Just Add Water (and Free Summer Coloring Pages)
Simple, fun and free summer coloring pages are the perfect way to keep kids (or adults!) busy during these last few sweltering days of summer.
In the summertime we have an unwritten family goal to go somewhere with water as often as possible. Camping trips to the lake, afternoons at the pool or splash pad, swimming lessons. Our local park has a sweet little creek running through it that we love to visit after dinner sometimes, just to stick our feet in the water.
I’m a firm believer that if kids are grumpy the solution is: Just Add Water. Seriously, it helps turn around their attitudes so quickly. It doesn’t have to be a huge day at the beach either, we Just Add Water frequently just to make it through a few grumpy minutes.
A few simple ideas that we have used on a regular basis:
Water + measuring cups/spoons in the bath
Sprinkler + trampoline
Watering can for the garden or flowers
We used to have this awesome water table that my littles enjoyed a lot when they were small
Splash park/local pool
Go wading in a lake or river or stream
Play with bubbles and/or water in the sink or bathtub
Even if you don’t have little kids around, adding water to your day is a great way to turn things around if you need a reset.
Another tried and true option to turn our frowns upside down is art time. Setting out an art invitation for my kids in the afternoons is one of the easiest ways I’ve found to help us avoid grumpiness at the end of the day.
In the interest of helping us all make it through the final push of summer, I’m sharing a couple of free coloring pages in this post. One is water themed, and I also created a fun ice cream coloring page because honestly, what's better than ice cream on a hot summer day?
I’ve included three different sizes for each of the coloring pages so you can use them in all sorts of different ways: cards, journals, letters to loved ones, or just to hang up on a bulletin board. Click the link below to download.
These would also be great for teachers who need a quick activity for fast finishers!
Happy coloring, my friends! And may I challenge you to sit down and join in with your kids (or do this on your own if you don’t have tiny ones around)? According to the Mayo Clinic, coloring is beneficial for adults on many levels.
On My Desk:
I’m hoping to finish this multiple panel abstract piece this week in order to submit it for an art show deadline next month. I’ll be sharing more about this piece and its’ symbolism in the future. I’m loving how it’s coming together. As an artist, I find immense joy when a project looks just the way I’ve pictured it in my mind. This is one of those projects.
Around Here
Reading:
I just finished Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story by Bono and loved it, for the most part. The book is looong and could have done with a tighter edit, in my opinion. (But how do you tell Bono not to include all the details?) I love U2 and the incredible humanitarian work Bono has been a part of over the years. This book includes a lot of name-dropping, but that’s probably unavoidable given the circumstances. Bono is a gifted storyteller, and I found this peek behind the curtains fascinating.
The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin is in the running for my favorite book of the year. This is a backlist gem. Vibes are a little bit Steinbeck and a little bit Anne of Green Gables (but darker). The protagonist reminded me so much of Matthew Cuthbert, which I loved. This story could be called character-driven or quiet, and while that’s not a deterrent for me, make sure you’re in the mood for that kind of book in order to do it justice.
Watching: The Olympics! Just like many of you, I’m sure. We’ve started with some soccer and rugby highlights and are looking forward to the next couple of weeks of pretty much exclusive Olympics content.
On YouTube: Four ways to use leftover embroidery thread
In the House/Yard: I ate our first grape tomato this week, and it’s making me so very excited for tomato season. It’s short, but sweet where we live and I look forward to homegrown tomatoes all winter/spring.
In the Shop: collage fodder mystery packs
Here’s to making time for the things we love to do!
Heidi
