One of the greatest adventures this summer was discovering Seven Tubs. This is a preserved natural area, at the foot of the Poconos, formed by melting glaciers from the Ice Age. The rock formations are primarily sandstone, but are also comprised of coal, shale, and limestone.

This woodland setting is also home to white-tail deer, the red fox, and black bears. I personally am betting on mountain lions, bobcats, and coyotes. And in the mining caves and rock overhangs reside the bats- a personal fave. An amazing array of birds can be heard singing among the treetops.

Waterfalls are the main attraction. The water cascading from the falls pools in several locations- seven to be exact- creating a wondrous scene. We were attempting to use one of the rock formations as a slide when we heard the last call warning of the attending ranger- who kindly escorted us out. And the sweet brown bats left their roost just in time to bid us farewell.

The First of May is traditionally a time to celebrate the advent of Spring. Warmer weather, the scent of freshly-cut lawns, and dandelions! are welcomed into our lives, leaving the chilly winds of Winter a distant memory. Creating daisy-chain crowns are a lovely way to commemorate the day and spend time together all in one fell swoop. Excellent accessory for everyday, a soiree, or at Lolla.

Ingredients:
6 Pipe Cleaners [green preferred]
One Bunch of Fake Flowers [any variety, daisies pictured]
Hot Glue Gun & Clear Glue Sticks

Flowers were the main attraction in the garden year after year. This year called for an experiment: a vegetable garden. Basically, twenty packages of seeds were purchased and we'll see what grows. Next year I may get fancy & join a seed exchange- they are sprouting up all over the city.

This project is to get a head start on the growing season. It can be done indoors if you would like to start the seedlings in Winter. If you begin in Winter, be sure you have a sun-porch or area to store the containers; one that is exposed to sun & well-protected from the elements. Otherwise, early Spring works well & the containers may be left outside as long as the weather is not frigid.

Kids can help from start to finish, depending upon their skill-set and attention span. Including them in some aspect of the garden [choosing seed varieties, watering, planting, weeding]  will encourage interest and cultivate a sense of responsibility & accomplishment. Happy Earth Day!

Commemorate the First Day of Spring by creating a tulip picture. A variation of the hand print turkey, most children can make their own- even babies. (to an extent) The flower pictured above was made by a one-year old. Just have a damp washcloth within reach to clean messy hands.

Ingredients:
Paint [poster, acrylic, etc]
Paper, construction recommended
Sponge Brush & Paintbrush
Glitter & Glue* [optional]
Damp Washcloth

Choose a color for the flower. Use the sponge brush to apply a thin layer of paint onto the child's entire hand. Place the hand onto the surface of the paper you have selected, pressing down with even pressure. Tulip looks most 'realistic' if the fingers are not outstretched completely. Now grab the washcloth before they get paint everywhere!

Next, dip a paintbrush in green paint. Create a line from the bottom of the flower to the paper's edge; this is the stem. Paint leaves adjacent to the stem, then add small brush strokes to the bottom of the paper to mimic grass. Allow to dry.

*If you have opted to use glitter- then follow the instructions above except replace the paint with white school glue. Dust liberally with glitter.