Thursday, October 16, 2008

The One With The Indoor Sand Box

I keep meaning to share with you the indoor sandbox I made for Naomi. Originally when I saw the instructions for this, it was in a magazine about 4 months ago and it suggested you use oatmeal. I really just couldn't imagine cleaning up oatmeal flakes all the time.

So, I decided to use rice. I thought, I could dye the rice different colors and have it be fun. Still the rice seemed daunting too. My friend used black eyed peas and I thought that was a great idea so I picked up some lentils. I went to the store and grabbed a bag of each :) It is filled with black beans, red beans, kidney beans, split peas, lentils, navy beans and pinto beans. oh, and some rice. And for the record, I DO regret the rice, LOL!


I used an under the bed storage box with a locking lid. It is big enough to put Naomi in but there is NO WAY. She didn't even like her feet in it! I bought her some little measuring cup funnels and she can play with this thing for HOURS.

It was a very smart thing for us, but it is a wee bit messy. It's worth it though, for the fine motor skills and the entertainment it provides Ms. N.

I stripped the bed to just a sheet, that way I could just pull the sheet off when she's done, dump the rice back into the bin, and what is on the floor I swept up and threw away (didn't want to add my floor dirt back into her bin). The bed she's doing this on is a trundle bed, so it's a good height for her to play at. If we had to do it on the floor I'd lay a trashbag down underneath.







And it's totally random, but I wanted to share this photo of Parker from yesterday too. :)


Have a great Thursday bloggers! I have some scrapping to do and a parent teacher conference tonight...ttyl!



17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, they are adorable!!! and that smile is soooo contagious!! Neat ideas too.... have a great day!

Bird Stalker Photography said...

Such a neat idea! Love those pictures, you have such beautiful children!

Janel said...

What an awesome idea!!! And congrats to David too!

Barb said...

What a great idea!

Beth said...

What a great, great idea!! Thanks for sharing AND for the tip about the rice!

Kresta said...

Fun "sand"box! Looks like she loves it! Adorable photo of Parker too!

Anonymous said...

How fun are you????

Angie (mighty-nice) said...

That's a great idea! I have a nephew that's 2 - I'll have to share that with my sister... Thanks! Visiting via the DST blog train - you can visit me here: htpp://isladeangela.wordpress.com/

Ava in Wonderland said...

What a cool idea!! Fabulous photos!!

Unknown said...

SUCH a cute idea Lena!! That's awesome!!

Unknown said...

Cute and creative idea on the sandbox. They are both so adorable!

Brandy said...

Awww! Look at her! And the dress looks beautiful on her!!

And look at little Mr. Parker! What a doll!!

Monique said...

OMGosh that is such a cool idea! I love it! Thanks for sharing!

The Mini Mum said...

What a seriously cool idea! Love the pic of Parker :o)

Anonymous said...

Wow, they are adorable!!!

AmberLV said...

At least it was a pretty indoor sandbox!

Joy said...

What a fantastic idea - shame mine are too old for it - might have to suggest it to my friend who has a 2 1/2 year old dd!