With lots of festive talk and preparations at home and school over the last couple of weeks - I wanted to set up something fun for the children on their return home from a busy day at school. Something that would be calming but creative. Collaborative and fun. I work hard to build positive relationships between the children. I find activities where they can either create or play alongside each other are a positive way to do this. I see them helping each other, sharing, praising each other on their efforts - it's magic for me as their Mum to watch them like this. 

We were recently invited to stay at Landal Darwin Forest. We stayed in Chatsworth Elite Vogue - lodge number 5. A contemporary and luxurious lodge that was well equipped, spacious and sat with a backdrop of peaceful woodland. 

We've had a lovely day today. Autumn sunshine was a perfect invitation to head outdoors. We went out to the country park. The River Severn has bursts it's banks pretty badly so it was a real eye opener seeing that today. After 4 hours out and about in the autumnal sunshine we came back home. The pumpkins were all sitting on the shelf - waiting to be carved. I set this activity up for my daughter. Well I say set up - there is very little set up needed for these painted pumpkins. They're a great carve free alternative! They look incredible and it really is mesmerising watching the paint marble together. 

I shared this over on Instagram this evening and had such an amazing reaction!

Over the last couple of weeks I have been keeping bits and bobs that would usually be heading to the recycle bin. Items such as egg cartons, cardboard rolls from the kitchen, cardboard from deliveries and string came together to make today's fun possible.

It was something that I had prepared as a ready to go to activity. I like to plan things ahead of time as well as just going with the flow play. Sometimes an opportunity will present itself where I can just whip a ready made play set up out and leave them to have fun.