YXtPt_0faaOAnxHK1DyeggcTJm5ZGqnR_vD_QebPxfjujdSNgbYw7puFVc-qZ9LcLgIRYaB0X5kLV7dr0g6aBPydXRvMFBvD8RA4P82Foe0/s1600/IMG_6344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWNcWn_Gp0c4hNTLpkxdCfvzlcs5lvfd5YXtPt_0faaOAnxHK1DyeggcTJm5ZGqnR_vD_QebPxfjujdSNgbYw7puFVc-qZ9LcLgIRYaB0X5kLV7dr0g6aBPydXRvMFBvD8RA4P82Foe0/s400/IMG_6344.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
To celebrate the first day of school and to let them know how proud I am of them, I bought each of the girls a little necklace.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnUDDlY7-wGpCRCVLYqUnR86uDgdwWWEVPQiUb_lp925wzdFYXjr0OCOzNmmyBZ6SeIgm34JhGGt-iU_JZ_5P-JIC0xRuk7rrIcZdFpOVPqRUv3ear0O3AL5o1do7UX_83Yy1H7HfraY/s1600/IMG_3795a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnUDDlY7-wGpCRCVLYqUnR86uDgdwWWEVPQiUb_lp925wzdFYXjr0OCOzNmmyBZ6SeIgm34JhGGt-iU_JZ_5P-JIC0xRuk7rrIcZdFpOVPqRUv3ear0O3AL5o1do7UX_83Yy1H7HfraY/s640/IMG_3795a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I purchased A's from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/146264967?ref=fb2_tnx_title" target="_blank">Distinctly Ivy</a> on Etsy. I had it engraved with her name and a ladybug (our nickname for her).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYmg4Nr4gcpoaQTSrUsS13FiGeDJawqipGlRDjK3M4DWfqWgkTWwPtMnBK1WT8rksqR9fiAD9PZCOuN5zsJTWIb8h8-8U_Z7vHdM0zy8JNlk-hXaKQapZq-jho4Gk5pe_N6k8JWMlQlQ/s1600/IMG_3782a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYmg4Nr4gcpoaQTSrUsS13FiGeDJawqipGlRDjK3M4DWfqWgkTWwPtMnBK1WT8rksqR9fiAD9PZCOuN5zsJTWIb8h8-8U_Z7vHdM0zy8JNlk-hXaKQapZq-jho4Gk5pe_N6k8JWMlQlQ/s640/IMG_3782a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
E's necklace was made by my friend Polly at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PiecesByPolly" target="_blank">Pieces By Polly</a>. E was thrilled to receive a Hedwig necklace, and I hope it reminds her throughout this first day of third grade that she is very, very loved.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjPogcZxt9UITX7bK72OOQhsPbH6FgFf-2dac4f70yJORuk6E_4q8htdz_7gIE8pGriWNztd_bjVxPuBQpPW6MDOCqJLMbjAnPgvNdvqTiR3UuWll6hrgOyrVRiV4xGzzN7H4aTGoQW8/s1600/IMG_3776a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjPogcZxt9UITX7bK72OOQhsPbH6FgFf-2dac4f70yJORuk6E_4q8htdz_7gIE8pGriWNztd_bjVxPuBQpPW6MDOCqJLMbjAnPgvNdvqTiR3UuWll6hrgOyrVRiV4xGzzN7H4aTGoQW8/s640/IMG_3776a.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I am so proud of my bright, inquisitive, sweet little girls! I can't wait to pick them up from school this afternoon and hear all about their day. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Q0Ft4HduZ04zQ7llCm9_Jkmcm9pgtvWwGQWjdKYNQfQbUgGgCTP0K2OsaWQ2ZamQjTppHUVsndQYYtb2uv0XqFZMx-RU3S-oZd-CgALop9LUMRTpopew8TL-xKBuvBpv7O30I3Or6TY/s1600/IMG_3804a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Q0Ft4HduZ04zQ7llCm9_Jkmcm9pgtvWwGQWjdKYNQfQbUgGgCTP0K2OsaWQ2ZamQjTppHUVsndQYYtb2uv0XqFZMx-RU3S-oZd-CgALop9LUMRTpopew8TL-xKBuvBpv7O30I3Or6TY/s640/IMG_3804a.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-50718487689384978442013-04-06T12:04:00.001-04:002013-04-06T12:05:28.552-04:00It's Spring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpvcawXRiJXy55Y_xKcuIPgcKr26_uli3SOkAWy45Slm2P9yy7Xk0EpEFg6z9f8XMMAjwiLIYETocaMILA00soZ6TQv_xlEL88zW6V3Bnh5KnPQxxbMHqTVbZwx_YP4MwY6fkVOK5RmY/s1600/IMG_2962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpvcawXRiJXy55Y_xKcuIPgcKr26_uli3SOkAWy45Slm2P9yy7Xk0EpEFg6z9f8XMMAjwiLIYETocaMILA00soZ6TQv_xlEL88zW6V3Bnh5KnPQxxbMHqTVbZwx_YP4MwY6fkVOK5RmY/s640/IMG_2962.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I've disappeared for the last few months. It was entirely unintentional. I blinked and three months had passed. Months filled with extra projects for work, ballet lessons, gymnastics practice, and lots and lots of cups of hot chocolate and games of Ticket to Ride. It was a long, cold winter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgEV8aZ4IOfHjmToXtSb_i3qwooY2UF2wm7VFsPNwrDBMhDTmBOSRxhy_vuNMXuXQJVJLVm43mt8k0TO_QmRRne8Tnwd6NMkl01mTWxhiRz4bU7XGg20a2Db7H6y3Tbj2J8ac7n_MQ_c/s1600/IMG_2850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgEV8aZ4IOfHjmToXtSb_i3qwooY2UF2wm7VFsPNwrDBMhDTmBOSRxhy_vuNMXuXQJVJLVm43mt8k0TO_QmRRne8Tnwd6NMkl01mTWxhiRz4bU7XGg20a2Db7H6y3Tbj2J8ac7n_MQ_c/s640/IMG_2850.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
But now it's finally Spring! And the warmer weather and sunshine has me almost giddy. The girls have gotten so big. E turned 8 in March and A will be entering Kindergarten this fall. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Iipsn2r8ONZoD6j0d9OZaDpVsjBpN20KdFZnCzQYOZ1i3gGTSm-_YtYa4K5UvExLMPgqH1yRoe43Eme5IVBS_jCTrZQP90WynE9SK3l89Pvg8LHDvZDbILewBnv-Kk117MyOvbHTqR4/s1600/IMG_3010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Iipsn2r8ONZoD6j0d9OZaDpVsjBpN20KdFZnCzQYOZ1i3gGTSm-_YtYa4K5UvExLMPgqH1yRoe43Eme5IVBS_jCTrZQP90WynE9SK3l89Pvg8LHDvZDbILewBnv-Kk117MyOvbHTqR4/s640/IMG_3010.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
We celebrated a wonderful Easter, participating in a traditional Seder ceremony with the whole family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24b5l6Ljfiq-RbLZZf9cmEVXQFggEtcRN22bZKHuOLKUl88WZ6TW0AvWJvVL3fylyq0AVsHPA8rncoVd_Y4qAOHgFznBJer5cXyN_SrOn5ClXv5MUn_P3f67FfCXUxALt1d1gCxloby8/s1600/IMG_3050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24b5l6Ljfiq-RbLZZf9cmEVXQFggEtcRN22bZKHuOLKUl88WZ6TW0AvWJvVL3fylyq0AVsHPA8rncoVd_Y4qAOHgFznBJer5cXyN_SrOn5ClXv5MUn_P3f67FfCXUxALt1d1gCxloby8/s640/IMG_3050.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3HHJPgfjCGYH7FkJQHLG6gI4aj66COdatz_GqHu2tCaRJZ4YkdkdGDgvk3zeCc6aSdSk2NDp0lh8g9Kb7jpix2of5phj1m4nklBEAmr0RCOVDhk3dJMc7Yd0S_7GjTK7IhE9GdOs1-g/s1600/531848_10151505520158433_1049843509_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3HHJPgfjCGYH7FkJQHLG6gI4aj66COdatz_GqHu2tCaRJZ4YkdkdGDgvk3zeCc6aSdSk2NDp0lh8g9Kb7jpix2of5phj1m4nklBEAmr0RCOVDhk3dJMc7Yd0S_7GjTK7IhE9GdOs1-g/s640/531848_10151505520158433_1049843509_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Leading up to Easter, we did several activities as a family, including creating a confession station where the girls could write down what they were sorry for with the intention of burning them on Good Friday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZHK37i7m1sUpepFCP9VRiLZXTXKXlJ95Qm-1kcoim35dyOUdjUTnEH3sn14QPLJW0iSLGbbodmqXwcwi2wUSFcp6D9w0csaBDCk-cvPhMRj2lfyc0pPjZUZtGx8NjKch47A84dRYr6c/s1600/9404ebc0761011e2b39e22000a9d0df1_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZHK37i7m1sUpepFCP9VRiLZXTXKXlJ95Qm-1kcoim35dyOUdjUTnEH3sn14QPLJW0iSLGbbodmqXwcwi2wUSFcp6D9w0csaBDCk-cvPhMRj2lfyc0pPjZUZtGx8NjKch47A84dRYr6c/s320/9404ebc0761011e2b39e22000a9d0df1_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
With Lent behind us, Easter celebrated, and winter melting in the spring sun, I'm looking forward to a new season full of soccer games, ballet recitals, and hopefully lots of new books and crafts! Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-66361246763060089492012-12-21T12:07:00.000-05:002012-12-21T12:09:00.507-05:00Polar Express Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZeggWwp2L_0OjtbD3PKnzb_i6I8DkpzSWl_Ai93_EPO-ygZ5q-s04heaSoUnO0jEpeA_UGBP5oiUuNWD00NiDS4kTg7IdTubWy_2aLDTxM76gtdGeg2rECIuzRipZdJ2XlG7B_ijQr4/s1600/IMG_2494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZeggWwp2L_0OjtbD3PKnzb_i6I8DkpzSWl_Ai93_EPO-ygZ5q-s04heaSoUnO0jEpeA_UGBP5oiUuNWD00NiDS4kTg7IdTubWy_2aLDTxM76gtdGeg2rECIuzRipZdJ2XlG7B_ijQr4/s640/IMG_2494.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1681291349"></span><span id="goog_1681291350"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1681291349">Grab some friends or extended family and throw a last minute Polar Express Party!</span><span id="goog_1681291350"></span> First gather the kiddos together and read the Chris Van Allsburg classic. Then tell them to run and put some jammies on... they're going to get a ride on the minivan express!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cdn.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/MinivanExpressTicket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cdn.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/MinivanExpressTicket.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
<br />
Hop over to <a href="http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2011/12/mini-van-express-tickets.html" target="_blank">Confessions of a Homeschooler</a> and print off her adorable minivan express tickets. I wrapped a bandana around my neck and punched holes into each child's ticket, giving them a <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=litpagtur-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0002F5BKW" target="_blank">train whistle</a> to take along.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgls8PUL5juaGDwrLBvauSuXR5gJjIyM0EQTor6YCGUUkaE0dbdgw4iUh1iR3KcDpCn52xCx_JRQ5W97ErQ5VfNi-ciMDh2G1y1AVrraIGkH0rhd1RCjpgihwKZcmAD51M0vn2JlMHolWM/s1600/IMG_2505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgls8PUL5juaGDwrLBvauSuXR5gJjIyM0EQTor6YCGUUkaE0dbdgw4iUh1iR3KcDpCn52xCx_JRQ5W97ErQ5VfNi-ciMDh2G1y1AVrraIGkH0rhd1RCjpgihwKZcmAD51M0vn2JlMHolWM/s640/IMG_2505.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then pile into those minivans, turn up the Christmas music, and go see some lights!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeQWdI50pxe9nMFeIVBC6bT4SHsDXz_CdHff1mGmPVbKv0ZHBaT6OkzIaeyyR2cparJ9lhKZfZBP47u_3F1kOWROnPinirEzQztZqdgbdeHMD4uANRk8VIWU6GV5MKK4t67r0qr1KR7I/s1600/IMG_3350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeQWdI50pxe9nMFeIVBC6bT4SHsDXz_CdHff1mGmPVbKv0ZHBaT6OkzIaeyyR2cparJ9lhKZfZBP47u_3F1kOWROnPinirEzQztZqdgbdeHMD4uANRk8VIWU6GV5MKK4t67r0qr1KR7I/s640/IMG_3350.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When you get back, stir up some hot chocolate and do a simple activity like decorating Christmas cookies. (Just pick up some refrigerated dough and canned icing.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5V1ZAmyRzqmBj05Cv3RiyXCK2UuwV9OJz9gm6X9s3-FLRmRI28NxW74D8Zqx-x2upcL-aQU1J6shrjisQgwU4gNrDTkOUArr-FftXaRnzV8Ps2lb3YzbLkfw-MChMMSqYyYaM62hpcLg/s1600/IMG_2524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5V1ZAmyRzqmBj05Cv3RiyXCK2UuwV9OJz9gm6X9s3-FLRmRI28NxW74D8Zqx-x2upcL-aQU1J6shrjisQgwU4gNrDTkOUArr-FftXaRnzV8Ps2lb3YzbLkfw-MChMMSqYyYaM62hpcLg/s640/IMG_2524.JPG" width="590" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvHgDtwCj5LCI6LldW4yd28sTyPs7qiYMvCb8ABsg8diDE2SdebseGytTEodki5BIxA2wR-OeeDSbK3FYMmSfo7LKghVHyT46nDrdihjAhDeo0a14d1dkISa_DAlA1cMcPJ3SZdBTU1Y/s1600/IMG_2525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvHgDtwCj5LCI6LldW4yd28sTyPs7qiYMvCb8ABsg8diDE2SdebseGytTEodki5BIxA2wR-OeeDSbK3FYMmSfo7LKghVHyT46nDrdihjAhDeo0a14d1dkISa_DAlA1cMcPJ3SZdBTU1Y/s640/IMG_2525.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Then settle everyone on the couch for a viewing of Robert Zemeckis' version of <i>The Polar Express</i> (Netflix has it on streaming). What better way to enjoy a chilly December evening then with friends, cookies, and one of the best-loved Christmas stories?<br />
