SHAPES PARTY BLOWERS + GARLAND DIY

I decided to do a two-for-one DIY this week since last week I went a little MIA. But you forgive me, right? These party blowers and garland are so easy to make and a lot of fun for little ones. Elliott loved trying out all of the different shapes. He calls the heart the "love you shape", even though he knows its called a heart. That cutie. All you need to make these are some card stock, shape paper punchers and a 1/2 inch hole punch. Oh yeah, and some party blowers. Just punch out the shapes, punch out the hole with the 1/2 inch punch and stick them in. They're that easy! Of course you can do any colors you would like and any shapes you fancy. You can also just cut out the shapes if you don't have shaped paper punches. 

For the garland, pick a shape - or all of them - and punch out the shapes. Grab some twine and some tape and put it together. Again, it's that easy. 

Then just hang the garland, and get to partying! 

BALLOON PING PONG DIY

Playing with balloons in the house is nothing new. I think everyone has played "don't let the balloon touch the ground" at least once in their life. This is kind of like that, but with rules and a table and some fancy new paddles! You most likely have all the supplies you will need to make the paddles already at home. My favorite part of this game is you can make it whatever you want! Come up with your own rules, design your own paddles, you can even make a net for the table if you so desire. We've been playing balloon ping pong non-stop the past couple of weeks. So take that as fair warning, it can be addictive. See how to make your own

balloon ping pong paddles over here

And of course you can purchase one of the Best Ping Pong Tables and enjoy the game even more.

WE LOVE: THE LEONARDO

Honestly, most of The Leonardo was way over Elliott's head. But we older children liked it! They do have this great little area for the kiddos with blocks and puzzles and games for them to play with. I just loved looking at it. So colorful and fun! The Leonardo was hosting a special event for kids that allowed us to go for free - bonus! The event also allowed Elliott to enter and win a plane throwing contest as well as a dance competition. That's my boy! While Elliott and one of his cousins were playing in the kiddo area, Preston and the older cousin explored the museum. They loved it! My nephew is a huge science nut (remember this?) so this was right up his ally. This explains why I have zero pictures of them in the museum. We will definitely be back soon! Maybe the next time we can go for free? 

POPSICLE CUPS DIY

Have you ever dreaded giving your little one a popsicle because of the inevitable mess it would create? Well I thought I would make a little something to catch the popsicle drippings to prevent that inevitable mess from happening! These literally take seconds to make and work like a charm. All you need is some little paper party cups - the kind you put candies in at baby showers - yeah, those. And an exacto knife. Oh yeah and popsicles. Of course! Just cut a slit at the bottom of the cup large enough to fit a popsicle stick through and you're done! Easy to make, easy to clean up and Elliott liked them so it's a win, win, win! Just in case you are a more visual learner, here's how you make them. 

PUZZLE BLOCKS DIY

This is a fun project to work on with your littles. I asked Elliott what he would like me to paint on the blocks and did my best and according to him I did "a great job!" These are really fun for me too because I love the colors and don't mind having them out in plain sight. Unlike many, many other toys. Moms, you feel me. You can see the whole tutorial over here on Momtastic.