Not So Lazy Says: Getting crafty with oranges and Nana

This week, my husband is off from work and is in charge of the activities. Here's his account of today's adventure:

The boys wanted to spend some time with their Nana, who is very busy teaching high school English as the schools have started early. She had a lot to do this first week, but she made time to have some fun with the boys.

The oldest got to go to the barn twice to see Nana’s horse, and he even got to lead the horse down the trail and feed him. The little one didn’t go to the barn because he spent a lot of time being a grouch, mainly because he missed his mommy.

But they worked together when Nana suggested they do a craft called a pomander ball, something Colonial Americans made from whole oranges and cloves. Often they would stud the entire fruit with the cloves and traced intricate patterns. They then hung them in closets or put them in drawers to sweeten the air with their pungent scent. It was something families could do together.

The boys had trouble pushing the cloves in, and they opted to phone it in a little, with the oldest making the Death Star (with just the laser outlined) and the little one making a basic face with just a few cloves.

They told Nana the scent reminded them of pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving though, and the project was still a success. Nana got to spend some time with the grandkids, so that was the most important result anyway.

I've challenged myself to find a new activity to do five days a week every week of the kids' summer vacation. Activities will fall under one of three categories: Arts & Crafts, Sports & Games or Field Trips. Follow me on Twitter @readallaboutsam for immediate updates on posts!