Oh What Do You Do In The Summertime?

Is it summertime for you yet?  My kids still have a week and a half of school left--ugh!  I think I was ready for school to be done a few weeks ago.  Oh well.  But while I am anxious, I know we will all go a little crazy in my house if we don't have some FUN things planned.  To help with this, I created this:

I love when a project comes together how I have planned in my mind!  This little project started brewing in my mind after seeing similar kinds of things on other blogs.  I have had these cute little buckets and the little rod for quite sometime--just been waiting for the right project.  Finally, I figured out what I needed them for!

Here is what I did:

I just used Q-Tips for this.  You don't need very much.  I just spread some along the corners, edges, and randomly through the middle of the board.

To paint the wording, I used the same process I always use when making signs.  Find out HERE.

After I painted the letters, I did a little more sanding over the whole thing--mostly just to give the wording that worn look to match the rest of the board.  Then I just hung the rod.  Simple!

For the buckets, I decided to have one full of activities for me to do with the kids while the husband is at work (or sleeping--he works nights), one full of Family activities, and an empty one to fill up with the activities we actually do (hopefully it will be full by the end of the summer).

I am so excited.  My kids are too--in fact, we did our first activity this afternoon.  We made THESE delicious cookies that I pinned a few weeks ago. Delish!

Hooray for summertime!

Water Balloon Toss

Water balloons are the PERFECT Summertime activity!  All kids love them.  This simple sling-shot makes them even more fun-for kids and adults!  It's REALLY simple to make, too!

 Supplies:
-An old pair of jeans (men's probably works best since they are a little wider)
-Surgical Tubing--about 15' of 1/2" diameter (purchase at medical supply stores or in some pharmacies.)
   **if you can find thicker tubing (about 1"), you only need half that amount because it doesn't need to be doubled up.

Steps:
1--Take your jeans and cut about a 11" section off between the knee and the waist (you don't want the pocket).  Keep the side seams in tact, just cutting straight above the knee and then again 11" up from there.
2--Sew about an inch seam along the jean side seams.  This is where you will feed the tubing.
3--Feed your surgical tubing through those sides you just sewed.  Go around twice so the tubing is doubled up.  Tie your two ends together in a tight knot.

 Now, Have FUN!
You just need 3 people to operate the sling-shot.  One on each side to stretch the tubing out, and one to place the water balloon in the jean sling, pull back, aim, and fire.

It's a BLAST, and a great activity for friends, neighbors, and family!