10 ways to entertain my kids

Today was one where I spent the morning looking for ways to entertain the kids for a few minutes at a time. Here's what we did.

1. We put bags on our heads.  This was hilarious. Especially when we (as in the kids) decided to start walking around with the bags on our heads.  

 2. Find a toy we haven't seen in a long time.  This is a great thing -- makes the toy like new. And if its an Elmo toy? Even better!

 3. Put a bunch of stuff we play with all the time into a bag. To make it even more interesting, toss in a few household items.  The kids had a blast pulling everything out and inspecting it one by one. I threw in a few toys, some kitchen utensils, a sock, a diaper (not used), and whatever else I could grab.  Thanks to Grandma S. and Target for the perfect-sized bags.

 4. Put cool and interesting stuff within reach, but just on the other side of the gate.  The kids know everything over there is off limits, which means they want to get their hands on whatever those things are.  Put a few textured pillows with tassels on the other side and they are entertained for a long time.

 5. Give them access to things that are normally high up on shelves. In this case, the Nivea cream tub I use for Gordon's dry skin. I had to keep a close eye on them to make sure they didn't get it open. I also had to watch closely they didn't kill each other for the privilege of being the one to get to play with the lotion tub. Totally worth it.

 6. Giant floor puzzles.  Look -- things they are allowed to pull apart! Normally they get in trouble for this.

 7.  Straps, straps, and more straps.  Stroller straps, high chair straps, you name it.  They are determined to figure them out.  I need to get one of those bears/books/toys with buckles on it. Adele would play with that thing for hours.

 8. Close the curtains. Whatever is behind the curtains suddenly becomes totally AWESOME. Plus, we can play hide-and-seek and peek-a-boo with curtains.

 9. Bowls. I don't understand the appeal. But, whatever. Bowls!

 10.  Vacuum.  Because vacuums are the coolest things ever. Obviously.