<br />Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-32364845476778473762012-12-17T16:46:00.000-05:002012-12-21T12:07:49.364-05:00An update on Montgomery, our Christmas Mouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you remember, we currently have a little mouse living with us for the Christmas season. Each morning the girls run to see what Montgomery has been up to, and to receive their daily assignment from him. I thought you might like to see what sorts of things Monty has been up to...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwXDORJJUlZ5Sv3hUTm9ZSIHW9ZbP23n_ISVxThmUZYdKsgwnTjLxE_GhW3Acm80Pj2dd-gY-rK9cVWYoGLn1a20bpJTTnIMhGYR4s7QsKyFSFQhWxk9NTHDQw6tsftNziNhlXkBR1SI/s1600/IMG_2449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwXDORJJUlZ5Sv3hUTm9ZSIHW9ZbP23n_ISVxThmUZYdKsgwnTjLxE_GhW3Acm80Pj2dd-gY-rK9cVWYoGLn1a20bpJTTnIMhGYR4s7QsKyFSFQhWxk9NTHDQw6tsftNziNhlXkBR1SI/s640/IMG_2449.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One morning it appeared as if he spent the night teaching the princesses all about mice. He told my girls to do something nice for someone that day.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdw3WUd-PHBh_e_32S9QUnSdXJV8SCnpbXFcn0qh-x6EyUY7YOCWRI40ka_dwcGi1efrMgA3ihVXikNBSlTrz3xMankrjkZg4Hvnv7Qk9lNDpYg1iJTlLRsO4bTS3PWvsZ1ukngUIJrM/s1600/IMG_2444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdw3WUd-PHBh_e_32S9QUnSdXJV8SCnpbXFcn0qh-x6EyUY7YOCWRI40ka_dwcGi1efrMgA3ihVXikNBSlTrz3xMankrjkZg4Hvnv7Qk9lNDpYg1iJTlLRsO4bTS3PWvsZ1ukngUIJrM/s640/IMG_2444.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another morning the girls found the way to the playroom blocked by lights Monty had strung. He let them know they'd be having a Polar Express party that night to see the lights at our Botanical Garden. (More on that in a future post!)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNB7fdDqWLSRSurWVGnM1jc57fhm6LQsiUFL-bRlM80vKf25BplL2JJwMxbX2gYDkq2UfW8pP0_8cgvrPqh0GQy8z9k3U7vNgT9poLCOvfsxvuGKLCRwyH3VuDbzoeigbed8gfrY2nOjo/s1600/IMG_2490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNB7fdDqWLSRSurWVGnM1jc57fhm6LQsiUFL-bRlM80vKf25BplL2JJwMxbX2gYDkq2UfW8pP0_8cgvrPqh0GQy8z9k3U7vNgT9poLCOvfsxvuGKLCRwyH3VuDbzoeigbed8gfrY2nOjo/s640/IMG_2490.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
One night he pulled out E's science kit and took a careful look at a specimen of cat fur. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3iHcqVFUyF8xYTY14nKfrTV1wP3OSUoP7elXwFdehqQ87NTyaEbJ0MZ_7dOiPJau0qgsIgMUcWt2uAR1_ymtuznVcPknJ7x3yDm_DOKsObPcAPsQQKvk4xLMt2rIqcjWVuc9DmtOE8Y/s1600/IMG_2555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3iHcqVFUyF8xYTY14nKfrTV1wP3OSUoP7elXwFdehqQ87NTyaEbJ0MZ_7dOiPJau0qgsIgMUcWt2uAR1_ymtuznVcPknJ7x3yDm_DOKsObPcAPsQQKvk4xLMt2rIqcjWVuc9DmtOE8Y/s640/IMG_2555.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His message hinted at a fun experiment the girls could do after school.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFqZTjdjIyDLMqQg-dxEDXdTd7cg_FN3HtdY7gVD_lQqP_2P_OR26byf7yJs3v-FWucJQl725U-1By_yJyLL5HVCc3l9QNXH47x1YLGXzFV-Ls1vG5SqYOHnXc-qjGnz9fEYBbWFG_yQ/s1600/IMG_2563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFqZTjdjIyDLMqQg-dxEDXdTd7cg_FN3HtdY7gVD_lQqP_2P_OR26byf7yJs3v-FWucJQl725U-1By_yJyLL5HVCc3l9QNXH47x1YLGXzFV-Ls1vG5SqYOHnXc-qjGnz9fEYBbWFG_yQ/s640/IMG_2563.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My favorite Monty-moment was when he dressed up as a superhero and told the girls they had $50 to spend on anything they liked from the World Vision catalog. E chose to buy a child in need a rabbit and A chose two chickens. Monty was very proud.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GUnseQlpE0QS3IKWXBojXdwJ0knWxSdKPZevOheYC9A29vAK6kRmp_SbtVgje__OGuslthw69YYnJq88V3D7a1mkDRjPA22UpLfOb-Sc_0W-thcP2YXQe9eCcdItTEJGBbWFqXd-lQY/s1600/IMG_3361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GUnseQlpE0QS3IKWXBojXdwJ0knWxSdKPZevOheYC9A29vAK6kRmp_SbtVgje__OGuslthw69YYnJq88V3D7a1mkDRjPA22UpLfOb-Sc_0W-thcP2YXQe9eCcdItTEJGBbWFqXd-lQY/s640/IMG_3361.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I think the girls' favorite morning was when they woke to find that Monty's mom had sent him an early Christmas gift. It was that mouse classic, <i>Santa Mouse</i>!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFjb7lvRm-c9CNsg6mo5r9y7zOUBpbk2-rO7GvYf2tg5a73V5eFNtVLMEBkTC7qqz8ZlMvK8IzLllUm22Aye-7pbAJOwjMtWQ59W5-uST3vf268wHVEEITaJq1jTbTJLCu2MK-wzs6YA/s1600/IMG_2549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFjb7lvRm-c9CNsg6mo5r9y7zOUBpbk2-rO7GvYf2tg5a73V5eFNtVLMEBkTC7qqz8ZlMvK8IzLllUm22Aye-7pbAJOwjMtWQ59W5-uST3vf268wHVEEITaJq1jTbTJLCu2MK-wzs6YA/s640/IMG_2549.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0760703558/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0760703558&linkCode=as2&tag=litpagtur-20"><b><i>Santa Mouse</i></b></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=litpagtur-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0760703558" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
by Michael Brown</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I first posted about Montgomery, I had several people tell me we should read <i>Santa Mouse</i>. How can I resist a themed Christmas book? So I found a cheap copy on ebay and it arrived a week later. It's a charming little story about a lonely little mouse who generously gives his prized possession - a chunk of cheese - to Santa and is rewarded with the name of Santa Mouse. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What do you think Montgomery should do next?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span id="goog_1712601298"></span><span id="goog_1712601299"></span><br />
<br />
<br />Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-80611621265622123812012-12-01T15:59:00.001-05:002012-12-17T16:47:07.298-05:00Meet Montgomery! (Our Elf Alternative)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3sCUYxScv5YC_Z_PFqcjTNFot82nxILU0kwTOR8Kf4lvYL35RlB8SX1dc0OAVrUPp5hC7RejZrsH252Jc_eMP4i79REI-FdQ0Cdc1p1f4yY0_xpEtytrqezDEBtv7U5coGbXDTF1C-Q/s1600/IMG_2404+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3sCUYxScv5YC_Z_PFqcjTNFot82nxILU0kwTOR8Kf4lvYL35RlB8SX1dc0OAVrUPp5hC7RejZrsH252Jc_eMP4i79REI-FdQ0Cdc1p1f4yY0_xpEtytrqezDEBtv7U5coGbXDTF1C-Q/s640/IMG_2404+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Meet our adorable Christmas Mouse, Montgomery! This handsome little guy showed up at our house this morning, accompanied by this letter:<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIj3n6F3OY8F5ZLxg27JxoYkpTzVUyPnoFMsKk-feqdXD4HseZKqMKZylLrJrAk4sTuSFD4ZvDV75xi8JUv-gkc4Ixp6TOncjhyo_RRZQwzvztXXjNzclLKzK0IwWXyTvej20ISJbl34/s1600/IMG_2424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIj3n6F3OY8F5ZLxg27JxoYkpTzVUyPnoFMsKk-feqdXD4HseZKqMKZylLrJrAk4sTuSFD4ZvDV75xi8JUv-gkc4Ixp6TOncjhyo_RRZQwzvztXXjNzclLKzK0IwWXyTvej20ISJbl34/s640/IMG_2424.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<br />
Hmmm... rambunctious and troublesome? He seems like a very polite, well-behaved mouse to me, but I guess we'll see.<br />
<br />
Along with the note and his scarf, Montgomery only brought with him a few essentials: a chunk of cheese, a peanut butter sandwich, a picture of him mom, and a handkerchief.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbR-RPMGvdTKp0ce8sdHm0eUebiR9E11k5BaP8oVZY-iA0dKaTCXa2iSPeZAfOSYH3f5yKXgPR6HxhX-s6B1HhEE42a4nfL97jR-v_WuVTRvuIHyLyN0dS-dBc6_SFstcaKSHGpvvHQo/s1600/IMG_2426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbR-RPMGvdTKp0ce8sdHm0eUebiR9E11k5BaP8oVZY-iA0dKaTCXa2iSPeZAfOSYH3f5yKXgPR6HxhX-s6B1HhEE42a4nfL97jR-v_WuVTRvuIHyLyN0dS-dBc6_SFstcaKSHGpvvHQo/s640/IMG_2426.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So far, Montgomery has been a huge hit, especially with my four year old. The girls made him a cozy bed out of an old box and tucked him in snugly. (Although A keeps trying to convince me that he really doesn't want to sleep, that his eyes are obviously still open, and that he wants to play with her.) I'm not sure what antics he plans on getting into tonight, but he hinted to me that the girls next assignment might have something to do with <a href="http://littlepageturners.blogspot.com/2010/01/snowy-day.html" target="_blank">paper snowflakes</a>...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0lw2izAQitcceBYs_Z9S4yAsrmVArDipSz0AspcXtXn0EKyiYMNcIZz78qZrCBIM83OnnCuh7eO_KrBLAUW8YJJi33mbKswrF1ppoIwnqmwXTYnSaeiRNnOHz8v_YNVYJSIPgvW6ajc/s1600/IMG_2418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0lw2izAQitcceBYs_Z9S4yAsrmVArDipSz0AspcXtXn0EKyiYMNcIZz78qZrCBIM83OnnCuh7eO_KrBLAUW8YJJi33mbKswrF1ppoIwnqmwXTYnSaeiRNnOHz8v_YNVYJSIPgvW6ajc/s640/IMG_2418.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Resources:<br />
- <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=litpagtur-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0007WHYVO" target="_blank">Elephant Mouse by Hansa</a> - His nose is HUGE so I ended up sewing it folded under and adding a bead nose.Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-21679606546936626262012-11-21T10:56:00.005-05:002012-12-05T12:44:43.535-05:00Play Plymouth Village<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QiTuT2hD-3h1txKRb7oJDBk9GTwpmGX0Q4TAuVrbanGg2zFmnUGAU7h3aIzUQvUKwfTJc-RB1oqyMla27c7BJgtBdSMa4ddJp6QfqoMJnCBYLNRavIWip6mjS0f5esp6QItpN2Y3gF0/s1600/IMG_2306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QiTuT2hD-3h1txKRb7oJDBk9GTwpmGX0Q4TAuVrbanGg2zFmnUGAU7h3aIzUQvUKwfTJc-RB1oqyMla27c7BJgtBdSMa4ddJp6QfqoMJnCBYLNRavIWip6mjS0f5esp6QItpN2Y3gF0/s640/IMG_2306.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Thanksgiving is hands-down my favorite holiday. What could be better than a day devoted to giving thanks for all of God's good gifts? I love the food, the fellowship, and the retelling of the <a href="http://littlepageturners.blogspot.com/2009/11/thanksgiving-very-first-one.html" target="_blank">first Thanksgiving</a>. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06Ca2tR74Lup_Lw6yhsjG_9-EJDDJI-np658yh4A4VWYNIzebiNGmbCX3Blu9_QB1bU1J7Cx4VS5rxKVuLoYmQwEHYjDiJfMWvKsXrD32BSybUmmNMxm3aog99dkoTHAt0GJJnG6VVZs/s1600/IMG_2290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06Ca2tR74Lup_Lw6yhsjG_9-EJDDJI-np658yh4A4VWYNIzebiNGmbCX3Blu9_QB1bU1J7Cx4VS5rxKVuLoYmQwEHYjDiJfMWvKsXrD32BSybUmmNMxm3aog99dkoTHAt0GJJnG6VVZs/s640/IMG_2290.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In first or second grade, my class made a miniature Plymouth Village out of cardboard and clothespins. I remember vividly how much I enjoyed that project, and decided it was time to make one with my own little second grader. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4DAZa8IzATk4IeH9s8dayy0bWmeoIjMcIqrqJdF7krgfKgGtaqT1Z-yFKg7hYGapFCPTcYWBblVnCt4JISWnLRI1s8021rWD0MnkneYHRdQAp5NVUr5UeMMTWeLl6A-MDywzGkrsxXE/s1600/IMG_2294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4DAZa8IzATk4IeH9s8dayy0bWmeoIjMcIqrqJdF7krgfKgGtaqT1Z-yFKg7hYGapFCPTcYWBblVnCt4JISWnLRI1s8021rWD0MnkneYHRdQAp5NVUr5UeMMTWeLl6A-MDywzGkrsxXE/s640/IMG_2294.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The girls went outside for sticks and pine cones, and I pulled out my scrap fabric and peg dolls. I found some great printables for the cabins and long house, and we went to town cutting, painting, and gluing. A couple hours later we had our own re-creation of the First Thanksgiving. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQy9X9AeGfz6rnWCZEijbpGQKhCNbSBfZLDBD5-Okf2T9BZrm2jyMuQlrclhyphenhyphenedw0ZaTBhDyeeskRj1j7k18i2t6f2MwIUaWQJOadSUg01MaPU5UjglZ1q3DyRKdUMH6nqVlPRrwkLOQ/s1600/IMG_2311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQy9X9AeGfz6rnWCZEijbpGQKhCNbSBfZLDBD5-Okf2T9BZrm2jyMuQlrclhyphenhyphenedw0ZaTBhDyeeskRj1j7k18i2t6f2MwIUaWQJOadSUg01MaPU5UjglZ1q3DyRKdUMH6nqVlPRrwkLOQ/s640/IMG_2311.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Resources</b>: <br />
