Cocktails & Crafts #2

On St. Patrick's Day my friends and I got our kids together for our second go-round of Cocktails and Crafts!  And I couldn't have asked for a better time.

It was my great friend Amy's turn to host and provide the craft, and she delivered on both counts.  Her home, which is always so inviting, was appropriately green and Guinnessy as well as welcoming and kid-friendly.  Couldn't have asked for a better locale, especially because it was beautiful outside and they have a great deck for little wanderers.

Her craft was simple and seasonal--we planted flower seeds in adorable pastel buckets with the kids' names on them.

There's Amy's sweet little girl Nia, getting everything ready for her friends.

This craft doesn't require a whole lot in materials: just buckets, soil, seeds, and water, but the little touches helped make the entire process of entertaining eight toddlers really painless and fun.  Amy is also a teacher-on-hiatus, and I appreciated her teacher-inspired touches that minimized the chaos.  She had all the buckets and materials ready for the kids when they came into the garage, with their names clearly labeled so they knew where to sit.  She also had the instructions written down (with pictures) on several pieces of paper so that it was clear to everyone what to do and when. 

Also, in another brilliant teacher move, she had something for them to do when they finished the craft, so the kids could work at their own pace and chaos did not resume while we waited for the next step.  Brilliant.

And they loved it.

First, we poured soil into the buckets.  The kids were so psyched to have permission to get dirty.

Then add the seeds.  We had flower seeds and the kids loved getting to choose which ones they wanted.  Choice is key to toddler cooperation.

Then add some water and another small layer of soil.

Place in the appropriate amount of sun and let the toddlers loose!

The craft took maybe five minutes max, but there was an open garage door and some sunshine with their names on it, so the kids literally frolicked.  It was the greatest to see them all running around outside with no jackets or hats on, blowing bubbles, chasing one another.  It was like the craft was a literal harbinger of spring, and once it was done, they were set free.  I know Jax wasn't the only toddler who held tightly to his bucket the whole ride home and had to pick the spot that was "just right" for his seeds.  He also asked to see them first thing in the morning the next day.  A simple but still exciting craft for these little ones who just love learning.

What a wonderful day.

This is why Cocktails and Crafts is so great.  It suddenly felt like summer, even though it was only fifty degrees and the middle of March.  We had our drinks, our kids were happy and keeping each other occupied, and we had accomplished something crafty.  They all sound simple enough, but when you get to do all those things at once, surrounded by good friends, it turns into a really great day.

This was my favorite moment of the day.  When two-year-olds discover a grate.  Hilarious.

They kept yelling, "Hello, water!" to hear their echoes.  It kept them busy for quite a while.  Apparently I need to invest in one of these.

Cocktails and Crafts is just a reason to get together with your friends and have some fun!  I just love having a monthly excuse for some great girl-time and something creative to do with Jax.  And Em loves having some alone time with Daddy, too.  That's just a bonus.

We had such a great time at Amy's--thank you so much for hosting it!  Jax and I stayed until bedtime and even then he didn't want to leave.

Drowning his sorrows in milk.  Don't worry, buddy.  We'll see Nia and your other friends again soon!

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So if you'd like to participate in your own Cocktails and Crafts, just click on the tab below my header or click here.  Please link back, grab the button, and let me know how it goes!  It's always great to have an excuse to have fun with friends.  And I should know; I have some really great friends, near and far.