Christmas In July-Camp MIMIPAPA-Christmas Camp!

Hello! For the last 3 Christmas seasons my cute hubby and I have held what we call Christmas Camp. It is a day where the parents (our adult children and spouses) get to go have fun and do whatever they want, while Mimi and Papa and the Aunties (our Daughters who still live at home) have a day loaded with Christmas arts and crafts and activites. We have the kids from 10AM to 4 PM, and each year we've have a theme. The first year was "the Elf Academy" The second year we went with "The Polar Express" and the third year we did "Winter Wonderland"

This year when the children first arrived, we took pictures for the gift the kids would be giving to their mom and dad for Christmas. (it was a photo tree ornament) and then we read a book. This year it was Snowmen at Night. We also gave each of the kids a bag to keep all the items they would be making during the day.

Following the story we played with Sensory bins. This is always a popular activity! We found "real snow" that the kids got to watch expand into fluffy snow that even felt cold! If you arent familar with sensory bins they have digging and holding tools and they just play and find buried things etc etc.

Then we made fun sticker art!

After Sticker art we played with white edible snow dough. (it was a recipe of Marshmallow fondant)

Following the snow dough we ate lunch. This year we made snow men with uncrustables, raisins, pretzels and baby carrots and we also had snowmen string cheese.

While the littles napped, we had a cooking class where we made rolo turtles, and we dipped oreos in chocolate which we then rolled in candy cane dust.

We then made snow flakes and read some shine a light books.

Next we had our wrapping packages activity. THEY LOVE THIS! We just have boxes and wrapping paper, safety scissors, tape, bows and tags, and let them wrap to their hearts content. The kids will literally ask to do this all year but we save it for our special Christmas camp time.

Following the wrapping we have Papas Corner. This year papa did some fun music things with the kids including his xylophone and then he and Uncle Bubba helped the kids put together a marble maze.

To Close the day we gave the kids a snack caddy with popcorn and treats (snowballs this year to stay on theme etc) and watched Frozen until the moms and dads arrive.

We love doing this so much! We are already planning this coming year! Our theme will be Candyland!

Thanks for stopping by! What is your most favorite Christmas Tradition?

Comments

The Stairway is AMAZING!!

I had to blog about one of my most recent vinyl jobs! Have you ever worked with someone that you have never heard their voice, or seen their face, but feel like you really connect with them? That is how I felt about Laura who commissioned us to cut these wonderful "rules" for her family!! Is she not a crafty GENIUS!?! I love it! I am grateful to have been part of a most amazing project!! It makes me want to rip the carpet off my stairs and do this too!! Laura YOU are the BOMB!!! lots of loves!! Emily PS anyone who is interested in purchasing the "rules" can be found here Thank you!

12 Homemade Simmer Pot/Stove Potpourri Recipes...Would make great gift too!

I love love love things that make my house smell well.....yummy! These recipes are wonderful for just that! I love to just throw the ingredients into a small saucepan on the stove and let them just barely simmer. (not to be left unattended) This also makes a great neighbor gift! Just deliver the ingredients to a friend with the instructions in a cute embellished bag and TA DA! Cheap, yet wonderful gift!! (plus makes a great humidifier too!) My Favorite Potpourri Recipe 1 lemon cut in fourths 1 apple cut in fourths 1 orange cut in fourths 2 or 3 cinnamon sticks Water to cover Place in a pan and simmer. Holiday Potpourri 1 Orange 1 Lemon 1 Bay Leaf 1 Cinnamon Stick 1/4 Cup Whole Cloves 1. Cut orange and lemon into pieces. 2. Put all ingredients in a sauce pan and cover with water. 3. Simmer on stove, and add additional water during the day, when needed. Holiday Spice 2 c. water 1/2 c. sugar 1 c. pineapple juice 1 c. orange juice 1 lemon, sliced 4 cinnamon sticks 1 Tbs...

Copycat Stouffers Grandma's Chicken and Rice

Indulge in a homemade masterpiece that outshines the frozen aisle. Tender chicken breast, perfectly seasoned and seared to lock in juices, combined with fluffy rice, all enveloped in a rich, creamy semi-homemade sauce. Each bite is a symphony of flavors dancing on your taste buds. This dish is comfort food at its finest, reminiscent of Grandma's kitchen. Say goodbye to the freezer section; this homemade version of Stouffer's Grandma's Chicken and Rice is a culinary triumph you'll crave time and time again! PS this recipe makes a lot! You can get an 8x8 and a 9x13 out of it. It would be perfect to take the extra to a friend in need or to freeze for later.

Low Carb Chicken Spinach and Artichoke Casserole

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, this Chicken Spinach Artichoke Casserole is everything you love about the classic dip—turned into a hearty dinner! Tender chunks of chicken are baked in a rich, savory sauce with spinach, artichokes, and plenty of melty cheese. It’s the perfect easy weeknight meal that feels a little fancy without the fuss. This comforting casserole is a guaranteed family favorite. Bonus: it’s low carb, and super satisfying!

Our real Menu Sept -18-24

Hey There! Thanks for stopping by! Here is this weeks menu, ENJOY YOUR KITCHEN!! DINNERS Leftovers Weiney and Marshmallow Roast Wonton Soup , with wonton strips and roasted broccoli shrimp dip with cream cheese Chicken and noodles, hot rolls and salad Breakfast casserole with Ham eggs potatoes and cheese and fruit Taco salad with Doritos EASY DINNER Chicken bacon ranch pizza, DESSERTS Wacky Cake Salt River Bars

JanDee Crafts

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