<a href="http://smartypantsfun.com/printable-thanksgiving-pilgrim-and-cabin-paper-craft/" target="_blank">Thanksgiving Pilgrim Cabin</a> from Smarty Pants Fun<br />
<a href="http://www.susankae.com/free_resources.htm" target="_blank">Longhouse Printable</a> from Susankae.com<br />
<br />
For more Thanksgiving Day crafts and books, <a href="http://littlepageturners.blogspot.com/search/label/Thanksgiving" target="_blank">check out these posts</a>.Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-67076674766500868332012-08-14T15:14:00.002-04:002012-11-21T10:57:19.879-05:00Star Jars: Cure for Complaining!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMg2neN-ybz_nojQGvjV7aDkJpehPNqShNpzojySA-3XlCssLNDnUxEBxT3nX6SfPP1Nzq0ZV1BaYFxBpnWOkqcvs8mjscnigtigbvwzB7r8Fp16KG4oDy7v9-Qlch6kPsY2Ut1cKH2yM/s1600/IMG_1850a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMg2neN-ybz_nojQGvjV7aDkJpehPNqShNpzojySA-3XlCssLNDnUxEBxT3nX6SfPP1Nzq0ZV1BaYFxBpnWOkqcvs8mjscnigtigbvwzB7r8Fp16KG4oDy7v9-Qlch6kPsY2Ut1cKH2yM/s640/IMG_1850a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Okay, so "cure" might be overstepping it a bit, but this has been a great method at controlling the amount of complaining that goes on around our house. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
Each child is given their own "star jar" - in our case, little buckets from Target's dollar spot that I attached their initial to.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg252plb-7GgvbAWQzsz-PKhhNYbOoRF_yMJkk49lrWBJv4jCSfo6dtby1sYBbt_DHKhc7BV5XLfnbnVNLCzpjnJXGHcZiR_hyphenhyphenPTr_6_-uim2lY_Urahsga4iT2MdXsABUnmuMUbMkFtCw/s1600/IMG_1857a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg252plb-7GgvbAWQzsz-PKhhNYbOoRF_yMJkk49lrWBJv4jCSfo6dtby1sYBbt_DHKhc7BV5XLfnbnVNLCzpjnJXGHcZiR_hyphenhyphenPTr_6_-uim2lY_Urahsga4iT2MdXsABUnmuMUbMkFtCw/s640/IMG_1857a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Every time I catch them doing something without arguing or complaining about it, they get to put a star in their jar. They are not allowed to ask (or hint) for a star, and they're more likely to get one by doing their chores without being asked. I also award stars when I catch them being kind or helpful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRWTJ0HJis8BualPYU7rRNqlUre8Rsd9oXdqd_cNhyphenhyphenf7tuyin9VdlZo0j_pBpgFW5-V5hi_ZLvwHmTE71xQiINr3SDvuj-VOchUv2wzdYWJ9yDzPPb5LIAFCm56OXWZhlsE2HPtaXvkU/s1600/IMG_1859a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRWTJ0HJis8BualPYU7rRNqlUre8Rsd9oXdqd_cNhyphenhyphenf7tuyin9VdlZo0j_pBpgFW5-V5hi_ZLvwHmTE71xQiINr3SDvuj-VOchUv2wzdYWJ9yDzPPb5LIAFCm56OXWZhlsE2HPtaXvkU/s640/IMG_1859a.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Beneath the jars is a print out of Philippians 2:14-15... a constant reminder of WHY they're to refrain from complaining and arguing (besides just to save Moms' sanity)!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBeuxjcweWIf-3O1ChIghNR68VZVFk3_vnWg8J-RJZ6Hx-TtkRWG3zG2qvywdKH8650gMAe-uEfCr55PwCioCRX5gfGOvXve53gKb3R80DhsxDahXxBAtfHQj2rYFzc1KuZAv59F7lcs/s1600/IMG_1863a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBeuxjcweWIf-3O1ChIghNR68VZVFk3_vnWg8J-RJZ6Hx-TtkRWG3zG2qvywdKH8650gMAe-uEfCr55PwCioCRX5gfGOvXve53gKb3R80DhsxDahXxBAtfHQj2rYFzc1KuZAv59F7lcs/s640/IMG_1863a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_2010731010"></span><span id="goog_2010731011"></span><br />
<span id="goog_2010731010">The girls absolutely love their star jars. We've been doing it for nearly a month now, and it's still a success. They're in a bit of a competition to see who </span><span id="goog_2010731011"></span>can earn the most stars. When the main jar is empty, they will each get to pick where on their bedroom ceiling the stars they earned will go. I have a feeling the space above their beds will be crowded with stars!Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-75107018443612237422012-07-27T09:47:00.002-04:002012-08-14T15:27:16.983-04:00Pirate Adventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93SF3ceVCWYEZ3-iDq2E6mKI4K9Lg6GQJeGsNZ_CQfCxQhH6wIlxmMPkSTlycKgGPPWY4kfYhR4i3TIntDAcu4hWIzt6S32NYoENXn-zqnkkjvgyOqBG4Hm4lejhrKv0-HFxiGKi0TzQ/s1600/IMG_2494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93SF3ceVCWYEZ3-iDq2E6mKI4K9Lg6GQJeGsNZ_CQfCxQhH6wIlxmMPkSTlycKgGPPWY4kfYhR4i3TIntDAcu4hWIzt6S32NYoENXn-zqnkkjvgyOqBG4Hm4lejhrKv0-HFxiGKi0TzQ/s640/IMG_2494.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Each summer our local botanical garden puts on a special kid-friendly exhibit. While I doubt they will ever be able to top their <a href="http://littlepageturners.blogspot.com/2010/07/step-into-fairytale-land.html" target="_blank">Enchanted Storybook Forest</a>, this year's Voyage of Discovery came pretty close. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDh1FrpIS8LmAJo6y9DLJrhZBIMZkXuwCWXocLCSfMuafnoR0PEAkc9SiJ-jW1Z0R9_rPFRdTZjhulFWNwepKBVHvmD-nmYTbNMu-1wFpF81bqk-7dg6U9oP35KE3AzuNQAG-3nm_Rqmw/s1600/IMG_2498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDh1FrpIS8LmAJo6y9DLJrhZBIMZkXuwCWXocLCSfMuafnoR0PEAkc9SiJ-jW1Z0R9_rPFRdTZjhulFWNwepKBVHvmD-nmYTbNMu-1wFpF81bqk-7dg6U9oP35KE3AzuNQAG-3nm_Rqmw/s640/IMG_2498.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
I met a friend at the gardens one fine morning, bringing with me a pack of bandanas and recycled paper tubes. Within minutes we had transformed the kids into fierce pirates!<br />
<br />
The kids were instructed to find six treasure boxes around the garden - most located at various "ship" exhibits - and locate the code word on the box.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahViO2VbJ4B5f_3HpVs-gOdFfe-IhV5wXf9BIoZGDLzwwCpsFQ-o1hEFxFphf8Do47b5xWp7IHGCboGGEm2xRyH6qNSYSm0jSnih9X_45_JlsdeHWxTFZwihBGGagE8RgUOhGurfnuzE/s1600/IMG_2502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahViO2VbJ4B5f_3HpVs-gOdFfe-IhV5wXf9BIoZGDLzwwCpsFQ-o1hEFxFphf8Do47b5xWp7IHGCboGGEm2xRyH6qNSYSm0jSnih9X_45_JlsdeHWxTFZwihBGGagE8RgUOhGurfnuzE/s640/IMG_2502.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then they had to write the code word in the correct spot on their treasure map. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhWvL9RmXJB1j75TqXFdlXm0_IkzKDbfy4O0rLafvdgaVJXwFseWkwJAkY_ZxcI9Ww0FYSquf3WhoPCzpSJGkYZcCBS8tHBHg7YafDnJej28x55eJZCxpu9mDLK2ojG3xqjX-5J6Gx9I/s1600/IMG_2501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhWvL9RmXJB1j75TqXFdlXm0_IkzKDbfy4O0rLafvdgaVJXwFseWkwJAkY_ZxcI9Ww0FYSquf3WhoPCzpSJGkYZcCBS8tHBHg7YafDnJej28x55eJZCxpu9mDLK2ojG3xqjX-5J6Gx9I/s640/IMG_2501.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The exhibits were all different and included a giant sand dune, a minimalistic pirate ship...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSSxfEuNu7XDT4L8aR6cSq7fGVB6-VOCIYMkXkSpbw0uaPAJxMQI0j6HTCkIuJfxCv9IBEW_H-87V0SsaBQWumzMfJ8qFBG2okCKTZS2mrHG1QsaCjgkKXBQeSjzO6lQ7nvhH3PvPPJU/s1600/IMG_2507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSSxfEuNu7XDT4L8aR6cSq7fGVB6-VOCIYMkXkSpbw0uaPAJxMQI0j6HTCkIuJfxCv9IBEW_H-87V0SsaBQWumzMfJ8qFBG2okCKTZS2mrHG1QsaCjgkKXBQeSjzO6lQ7nvhH3PvPPJU/s640/IMG_2507.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
...a set of nautical flags hiding a secret message... </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_b9aTeZc3xAM8RD3Szl1-FQIKKlCpMpwk6J7bvmiuG5dtG7IXjw6gQPOAW1kUH0NMpPIsLVs0OlLLNkN1SENpX4o5ps9HI3W_U4G9kFxAIfv_W2a0s13hOTdwtHYyxuRuTdh7aSUhjA/s1600/IMG_2510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_b9aTeZc3xAM8RD3Szl1-FQIKKlCpMpwk6J7bvmiuG5dtG7IXjw6gQPOAW1kUH0NMpPIsLVs0OlLLNkN1SENpX4o5ps9HI3W_U4G9kFxAIfv_W2a0s13hOTdwtHYyxuRuTdh7aSUhjA/s640/IMG_2510.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
... and a replica of the USS Constitution.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdo3QAZczfNqkePs3i6AyGaXUg5-A75kz0fkbYWJtc2cpSy61ed9v_LR1Vhcy7npFGRPf90idQ2KWoGaS8gzpaNd2f7E_krhbNcq6xo4MYTYGO9ejQq7bJkywvVNcOxJqNrmsgrGeERY/s1600/IMG_2524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdo3QAZczfNqkePs3i6AyGaXUg5-A75kz0fkbYWJtc2cpSy61ed9v_LR1Vhcy7npFGRPf90idQ2KWoGaS8gzpaNd2f7E_krhbNcq6xo4MYTYGO9ejQq7bJkywvVNcOxJqNrmsgrGeERY/s640/IMG_2524.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The replica was really quite impressive, and while I had fun learning about life aboard an 18th century vessel, the kids had fun in the hammocks.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUXSYJfiEcZFf92pJCCi68ua4t3-Usg-0OkdnBfFIRcEOC5NbvNAG06GGnnrb4U0__9PgFoP8FpadfP8WVVp8cUgChDKNkHGCawBFlXuPcnubgwNScv9QnUcWG9pW1kBUL7wHNKlPegQ/s1600/IMG_2517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUXSYJfiEcZFf92pJCCi68ua4t3-Usg-0OkdnBfFIRcEOC5NbvNAG06GGnnrb4U0__9PgFoP8FpadfP8WVVp8cUgChDKNkHGCawBFlXuPcnubgwNScv9QnUcWG9pW1kBUL7wHNKlPegQ/s640/IMG_2517.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were all happy that one of the treasure chests was located by the butterfly house. <br />
Apparently butterflies love red bandanas.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvBkgfYv1YyvUq6ykXyZvu5OV2d3rFrb1yIxf4tf4G92HB79UYv8naIVnYM5HcEjaQQglqI9GQcgSek3jfQTKlRrCVFHT2lZxDjwqRbb5vrskGK8u2cqPuGPCqKna1VYltid4IJAguoc/s1600/IMG_2530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvBkgfYv1YyvUq6ykXyZvu5OV2d3rFrb1yIxf4tf4G92HB79UYv8naIVnYM5HcEjaQQglqI9GQcgSek3jfQTKlRrCVFHT2lZxDjwqRbb5vrskGK8u2cqPuGPCqKna1VYltid4IJAguoc/s640/IMG_2530.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The children's garden included a simple bookmark craft involving a popsicle, string, and fish cut-out.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7UPg29tB6nIaBwnD1iyb3B2AJo1lbIVthtDujSPohzRCGtI8Hnhl9t1dNOJFRW8A7Xl1Y0bbNg21qPiIyc504NVsYlgwqFqIdIaV0vYhJHxebaxK4fI57fBl5l1OvpTSnfQmu0Un70U/s1600/IMG_2537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7UPg29tB6nIaBwnD1iyb3B2AJo1lbIVthtDujSPohzRCGtI8Hnhl9t1dNOJFRW8A7Xl1Y0bbNg21qPiIyc504NVsYlgwqFqIdIaV0vYhJHxebaxK4fI57fBl5l1OvpTSnfQmu0Un70U/s640/IMG_2537.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And when the pirates had solved all the clues and won their prize, they cooled off in the fountains. Because pirates love water fountains! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWgO_dUAJI3qhzGx3uLxxT5wbbrTGgAMk2wfKvAgp47UDu_vJm8eB5RQ1trXd3Sk6p2KpE73LkYiZ4FctYu1i64Biwj8Mw9GDOJA1X87sUxn16qHljQx3ib64d6wYuz5kEnaqX6jWfDs/s1600/IMG_2544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWgO_dUAJI3qhzGx3uLxxT5wbbrTGgAMk2wfKvAgp47UDu_vJm8eB5RQ1trXd3Sk6p2KpE73LkYiZ4FctYu1i64Biwj8Mw9GDOJA1X87sUxn16qHljQx3ib64d6wYuz5kEnaqX6jWfDs/s640/IMG_2544.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I've reviewed <a href="http://littlepageturners.blogspot.com/search/label/pirates" target="_blank">many pirate books</a> over the years, but here are two perfect for the end of summer as we start to get kids ready for the fall...<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416950249/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1416950249&linkCode=as2&tag=litpagtur-20">The Pirate of Kindergarten</a></b></i> by George Ella Lyon</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416950249/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1416950249&linkCode=as2&tag=litpagtur-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1416950249&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=litpagtur-20" /></a>Despite the cover, this book isn't actually about a pirate attending kindergarten. (See the next review!) Rather, it's about a little girl who has double vision. It describes her struggles at school while she tries to do activities while seeing two of everything. Eventually the adults figure out what is going on and help correct the problem (hence, the eye patch).<br />
