Is it just me, or is the fall craft involving placing a leaf under a piece of paper and coloring over it to bring out the print one of those timeless activities that I did as a kid, and you did as a kid and maybe even your aunt, grandma or cousin did as kids?  Well, whether it is timeless in your personal history or whether it’s just that way in mine, I tried doing it with Eli this morning after dropping Logan off at school and maybe he’s not quite old enough yet, but close.

It occurred to me to try this project after the long trek home from school that involved me pushing Eli on his scooter with one hand and carrying Logan’s scooter and helmet with the other hand. (You see, Eli got tired and gave up his desire to scoot all the way home, and being the loving mother that I claim to be, I offered to push him…) “Weeee,” Eli shouted as I began to feel beads of sweat forming on my back. Why did I wear this down vest when the high today is predicted to be 80 degrees again? But, I didn’t have an extra hand in which to hold it with. Which brings me back to my original notion of trying the leaf project with Eli. Because, and thank goodness, there was a nice breeze, the leaves were racing across the side walk in front of us, reminding me that there was quality time to be had here – not re-organizing the pantry like I had originally planned to do.

I asked Eli to help me collect some leaves from the front yard for a fun project. He was all about it, collecting them up and closing them tightly in his almost-3-year-old hand. I was sure to grab some extra to compensate for the slightly crumpled up ones.

Well, he liked watching me do it that’s for sure. But he didn’t quite understand the whole concept of coloring gently, maybe with the crayon at an angle.

However, the beauty of this right here, is that it is his work and he was proud of it. He tried the project and this is what he came up with. And, as I’m sure all of you moms out there would agree, and your friends would too, that this right here (up there) is a master piece! I get it, you may not think my child’s work is a master piece, because your child’s work is a masterpiece.  Aren’t we all proud mothers of the fastest runner, the most creative artist, the most imaginative brain, the best singer, the most well-behaved?

What are some of your favorite fall crafts from your childhood? Tell me down there in the comment section. I’d love to get some new ideas! Happy Fall!