Cheap Unexpected Entertainment

This morning, I pulled out my box of birthday decorations, which now houses the leftover prizes from Ryan's Carnival party that I plan to use for future goodie bags. The intention began to give each child a tattoo on their hand, but they continued to pull additional items out of the box.

Who would have thought that two balloons would keep these kids entertained for over an hour? They both had a blast blowing them up, letting the air out and watching them fly around the room. Or laughing hysterically as they pulled the balloon end so that the escaping air sounded like...flatulence. (Let's just use that word there, 'kay?)

After the balloons, they pulled out the baby containers of bubbles. Clearly, we haven't played with bubbles in a while because, again, they were captivated on the back porch for another hour.

I love that my kids are finding joy and entertainment in the simple things. One other cheap, easy idea that I want to share: the other day, my neighbor pulled out a bucket filled with water and a couple of 2-3 inch paint brushes. Her daughter and my kids painted the sidewalks with water for hours, until I had to tear them away for bathtime. They had a BLAST, specifically Kaylin. She was mesmerized with the fact that the water evaporated (quite quickly here in DRY Phoenix) and she'd race to repaint her masterpiece.

I'm sure this is all a part of the "kids love playing with the box more than the gift" concept. How great would it be to still have that kind of imagination?