<br />
It's a short story with cute illustrations that reminds kids that we don't always know what's going on with others who may act differently than us.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545206294/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0545206294&linkCode=as2&tag=litpagtur-20">Pirates Go to School</a></i></b> by John Manders</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545206294/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0545206294&linkCode=as2&tag=litpagtur-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0545206294&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=litpagtur-20" /></a>If you were looking for a school-pirate themed book, this is the one for you. With rhymes reminiscent of <i>What Snowmen Do at Night</i>, the book sing-songs its way through a day of school as pirates join in on all the activities. It's cute, simple, and will hopefully help get your own little pirates excited again about returning to school in a few short weeks.Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-58388824105411307812012-07-16T13:42:00.001-04:002012-07-27T09:47:41.695-04:00Colonial Williamsburg with Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMc6c0_mPkT_YYNPSAdPy6T7ldPw0JfzcnbQO1Fx2Xd3isbBTJsIPDoESwBxnoWS2-Dm-yN6-DW-_LlDZ0SC56IO3bkf4UHW631hjmv2ypmnbF69K6WlDbzPqbTgMsNwZrPuWqPk3te8/s1600/IMG_2306a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMc6c0_mPkT_YYNPSAdPy6T7ldPw0JfzcnbQO1Fx2Xd3isbBTJsIPDoESwBxnoWS2-Dm-yN6-DW-_LlDZ0SC56IO3bkf4UHW631hjmv2ypmnbF69K6WlDbzPqbTgMsNwZrPuWqPk3te8/s640/IMG_2306a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
My mom and I recently took my eldest daughter (7) on a day trip to Colonial Williamsburg. We live only about 40 minutes away from this popular tourist attraction, so we're well-familiar with the town. This was my first time touring with a child, however, and by the end of the visit I had a much better idea of how to do Colonial Williamsburg with Kids.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Meet Elizabeth!</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0oL4vYIUV1yJRK5FXm0PXqYl8x8zm4HyDu7oL5fJy4GA-vMgHAj5bwWL1biFNwxjUD9xhwF4v_n_ACjwlcsnAZMg7ec81imbeCOb3H8g4v2YIldv0v4DR3wVLqix7e-X5_495KJ9mP4/s1600/IMG_2301a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0oL4vYIUV1yJRK5FXm0PXqYl8x8zm4HyDu7oL5fJy4GA-vMgHAj5bwWL1biFNwxjUD9xhwF4v_n_ACjwlcsnAZMg7ec81imbeCOb3H8g4v2YIldv0v4DR3wVLqix7e-X5_495KJ9mP4/s640/IMG_2301a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Elizabeth is the best friend of Felicity, the Colonial-era American Girl doll who just happens to live in Colonial Williamsburg! Unfortunately, these dolls have been retired by AG, but you can still find the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1593699298/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1593699298">Felicity mini doll</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=litpagtur-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1593699298" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> on Amazon. (I think the six-inch versions of the AG dolls are fabulous, especially for the historical characters. And at around $15-20 each, much more affordable.) And of course her books are all still available.<br />
<br />
If you're planning a trip to Williamsburg with girls, consider picking up one of these dolls as a traveling companion, and maybe watching her movie before coming. (The visitor's center has a little movie you can view before heading out, but it was all a bit over E's head.)<br />
<br />
Elizabeth led us on a tour of her hometown, and showed us all the places a kid would like best.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Map</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjn1b1dGFn-oLjjE4yXo_2_V_mkJQrJuEbNyYkGpAKYygW0MvsrcQZBlZ2Thevl-E6gowAke2oGWY5c_LXmmRK6O1Kr8eUpuVSb5tJx__9OzYwQL1wa0nnGVru7DN2g9uvOQZ87klIDw4/s1600/IMG_2434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjn1b1dGFn-oLjjE4yXo_2_V_mkJQrJuEbNyYkGpAKYygW0MvsrcQZBlZ2Thevl-E6gowAke2oGWY5c_LXmmRK6O1Kr8eUpuVSb5tJx__9OzYwQL1wa0nnGVru7DN2g9uvOQZ87klIDw4/s640/IMG_2434.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When you purchase/redeem your tickets at the visitor's center, you'll receive a Kids Adventure Map. Kids can get their map punched at numerous (but not all) locations around the town. If they receive a certain number of punches (dependent on their age), they'll get a keepsake pin. The pin is nothing to write home about, but this map is your guide to kid-friendly places around town.<br />
<br />
<b style="color: red;">TIP:</b> If you're short on time, skip the Children's Orientation Tour. It's slow and mostly involves a list of rules for touring the buildings and grounds.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Powell House </b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2B32YHTGyvQ0ZFVVo1jr6Gbjx2gaOqEf97pmJ2ZFJHCAzkmyuDZCeWs9fZcG5p-l7ZNTjBABrLACvPYVwIyzJUoYajnT3bCbhOQH2ohlHtBIe1t1VJ4eiXwbf0IITEyay4yPe6Yk1ZMU/s1600/IMG_2325a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2B32YHTGyvQ0ZFVVo1jr6Gbjx2gaOqEf97pmJ2ZFJHCAzkmyuDZCeWs9fZcG5p-l7ZNTjBABrLACvPYVwIyzJUoYajnT3bCbhOQH2ohlHtBIe1t1VJ4eiXwbf0IITEyay4yPe6Yk1ZMU/s640/IMG_2325a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This was by far my favorite location in Colonial Williamsburg. Unlike most of the buildings in Williamsburg, this house is a self-paced tour, allowing you to explore the house and grounds at your leisure. Time your visit for early afternoon so your kids can help make lunch in the real working kitchen and then assist in setting the table at 2pm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-B2u3e4diYBoU1vs3gFJx13GAnsk6yATPrkloU9lslxN9mxRkDMbLm8TtTiAwrrHWagjnPBuEC-Ki3cwIIbyZjzHlp0h-q5UWDlQWipHB2XVHGHFFd4dhb-a9cBuP262Zbh3-FsYThA/s1600/IMG_2318a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-B2u3e4diYBoU1vs3gFJx13GAnsk6yATPrkloU9lslxN9mxRkDMbLm8TtTiAwrrHWagjnPBuEC-Ki3cwIIbyZjzHlp0h-q5UWDlQWipHB2XVHGHFFd4dhb-a9cBuP262Zbh3-FsYThA/s640/IMG_2318a.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
In the courtyard you and your kids can try your hand at eighteenth century outdoor games, or go inside and play with dolls or board games in the parlor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99OJK4hPEsd2inal9oGtDG1gAgtxX_96DjS56K6yPA3ajDqFg6PR2S7O2yfnUZlDCtSW4dcJ5_LvBhEABoSi2H78kqiibcrzx5ewMG6smnquiT1WZH9jl294blxzLy78X6fSFGoGnjK4/s1600/IMG_1681a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99OJK4hPEsd2inal9oGtDG1gAgtxX_96DjS56K6yPA3ajDqFg6PR2S7O2yfnUZlDCtSW4dcJ5_LvBhEABoSi2H78kqiibcrzx5ewMG6smnquiT1WZH9jl294blxzLy78X6fSFGoGnjK4/s640/IMG_1681a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And be sure to explore the garden... taste the pea pods, smell the dill, feed the chickens, and take pictures of the bulls.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPnoCzJ8vtwgMA7XHJeTd4RYxhhNIJsdpftaM1bwSQZezgtzGRE1Ry0gnFUmyXGIzYxUYbplP959syNF1ih1EdqiBdoVLb7bG2QN9uKCudzvzFFzWh-jfRZf65cMms9TiPnpzc20sjKw/s1600/IMG_2320a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPnoCzJ8vtwgMA7XHJeTd4RYxhhNIJsdpftaM1bwSQZezgtzGRE1Ry0gnFUmyXGIzYxUYbplP959syNF1ih1EdqiBdoVLb7bG2QN9uKCudzvzFFzWh-jfRZf65cMms9TiPnpzc20sjKw/s640/IMG_2320a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3DExdnbDJAQptMLQi5LmTDp0Nsgkaq9HrMls2uiTfiGsoUEsrlb4b-J0fzm7nIEKFlWJ-TIAXATMtMXJXKamR9cL-XaptyH8ffFcFI0J-LEfRhyphenhyphenNFlS00nyNSQOcrfbZ1xcOcnSD4TI/s1600/IMG_1684a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3DExdnbDJAQptMLQi5LmTDp0Nsgkaq9HrMls2uiTfiGsoUEsrlb4b-J0fzm7nIEKFlWJ-TIAXATMtMXJXKamR9cL-XaptyH8ffFcFI0J-LEfRhyphenhyphenNFlS00nyNSQOcrfbZ1xcOcnSD4TI/s640/IMG_1684a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Public Gaol</b></span><br />
<br />
Near the Powell House is the Public Gaol, which is a short and fun tour of the jailor's quarters and the prisoners' cells. Definitely worth popping over for.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigasvy7U2AJuelLImqnR6b34kd4l0EXqDEzunIsV2aX34tqa4HySdzB-PTzQNCiV0bd3apLWhSg388V-D7c2V9Mw8ISvVTcFuQa4snr18zwwm8arSS61sWtS9YbNnTDQ_L0521V42PB08/s1600/IMG_2313a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigasvy7U2AJuelLImqnR6b34kd4l0EXqDEzunIsV2aX34tqa4HySdzB-PTzQNCiV0bd3apLWhSg388V-D7c2V9Mw8ISvVTcFuQa4snr18zwwm8arSS61sWtS9YbNnTDQ_L0521V42PB08/s640/IMG_2313a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wythe House </b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_o4AEnIQO9JPR4BuWhO05RAAuIXi1kDVmfHrtQxrPONJkgpJLyOTBR5z5yAWk68JctxQM8bDftkTCVPX6bp8k-2igvLs8MtBeXKLGsGQww0DFSF_3QCtfZIvAf_H1i6dd5vWi93iIuXo/s1600/IMG_2344a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_o4AEnIQO9JPR4BuWhO05RAAuIXi1kDVmfHrtQxrPONJkgpJLyOTBR5z5yAWk68JctxQM8bDftkTCVPX6bp8k-2igvLs8MtBeXKLGsGQww0DFSF_3QCtfZIvAf_H1i6dd5vWi93iIuXo/s640/IMG_2344a.jpg" width="640" /></a> <a href="http://www.history.org/almanack/people/bios/biowythe.cfm" target="_blank">George Wythe</a> is a fascinating character and his house is a good stop for kids. See how baskets are made, play more outdoor games, and see the sort of experiments George Wythe and his students would have done.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk277JUy_y-GQ-0rIjYvL1UUc3WvFtlQh6NBKR2TRqls-qRwrlTfMWubUO-I2dW7Gu8rLs-x1M-v8oYLaINftmu_e4a_ISbVYRG6Jjk7bU8nB-tBdWmDEY_xf-WthJkEWFNdfzjfHw6vA/s1600/IMG_2346a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk277JUy_y-GQ-0rIjYvL1UUc3WvFtlQh6NBKR2TRqls-qRwrlTfMWubUO-I2dW7Gu8rLs-x1M-v8oYLaINftmu_e4a_ISbVYRG6Jjk7bU8nB-tBdWmDEY_xf-WthJkEWFNdfzjfHw6vA/s640/IMG_2346a.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Brickyard</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5TtxHGw3GD5A5QNWTbrDPmr-CTFpSVDt97HvjchsXiPZMDwvdkorAAQfYDCTQl2kFmd68DDBUzTOMTBqj8y2a5fyLkZ3t1WJ8dtDdWqT_eV3FYlUeFAdCJCqx7cpwVQ0cc1qO-dmMJE/s1600/IMG_2332a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5TtxHGw3GD5A5QNWTbrDPmr-CTFpSVDt97HvjchsXiPZMDwvdkorAAQfYDCTQl2kFmd68DDBUzTOMTBqj8y2a5fyLkZ3t1WJ8dtDdWqT_eV3FYlUeFAdCJCqx7cpwVQ0cc1qO-dmMJE/s640/IMG_2332a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's a bit of a hike, but try to work in a visit to the Brickyard to see how they made bricks. Kids can jump right in and help churn local clay with their bare feet!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Encampment</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MgMNbjEX7v6KBdH9carCB-HSP1UB8KpEne3bQyJA-xADruCJXWw4Yv4829Q3HfwU8fGBDIBqTvvDYPzrAV3Dvkm5xA-r8_P0NMkKGYpvTLCaoTsvUo_SBsxWP3JIkw8_TWLA3GxFRHo/s1600/IMG_2328a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MgMNbjEX7v6KBdH9carCB-HSP1UB8KpEne3bQyJA-xADruCJXWw4Yv4829Q3HfwU8fGBDIBqTvvDYPzrAV3Dvkm5xA-r8_P0NMkKGYpvTLCaoTsvUo_SBsxWP3JIkw8_TWLA3GxFRHo/s640/IMG_2328a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Count on about an hour for this tour, since there is usually a wait, but if you have boys, the Encampment is a must-see. Kids get a chance to tour the encampment as well as train to become revolutionary soldiers.