DIY Moon Dough and Making the Most of the Mess

Yesterday was a beautiful day. We spent the morning at the park with our friends and had a picnic lunch in the sunshine (I even got my first sunburn of the year). Then we came back home and the two older kids played outside while Emma napped. I was so happy they played outside so Emma could sleep and I could have some "quiet" time. But after awhile the two started bickering and this mama had to come up with a fun activity to curb the fighting and keep them occupied.

I decided to whip out a project I had seen on pinterest and am happy to say it was a huge success! DIY Moon Dough. For each batch I did the following:

4 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup baby oil
Mix the two ingredients together with your hands until the oil is distributed all throughout. (I used a $ store aluminum 9X13 casserole pan and a large square ziploc container) Add a few cookie cutters, small cups or toys and PLAY PLAY PLAY! (I highly recommend doing this outside though. It got pretty messy)

This activity probably kept the kids busy for at least an hour and then once Emma woke up they played some more with her.  It was great fun and was a great photo opportunity. Here are a few of my favorites...

The blue thing in Kiera's hair came from one of her friends on the bus. She loves it and wants to wear it in her hair ALL THE TIME. It drives me bonkers but hey, who doesn't love a little blue hair right?

 Such concentration, and look at those clothes!

 This shot was taken on my belly. It is amazing what a change in perspective can do to your photo! I love her little feet!

 It was so much fun to watch Emma. She was having a great time, can't you tell?

 I love this stage when my kids are starting to explore, touch, and feel everything. It is fun to watch the excitement they have with something new.

!One more note of warning!: Do not leave the kids unattended while trying to upload the pictures onto your computer. Or you will come back to this.

This picture doesn't even come close to capturing the mess I came back to. Ethan was throwing the stuff all over. It was stuck to the siding and on top of the BBQ cover. He looked like the Michelin tire logo guy all fluffy and white, and the other two were in on the fun too. It was EVERYWHERE! I had a lot of sweeping to do. It was pretty easy to clean up though since it was outside and it was a fun memorable afternoon. Besides that's what it is all about right? "Life is not a matter of counting the years messes, it is a matter of making the years messes COUNT."