Category: Fun With Grandkids

Becoming a grandparent is exactly everything “they” said it would be….am I right?  My husband would jump in at this moment and ask, “Who are they?” 😂  I’ve never been able to come up with a witty answer to that question, however, “they” were right!  Being a grandparent is THE BEST!  The only downside is that many times they live far away…but that doesn’t have to be a problem.  Read on for 12 ways to be awesome long distance grandparents!

If you have read any of my earlier posts, you know that I am a huge advocate of using the US Postal Service to communicate with your grandchildren whether you live close or far away!  Yes, even if you are in the same town….use that snail mail.  Kids LOVE to get mail!

12 Ways to Be Awesome Long Distance Grandparents ~

While I do love snail mail, technology has definitely helped bridge the gap with some very clever ideas!  Below are a few of the ones that I have either tried or heard wonderful things about…so check them out!  (If you are not technologically savvy, read on as there are many ideas for the non-techy too!

Game Apps or Technology Based ~

1 ~ Marco Polo App ~

This is a pretty cool video chat app.  What I love most about it is that you can chat in real time if you and your granchild are available OR you can record a chat and send it and then they can open it when it is a good time for them.  Think of it as your very own video walkie talkie…how cool is that?  There is a free version and a paid version….once again, you can have tons of fun with this app in the free version!

You can even create a group to make it easier if you have several grandchildren in one family.  Get in there and play around and you will see there are a lot of options for you!

2 ~ Mad Libs ~

Did you play this as a child?  Maybe you played it with your children?   There are still a ton of Mad Libs books out there to physically write in, however, there is also a Mad Libs app as well.   There are free books as well as paid books.  I can honesly say, I very rarely buy apps because I beieve there are so many free ones to take advantage of….but you do what works for you!

If you and your gradchldren are both logged into your own Game Centers through your apple devices, you can share with each other.  You also can just take screenshots and text them to each other.  How fun to read each other’s silly stories.  You can even facetime each other and read them as well!

Another fun option is Mad Libs by Glowwordbooks.com.  This site has an impressive number of books they have created for you…for free!  Choose your topic and start entering words!  It’s that easy!  Steve and Natasha Hanson have created a fun website full of poems, riddes, books and more so be sure to check out all they have available to you!

3 ~ Online Jigsaw Puzzles ~

Jigsaw Planet is a really cool website where you can get tons of free jigsaw puzzles to solve.  They allow you to create, play and share jigsaw puzzles with others.  You are also given the option to compete with other users.  Log onto their site at Jigsawplanet.com or use this link➡️➡️  Jigsaw Planet.  Choose a puzzle and then click the “Play As” to choose the number of pieces you want to have it made in to!  This feature is so wonderful because you can do easier puzzles with younger kiddos and harder ones with the older kids!

Non-Technology Related Ways to Connect ~

4 ~ Watch a Show Together ~

Ok, are you thinking right now that I am losing it?  The main focus of this post is for grandparents that do NOT live close to their grandchildren, right?   Soooo….don’t let this little thing called “distance” keep you from watching a show with your loved ones that are far away.  The way I see it is that you have 2 options for this idea:

• Facetime or video chat at a set time that the show is on tv.  This may be a little more conducive for shows that aren’t super long, but you be the one who decides that!
• Decide on a show that you both (or all) want to watch.  You both watch it respectively in your own homes and then call to discuss it!  Here are some topics you can discuss:
  • What was your favorite part of the movie and why?
  • Who was you favorite character…and why?
  • What was the funniest part of the movie?
  • What did you think of the ending?
  • Would you watch it again

5 ~ Send a Secret Message ~

These pens are litterally the bomb!  (Do people still use that term?)  Send a pen to each of your grandchildren and keep one or two for yourself.  The ink is all one color even though the outside of the pens are all different colors.  Write a message with the pen and then mail it off.  When they receive the message, they can use the light at the top of the pen to decode.  Then they can send you a message back!  Voila!  Super fun!

6 ~ Story Game ~

Get a piece of blank paper and start a story.  Mail it off to your grandchild.  They will then read the story and add more lines to it.  This can go back and forth as long as you would like!  It will certainly create anticipation as the child gets excited to get the mail and continue on with the story.

Here are some story prompts to get your creative juices flowing:

• A conversation between two family pets
• The day I turned into a superhero
• The day I got lost in the woods and found a unicorn
• You have discovered a secret island
• How pizza was created
• The day everyone wore purple
• When my sibling got turned into a cat
• My grandpa’s secret identity

These are just some samples.  Write several sentences or a couple of paragraphs to start the story.  Send it out and wait for them to add some more details.  This is a great way to be creative and laugh together.  Who knows, if the book turns out great you can even publish it!

