I have, however, gained a new favorite past-time because of it! I made Treasure Bottles for the girls, knowing very well that they wouldn't even understand the point of them at this age... but that we'd have fun with them instead. Case in point? The Child Life Specialists, Residents and Nurses who play with the versions at CCHMC that are there for children visiting the Emergency Room. Don't know what I'm talking about? Just come over, and you will, because I will be playing with one. And you will be hooked too - just ask Troy. And Kyle. And Cassi. :)
First, I colored lots of rice with food coloring and rubbing alcohol. It was SO pretty...
then it soaked in and dried, and is now sort of dull. But still somewhat pretty, and looking very much like fruity pebbles.
Next, I gathered trinkets. Lots of trinkets. Thanks to my parents and Cassi, for helping with the initial Treasure Hunt to secure items for the Treasure Bottles. That was fun, in and of itself!
After sorting through and narrowing down the items (from about 200 to 172... couldn't get much lower, the stuff was too good!), it was time to start assembly. Oh, wait, if only that were true. Instead it was time to take pictures (because our girls are 1, and are still pre-readers (in case you were wondering)). This turned out to be too irritating for words, and ended up requiring a homemade light tent and some post-processing skills... but two days later, I was pleased (enough) with the results.
It was time to start assembly! Oh wait, not yet. First I had to use a dozen home remedies to get the goo off of the Smart Water bottles. Eventually, it was time --
and then there was key-making --
and finally play!
In case you are concerned, we DO let the girls play. They're actually quite fun to watch, and "get it" more than we thought. We obviously don't give them the key/list or expect them to find the stupid freaking penny (don't ask), but we do have them look for things that are toward the outside, and they love pointing out objects they find and recognize.
And love giving the bottle hugs. (Strange girls :)).
I think this will be a keeper for years to come!
2 comments:
Thanks for the post! I have been wanting to get the girls one of these. Is it worth making? I saw one in the gift shop at Childrens and I have a gift card to use up...so I may just buy it. Can't believe you are going back so soon, it seems like you just got back from FL. Are you driving at night? Hope to see you all on Friday!
Um... it depends. I like that we could put things in it that the girls like and recognize, and some of the ones you buy have very little to look for (or just letters, etc and not a lot of variety). It would depend, I think, on what the one was like. It honestly wasn't bad to make, so perhaps depending also on the price?
We are headed back in a couple of weeks! Keep in mind that we get an annual pass and go at least 3 times in 12 months.... then not again for a little while ;) I hope to see you guys Friday, too!
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