DIY Beach Shack Playset

Hi! I'm very excited to announce that I was chosen to participate in the Mom Trusted Kids Craft Blogger Challenge. I am always up for a good challenge and this one was especially fun! I was sent popsicle sticks and asked to create a kid-friendly craft. Sure, I could have made a frame or ornament, but we decided to go full out and make something Amberly could use for her dolls. The dolls of the moment are the Lalaloopsies. She has the big ones, the minis, the Lala-oopsies and the playhouses, but was constantly telling me she missing a place for her minis to "hang out." (Seriously? the houses weren't enough?)

So, as soon as I received the package in the mail, I knew we would create a beach shack for the minis to hang out at. It took about two hours, but turned out AMAZING!!!

Isn't it cute? It reminds me of restaurants in the Keys.

To make your own:

Materials used:

Large Popsicle Sticks
Medium Popsicle Sticks
Small Popsicle Sticks
Paint
Paint brushes
Hot Glue Gun
Wood Glue

First, you build the frame using the large popsicle sticks.

Next, have your child paint the roof slats while you paint the frame.

Then, cut out a piece of cardboard as the floor base. Of course, with JC being an architect and all, it was decided that the base needed to have the "hardwood floor look." Seriously, this was the reason it took two hours....

We then had Amberly paint the floor. She chose all the colors, made sure they were bright and colorful to match her Lalaloopsies. 

Then we just glued it all together, add some shells (to give it the beachy feel) and TADA.........

DIY Beach Shack Playset

This was a fun project to do together. We had all the materials on hand so it was cheap, actually free! 

Try it out with your little ones and let me know how it turns out.

If you want to see other popsicle stick projects, especially for the pre-school crowd, check out Early Teacher. They have lots of fun projects to try out!

Free Printable

In honor of Mother's Day (yes, coming up soon) I created this free printable for my fellow mommy bloggers:

This quote reminds me of when children are babies, can't talk and yet as a mother you know what they need. A mother's bond with her child is truly special!

Download here

Zoo Fun

On Sunday, Adrian asked to go to the zoo for Easter. His wish was my command that day. We woke up early and headed on out to the zoo. It was PACKED! Zoo Miami hosts an Egg Safari on Easter with egg hunts, bounce houses and treats for the animals. When we got there, we decided to forgo the egg hunt since there was a 4 hour wait in line to get in. Adrian wanted to see the animals. Besides, he was going to an Easter party with my sister after the zoo and would have an egg hunt there.

Back to the zoo..........Binoculars ready, basket ready..........

It was great sunny weather so we walked and walked and saw so many animals. Also, Adrian rode a camel and fed/petted a rhinoceros. I think that was his favorite part of the day! I mean seriously, who gets to pet a rhinoceros?

We also took these super cute pictures in a dinosaur bird's nest:

And a fun carousel ride:

After the zoo, my sister took him to an egg hunt and JC and I finally had a date night. We went to the movies, saw OZ (amazing movie) and then went to dinner. Since Lent was officially over, I got to have wine, YAY!

Pure joy on my face!!

We had a really great day. It was a little weird not hosting the annual egg hunt at my house but I think Adrian was ready for something different this year. 

If you are ever in Miami, Zoo Miami is definitely a great place to take the kids. Not only do they get to see and pet all sorts of cool animals, they have a couple playgrounds and splash parks. Be aware though, it is an ALL DAY adventure!