Swimming lessons and a new PaddlePak

Sunnyboy has always enjoyed swimming and even more so since he started swimming lessons last year, so  we were delighted to be asked to review a backpack and accessory from the new PaddlePak range by Trunki. Sunnyboy chose the Shark PaddlePak and Jellyfish grab bag.

When they arrived in the post we packed Sunnyboy's swimming kit in the Shark PaddlePak ready to try it out at his next swimming lesson. There was lots of room for Sunnyboy's swimming trunks, towel, goggles and shampoo and we could easily have fitted my swimming kit in there too! The PaddlePak is much more comfortable for Sunnyboy to carry than the swimming bags he's had previously.



We were really impressed with the PaddlePak's water resistant fabric. We usually go out for the afternoon after Sunnyboy's swimming lesson so it's great to have a bag that stays dry. Here's Sunnyboy modelling his new Shark PaddlePak outside the swimming pool.













We love all the special features of the Shark PaddlePak, especially the pocket in the tail fin where we put Sunnyboy's hairband and money for a locker.

• Water resistant fabric 
• Roll top tight seal 
• Trunki grip™ 
• Reflective fish detail 
• Padded straps and back for comfort 
• Zip fin pocket for small valuables 
• Recommended for ages 6+ 
• Spacious 10 litre capacity

The Jellyfish grab bag is also a really useful accessory, and very cute!

• Water resistant
• Wide-opening for easy packing
• Break-away safety buckle
• Roll-top dry seal 

Now that he is the proud owner of a PaddlePak Sunnyboy was very excited to see the new PaddlePak TV advert, created by Aardman Animations, which is being broadcast across children's TV throughout the Easter holidays.



You can see the whole range of PaddlePaks (which also includes backpacks for ages 3-6 years) at the Trunki website and also follow Trunki on Twitter and Facebook.



Note: We received a Shark PaddlePak and Jellyfish grab bag to review but have not received payment for this post. All opinions are our own.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember...
SouleMama

Ancient Egypt project: how to mummify Action Man

We've been doing various projects on Ancient Egypt and a favourite topic is mummies. Inspired by a post on Kids Activities Blog, Mummification: Let’s Mummify Barbie!, we decided to make an Action Man Mummy.

We collected the things we would need to mummify Action Man (and his cat) then started the mummification process.


Click on the picture to enlarge it and see what we used

First Sunnyboy removed the organs, leaving the heart, and put them into canopic jars. Then he removed Action Man's brain (by inserting a long hook through his nose) and discarded it. He used salt to dry out the body and oils to anoint it.





After the preparations were complete he wrapped the body with linens. Finally he put the death mask on Action Man Mummy and put it in the sarcophagus along with the mummified cat, canopic jars, the Book of the Dead and clothes, food, money and jewels for the afterlife.



We also visited the Ancient Egypt galleries at our local museum and looked at real sarcophagi, canopic jars and a mummified cat.

You may also like:

15 books about Egypt for children


Another 15 books about Egypt for children


Scooby Doo sand play


Homemade wooden Angry Birds game


Pirate boat (and a treasure map)


Hunt the fossilised dinosaur poo


Click here to see the play, crafts and learning ideas blog link-ups we share at.

HOME EDUCATION: HISTORY on Sunny Days Pinterest.

Teddy had a baby

Sunnyboy loves playing with cuddly toys and often buys cuddly toys from our charity shop. When he was younger Monkey was his favourite but for the last couple of years the favourite has been Teddy. The other evening, after Sunnyboy had gone to bed, I found a mini teddy bear that I'd bought and hadn't yet given to Sunnyboy. I left the little teddy in big Teddy's lap, on the sofa, for Sunnyboy to find in the morning. The next day when Sunnyboy woke up and went into the living room he was so excited. He came running to me and said, "Mama, Teddy's had a baby", then added, "I didn't know Teddy was a girl".

I love you Sunnyboy. Happy Valentine's Day.