Summer Activity Link-Up: Planting

Summertime is such a fun time of the year with little ones. It can also become overwhelming as there is so much free time you wonder what exactly to do to fill it. This summer, let's prepare ahead of time. This way we can plan out some fun and educational activities for our little ones before the moments of boredom and craziness hit!

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When I was asked to co-host this link-up, I kind of drew a blank.  What summer activities do we do with our kids?  Ummm....most of the time I just send them outside to play.  I don't have a stack of ideas and indoor learning/play activities that I can easily go to for a quick fix  (clearly, I need one). It's pretty plain around here.  However, I've found that if the kids get to help Jeremy and I do something that we're already planning on doing, they typically love it most.  Hence...planting a garden.

We planted both a flower garden and a vegetable garden recently.  I won't say it was all sunshine and roses. In fact, I kind of wanted to plant a couple of them in the ground and leave them for a bit.  But, all in all it was fun and great for the boys!

They each got a little spade to dig with...

 ...and we put the flowers in their tiny wheel barrow to take around to the various spots.

Some of the plants were easier to just carry.

Then it came time for the vegetable garden...

We first had to clear out all of the tumbleweeds and dead leaves.  So, Peter helped rake while we shoveled it over the fence.

 John Paul did what he could...which was mostly digging in his own pile of dirt.

 Carter helped take some plants from the house to the garden.

 And, Peter dug some holes for the strawberries.

They loved to water each seed and plant, and they even dropped a few seeds in the holes.  If you aren't able to have a full garden, I think it would be just as much fun to grap a bag of potting soil, seeds, and plant food and plant something in a plastic cup or a small pot.  I know herbs grow well inside - or even a bean plant - just so the kids can see something grow over the summer.

If you're looking for something a little less dirty, we also love to bake together (here) or make our own play dough (here)! 

Check out what my co-hosts are sharing about on their blogs! They each are such great mommas with wonderful ideas I know you will be inspired by!

Ice Block Toys by Becky @ BYBMG Facebook - Google+ - Instagram - Pinterest - Twitter

Denise @ Gratefully Inspired Facebook - Google+ - Instagram - Pinterest - Twitter

Easy to Prepare Activities by Elizabeth @ All Kinds of Things Facebook - Instagram - Pinterest

Summer Activities Jar by Katie @ The Lane Above Facebook - Instagram - Pinterest

Summer Birthday Parties by Sarah @ Abiding In Grace Facebook - Pinterest - Instagram

Tara @ Tieras and Touchdowns Facebook - Google+ - Instagram - Twitter

Summer Activity Binder by Keri @ Living In This Season Facebook - Google+ - Instagram - Pinterest

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