The other day, we were all a bit on edge, and getting on each other's nerves. I remembered that I had a brand new package of Moon Sand in the top of my closet. I had purchased it for Ben for Christmas, but then decided to hold off. I decided it was time to break it out. It was a gorgeous day, nearly 70 degrees and sunny. So, I poured out the Moon Sand into a big plastic bin, and we all went out onto the patio. 
The kids LOVED the Moon Sand, and they played and played -- NICELY and PEACEFULLY -- for well over an hour. I felt like a good mom for that time frame. Let me just say, though, that I am VERY glad that I didn't give this to Ben in December! This is definitely an OUTDOOR activity, unless you are less picky about sand on your floors; OR your kids are older and cleaner at play.
It really is a great activity, and it gets us out of the house, using imaginations, and cooperating (well, relatively speaking.)
The other morning, Ben was taking a LONG time to get dressed. Finally he came down all dressed for school. A short time later, I needed to get something from his room. That's when I ran into HIM! Yes, the invisible man really does exist!!
