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Thursday, February 27, 2014

Tic Tac TOAD!


Toad schmoad, frog schmog! Yes, I am aware that these are two entirely different critters. But the line blurs after I've spent several days frogging around in my basement, creating a toad-ally new carnival game for this year's family event! Last summer our calendars filled up fast and early with weddings, bridal and baby showers and baptisms, leaving no room for the carnival I initially promised would be an annual celebration. Well, this year is going to be different! I'm setting my date first, and breathless new brides and freshly hatched babies will just have to change their dates of arrival to accommodate me. This summer, grandma comes first! 

Our new attraction is built similarly to the others in my growing collection - over a large cardboard box. Small cups are glued onto a slanted board behind each lily pad hole to catch the plastic frogs headed toward them. Players attempt to sink three in a row.


I suppose most people design a game first, then decide on a suitable prize. Not me! Discovery of these froggie whistle pops made my decision for me - somehow, some way there would be frogs or schmogs or toads or schmoads hopping all over the place as kids lined up, anxious to win one of these pleasing little treats. And perhaps it will be the ensuing sugar overload that lulls them into complacency over grandma's blatant zoological blundering - you know, the way a generous cocktail bar reduces the likelihood that unsavory food at a dinner party will be duly noted!












"Ribbit Pops" are sold in packs of 12 at Candy Warehouse online retailers.  Tongues whip out when the whistle is blown.

Small plastic frogs are sold in a pack of 72 at Oriental Trading Company (online).

For the record, frogs are slim and speedy, live near water, and have smooth skin. Toads are warty, fat and sluggish. I kinda prefer toads though. Seems like they'd be more interested in sticking around to hear what I had to say. I like that!

More family carnival games are seen here and here. The newest one is here.

This original design, like all blog content, is intended for personal use only. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. Thank you!

19 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness that looks like a fun game! Fun prizes too. You are good at planning ahead. Not me I'm a procrastinator because I change my mind all the time! I am always making one last change in something. Last year our Harvest Day got pushed aside with my broken toes and there was no place to have it anyway. This year I will be having it at my house I do hope because our unused dilapidated pool is being filled in with dirt and I hope to have nice area for it. No more moving over for everything else!

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  2. This looks like so much fun! Once again, you're the most creative grandma ever. I love your ideas so much!

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  3. oh so cute - I like the inspiration from the frog pops - clever again.

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  4. Looks like so much fun! I am hosting a giveaway (posted Monday) and would love for you to stop by and check it out!
    http://thediaryofarealhousewife.blogspot.com/

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  5. That looks like a LOT of fun! You sure are a good grandmother and I love the frog pops!!! xo Diana

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  6. Do toads and frogs both say ribbit? I remember as a little girl I always liked toads best, they were much nicer to hold and didn't seem to hop away as quickly. As always you have outdone yourself with this game -- and I love that this is the Summer of Grandma! Grandma certainly deserves a summer devoted to her!

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  7. TOAD-ally AWESOME, Grandma! :)

    I can see why you'd get inspired by those whistlepops ! This is all just so darn cute but I am used to that by now over here!!! :) :) :)

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  8. It must be fun to have you as a grandma! Your family carnival sounds like a lot of fun!

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  9. Frogs or toads, it looks like fun!

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  10. A fantastic addition to the carnival lineup! What kid doesn't like frogs and toads and carnival games. You rock, Grandma!

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  11. Hi Joyce! My granddaughter LOVES frogs. This would be like heaven to her! I think you are so imaginative, and you really have a heart for family. What a combo!
    I like Oriental Trading myself. So reasonably priced :) I'm glad you decided to put yourself first this year. Your family will benefit!
    Ceil

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  12. How fun! Thanks for a lovely visit via Grandma's Briefs Grand Social.

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  13. Love it and so will your grandkids. You have more creativity in the nail of your pinkie than I've ever had in my entire life. What a hoot they will have.

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  14. Keep those freshly hatched babies waiting! lol This looks like a great game for little ones and big ones alike! Thanks for sharing at Mom's Library!

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  15. What a fun game for the grandkids! Thanks for sharing this with us at the Four Seasons Blog Hop. I will share this!

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  16. This is so creative. I love it. It's great for kids but even adults enjoy tic tac toad from time to time.

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  17. What fun! These ideas are toad-ally awesome. I am trying to come up with some carnival type games for my son's b-day party. I can only hope that my creations will turn out as cute as yours.

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  18. Amazing! I am really looking forward to seeing your annual carnival event, I can only imagine the wonderful things you will be creating for it! :)

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