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Governor's Palace </b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHm387uVzwwypxYEhqk1ufW-XgWl4HLOpkxplFtMKGLHX8yN509UeT0uKfxjNqvHcP-bHgejm6PwStCmlDdWxkNbylMaXq83jxLVRSCjO4QSgJJR-qTPWEQFmUDnVE-UHcjEdl-whVsQ/s1600/IMG_1691a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHm387uVzwwypxYEhqk1ufW-XgWl4HLOpkxplFtMKGLHX8yN509UeT0uKfxjNqvHcP-bHgejm6PwStCmlDdWxkNbylMaXq83jxLVRSCjO4QSgJJR-qTPWEQFmUDnVE-UHcjEdl-whVsQ/s640/IMG_1691a.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This isn't on the kid's map, but it's a given... no trip to Colonial Williamsburg is complete without a visit to the Governor's Palace. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVb2O6X0uU3y56voOSJ05wJVF9y2PXQETTr4Q0OqogkmENLVexzq1-fRhBLVlnOQnpOxZ-b-pQmgBDuYqkDGhYFdX3e7MvcBY08ddEmzgBI11bZl5YtuASLPzODcfFBiyuQMvGtSWKMW8/s1600/IMG_2342a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVb2O6X0uU3y56voOSJ05wJVF9y2PXQETTr4Q0OqogkmENLVexzq1-fRhBLVlnOQnpOxZ-b-pQmgBDuYqkDGhYFdX3e7MvcBY08ddEmzgBI11bZl5YtuASLPzODcfFBiyuQMvGtSWKMW8/s640/IMG_2342a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The rooms are simply gorgeous and the tour guides on this one are always top-notch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPE99En7YmHnO1qAeMWIyOy2zJw8AxpmZdcN31lstbeqpV6ZsL7j-LWyxN1sy2CZXoFnOz7YtwLp4H4Mhq7gSr9q_gUJ3amp11M01tQSI-jr9CAycJsxmEmpTrGg5uF1aVYjR_CHlHaaY/s1600/IMG_2340a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPE99En7YmHnO1qAeMWIyOy2zJw8AxpmZdcN31lstbeqpV6ZsL7j-LWyxN1sy2CZXoFnOz7YtwLp4H4Mhq7gSr9q_gUJ3amp11M01tQSI-jr9CAycJsxmEmpTrGg5uF1aVYjR_CHlHaaY/s640/IMG_2340a.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Other Tips</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zH1UrR7hNhs0OnfPnb8zoiQ97Nxk2gnNUlzzhajH2KtB13G9NPsgKgO8bqYaYwwYN-sPsG5_pVJhiHLErJ9WJ1LX4Ll7C4QPBFFpgqvYcEuoaTJ4RchJqe0wqG2gHra9iRWCdHJGqrk/s1600/IMG_2352a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zH1UrR7hNhs0OnfPnb8zoiQ97Nxk2gnNUlzzhajH2KtB13G9NPsgKgO8bqYaYwwYN-sPsG5_pVJhiHLErJ9WJ1LX4Ll7C4QPBFFpgqvYcEuoaTJ4RchJqe0wqG2gHra9iRWCdHJGqrk/s640/IMG_2352a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Keep an eye out for famous characters</b> wandering around the town. We got to have a chat with Elizabeth's good friend George Washington.</li>
<li><b>Plan for lunch</b>. There are very few places to eat right within Colonial Williamsburg. Go ahead and make reservations at Shield's Tavern, or else plan on eating at one of the restaurants in nearby Merchant's Square. There's a bakery behind Raleigh Tavern, and while their gingerbread are definitely worth stopping by, the $7 sandwiches are disgusting. </li>
<li><b>Leave the littles at home</b>. If you're able, don't take kids under 5. They're free, but unless you have a really laid-back toddler or preschooler, they won't be happy sitting through tours.</li>
<li><b>Come between Thanksgiving and Christmas!</b> If you can only come once, you simply must see Colonial Williamsburg during the Christmas season. The decorations are lovely and the First Night celebration is fun for the whole family. </li>
<li><b>Avoid the Peyton-Randolf house</b>. This long tour on slavery during the Colonial period may interest you, but it will bore your children to tears.<br /><br />And last but not least...<br /> </li>
<li><b>Buy them a hat!</b> As far as I'm concerned, this is a requirement for any Colonial Williamsburg visit. If you're really into dress up, you can even rent costumes for the kids for $25/day. </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXPjGmC8ABXDdl-5sCzmNPCkSkdrWgVg0xcoA4F1Y-pAppGgY8NVfOP_H4CD8KwLyphg89qrkdbE8c-7bCy9qQ6VYTUsb9skCeQer-yDAZ-d9ajjHvLdUlZGXpJjUc8jFcP2x8UlIKOY/s1600/IMG_2355a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXPjGmC8ABXDdl-5sCzmNPCkSkdrWgVg0xcoA4F1Y-pAppGgY8NVfOP_H4CD8KwLyphg89qrkdbE8c-7bCy9qQ6VYTUsb9skCeQer-yDAZ-d9ajjHvLdUlZGXpJjUc8jFcP2x8UlIKOY/s640/IMG_2355a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-38336949668883545052012-07-03T14:19:00.000-04:002012-07-16T13:49:52.219-04:00Easiest 4th of July Craft Ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExFox2NPCWyjhSxUPWdtnJWz41PDMhhQtMyP9Lm9bIT0DG4z9VUWMPfO3P0cImrdtFnm4WGPoJjOujAv8IwkpS52BN7gUeldl5sAOseSZks5rdMFh5XjsIdDXfzWODAItGAjpGV6gcmc/s1600/IMG_1632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExFox2NPCWyjhSxUPWdtnJWz41PDMhhQtMyP9Lm9bIT0DG4z9VUWMPfO3P0cImrdtFnm4WGPoJjOujAv8IwkpS52BN7gUeldl5sAOseSZks5rdMFh5XjsIdDXfzWODAItGAjpGV6gcmc/s640/IMG_1632.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.readingconfetti.com/2012/06/sprinkle-fireworks.html" target="_blank">Lorie @ Reading Confetti</a> seriously deserves an award for this craft idea. It's my favorite kind - super quick, easy, and nearly every mom will already have everything they need for it.<br />
<a name='more'></a> Here's what you need to make your own fireworks picture:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEm6YuC7V2H69t5YTRuAkULvhvVSWfSOHxxVfmyThzmqbZf5oRfaZtOQkPcIai2okLZLxs94r7glphHaNYdBac6AgFyxkq-dfXQqjtNZSI0z-0dC3VZUcm0bvhFih-_vPlhS2A6g8FB4/s1600/IMG_1625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEm6YuC7V2H69t5YTRuAkULvhvVSWfSOHxxVfmyThzmqbZf5oRfaZtOQkPcIai2okLZLxs94r7glphHaNYdBac6AgFyxkq-dfXQqjtNZSI0z-0dC3VZUcm0bvhFih-_vPlhS2A6g8FB4/s640/IMG_1625.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A sheet of paper - cardstock or any thicker paper will work best - sprinkles (or "jimmies" if you're one of <i>those</i>), and a spray bottle. This bottle happens to be my kitchen-cleaning water/vinegar solution but you can just use water.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9xYO3y9gsXbxdQwf7WHvTrpD6TODQVyApRcNMLpByUWNMyWr-JWmGFFiFc8s2MGpSrTWfy7d-wqR8u0UEEYHFSTvx3F2JhjZA43VpSLQbkAbc-0IUAB7h5MhdnVB6XMp2jbZZ_uCOmo/s1600/IMG_1627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9xYO3y9gsXbxdQwf7WHvTrpD6TODQVyApRcNMLpByUWNMyWr-JWmGFFiFc8s2MGpSrTWfy7d-wqR8u0UEEYHFSTvx3F2JhjZA43VpSLQbkAbc-0IUAB7h5MhdnVB6XMp2jbZZ_uCOmo/s640/IMG_1627.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Shake sprinkles onto the sheet of paper.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMQYlyLhMWRIfmdUtupWXDnxo3eYzEi-3hREHpb2rOQxV9KeqsupUZzuHOUua4EcujJsYVeGo2OvHeJ4AxIbRHY8HWMZD2y-nUPs0hTLS0FlRF94LnRHt9lULMMhXidjzvRM2QBklG5E/s1600/IMG_1629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMQYlyLhMWRIfmdUtupWXDnxo3eYzEi-3hREHpb2rOQxV9KeqsupUZzuHOUua4EcujJsYVeGo2OvHeJ4AxIbRHY8HWMZD2y-nUPs0hTLS0FlRF94LnRHt9lULMMhXidjzvRM2QBklG5E/s640/IMG_1629.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Spray the paper & sprinkles with water from above.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIPPrItsuWvKUra8Yuzwt9km5ZmTMJ2gX4HRT7zMH7FKqeyO68Kn2h5hnS2NvRGrpvYTusTEjaBjr2HsBzFQ4_4FpRCyxy19gohf7LoRjDRyWDZRkBeA06Hl5BlO_Hd39kzR5Yv1ucJQ/s1600/IMG_1630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIPPrItsuWvKUra8Yuzwt9km5ZmTMJ2gX4HRT7zMH7FKqeyO68Kn2h5hnS2NvRGrpvYTusTEjaBjr2HsBzFQ4_4FpRCyxy19gohf7LoRjDRyWDZRkBeA06Hl5BlO_Hd39kzR5Yv1ucJQ/s640/IMG_1630.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Allow to dry and then brush away the sprinkles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFOkgvZKyJ54GBG4mvG5eb0UncCUwS7TWN83d6iwjoWYNZL0VPeTzGivK5MXngzWzFshPhovMERv6LwA9qn0ygbk5GnWvon9cYw1J0XVh2arnByrZuc6qd_EJoFCRT0OLE9aPZL51NF4/s1600/IMG_1634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFOkgvZKyJ54GBG4mvG5eb0UncCUwS7TWN83d6iwjoWYNZL0VPeTzGivK5MXngzWzFshPhovMERv6LwA9qn0ygbk5GnWvon9cYw1J0XVh2arnByrZuc6qd_EJoFCRT0OLE9aPZL51NF4/s640/IMG_1634.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Proudly show off your fireworks display!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigylj3jJk4-5aeyQV47u2m6hVp65utXPyWfU_iPW22pUem-PLrn02aTIm33-q2KsKSuqEulOY_FcwdcxLEpYHKctQE-7Z3y9C-Tr5EfIRhYIjpPtWKTu3UoKxzF90GGhOOcwFuNGd7T1o/s1600/IMG_1635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigylj3jJk4-5aeyQV47u2m6hVp65utXPyWfU_iPW22pUem-PLrn02aTIm33-q2KsKSuqEulOY_FcwdcxLEpYHKctQE-7Z3y9C-Tr5EfIRhYIjpPtWKTu3UoKxzF90GGhOOcwFuNGd7T1o/s640/IMG_1635.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
These also look lovely when the light shines through. If I have the time, I might frame this in black construction paper to make a light-catcher for the window. Thanks again, <a href="http://www.readingconfetti.com/2012/06/sprinkle-fireworks.html" target="_blank">Lori</a>, for the great idea! <br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399238859/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0399238859">America the Beautiful</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=litpagtur-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0399238859" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></b></i> illustrated by Wendell Minor</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399238859/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0399238859" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0399238859&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=litpagtur-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a>Every year I struggle to find a good patriotic book to share with you and my girls. Most are so full of platitudes I can't stand it. But it's hard to go wrong when you begin with Katherine Bates' lyrics to <i>America the Beautiful</i>. That's just what talented artist Wendell Minor did in this lovely book. Each page matches a couple lines of verse to a gorgeous illustration of an American landmark or scene from throughout our nation's history. He includes the Bates' full poem - not just the verses we all know so well - and shows scenes from the pilgrims to the beams of light where the world trade towers once stood. It's one of those wonderful books you can read at face value or use to teach your kids about this beautiful country of ours.Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-37351707721392978702012-06-21T15:03:00.000-04:002012-07-03T14:19:37.210-04:00Mermaid Counting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rmvaHpukH4tLdJDF-YnNQWvSBgeL4KgH5pyuSUehmHgfDY9J1OCnqDUgMLxNIReJPyEutcjD3ifNZGvWP2AddU9sUHH4gZ5mk965jgrpD5kN1OqnejFfvGLFDZtwEXhf0LXP4SlgIgU/s1600/IMG_1601a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rmvaHpukH4tLdJDF-YnNQWvSBgeL4KgH5pyuSUehmHgfDY9J1OCnqDUgMLxNIReJPyEutcjD3ifNZGvWP2AddU9sUHH4gZ5mk965jgrpD5kN1OqnejFfvGLFDZtwEXhf0LXP4SlgIgU/s640/IMG_1601a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A still has a hard time with number recognition, and I'd like her to have that down before she starts pre-K in the fall. Going along with our <a href="http://littlepageturners.blogspot.com/search/label/mermaids" target="_blank">mermaid theme</a> this week, I made these cards for her to practice with. She has to recognize the number and then add the correct number of "bubbles" around the mermaid.