We recently went all DIY and built the boys a huge sandbox, I’ll share the details on that project soon. We were sort of forced into the project because our little turtle sandbox  barely fit one boy, definitely not two big-little boys. Of course my boys improvised and started digging in the yard, finding random things buried beneath the rocks. I promise, no dead bodies. ;-)  I knew we needed to find them a new place to dig and we might as well fulfill their desire to find cool things. So we created a fun sandbox treasure hunt to celebrate their brand new sandbox.

Sandbox Treasure Hunt 3

A sandbox treasure hunt is very easy to organize. Simply find a few fun trinkets to bury in the sand. I picked up little animals, bugs and marbles at my local dollar store. Shells, army men and pennies would also be fun.

2013-05-18 18.29.09 Since the sandbox was brand new, we simply added the fun “treasure” when we were about 1/2 done filling it with sand. I randomly spread them around and then we raked sand over them. They were then covered by a few more inches as the sandbox was filled up.

Sandbox Treasure Hunt Finding

My boys were super excited by the new sandbox that we didn’t even tell them about the buried treasure. They jumped in and started digging in the dirt right away. Of course Peter and I were waiting on pins and needles, anticipating them finding the first piece of treasure.

Sandbox Treasure Hunt Collage

It was worth the wait. Quinn thought it was awesome!

SandBox Treasure Hunt So far the boys have only found a few pieces of treasure, the treasure hunt my last all summer! I love how $3 can easily enhance the fun of our new sandbox! I imagine next year we will have to work at burying the treasure a little more but after seeing how much the boys enjoyed it, I know it will be worth the effort.

Contemplating a pirate birthday party? A sandbox treasure hunt would be perfect party game!

Have you ever tried a sandbox treasure hunt?

{ 1 comment }

This post is sponsored by TakeLessons.com

My Future Musicians

School’s out and little league just finished up which means our busy schedule just slowed down. I’m all in favor of a little break during the summer but I also want to avoid the “I’m bored” whine, so we try to sign up for at least one fun activity. Outside sports are not an option during the summer because we like to avoid heat exhaustion! There are some fun indoor activities to consider, like gymnastics, art classes or music lessons.

Quinn loves jamming with Peter and after the fantastic year he had in kindergarten, I think he’s old enough to really learn from a music instructor. The music instructor is actually more of my concern now because we don’t know anyone that teaches music.  I know some people are comfortable finding services on craigslist but I am not one of them, especially potential instructors for my child!

Luckily I was just introduced to a company that can help. TakeLessons.com connects families with private music teachers, arts instructors and academic tutors nationwide.

Safety

Every instructor is extensively interviewed and trained.  Plus they conduct annual criminal background checks.  The company has worked with 30,000 students nationwide since 2006, so I feel confident they have a good system in place to find quality instructors.

Variety

With over 30 lesson types available, including guitar, singing, piano, drums, violin, dance, acting and academic tutoring, they have just about everyone’s interest covered.

Flexibility

TakeLessons.com offers both in Home and in Studio lessons. I really appreciate the fact they have a 100% Money Back Guarantee and no long-term commitments. You can switch your schedule, teacher or instrument at any time. We aren’t there yet with the boys but I remember my friends wanting to switch instruments all the time in elementary school. It must have drove their parents bonkers! ;-)

Academic Tutoring

Online math and Academic Tutoring via Skype is also available. Sometimes kids need to catch up or want to get ahead over the summer, with an online service it’s easy to fit tutoring sessions into your family’s schedule!

SUMMER KICKOFF SALE

TakeLessons.com is offering a special summer kickoff sale. Save 20% off all lesson packages starting today, May 23rd through next Tuesday, May 28th. Just mention “MUSICMOM19” when you call, TakeLessons.com at 619-618-7459. The promo is also valid when booking online.

SummerSale_banner_MomBlog19_500x375

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Takelessons.com. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Do your kids take music lessons?

{ 0 comments }

staycation-image-square

Budget Travel Ideas {Frugal Ramblings}

May 22, 2013

Yesterday I shared “cool” ideas on what to do in Tucson if you’re planning a staycation or just need to keep the kids busy this summer! And today I am sharing a HUGE list of frugal family activities for cities across the country. Bloggers from all over joined forces to create a list of Staycation ideas for [...]

