66 Days of Summer- Homemade Popsicles

Freezing up Fun

Have you ever tried to make your own popsicles? I saw this cool pin on Pinterest about putting gummy bears in Sprite and freezing your own popsicles. My kids and I could live off of snow cones and popsicles in the summer, so this activity seemed like a no-brainer.

I had the popsicle containers, so fished to the back of the cupboards to find them. Each kiddo chose their favorite color lid and grabbed our Swedish fish. We tried to make this into a learning activity by counting out the fish so we each had a equal amount. There were 12 in the package so we split them evenly among the three of us. Placed our 4 fish in our containers. Grabbed a can of Sprite.

Olivia decided she wanted to add food coloring to her Sprite to give it a new color- she picked blue as you can see from pictures. Isaac picked red. Smart because the fish was red so they were the hidden surprise when you ate the popsicle.

After waiting overnight, our popsicles were ready. They tasted really good. Surprisingly the Swedish fish were still in tact. If you are looking for a pretty simple snack to prepare with the kids while having fun, try this one out. I wouldn't recommend adding the food coloring if you have somewhere to be within a few hours of eating the popsicles. Olivia's mouth was blue well after eating her creation!

73 Days of Summer- Port Clinton Playground

   

Ahoy Matey! Fun Zone Ahead!

Back a few weekends ago when we we were up here visiting the Walleye Festival, we discovered the neatest themed playground I've ever seen. Built within the last year, this playground is all about Lake Erie. According The Blade, the playground cost $600,000. WOW- but it's amazing. 

We were able to stop for a very short time after the Walleye Festival, but it was going to rain so our visit got cut short. The kids haven't forgotten about it. So today our adventure was in downtown Port Clinton. In the middle of the playground is a replica lighthouse, as you can see in the picture...complete with the "spy glass" as the kids call it. The boat Olivia is driving below is fun too. Wheelchair accessible and large enough bench to fit our entire family, she loves pretending she is taking us out on the Lake.  

Isaac just loves to run. He wants me to chase him, but it's 90 degrees out today so I'm not much fun, nor fast, in this heat! The playground also has a giant swing my kiddos call the rollercoaster. I wasn't able to grab any pictures today because I was pushing them to go back and forth, but it resembles a swing suspended on a zip line. You know how some playgrounds have the handle thing you grasp on and then zip to the other side and then back? It's similar to that, but a swing you sit in while doing it. It's awesome (even for the adult children!). See if you can see it in this linked picture on the right hand side. 

After 50 minutes, we couldn't take the heat. Across the street was a public beach area, but we weren't prepared to go there afterwards. However you could definitely make a day out of it if better prepared! Bonus, this weekend was the arts and crafts show in the open lot beside the playground. Grandma Barb loved that! While I watch the kiddos she went and found another knick-knack to hang on the wall. A fish! I think we all agree we o"fish"ally had a great time!

76 Days of Summer- Lima's Children Garden

Growing with Excitement

Lima is lucky. We have an amazing spot to picnic, wonder, take pictures or have story hour! According to the website, located at the Allen County Museum complex, this garden has grown to include over 30 mini-theme gardens and child-inspired works of art, with historical elements which relate to Allen County's rich history.  It is an interactive green oasis for "children" of all ages. 

The kiddos little imaginations run wild throughout the garden that is made just for kids. Isaac calls it the Gumball Garden... As seen in the picture they've painted bowling balls and lined the side of the garden path with the balls. The stones are multicolored to give the illusion of the gumballs.  After you enter under the arch, they lead around the gardening shed within the grounds. 

While Isaac is running, Olivia has discovered the Dr. Suess borrow a book mailbox.  Located next the cutest tree forest, kids are encouraged to take a book and sit down and read. One of the ladies who works in the garden said children can take a book home, but are to bring it back. I don't allow my kids to take the books, but instead to sit and read it while we are there. 

I tried to read it to her first and then she would know all the words, but she told me know to worry about it and the boy statue wouldn't know. LOL.  So here is the video of her reading the book to her friend. Go check out the Children's Garden if you are ever around Lima.  It's worth it!