Magikus and Loops and Looms!

Ever play Lego Magikus? I did this weekend with a 7 year old--my oldest grandson. This is one of the new games that require you to build the game and then play it. It has a set of rules and then suggests you can add rules or make up your own. I never thought I would get through the directions, let alone play the game through, add rules, and then make up our own rules.

We had so much fun. We found that some rules we made up made it impossible for anyone to win. Then we had to re-negotiate the rules. We laughed and laughed at our ideas and failures. I've learned he's become quite a brainstormer!!

With my 5 year old granddaughter, I helped her weave her first potholder--Loops and Looms. I didn't know if she would like to do this, let alone enjoy it. She picked up on it right away and was then using the hook to do her weaving. She wanted to finish it in one afternoon, and I told her she didn't have to. She said she never gives up! I told her it's not a matter of giving up but to enjoy doing it. She was getting tired and started making mistakes. I coaxed her this was another reason to take her time. She certainly has perseverance.

Games and crafts are a great way to learn about your grandchildren.