bug hotel

Today we created some new homes for Smithville's smallest citizens. We used oatmeal cylinders which we decorated with tempera paint. After the hotels were fully decorated, we used an exacto knife to cut an "H" on its side for the windows. After the windows were cut, we trimmed a piece of window screen to fit the entire inside of the container to make sure the bugs didn't check out too early. Lastly, each child established house rules for future residents, such as no eating each other (Coey), no sneaking out (Avery) and share your grass (Lanie). I'm sure their future residents will be happy to abide by the rules if they are able to live in these beautiful new homes!

Lanie hopes her bugs will share their grass

Juliann's snails will know who is boss!
avery hopes to have a quiet home


logan decided not to impose rules on his residents

coey's bugs will be required to clean up after themselves!

Princess Party

Princess Chesney

The princesses of Smithville had a fabulous time crafting and watching a princess movie. We made two different types of bracelets and decorated princess themed sun catchers. One of the bracelets we created was filled with glitter and beads. I got the idea here at familyfun.com, which is a GREAT website.


Hydo Bracelet
Supplies
1/2" clear plastic tubing (can be purchased in the plumbing supply section)

3/8" clear plastic tubing
(You will need a smaller size for the piece to hold it together, it helps if you pre-fit it in the store. We used 1/2" and a smaller size for the smaller one.)

Tiny beads and big glitter.
(our beads were a bit on the big side - seed beads would work better. And we discovered the finer glitter globbed up and the larger kind worked much better.)


Directions
1) Start by measuring your wrist and trimming the larger tubing accordingly. The straighter you can get the cut the better.


2) Cut the smaller piece to approximately 1". We found it works better when the piece is on the long side, so start longer and trim from there.


3) Place the smaller piece inside the larger piece to plug up one end.


4) Place your glitter and beads inside the tube (you may need to use your finger to keep the beads from falling out).


5) Add a little water at a time, plugging of the other end with your finger.


6) Slip the other end onto your smaller piece to seal it - enjoy your bracelet!