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8c4Rnu7v4QlcI9pkYAn5yElm3N63RpgxpAw4_ebWm8Cp_M_g58jv4khUqjidZ1giTlM4GWuLH2mJavJAXiHa3Vp57ZzHIhGQlp_av1Ml6z4iqj4bjDAqJ7UunclL9qKb212G86W_mlPg/s1600/IMG_1605a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8c4Rnu7v4QlcI9pkYAn5yElm3N63RpgxpAw4_ebWm8Cp_M_g58jv4khUqjidZ1giTlM4GWuLH2mJavJAXiHa3Vp57ZzHIhGQlp_av1Ml6z4iqj4bjDAqJ7UunclL9qKb212G86W_mlPg/s640/IMG_1605a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's exactly like the <a href="http://littlepageturners.blogspot.com/2011/02/bubble-counting-fish.html" target="_blank">counting fish</a> we made last year, except with mermaids. :) To make the cards I took <a href="http://makingartfun.com/htm/f-maf-printit/mermaid-coloring-page.htm" target="_blank">this coloring sheet</a> from Making Art Fun and colored it six different ways in Photoshop, adding a number for each. (You could simply print it out multiple times and use good old fashioned crayons if Photoshop is not your thing.) Six, seven, and nine still seem to stump her, so I think we may be returning to this activity out throughout the summer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416938419/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1416938419">Dora Saves Mermaid Kingdom!</a></b></i></span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=litpagtur-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416938419" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416938419/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1416938419"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1416938419&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=litpagtur-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=litpagtur-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416938419" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A loves this book. I don't... but fostering good readers isn't always about dictating which books your kids read. Sometimes it involves reading a garishly colored book about one of your least favorite cartoon characters turning into a mermaid. ;) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/189747637X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=189747637X">Mermaids</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=litpagtur-20&l=as2&o=1&a=189747637X" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by Cynthia Heinrichs</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/189747637X/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=189747637X"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=189747637X&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=litpagtur-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=litpagtur-20&l=as2&o=1&a=189747637X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div>
<br />
To make up for the Dora recommendation, here's one <i>I'd</i> really like to read. It's not at our library, but if it's at yours, check it out and let me know what you think!<br />
<br />
From Amazon: "For hundreds of years women on Cheju Island in South Korea have
supported their families by diving to the ocean floor to collect seaweed
and the various edible creatures found there. It is Jae Hyun's dream to
be a haenyo, a mermaid, like her mother and grandmother, but her mother
forbids it. The life of a haenyo is a dangerous one. She wants a better
life, a safer life, for her daughter. Then tragedy strikes and Jae
Hyun's courage is tested, as is her dream. She must prove to herself and
to her mother that she is worthy of the choice she has made. This is
a story that celebrates the old world of tradition and honor and the
new world, one in which girls and women have the freedom to choose the
lives they want for themselves."Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-19938686471446381872012-06-20T14:06:00.001-04:002012-06-21T15:03:34.642-04:00A Mermaid Picnic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cpfrK9HrrIjvJB4uaTldhIAjq5EeJLRNaHo5mvNkG-fgzRzGm0lATa-LrKqPywplpRndL2MV1IHX7FRSHCYU_pDO4uJ9EC2TV2X2nchI-Y2hC9OJ4ixMgJX0Bg9loT1w9l_bmIvHg7A/s1600/IMG_1574a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cpfrK9HrrIjvJB4uaTldhIAjq5EeJLRNaHo5mvNkG-fgzRzGm0lATa-LrKqPywplpRndL2MV1IHX7FRSHCYU_pDO4uJ9EC2TV2X2nchI-Y2hC9OJ4ixMgJX0Bg9loT1w9l_bmIvHg7A/s640/IMG_1574a.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
To go along with our <a href="http://littlepageturners.blogspot.com/2012/06/mermaid-hunt-and-lots-of-fun-mermaid.html" target="_blank">mermaid theme</a> this week, I made my girls a surprise <span style="font-size: large;"><b>mermaid picnic</b></span>.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDH6LB6mEPXdsb4CS-4vxVVKzu27KUPMsy1w4q-zmEaPPHyCcM7XTJHX1fLl3LPCFBG-0jLIQ5rkAozzsVj5UBal1QMZTeL6KsLcHBuBga4AELV2ZIgvQeQDpcVY9_jmUYFHKXx_eqnOg/s1600/IMG_1577a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDH6LB6mEPXdsb4CS-4vxVVKzu27KUPMsy1w4q-zmEaPPHyCcM7XTJHX1fLl3LPCFBG-0jLIQ5rkAozzsVj5UBal1QMZTeL6KsLcHBuBga4AELV2ZIgvQeQDpcVY9_jmUYFHKXx_eqnOg/s640/IMG_1577a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Our menu included a hot dog octopus, berry jello "ocean" cup with goldfish, a watermelon seahorse (yeah, I had no clue it was a YELLOW watermelon until I cut into it), and the pièce de résistance: a mermaid tail smoothie push pop.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWxDPnB7wJhze0Cm47JvFWvoO4hA8PV_mWz2KhdTH7xjC2hB3tB8HocvLV90pBM4cV2ruWUG_VpUlHJ3KHlsfjFVULa0LZN8efmhN852g0oHp5oK_I3LeHlH-Xpex_0FuuA06v0Qt89c/s1600/IMG_1583a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWxDPnB7wJhze0Cm47JvFWvoO4hA8PV_mWz2KhdTH7xjC2hB3tB8HocvLV90pBM4cV2ruWUG_VpUlHJ3KHlsfjFVULa0LZN8efmhN852g0oHp5oK_I3LeHlH-Xpex_0FuuA06v0Qt89c/s640/IMG_1583a.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I recently bought this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036B9KHO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0036B9KHO">4-Piece Silicone Ice Pop Set</a> from Amazon and have been loving them. For this meal, I simply blended a frozen banana with a handful of strawberries, filled the molds, and let them freeze for a couple hours. To turn the push pop into a mermaid tail, all you have to do is cut out a whale tail shape from adhesive-backed craft foam.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9aa2xph92CTUvqpFKw4CWkrnef6Wjy2CZc2JiohvVkR7tFxoyxbxPkKYUFxQAwowf_2jvcJUcb4jUR6AVrURF10hX-UTy7nUwSfF69uIoiBRfl5ZRPaT1dVCuglCQVcl-X8d4iqJDRA/s1600/IMG_1587a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9aa2xph92CTUvqpFKw4CWkrnef6Wjy2CZc2JiohvVkR7tFxoyxbxPkKYUFxQAwowf_2jvcJUcb4jUR6AVrURF10hX-UTy7nUwSfF69uIoiBRfl5ZRPaT1dVCuglCQVcl-X8d4iqJDRA/s640/IMG_1587a.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The girls loved their special meal... and I had a lot of fun preparing it!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bV7KODaA3nWef5ugL2ZnXzrSDAX2iq8ARfwbxpDPZcDo7-b8gXLP6ZmgbBT4TgyBPx81nCxTtXdh9If01tLiB7WGauWEQqnSB1zJjMiJMxpzA_JXfvj7c2ISAdX8MmEqMsUmSONi9kM/s1600/IMG_1584a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bV7KODaA3nWef5ugL2ZnXzrSDAX2iq8ARfwbxpDPZcDo7-b8gXLP6ZmgbBT4TgyBPx81nCxTtXdh9If01tLiB7WGauWEQqnSB1zJjMiJMxpzA_JXfvj7c2ISAdX8MmEqMsUmSONi9kM/s640/IMG_1584a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423604172/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1423604172">Mermaid Cookbook</a></b></i></span> <span style="font-size: large;">by Barbara Beery</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423604172/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1423604172" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1423604172&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=litpagtur-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=litpagtur-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1423604172" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />If you're looking for a kids cookbook with ocean and mermaid-themed food, this is your book. All of Barbara Beery's books feature fun recipes geared toward school-aged girls. Most of the recipes are for snacks or desserts.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=litpagtur-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0036B9KHO" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=litpagtur-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1423604172" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-43603160473437493972012-06-19T20:42:00.002-04:002012-06-21T15:03:43.908-04:00A Mermaid Hunt (and lots of fun mermaid crafts)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NuVqXtdUQQKUb_owQJUXGmld4jkywn11Fj8mVAuMpbz5ENzy-FzR2k_KV92kJoGLAFPaKYXMiRx6f9zKhOfzRElHaBKvdY0hmb3f3-rIjFjKNzYXYMfhT13ttXcdkVWtKcAAy0h7sD8/s1600/IMG_1534a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NuVqXtdUQQKUb_owQJUXGmld4jkywn11Fj8mVAuMpbz5ENzy-FzR2k_KV92kJoGLAFPaKYXMiRx6f9zKhOfzRElHaBKvdY0hmb3f3-rIjFjKNzYXYMfhT13ttXcdkVWtKcAAy0h7sD8/s640/IMG_1534a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's our first week of summer break and we're celebrating with mermaids!<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We started off with a mermaid hunt. Our city is FULL of these mermaid statues, and this summer we've decided to hunt them down! Don't worry, it's strictly catch and release. For our first mermaid hunt we hit the mermaids at the local libraries, of course. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The one above is the <i>Maid in Time</i> mermaid, and this lovely sequined lady is the <i>Blue Mirrored Mermaid</i>. (Finding out their official names is part of the hunt!) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We caught three mermaids in all... only dozens to go!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUPC6CUke3Gf9-B3XVLvYq6rSruvqi4UMZjR4FfRwwER2n2JY5o3VaVEmgLjvsXYQVsgoTq3C2vge7yB6UwemAdNeCnxWGTnezUHWgm14_TXkbyLWDcGpnk2kmEXX8BAQLGe3vnxm9wM/s1600/IMG_1549a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUPC6CUke3Gf9-B3XVLvYq6rSruvqi4UMZjR4FfRwwER2n2JY5o3VaVEmgLjvsXYQVsgoTq3C2vge7yB6UwemAdNeCnxWGTnezUHWgm14_TXkbyLWDcGpnk2kmEXX8BAQLGe3vnxm9wM/s640/IMG_1549a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tired from our hunt we headed to the beach where I spotted another little mermaid!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFZJ8dytz_yz8-q9Luindb660AY4It6IO3Lr9QQZpEsl8RQhd62IlpFpepyubkBzQWQbEUgDLRZ7DqQAHGXyR-yLxuC4KeUt5r1Pse1oUVqJBwNd-0Q3T9zmtiAzViZ-IjSqelG_64wA/s1600/IMG_2148a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFZJ8dytz_yz8-q9Luindb660AY4It6IO3Lr9QQZpEsl8RQhd62IlpFpepyubkBzQWQbEUgDLRZ7DqQAHGXyR-yLxuC4KeUt5r1Pse1oUVqJBwNd-0Q3T9zmtiAzViZ-IjSqelG_64wA/s640/IMG_2148a.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I made this mermaid towel years ago for E and it's about time I make another for A. If you want to see how I did it, check out <a href="http://littlepageturners.blogspot.com/2009/07/mermaid-dreams.html" target="_blank">this tutorial</a>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qaQzqB7XCsGxvGJYvZS7HaaRXl8yrQty4iFk4s-0SSsz5CTd6_xzkUbgNVcus5WkiD5o_WCD2CnEKARroK49wat3Gczv8-Bw9CAiZ027PXHlvNKUmWvXLblg3JSjkBc56nLujCBVT2k/s1600/IMG_2151a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qaQzqB7XCsGxvGJYvZS7HaaRXl8yrQty4iFk4s-0SSsz5CTd6_xzkUbgNVcus5WkiD5o_WCD2CnEKARroK49wat3Gczv8-Bw9CAiZ027PXHlvNKUmWvXLblg3JSjkBc56nLujCBVT2k/s640/IMG_2151a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Of course the girls' dollies didn't want to miss out on the fun, so I whipped up a couple mermaid costumes for their 18 inch dolls.