Read the full article →
Mt Lemmon Ski Valley

Staycation Ideas: What to do in Tucson

May 21, 2013

School is out for summer and you have almost 3 months to keep your kids cool and entertained.  I pulled together a list of 10 fun things to do in Tucson. I tried to keep the activities as frugal as possible since I know most people are on a budget.  Check out my list of [...]

Read the full article →
Pirate Birthday Party Ideas Pin

Pirate Party Fun

May 19, 2013

Yesterday I took Quinn to a friend’s birthday party, an awesomely fun pirate birthday party. Naturally, we are pirate fans and because I know some of you are too, I wanted to share some of their fun pirate birthday party ideas! Pirate Birthday Party Ideas My absolute favorite part of the party was the “Walking the [...]

Read the full article →
579154_600754539952589_588451210_n

iPhone 101 and 201: Tips And Tricks For YOU!

May 16, 2013

Thank goodness for Becca. I don’t know what I would do with my technology guru! I’ve only been an iPhone convert for about a year and man was I CLUELESS at first. I probably still am. Becca is guest posting today, sharing tip and tricks for all the iPhone newbies and almost newbies out there. [...]

Read the full article →
Frugal Ramblings Button

Cleaning Out Closets {Frugal Ramblings}

May 15, 2013

  I am JUST now getting around to spring cleaning, or rather spring organizing. Technically we have 5 weeks until summer, so I still have time. Therefore, I am switching topics on Frugal Ramblings this week from Disneyland to Spring Cleaning and Organizing. Specifically, I am talking about cleaning out closets.  Keeping your closet organized [...]

Read the full article →
Shamrock Farms Tour2

Shamrock Farms Tour {Travel Tuesday}

May 14, 2013

A few weeks ago the boys and I were invited to tour Shamrock Farms. I have to admit I was pretty excited and thankfully my boys were too. The Shamrock Farms tour was already on my to-do list, we just hadn’t made it there yet. For those unfamiliar with Shamrock Farms, what rock do you live under? [...]

Read the full article →
amazon-gift-card

Awesomely Fun Giveaway!

May 13, 2013

Who doesn’t love giveaways? Winning them is best but hosting them is fun too! I love picking winners. Speaking of winners… Do you follow Becca over at Our Crazy Boys? She also lives in Tucson and has two older boys which means her tween stories are a preview of the fun I can expect in a [...]

Read the full article →
Disney Pin Trading

The Best Disney Trip Souvenirs {Frugal Ramblings}

May 9, 2013

We travel on a budget, it’s the only way we can. That doesn’t mean we stay at no tell motels and eat top ramen cooked in the coffee maker. Although if you are willing to rock that, more power to ya! One of the ways we control our budget is with souvenirs. Souvenirs are fun [...]

Read the full article →
Cinemark

Kids Summer Movie Program in Tucson 2013 {Tucson Tuesday}

May 7, 2013

Summer in Tucson means cooling off in the pool or air conditioned movie theaters! Luckily most theaters in Tucson offer free or cheap kids summer movies! Grand Cinemas Free admission for all kids 10 and under, $2 for everyone else. $4 Kids Pack when seeing a summer kids club movie. Movies shown Monday-Friday only. Oracle [...]

Read the full article →
Black_Ribbon_svg

Melanoma Black Monday – May 6th

May 5, 2013

Tomorrow is Melanoma Black Monday. Please join thousands of other people in wearing black tomorrow to raise awareness for Melanoma. I am wearing black for my friend Martha, a fellow Tucson chica, mom and blogger. She is fighting stage 4 melanoma right now. Melanoma Black Monday What can you do to show your support? Wear black [...]

Read the full article →
2011-12-24 December2011 074

40 Before 40 – A Bucket List

May 3, 2013

Yup. Figured it was time to join the bucket list club. Not that I plan on kicking the bucket at 40 or anything. If you google bucket lists or things like 30 before 30, 50 before 50 you will find a ton of ideas. It’s fun to see how many things I have done that [...]

Read the full article →
deltaco graphic

Del Taco Free Food Wednesdays {Giveaway}

May 2, 2013

Congrats to #10 Melina R. and #51 Misty D. you each won a $20 Del Taco Gift Card I am super excited to learn that Del Taco is introducing a new Buck and Under Menu that features fresh ingredients. I have to admit, when picking up fast food tacos I don’t think of quality ingredients, [...]

Read the full article →