Check out the resources around you!

I got an email a few weeks ago from a website that tells you about local businesses that do field trips.  AC Moore, a craft store, offered a free hour tour of their store for the kids and some craft time.  They didn't give much information, but I couldn't see what could be wrong with it so I booked it and seven moms and their children met Dakota and I there and we signed in for our tour.  Melissa, our tour guide, was great with the kids, keeping their attention and reigning them in when they got a little unruly.  Not only did she show them many sections of the store, but she asked questions and got them talking about how they could use various craft items to do things they enjoyed.  They stopped after about 20 minutes and did a simple chalk and black paper craft, talked and toured for 15 more minutes and then teamed up to do some die cutting and then went into the classroom, where they got to use various mediums to color and create a dream picture.  Then, as if that weren't wonderful enough, each child and sibling got a goodie bag with a make-it-yourself puzzle, a small toy and a coupon for mom.  It was a very nice morning for both the moms and the children.  Thanks, AC Moore!  You were great!