Entertaining grandkids: 3 sure things

Entertaining grandkids: 3 sure things

As a long-distance grandma with visits being few and far between, I feel obligated to provide memorable merriment for my three grandsons each time I see them. I put careful consideration into packing my grandma bag with goodies and games and crafty ideas galore.

Sometimes the magical makings I lug 800 miles to my grandsons' door elicit exactly the enjoyment I'd hoped. Sometimes they fail. Especially if picking a Pinterest activity to try together without trying it first myself.

When I visited Bubby, Mac, and Jak last month, I failed at more than a few things. On the other hand, there were a few that surpassed my expectations in terms of the enjoyment factor for the boys. Three in particular were a huge success, and these will likely have a spot in my grandma bag each visit going forward.

Following are those three sure things because if they entertain my grandkids, I'm willing to bet they'll entertain most. Consider them as go-to options for your grandma bag — or to have on hand if you're one of those fortunate grandmas whose grandkiddos live nearby.

FREAKY FACES APPLE SNACK

Now, this one didn't require me packing much in my grandma bag, just a quick trip to the grocery store upon my arrival for the fixings: apples, strawberries, chocolate chips, and peanut butter, plus anything not stocked in Megan's pantry that I needed for this recipe for the freaky eyes (which needs to be made at least 24 hours before snack assembly as the eyes need to dry).

freaky face apple snacks

They're pretty simple: Just quarter an apple; remove...

Read More

Brief look: Where we stayed, what we saw

My daughter Brianna and I set out on our California Highway 1 Discovery Route and Morro Bay adventure yesterday. We are enjoying it immensely, and I'll have loads to share in my recap of the fun upon my return. For now, though, I wanted to quickly share with you a brief look of where we're staying the first two nights and what we first saw when we crossed the street from our hotel.

sand pebbles inn cambria

Breathtaking! The Sand Pebbles Inn in Cambria is...

Read More

Wonder-filled week! Plus, GRAND Social No. 206 link party for grandparents

Wonder-filled week!

Welcome back! I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day. Mine was lovely, with sweet connections with each of my girls, each in a different way.

I have a wonder-filled week ahead, with further connecting with my oldest daughter, Brianna, as we set out early Wednesday morning on a picture-perfect multigenerational trip along the California Highway 1 Discovery Route and Morro Bay, California.

sailing around morro bay rock
Sailing around Morro Bay Rock, courtesy Morro Bay Tourism Bureau

The itinerary includes multiple wonders, from wine tastings to a Hearst Castle tour, an Elephant Seal "stewardship travel experience" and a walk along...

Read More

Weekend movie review: The 33

Most folks recall that in 2010, thirty-three miners were trapped for an excruciating — for themselves as well as their families — 69 days in a collapsed mine in Chile. Most folks recall the miraculous ending to the ordeal, too.

Knowing how the story plays out detracts not one bit from the drama of THE 33, the film based on the inspirational story.

the 33 movie poster 

Director Patricia Riggen did an impressive job bringing to life the miners' horrifying ordeal, based on a screenplay by Miko Alanne and Craig Borten. And the actors portraying the miners, their families, and the men who worked diligently to free the men from their potential grave 200 stories...

Read More