Gloomy Day / Busy Book for toddlers

We've had quite a bit of rain here last night and all today.
It's been one of those "stay inside and find things to do" kind of day.
Brett has wanted to go out all morning. He brought out his shoes and socks, worked on trying to put them on himself. Then when that didn't work he brought me my shoes trying to get his point across.
"I want to go out, Mom."
Sorry, buddy.
We pulled out their large stash of Duplo blocks instead.

Despite the gloomy weather, I've been somewhat productive.
I wiped out the fridge, made some more ice (I still make it the old fashioned way with trays bc I only use bottled water. Picky, I know.), made phone calls, took out the trash, but the most productive thing I've done all day was back up a couple more months worth of photos. I really dislike doing this particular job but I won't delete them from my camera until I have them backed up and my memory card has been full for too long. lol

This was my lunch. Apple slices with peanut butter, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and a few mini chocolate chips. Yum!

A view from our porch.

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I had a busy book or quiet book when I was growing up that had a tent that zipped, a jacket that buttoned, counting apple orchard, and a shoe with laces for tying. It's sorta odd to me that I loved it so much, or at least that's the way I remember it. Maybe it was just the fact that I could do all those activities by myself, I don't know.

So, I'd been thinking about recreating one for the boys and finally did.

It's no where near perfect but it works and they like it.

A tent to zip and a jacket to button.

Count the apples and color matching balloons.

Sensory page (Sheep are one of their favorite animals) and shoe laces to tie. I couldn't figure out how I to make it a shoe, so I just did a couple panels of fabric with button holes then laced them with extra shoe laces I had.

There are so many things you could do. I've seen other books with a pretend clock for learning about time or ribbons to learn how to braid. I love how they provide hours of fun and encourage independence.

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 I have plans for a giveaway. Coming soon! I'm so excited!