Hosting Kids in the Yard

Old yogurt cups make fantastic cups for kids to drink from in the yeard, a tip that one of my *mommy friends* shared last year.  They can be cleaned in the dishwasher and reused, and if any get lost or left behind, it's no big deal.  Save a variety of *flavors*, so kids can easily identify which is theirs.  Or, use a permanent marker to write their name on the cup.

Avoid sugary juice drinks--kids need water to stay hydrated.  Sometimes I take a drink jug with a spout for easy dispensing and make *bug juice*.  All it is is water with a splash of fruit juice to add a little flavor.  Juice boxes get costly, and don't believe all their claims--Capri Sun boasts that their juice pouches *contain no artifical colors, flavors or preservatives*, but the second ingredient listed is *high fructose corn syrup*--nasty stuff!

Invest in a popsicle mold.  Kids love making their own popsicles from fruit juice.  Try experimenting by mixing 2 flavors of juice.  

Use cookie cutters to make interesting shapes out of cheese or apple slices for a healthy snack that's fun!