Want to buy some lemonade?

We recently returned from a very long road trip where for the first time I let my son watch movies on a portable dvd player.  He watched eight episodes of Curious George on the way home, including the one where George sells lemonade.  When it was over, and after a second viewing of that episode, my son insisted that he had to make a lemonade stand.  So insistent, that he became obsessed with the idea!  After realizing that we had recycled all of the huge boxes we had saved for so long, he settled for making a sign, with help, and using a table and a chair.  He even created an "employees only" sign for under the table where he stored supplies. 

Thankfully we always have lemonade on hand, along with some little cups.  My son donned his "Home Depot" pocket apron and went to work setting things up.  After selling cups to his parents, his first customer, the neighbor's boyfriend, came over to buy a cup.  My son clammed up and hid under the table!  He is so shy sometimes.  Eventually he adjusted and was able to sell a few more cups to neighbors and cars passing by.  He even told me one lady stopped and gave him a dollar even though she didn't want any lemonade.  He banked all of his quarters before I had a chance to count them, but I think he made about two dollars!  Not bad for a couple of hours. 

Popcorn, easy and healthy snack

After reading lots about the dangerous chemicals in microwave popcorn and never having much luck not burning it, I finally did a bit of research and learned how to properly pop some corn on the stove top.  Using a heavy bottom stainless steel pan, I make this great snack all the time for us.  I use about three tablespoons of coconut oil to give it great flavor.  I heat the oil with three kernels of corn in a covered pan until the three kernels pop, then I add about a half cup of organic popping corn.  I vent the lid a bit to let steam escape, but not the popcorn.  Trader Joe's sells organic popcorn for about $2 and the little bit of oil is inexpensive as well (I buy coconut oil at Whole Foods.) 

Instead of buying popcorn at the movies, I pop a batch at home and bring it in a big zip top bag.  Definitely cheaper than buying it at the movies!  We saw Puss in Boots last week at the Regal $1 movies and this snack was a hit with the kids.

Fun at home depot

Did you know that the first Saturday of each month your local Home Depot offers a free and fun kids event?  It's recommended for ages five and up.  My son's friend told him about it and of course we had to give it a try.  My son won't be five until September, and he probably was a bit young for the activitiy, but with our help he was able to complete the project and have fun!

The project for July was making a small wood Penske truck.  Kids received an apron to wear, complete with logo, and all the parts to make the little truck.  Tables were out with glue and hammers.  My son said the nails were dangerous, so he didn't want to assemble the truck.  He helped sand the wood, and did a little bit of the hammering.  He finished the truck by painting it and later applying the decals provided.  He was so excited to have a completed truck.  He also received a certificate of participation and a little pin for his apron with the project on it.  We are planning to go to the next one.

I was impressed with seeing so many kids at the event.  There were kids with aprons covered in pins!  Apparently it's a very popular event.  The employees were really helpful and kind. It made such an impression on my son that now he wants to have his birthday party there!  I don't think they do parties!