Nature's Dreamcatchers

Who hasn't felt the temptation of letting your kids do this all day, when it's raining outside, the housework is piling up, and your kids are actually quiet and occupied (by Spiderman on youtube!)?

But of course, we have their little minds, bodies, and spirits to guide and nurture, so, after a bit of cajoling ("Spiderman doesn't watch movies all day; he goes outside to play to keep his body strong and healthy!") we wandered into the woods that surround our house.

This old cedar bush is dense, lush, and full of nature's treasures...gnarled trees to climb, gooseberry bushes to navigate around, and adventures just waiting to happen.

Looking for raindrops...love those deep eyes and wacky hair...

With a basket of materials in hand, I snapped this rare mama photo (you mamas out there know who is always behind the camera in YOUR houses...) Can you tell I had to clamp Jude against me to keep him still for this?

Grandma arrived to help with today's craft: Dreamcatchers.

First, bend a flexible twig (we used wild grapevine) into a circular shape; overlap ends and secure with yarn/string.

Next, pull yarn across and around in a random web pattern (or create a star!); we wrapped it once at each point where it met the circle, to keep the yarn from sliding.

Your little one can then weave in flowers, feathers, grass, and whatever he/she desires. Violet was thrilled to participate in creating these beautiful dreamcatchers!

We made three, one for each child, and for each window in their shared bedroom. Sweet dreams!

(Find details of this lovely craft, and other inspiration in "Nature's Playground: Activities, Crafts, and Games to Encourage Children to Get Outdoors" by Fionna Danks and Jo Schofield).

What outdoor adventures did you get into this week?