7 ~ Cook & Eat A Meal Together ~

Use your phone, ipad, computer or whatever gadget you prefer.  Dial up the grandchildren and cook together.  This takes a little prep as you will need to discuss with their parents what you all will be making in advance.  This ensures that everyone has the ingredients needed on hand.  If you don’t have a “kickstand” or case that allows you to set your phone down, you will need something to aid with that as well.  Obviously your hands will need to be free to work on the meal prep.

  A stand like this is awesome as it works on many sizes of phones and tablets and is also adustable in height.

I suggest a simple menu that can be prepared fairly quickly and easily.  It will be more fun to sit and enjoy it together so that there will also be time for chatter!  Love this!

8 ~ Pen Pals ~

This is an age old topic that has stood the test of time.  You may have read my article I wrote some time ago about this very subject…click here to read my article about Pen Pal Fun With Grandchildren!  What is awesome about this is I don’t know who gets more excited about receiving mail….the grandkids or the grandchildren!

If the kids are too young to write….draw pictures to send back and forth!

9 ~ Read A Bedtime Story ~

Set up a specified time with the parents and have them facetime you.  Be prepared on your end with a favorite book that you can read to them over the phone, ipad, or computer.  Be sure to use your fun different voices and turn the book so they can see the illustrations.

10 ~ This or That? ~

Make up your own list of questions to present to your grandchild.  Would you rather be this or that…would you rather do this or that, etc.  Do you have a hard time coming up with some ideas?  Have no fear, I have also provided a couple of free printouts to get you started.  Print this out and mail it.

Let the child circle one from each row and then call you to discuss it!

Free printable This or That page to share with kids!

Free printable Would You Rather to share with kids!

11 ~ Send Mystery Boxes ~

Periodically send a fun mystery box….fill it with their favorites or follow a certain theme.  Let me assure you, your grandkids will be raving to their friends about just how awesome their grandparents are!

As always, there are different options.  You can choose to create your own, or if you don’t feel like you are good at this sort of thing, check out these options from Etsy!

Space History Box by MysteriesInTime

According to MysteriesInTime, “The Mysteries in Time Activity Pack is a fun award-winning pack bringing history to life for 6-11 year olds. Your child will receive a time machine envelope packed with fun activities, all linked to the history of Space. This has been developed by a primary school teacher with a passion for history.”  It is super cute….you need to check this one out!  It gets amazing reviews AND they have other historical fun packs too!

Children’s Mystery Care Package by Danis Care Package

Boxes range from toys to crafts and ages range 3 – 10.

12 ~ Send “Open When” Letters ~

Create a package of letters to open throughout a certain period of time….monthly, special days, holidays, etc.  This takes a bit of preparation on your part, but the kids will absolutely love getting this package.  Below are some ideas to get you started:

• Send a large envelope with 7 letters in it for the week leading up to their birthday.  Include letters, gift cards, pictures, etc.
• Create letters for the granchildren to open each weekend of a month.
• Write letters for the milestones of a school year…first field trip, first holiday party, first school vacation, first school presentation, first time class performs a musical/concert, etc.
• For older kids, write letters before the first sporting event or other important after school activity, before prom, before spring break, when receiving first grade card of the year, etc.

In Conclusion ~

So now you have 12 ways to be awesome grandparents.  If you are looking up ideas and found my post, I have an idea you are already pretty awesome!   Hopefully, you have found some fun new ideas!  There are truly so many fun ways to keep in touch…we just need to take the time!

Hugs to all ~

Mimi

 

 

 

It turns out that you really don’t have to have a lot planned to create a day of fun with grandparents.  Don’t get me wrong…I LOVE planning fun activities.  However,  it is also fun to do the simple things that will create special memories for ALL ages.  This weekend turned out to be just that!  I packed my bag and gathered up all of my favorite skincare products (Limelife by Alcone), and we headed to my mother’s house with Lauren and the grandkids.  The end product was a fun sleepover and spa day with the grandkids…and it was absolutely perfect!

Lauren, the grandkids and I piled in the car and headed down for a day of fun with Great Grandma!  Both Lauren and I always tend to plan for every hour of the day (well, more Lauren than me these days), but we decided this would just be a day of relaxation, conversation and whatever decided to come our way…you know….just enjoy the old time fun of enjoying the simple life!