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVR9B1LdOyAXuQZCwQaa7O2hcRW4wdmmg9oZN1o7CBxrWaJ5W40-xCybkQcuMpw9KAGK1YxVxemu_GsGRyaswQOdJYLH2ClIOkdKUqDSGt7KFYw5HeTcvU0OhpAtBPVvWC4BcAMjjSyk/s1600/IMG_1568a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVR9B1LdOyAXuQZCwQaa7O2hcRW4wdmmg9oZN1o7CBxrWaJ5W40-xCybkQcuMpw9KAGK1YxVxemu_GsGRyaswQOdJYLH2ClIOkdKUqDSGt7KFYw5HeTcvU0OhpAtBPVvWC4BcAMjjSyk/s640/IMG_1568a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I loosely followed <a href="http://angrychicken.typepad.com/angry_chicken/2008/04/mermaids.html" target="_blank">this tutorial</a> at Angry Chicken. I made mine out of an old t-shirt and regular cheap felt (basically what I had on hand). If you try it yourself, make the tube longer and wider than you think it should be, as it needs room to stretch when the doll is sitting. The tube tops are simply strips of extra fabric I tied around the doll's bust. Simple and cheap, but the girls were thrilled.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyxSH0kh4KHNJ6eQqlJ2OZC2ZcmH93oqxjL1s8AHBTgu73LMNG4bDRbbzxGtszuKjoZdn0Rk1Ck1F5LcogzC_Y-PvJQk9fome_uflEunRyH2FhcquF8k7NPmhFT41JvWNFtcY92ZYT0s/s1600/IMG_1559a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyxSH0kh4KHNJ6eQqlJ2OZC2ZcmH93oqxjL1s8AHBTgu73LMNG4bDRbbzxGtszuKjoZdn0Rk1Ck1F5LcogzC_Y-PvJQk9fome_uflEunRyH2FhcquF8k7NPmhFT41JvWNFtcY92ZYT0s/s640/IMG_1559a.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then at bathtime the mermaid did a little hunt of her own! That octopus is sooooo busted.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://littlepageturners.blogspot.com/2010/09/bloggers-rock-bath-wizardry-planet-esme.html" target="_blank">DIY bath mural tutorial</a>)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2WQHT5kii4KvQ7JXyPUP4QPbYuOjmlk5nRFwUuoZKrgI7aiIfkSGsAYQToZZ5ESIpXX6PyP9_06ceuJ56dZLkopyHZ5-ehbfY-YhI-t74yrNRyBcXtVsdt0VoJmySqvxnzM7ngaxn00/s1600/photo(23).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2WQHT5kii4KvQ7JXyPUP4QPbYuOjmlk5nRFwUuoZKrgI7aiIfkSGsAYQToZZ5ESIpXX6PyP9_06ceuJ56dZLkopyHZ5-ehbfY-YhI-t74yrNRyBcXtVsdt0VoJmySqvxnzM7ngaxn00/s640/photo(23).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And of course we have been finding new mermaid books to read!</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0763634425/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0763634425">Dear Mermaid</a></span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">by Alan Durant</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0763634425/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0763634425"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0763634425&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=litpagtur-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=litpagtur-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0763634425" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
E received this one for her birthday and it reminds me a lot of <a href="http://littlepageturners.blogspot.com/2009/07/mermaid-mania.html" target="_blank"><i>The Mermaid's Bracelet</i></a>. The book contains numerous envelopes containing the letters exchanged between a girl and a mermaid. The illustrations are lovely and the simple act of removing and reading the letters draws children into the story. I'd like to add letters of my own to surprise E the next time she reads it!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0756965683/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0756965683">The Tail of Emily Windsnap</a> </b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by Liz Kessler</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0756965683/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0756965683"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0756965683&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=litpagtur-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=litpagtur-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0756965683" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have not read this novel, but E picked it out from the school library and really enjoyed it. (Yes, we have officially reached the stage where I can't screen all of her reading. Wow, that came sooner than I thought it would!) There is a whole series of Emily Windsnap books, but this first one tells the story of how Emily - a seventh grader - discovers she's a mermaid and begins attending mermaid school. </div>Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-55912892300073700042012-06-11T17:01:00.000-04:002012-06-19T20:42:52.074-04:00Ships and Sailors {Opsail 2012}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQzXGB8_Y5VjM-4iLSztFw5EiJ7SHqU4IOEgbtUXTH_cx9BrgE7flSSz8aT1P_XDiwvgx12cWGJCkrFfMuKvpFqUxuiNc9QAsJv9ufEUwfCz8Evi0bQItz0W2_HYnSYvqj8G5uo8wd5Q/s1600/IMG_1478lpt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQzXGB8_Y5VjM-4iLSztFw5EiJ7SHqU4IOEgbtUXTH_cx9BrgE7flSSz8aT1P_XDiwvgx12cWGJCkrFfMuKvpFqUxuiNc9QAsJv9ufEUwfCz8Evi0bQItz0W2_HYnSYvqj8G5uo8wd5Q/s640/IMG_1478lpt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love my city. We have <a href="http://littlepageturners.blogspot.com/2010/05/love-my-library.html" target="_blank">fantastic libraries</a>, a great zoo, gorgeous gardens, and lots of beaches. We also have all sorts of interesting events happen here throughout the year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This weekend we hosted <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opsail" target="_blank">OpSail 2012</a></span></b>. </div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
OpSail is an international sailing event held every decade or so. The last OpSail was in 2000. Tall ships and naval vessels from around the world travel up and down the East Coast, stopping in several ports of call and giving free tours of their ships. We are one of those ports! So this morning I grabbed my favorite little sailor (and my mom) and we headed down to look at the "big boats."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98uYEmNa0Js071CJ7WQQVF7gMS9nxzcPOXosbrSz0Z-iwgtaBonzp9r4REC6wSqeOitjZWHkDlW7tlyBCAF2HLYAa0tyKDeK9ZTUFAm1RnX94bvqvCXqxVJgbkYiLwyc27btdK8v48X0/s1600/IMG_1452lpt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98uYEmNa0Js071CJ7WQQVF7gMS9nxzcPOXosbrSz0Z-iwgtaBonzp9r4REC6wSqeOitjZWHkDlW7tlyBCAF2HLYAa0tyKDeK9ZTUFAm1RnX94bvqvCXqxVJgbkYiLwyc27btdK8v48X0/s640/IMG_1452lpt.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The US Coast Guard cutter <i>Eagle</i> is the host vessel for the event. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivt0idoKwBw8DPt8w0h-oOpdVaFlTUPztaIed7PGhx9GLW1LMjkeXk_c1MIgDT6PjTRqRmyOnbd70yneQgsEpeIyRvEjWA9Id-V2gj3CU1vchoy2QrMHH7o7461fx6sOeSk0k37u7oUlQ/s1600/IMG_1442lpt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivt0idoKwBw8DPt8w0h-oOpdVaFlTUPztaIed7PGhx9GLW1LMjkeXk_c1MIgDT6PjTRqRmyOnbd70yneQgsEpeIyRvEjWA9Id-V2gj3CU1vchoy2QrMHH7o7461fx6sOeSk0k37u7oUlQ/s640/IMG_1442lpt.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm not sure why Indonesia's ship sports a pirate flag, but A was thrilled to spot it (and even more excited to tell Daddy all about the "pirate ship"!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheeH-2xaBFgC2Zdh8sXFVmUMdByY83fjhy6w3ZXivLCMl6ywh80jmND-1tiJUqHDfUlRe486dc-WkiTtQvLS0XEjdmY180_T0r2DJXnLGEYIFV9CBAcecS4UwXfBuPwl3-ee8dxAB3H4/s1600/IMG_1463lpt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheeH-2xaBFgC2Zdh8sXFVmUMdByY83fjhy6w3ZXivLCMl6ywh80jmND-1tiJUqHDfUlRe486dc-WkiTtQvLS0XEjdmY180_T0r2DJXnLGEYIFV9CBAcecS4UwXfBuPwl3-ee8dxAB3H4/s640/IMG_1463lpt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also spotted cute little tug boats...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCu3JSMATGTtxNWBq8wmCvqtmMcJAKnFURUgtWj1F5MMNG9DaoYPN7jMobyk7ywPGOdW_CGC5XFMThkZ0Vx0OBbVquOk8ZjwWDmVu_ckbVzwDgi7fyWbMYCF1XoA32MIMVFuZWq8TTBec/s1600/IMG_1462lpt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCu3JSMATGTtxNWBq8wmCvqtmMcJAKnFURUgtWj1F5MMNG9DaoYPN7jMobyk7ywPGOdW_CGC5XFMThkZ0Vx0OBbVquOk8ZjwWDmVu_ckbVzwDgi7fyWbMYCF1XoA32MIMVFuZWq8TTBec/s640/IMG_1462lpt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
... elaborate figureheads ...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWhNhRFcT2l7NvpZ_0YSTWg0c7A8x2hPSKaSMSVnlEHHBt7oPkkdaHnShVKlkmAgzOPXCMZ8ge76qgLGc-03Pj5foKbLKGeiiDSzuFx0mB67-eXw5kmi9bq8qb8Qd2u18nQuPJp7w7Vs/s1600/IMG_1482lpt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWhNhRFcT2l7NvpZ_0YSTWg0c7A8x2hPSKaSMSVnlEHHBt7oPkkdaHnShVKlkmAgzOPXCMZ8ge76qgLGc-03Pj5foKbLKGeiiDSzuFx0mB67-eXw5kmi9bq8qb8Qd2u18nQuPJp7w7Vs/s640/IMG_1482lpt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAAjeQFufI2AIBYImQWGqQi23R2DuS8CTaIEBHB0FcMNjMNR4qtmtH1HgsXg_v-a0RN9IB3pWEfogMEXQqq4N1Ks_faNvHb0AsHmn1iddwjHCQphMAMgfu-cXbwgLoMwyTn5nnn6e_Ko/s1600/IMG_1495lpt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAAjeQFufI2AIBYImQWGqQi23R2DuS8CTaIEBHB0FcMNjMNR4qtmtH1HgsXg_v-a0RN9IB3pWEfogMEXQqq4N1Ks_faNvHb0AsHmn1iddwjHCQphMAMgfu-cXbwgLoMwyTn5nnn6e_Ko/s640/IMG_1495lpt.jpg" width="426" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
... sailors from all over the world... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HSYh6mTNQry9zzONNPwJATqKpEiQ-So7NLjn4vo6hRKVapIyp5gjvrltoGREiuHE-dw2PbVEyHcyxoXq2MGcJVxdC2WA6HIrhrgZJHpr1BaFi5aweLs7rK02T8g3Y6qG_yaD3APDqCw/s1600/IMG_1455lpt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HSYh6mTNQry9zzONNPwJATqKpEiQ-So7NLjn4vo6hRKVapIyp5gjvrltoGREiuHE-dw2PbVEyHcyxoXq2MGcJVxdC2WA6HIrhrgZJHpr1BaFi5aweLs7rK02T8g3Y6qG_yaD3APDqCw/s640/IMG_1455lpt.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
... and even a mermaid or two! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Blvc4_xx422cjZdlt4iOT4zGcXISvDcDD-UvKOLbbTIPQbH4WRvpJXkC84seNGClpKGKZff-j2T_5FuPTWBdH6RvDZIvBdRIIG0ef63E5c20qfRqtDFN7cERrdFGcfja5QZCPA8bEZk/s1600/IMG_1508lpt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Blvc4_xx422cjZdlt4iOT4zGcXISvDcDD-UvKOLbbTIPQbH4WRvpJXkC84seNGClpKGKZff-j2T_5FuPTWBdH6RvDZIvBdRIIG0ef63E5c20qfRqtDFN7cERrdFGcfja5QZCPA8bEZk/s640/IMG_1508lpt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Navy is obviously a huge part of our culture here. Nearly all of my friends (or their spouses) are active or retired military, so I'm always on the lookout for good books for them. Here are a few of my favorites:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1934666343/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1934666343">My Sailor Dad</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=litpagtur-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1934666343" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></b></i> by Ross H. Mackenzie</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1934666343/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1934666343" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1934666343&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=litpagtur-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a>This book describes to children the many responsibilities and activities a "sailor dad" (both enlisted and officers) might do while on deployment. It also explains <i>why</i> Daddy has to leave on deployment at times and assures children they are still loved. The illustrations are lovely and there are several puzzles using signal flags within the book.