It's Raining~ It's Pouring! So what to do when it rains you ask!? Well we say~ Splash in the Puddles & Play in the Rain!! That’s right! There’s nothing better than experiencing the rain and splashing in puddles!! There are many healthy benefits to playing in the rain such as aerobic exercise when running and jumping through puddles. Here are a few ways to play in the rain~
1. Use waterproof toys to create the ultimate obstacle course for a fun family race. Split into teams (so what, if there's only two of you — compete against each other) and take turns kicking a beach ball around cones.
2. Use spring sprinkles to create a work of art. Start by putting several colors of powdered tempera paint into empty containers with plastic shaker tops. Give each of your little artists a sheet of heavy white construction paper and allow them to sprinkle two or three colors onto the paper. Lay a plastic trash bag on the ground, and help your grandchildren gently place their powdered papers on the plastic. Watch the light rain turn the powder into beautiful art, and then take the pictures inside to dry.
3. Give your young photographers disposable waterproof cameras so they can capture the stormy weather on film. Spring showers provide a perfect opportunity to capture rare images of water droplets, colorful cloud formations, reflections in puddles, and beautiful rainbows. Shoot away, then drop off the cameras at a same-day photo processing center and send your shutterbugs home with the prints for lasting memories.
4. Slide in the wet grass when playing in the rain. Obviously, the wet ground will make it easier for you to slide and you'll travel further in your slides. Make sure to wear clothing that you won't mind ruining if you choose to slide on the ground during a rainstorm, though. The grass and mud stains may not come out of your clothing.
5. Here’s a great blog about playing in the rain: http://www.sunhatsandwellieboots.com/2012/03/20-ways-to-play-in-rain.html
In need of raincoats and rain boots?
Ask around at thrift shops, they might donate them!
And don’t forget to look for the Rainbow!!
Always remember!!
Never play in the rain
if there is thunder and lightening!!!
Be sure and stop by the Mitchell-Yancey Partnership for Children office located at 392 East Main in Burnsville
to see the beautiful Ladybug Quilt that was donated by Needle Me This~
we are raffling off the quilt, ladybug hand puppet, & a hardback
copy of Eric Carle's The Grouchy Ladybug~ for only $5.00 per ticket on
October 15!!! 
We have also been busy at the Cain River Park in Burnsville working on the new playground! Can you believe it's been a year since the installation!? Here are a few pictures from last year~ be sure to go out and see all the wonderful changes that have taken place! Also, be sure to look for the Ladybug and Bumblebee Tic-Tac-Toe board to play on~ just remember to leave the game pieces! :D Be on the look-out for more fun additions~ Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 17 for the Community Day from 9-11:30~ there will be lots of fun things to do as well as help make the park a great place! 
(828) 765-5130