The Simple Life ~

The day brought lots of simple fun:

Story Telling

Fort Building With Boxes

Snuggle Time

These are the days that I don’t think the average person gets enough of….at least I know our family doesn’t.  Let me tell you…it is worth it to make it happen…and not just for the adults!  The littles enjoyed this day as much as we did!

As we were sitting out on Grandma’s cozy porch in the early hours of the day, I decided why not have a little “spa day.”  The coffee cup was forgotten for awhile as I pulled out my favorite skin care products.  Funny looks were turned my way at first…a spa day outside?  Why not?

Reconnecting With Old Friends ~

Let me back up a bit to talk about friends we meet throughout life.  Friendships are a funny thing…you have lifelong friends from childhood and then the many you meet along the way.  For me, friends were made through sports, college, work, kid’s classes, volunteering, kid’s after school activities and neighborhood.  So many wonderful friends have been made through the years.

So why am I talking about this random subject?  I have reconnected with many friends over the years…friends from those earlier days.  Lori is one of those friends.  We met in college and reconnected through social media (one of the things I love most about social media!)  She is this beautiful soul inside and out.  The outer beauty is enhanced even more by the skin care products she shares with others…Limelife by Alcone.  (No, I am not a rep…she is….I just love the products!)

Spa Day ~

We started with some warm washrags draped over our faces.  I believe the smiles on both faces say everything…they were loving it from the very start!  (notice the hand holding too….be still my heart!)

Next was deep cleaning with Glowing Green Toner Pads.  (These feel wonderful).  Keep in mind that I am obviously not a professional, so we may have done things out of order.  I sometimes have to reach out to Lori to remind me what is used when. 🤣

We continued on with Eye Arise (guys…seriously this stuff is AMAZING!), skin polish (also AMAZING), Sotoks and Green Smoothie.  We didn’t necessarily do it in the order listed and not everyone used every product.  The general idea was to just make them feel good and have fun!  I used Limelife because I love it, but you can obviously do your own spa day with whatever your favorite products are.

The end result was a lot of laughter and relaxation.  The girls mostly enjoyed this part of the visit, but the boys jumped in on some of the fun as well.  They had box forts to turn to when not interested!  Heck, we even had some of Grandma Judy’s favorite friends peek in on the fun!

Pssst…I think Lori has some products for those under eye bags Miss Raccoon!

We finished off the weekend with loads of yummy food, movies, playing with dolls and super heroes and golf cart rides!  We packed A LOT of fun in one night/day!  My suggestion…mix it up….simple fun and planned fun…enjoy a little of both!  (For those of you who want more “planned” ideas…check out the rest of the suggestions below!)

Want To Take It Up A Notch? ~

Are you one of those that prefers planning over just letting things happen as they may?  Consider taking it up a notch for your own spa day!

Add some special slippers for the occasion ~ Add these adorable slippers by Gygo Goods to complete the Spa Day Experience!

Mini Spa Kits????  Yes please! ~ Have a Mini Spa Kit by BubblesandSpark available for each person in your party…how fun is that?

Send each person home with a fun little gift! ~ Get these adorable Spa Day bath bombs by Wild Lavendar Bath Body

I hope of each of you can plan an overnight and spa day with grandkids….real soon!  Enjoy!

Love~

Mimi

P.S.  Are you interested in reaching out to Lori regarding Limelife by Alcone…..Click here to get more information about Limelife products from Lori!

Encouraging kids to get involved in the kitchen is beneficial in SO many ways!   While it means extra patience and cleaning for parents, the numerous benefits are very worth it.  I happen to believe that the biggest perk is extra bonding time!  So, how do we go about encouraging the children to WANT to help us cook?  Well, it looks like we have another mystery on our hands…OR do we?   Finding really cool cookbooks should do the trick!  What kid wouldn’t enjoy cooking fun with Scooby?

Scooby Doo is one of those cartoon characters that transcends all ages.  Am I right?  I still enjoy sitting with the kids and watching Scooby and those meddling kids.  So what could be more fun than recreating some of those fun foods we see Scooby and the gang eat in the shows?  From Donut Demons to Shaggy & Scooby’s Jaw Stretcher Special, you are sure to satisfy even the most pickiest of eaters!

And it doesn’t stop at food items!  There are some fantastically fun drink ideas!  You may even be able to sneak a veggie in these blended delights without them even knowing.  If you dare, you can carry the mystery on by asking them to use their detective skills to figure out what the secret ingredient is!!!

