Oh my. I
have been neglectful of my blogging duties, and the blog has barely even started! *sigh*
This past weekend we attended our first "official" Build and Grow workshop at our local Lowe's. I say this is the first official one because we were actually introduced to the program through a carnival at a local business, but there they simply gave us the kits to take home. This time we actually went to Lowe's and built our project there, mainly because it's good to get out of the house and be surrounded by other people once in awhile.
Let me say, in all honesty, that I really try to avoid the big chain stores of the Lowe's type, but I couldn't pass up this opportunity. I've been wanting to add woodworking to our list of activities, but my husband is more than a little trepidatious about the idea. Hammers and screwdrivers equal DANGER to him, and while that certainly can be the case, I think the best thing is to teach our children how to use these tools in the proper, respectful manner to avoid injury. This little workshop, with Lowe's workers presiding, seemed the perfect thing to assuage his fears and let the kids get down with a few tools.
I had originally planned to take the three older children by myself, but at the last minute my husband graciously decided to come, so it became a family event (which thrilled me!). The project was to build a toy UFO, complete with blinking signal light at the top. My son was
so very excited. While the girls' enthusiasm didn't quite match that of their brother, they certainly didn't want to be left out of the experience. This was especially the case when they realized that they got goggles and a project apron with nametag to keep (the children are meant to bring their aprons and goggles back for subsequent projects). All of the toy's pieces were pre-cut, and nail holes were pre-drilled but still the project had its challenges. We managed to get all three UFO's built in the matter of half an hour or so though, including each child putting the decorative stickers on their completed toy.
When we were done we were given certificates of completion, Boy Scout-like badges to sew onto their aprons (which, of course, I still haven't done) and six free frosty coupons which I felt was an okay, rare treat on an extremely hot day. The kids were thrilled!
The workshops happen every two weeks, and each of my three older children is eager to go back for the next project, a bug house. Right up their alley...
Overall, I think this is a great fit for our family with its tool phobia, even if my husband did hammer his thumb to the point of bleeding. ;) (It just HAD to happen to HIM, didn't it? Sheesh.) If you are interested in attending a clinic near you, please visit the
Lowe's Build and Grow website.
Also, I feel the need to say that I was not in any way compensated by Lowe's for this post. Thanks!
