Happy Father's Day!

I don't know about you, but I like to celebrate the day by making an Animoto video.

This year's video:

For videos from previous years check out:

Father's Day 2012
Father's Day 2011 (extended version)
Father's Day 2011 (original)

Happy Father's Day!

GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED A Great Day in Jersey City and A Giveaway for Two Tickets to the Liberty Science Center!

The Giveaway has ended. Winner to be annouced soon.

We spent Father's Day in Jersey City, and it was awesome.

I had no idea Jersey City had such a gorgeous waterfront, including amazing views of Manhattan.

We had brunch at the Hyatt Regency, which is right on the water in Jersey City and my toddler son Ziggy just loved watching the boats go by.

Afterwards, we headed out for a walk on the promenade where we told the kids they could see their grandma's apartment across the way.

So of course, Ziggy called her.

They made plans to go for a swim and meet half-way next time.

Next, we went over to the Liberty Science Center.

Jersey City Family Fun

We spent Father's Day in Jersey City. I have a lot to share about our day, but the post is still working its way towards being done.

In the meantime, here's some photos of us hanging out on the Jersey City waterfront.

A good time for all.

Happy Father's Day!

After making Father's Day videos last year, I figured I wouldn't repeat myself again this year.

But then the kids provided such cute footage of themselves wishing their dad a happy Father's Day, that I couldn't help myself.

Happy Father's Day!



Arts and Crafts for Fourth of July, Flag Day and Father's Day

If you're feeling crafty for Flag Day, or Father's Day, I've got some ideas over at NJFamily.com.

For Flag Day, there are directions to make this easy, and theoretically mess-free, American Flag using dried beans. And of course, it would be perfect for a Fourth of July celebration as well.

I should note that my toddler son threw the beans all over the kitchen instead of patiently gluing them down, which almost anyone would find annoying.

Kitchen floor. With beans the toddler flung.

Almost anyone except his grandma who said, "good for you - crafts are a waste of time!"

For Father's Day, I've got lots of ideas from the Pinterest font - check out Homemade Gift Ideas for Dear Ol' Dad.

And you can always make Dad a video, check out the one I made my husband for Father's Day last year here.

Happy Flag Day!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Fourth of July!

For lots for Fourth of July arts and crafts, click here.

Happy Father's Day to My Dad

My Dad and me, fifteen years ago, Washington, DC

Image Source

Lots more retro photos on the Random Handprints page on Facebook.

Animoto what have you done to me? A Father's Day Video for My Husband

Yesterday I learned about Animoto from the lovely ladies at Cool Mom Picks.

I made a nice, reasonable video for my Dad for Father's Day. It was reasonable both in the time it took me to create and the time it would take to watch.

But curse you Animoto, because you are addictive. So today I made one for my husband. I am posting it here, but I do not expect you to watch it. It is really long.  But I am hoping just the right length if you are the father of the kids in the photos. Happy Father's Day!



I am an affiliate of Animoto, you can get $5 off with this link. I take no responsibility for any addiction to the service you may develop.

Happy Father's Day, Grandpa!

Happy Father's Day Grandpa!

My Father's Day video for my Dad. Animoto is awesome.



Big thanks to Cool Mom Tech for writing about Animoto. Less thanks for the 1,649 hours I will now be spending there making videos.

You can use this link to get $5 off a Pro subscription to Animoto.

Wordless Wednesday: In Honor of Father's Day

When I lived on the Upper West Side, I used to pass this sign every day on the way to take my kids to preschool.

It always made me sad. I came across this photo I took of the sign when I was looking through some old pictures on the computer, and thought with Father's Day coming up it was as good time as any to share these thoughts.

And yes, reading this still makes me sad. (You may have to click on the photo to be able to read it.)

Here's hoping next Father's Day all the dads are back home.

Handprint Crafts for June - Graduations, Flag Day and Father's Day

It's June and the crafting is easy with grads and dads to celebrate, as well as the grand ol' flag. And yes, I've found handprint crafts to share for all these holidays. You can also check some of the previous handprint craft posts for suns, flowers and other fun crafts for summertime.

For many families, June brings a graduation or a "moving up' ceremony.  I love this personalized graduation certificate from Makes and Takes, made with a child's handprint. This project is easy enough to make at school with every child in the class, or at home for a family keepsake:

Photo from MakesandTakes.com

Flag Day is on Saturday, June 14. This holiday commemorating the adoption of the 13-star version of the Flag of the United States in 1777 (the 50-star version was adopted on July 4, 1960) is the perfect time to make a handprint flag with your own little patriots:

Photo from LessonPlansPage.com

You can also make a flag with handprints and footprints. Serendipity has great instructions for making this patriotic masterpiece:

Photo from Serendipity

Father's Day is Sunday, June 15, and I love combining the handprint theme with the sentiment "Best Dad, Hands Down" on everything from tee shirts to ceramic tiles to greeting cards.

Roots and Wings Co. has a version on canvas,which is explained in great detail, but to be honest, still seems like it would be a lot of work for a regular person like me to create. Still, it looks so good it would be worth the effort. I'm planning to give it my best mom-try with the kids.

Photo from Roots and Wings Co.

I also love this Father's Day Hand Print Sun Catcher. The Homeschool Classroom has very detailed instructions, and a reminder for along the way that it's the process not the product. So true in life in general, and especially when crafting with kids.

Happy June, happy handprint crafts, and happy summer!

Have other great crafts to share? Please leave your links in the comments below.