Order your Scooby Doo cook book by Katrina Jorgensen here and get it in time for Christmas!

Jinkies, this may be the favorite gift of 2020.!!!

Taking Cooking Fun With Scooby a Step Further ~

This cookbook is truly awesome, but you can make it more “Scoob-ariffic!”   Why not create a gift basket of themed Cooking Fun with Scooby!  Here are some cooking gift ideas:

• Scooby aprons will be a big help when cooking with kids! Check this out!

• Kids LOVE having their own cooking utensils…especially those that coordinate with the Mystery Machine!

• Protect those little Scrappy Doo paws…er, I mean small hands with these fun oven mitts!

• Dinner isn’t complete without fun plate sets!

• Scooby prefers table etiquette of eating off a nice tablecloth!

• Complete your Scooby gift with a fun picnic basket! What a FUN presentation!

Other Scooby Doo Fun Recipes ~

Of course, there are tons of wonderful Scooby Doo recipes and fun ideas out there.  I have rounded up a few of them for you.  For example MyKidsTime.com has a super cute compilation of Scooby birthday party ideas.  You can use some of these for your basket gift as well.  They have a great recipe for dog-bone shaped cookies.  These would be fun to add in for Christmas cookie decorating too!  Scooby Doo free recipes and ideas from MyKidsTime.com

Betty Crocker shared some cooking fun with Scooby too.  Check out this fun recipe using candy and fruit snacks:   Scooby Doo Pops Recipe by Betty Crocker

Scooby Printables ~

Cooking in the kitchen may be all the excitement they can handle for one day.  However,  keep in mind that just because it wears us out does not mean it will wear them out!  If you happen to have one that runs like the energizer bunny, take some time to print out some fun games.  These will be sure to keep them busy while everyone is waiting to eat or to finish up the fun Scooby themed evening!

Print out this Scooby word search to use while waiting for the food to cook!

Print this fun Scooby coloring page by Michael’s Family

Find What’s Different in this fun Scooby printable by activities.websincloud.com

What’s next for Mystery Inc?  I don’t have an answer to that, but I am sure that whatever it is, the whole family will love it!  For now, put your oven mitts on and get started on your cooking fun with Scooby!

Well hello weekend….and what a beautiful weekend it is!  What is on your agenda?  Laundry, housework, cleaning the garage, paying bills?  Put all of these chores aside, if only for a while, and get outside!!!

It’s Good For Your Health!

Everyone “knows” it’s good for your health to get outside.   Why is it that so often we simply “forget” just how good it actually is for us?

• Vitamin D boosts your mood AND your immune system
• Nature helps lower cortisol levels and reduce stress
• Natural environments improve mood
• Nature helps improve memory and attention
• Fresh air increases your energy level

It’s Good For Your Family!

Whether you plan a day trip or a weekend getaway, hiking creates wonderful family memories for years to come.  It’s just a bonus that it also provides so many health benefits.  Sit and think for a moment…how long has it been since you decided to do an impromptu family fun day?   The unplanned activities are many times some of the best!

Do you find yourself always going to the same one or two parks?  I am sad to admit that we have not taken advantage of all of the amazing places available to us, some less than a half hour away!  I don’t know if I would call it a bucket list, but I decided that our family needs to branch out and try some new spots.  Included below is a small list of some of the parks of various sizes that have hiking trails as well as other amenities.

1. Broad Ripple Park
2. Brookside Park
3. Brown County State Park
4. Clifty Falls
5. Eagle Creek
6. Fort Harrison State Park
7. Holliday Park
8. Indiana Dunes State Park
9. McCormick’s Creek
10. Mounds State Park
11. Pokagon State Park
12. Shades Park
13. Spring Mills Sate Park
14. Turkey Run State Park

Let’s Talk Food!

I absolutely love the ideas that sweetcharli.com shares here…Creative picnic lunch ideas….CLICK HERE!

  Sandwich kebobs, apple sandwiches and banana rollups…sounds delish!

Lilluna.com also has some fun and healthy ideas…Check out these easy picnic lunch ideas!

Lots of protein and veggies!

Extra Activities For When You Get Outside!

Hiking and picnicking definitely make for a fun-filled day, but since we are on a roll, let’s add some extra fun.  Why not add in a little scavenger hunt for the kids?  Print out as many copies as you need of the activity sheet I created to help enjoy the day further.   Download and print outdoor scavenger hunt!

So get outside…and don’t forget to take pictures of this fun-filled day!  I would love for you to share other parks your family goes to so we can add them to the list!  Happy Weekend!!!!