{Backyard Movie Theater}

Our local parks had tons of outdoor movies this summer.  Sadly, some of our kids go to sleep before Summer's late sunsets. . .  

Since the sun is setting noticeably earlier this time of year, we decided it would be fun to set up the projector, fill a pool with a bunch of blankets, invite some neighbors and turn Ally's backyard into a movie theater.  

I think the most difficult part about this whole endeavor was figuring out what movie our kids would "watch" (Chuck likes the Muppets, Lucas likes Cars) So, we decided to turn it into more of a "film festival" and watch a series of short kids cartoons. I mean, who doesn't want to watch Fraggle Rock under the night sky!

Here's 3 Ways to Have a Fun Movie Night With Toddlers: 

1. Have the kids help set up. Lucas and Chuck had a loads of fun playing with the screen (aka white sheet).  I can't even tell you how amazed they were when we turned the projector on!
2. Provide tasty snacks at children's level. We filled a wagon with bowls of snack food. Chuck loved filling her popcorn holder with a variety of treats!
3. Contain your kids.  We filled the inflatable pool with blankets and pillows.  It gave Lucas and Chuck a warm place to snuggle up in.  

For snacks, Ally made popcorn balls.  Click here for her secret recipe! 

Enjoy!

I Love You Friday . . . .

Today is the last official day of summer. Other than the physical date on the calendar, there are so many signs around me that the Summer of 2013 is fading . . .  

• The Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back in Starbucks (side note: has anyone tried the Salted Caramel Latte? <3!).
• I have the urge to wear tall boots 
• I keep seeing the word "cozy"
• I bought mums

As a new mom (yes, after 20 months, I still think I'm relatively new at this whole mom thing), the change of seasons always makes me a bit nostalgic.  As I pack up my daughter's summer clothes, I am painfully reminded that she is never going to be this small again.  This is the only summer we will share when she was just this size.  Just learning to say "hi".  Just learning to say "bye". Just learning to wave at the seagulls and search for seashells in the sand. So many moments that made me just want to stop the Earth spinning and say "freeze".

There were kiddie pools, and heat waves,watermelons and milk shakes. We grew strawberries, veggies, and one too many cucumbers. We watched the flower gardens grow and burst with color. We hung out with friends, big and small.  We celebrated half birthdays, birthdays, and "just because we can" days. We colored on tables, made rainbows on the sidewalk, took naps on Mama's shoulder. There were trips to playgrounds and adventures down slides long and short.

There is so much magic to a summer spent with a young child. So many things that just seem to be filled with wonder.

xoxo,
Ally

{End of Summer Finger Painting}

As far as I'm concerned there are two rules of finger painting with toddler:

1. You cannot be inside
2. You cannot wear clothes

With that, a new LuCk Tradition was born "End of Summer Finger Painting"

 I start off each summer with a laundry list of things (other than laundry) that I'd like to do with my child.  Finger Painting had been on this list since December, when during the peak of snow madness, I attempted to finger paint inside.  Thus, the first rule was born (see above).  The second rule quickly followed.  

Finger painting is pretty basic.  I highly suggest you have a pool to  "splash" off in!  

Click here for a printable Guide!