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0689833458/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0689833458">The Fathers Are Coming Home</a></i></b><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=litpagtur-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0689833458" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> by Margaret Wise Brown</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0689833458/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0689833458" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0689833458&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=litpagtur-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a>I absolutely love this one, and it's perfect for Fathers Day. This just recently published story by Margaret Wise Brown (<i>Goodnight, Moon</i>) describes different fathers returning home at the end of the day. The father fish returns to his little fish. The father rabbit hops home to his little bunnies. Each page describes a different animal and is illustrated with flat, minimalist graphics. The finale features a sailor returning home to his son.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312625480/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0312625480">Piper Reed, Navy Brat</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=litpagtur-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0312625480" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></b></i> by Kimberly Willis Holt</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312625480/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0312625480" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0312625480&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=litpagtur-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a>I have not read this one, but when I mentioned it to a friend she said her own navy kid really enjoyed it. Piper Reed is a spunky nine year dealing with life as a middle child in a navy family with constant moves and dad being deployed six months at a time. Navy kids will be able to relate to being the "new kid" while civilian kids will enjoy it simply as a good story.Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-24945266164276630212012-05-30T14:21:00.002-04:002012-06-11T17:09:34.958-04:00A Summer Book Surprise List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOuxcej7JlCR8qgopwWPe5KfWpmGCrVwtJtgXehqhUhwxd1RX0zbP494Y3jWK0ujcZ0hpZ7UoP2t9nMRQirFh57Z9P2QG06bJ5ClHSnvOIUCEFXc-bHTKlm7U4LC71uoCGy5F8RKxLCsI/s1600/IMG_1438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOuxcej7JlCR8qgopwWPe5KfWpmGCrVwtJtgXehqhUhwxd1RX0zbP494Y3jWK0ujcZ0hpZ7UoP2t9nMRQirFh57Z9P2QG06bJ5ClHSnvOIUCEFXc-bHTKlm7U4LC71uoCGy5F8RKxLCsI/s640/IMG_1438.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Brown paper packages tied up with string... these are a few of my favorite things!" Summer break is still a few weeks away for us, but I'm getting ready, including putting together a summer reading list for E.<br />
<a name='more'></a> Last year I made her read the public school's summer reading list and write a short summary after each book. In return, she was able to complete <a href="http://littlepageturners.blogspot.com/2011/07/summer-reading-programs.html" target="_blank">her reward chart</a> and earn video game time with daddy.<br />
<br />
This year I want to do something a little different. I'm scrapping the school's list (it wasn't that impressive) and ignoring the reward system (because reading should be a reward in and of itself) and giving E the gift of good books. I'm making use of Amazon's 4-for-3 deals and buying a bunch of chapter books for E to read over the summer. I'll wrap them each up like the one above and give her the whole stack on the last day of school. She will be able to unwrap and read one at a time throughout the summer. <br />
<br />
So which books did I choose?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/059035342X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=059035342X">Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone</a></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by JK Rowling</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/059035342X/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=059035342X"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=059035342X&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=litpagtur-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=litpagtur-20&l=as2&o=1&a=059035342X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She's been begging me to let her read these for ages. I originally said she had to be 8, but I'm caving and letting her read it this summer. I think she's ready. (Book 2 will have to wait a bit longer, though.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064402053/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0064402053">Sarah, Plain and Tall</a></span></i><br />
by Patricia MacLachlan<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064402053/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0064402053"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0064402053&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=litpagtur-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><br />
<br />
I loved this book as a kid. Loved it. It has such a beautiful quiet spirit... just like Sarah.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142413887/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0142413887">The Puzzling World of Winston Breen</a></span></i><br />
by Eric Berlin<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142413887/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0142413887"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0142413887&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=litpagtur-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><br />
<br />
I haven't read this one, but I wanted to include a contemporary mystery in the bunch. This particular title got such great reviews, I couldn't resist. It's full of puzzles, so I might have to read this one with E. Not because she's not equal to the task, but because I don't want to miss out on the fun!<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0679847596/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0679847596">Ballet Shoes</a></span></i><br />
by Noel Streetfeild<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0679847596/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0679847596"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0679847596&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=litpagtur-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><br />
<br />
A classic I admit I've never read. I have seen the 2007 movie based on the book and was absolutely charmed, so I'm excited to see if the original story is as good.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0781403790/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0781403790">In Grandma's Attic</a></i></span><br />
by Arleta Richardson<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0781403790/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0781403790"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0781403790&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=litpagtur-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><br />
<br />
I loved the Grandma's Attic series. They're sweet, wholesome reads reminiscent of the Little House books and full of faith and family.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm hoping this collection will keep my precocious bookworm busy throughout the hot summer months. For those of you who don't know, E is seven years old and started reading at the age of 3 and began chapter books at 4. While she reads at a very advanced level for her age, her reading comprehension and emotional maturity is pretty much on par with her age, making it difficult to know which books will be appropriate for her. I'm constantly on the lookout for good books, so let me know - <span style="font-size: large;"><b>which ones would you add to the list?</b></span></div>
</div>Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174193483984074621.post-19900454341777693832012-05-24T13:54:00.000-04:002012-05-30T14:29:28.842-04:00Meet Pete the Cat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnz0BpffwhHekgnw24h9f5nWCgg2ukjH22fp_uavAthllYprPRVVBObkB7CLV7XAF7XhZa79zTrlGmgxRsr5u79qhAOChpOJrMycY-E0asaTfgAsb6tvRiPbFi4s8sdZ3WY7V5HzWKNVg/s1600/Pete-the-Cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnz0BpffwhHekgnw24h9f5nWCgg2ukjH22fp_uavAthllYprPRVVBObkB7CLV7XAF7XhZa79zTrlGmgxRsr5u79qhAOChpOJrMycY-E0asaTfgAsb6tvRiPbFi4s8sdZ3WY7V5HzWKNVg/s1600/Pete-the-Cat.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Meet Pete. He's the perpetually upbeat blue cat that has stolen my three year old's heart.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
Yesterday was her preschool end-of-the-year performance. It was full of your typical kids songs sung terrifically off-key by adorable children. For the finale, they showed a video reading of <span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061906220/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0061906220">Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes</a></i></b></span>, and the children joyfully sang along. I've actually been hearing snippets of the song from my daughter's mouth all year long, and was thrilled to discover it came from such a darling book.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061906220/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=litpagtur-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0061906220" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSdMKqrXTIBmKDY9hPTqJYuBdfe9Pzw6c9f3kuBBhHY-cwNLwmdNUN9B7XOgrpOsugFCga1hwQdgbMmAKMNFm1-RTSsypMYaDPEIRc_ef6sgxmyue6_Xx4Lu9guqYV-Og-RJoM4TBaMM/s320/pete.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<br />
Pete loves his white shoes, but when he steps in a pile of strawberries turning his white shoes red, does he cry? Goodness no!<br />
He just keeps walking along and singing his song "I love my RED shoes!" The story repeats through several different colors and the kids sing along with Pete and happily yell "goodness, no!" Because in the end, "it's all good."<br />
<br />
Apparently Pete has been around for awhile - he's got a slew of books and his <a href="http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/feature/petethecat/" target="_blank">own website</a>. You can <a href="http://harpercollinschildrens.com/feature/petethecat/audio/pete-the-cat.mp3" target="_blank">hear a reading</a> of A's new favorite book, download several free <a href="http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/feature/petethecat/" target="_blank">activity printables</a>, or even <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pete-the-cat-school-jam/id520299922?mt=8" target="_blank">purchase his app</a> for the ipad/iphone. (I'll admit, I spent the 99 cents. It's a fun little seek & find game.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=litpagtur-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0061906220" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=litpagtur-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0061910244" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=litpagtur-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0062110586" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>Christianne @ Little Page Turnershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16792130037847565084noreply@blogger.com3