A couple of things in my house that are really working:

Tsukihoshi Shoes:
For about every other pair of shoes that we get for Coop, we splurge and go down to Sandi’s where they have an amazing staff and selection of shoes. I’ve been a Stride Rite guy for a decade, but I’m about to change my tune. Have you heard about these Tsukihoshi shoes? Am I the last to know about these bad boys? They are super light, extremely comfortable, easy to get on and off (important for pre-schoolers), infused with Green Tea oil to keep the stank down — I’m loving these things, particularly because I’m in charge of shoes in the morning. Durability was a question for me and something I’ve always liked about Stride Rite, so I waited a month or so before posting about them. They’ve held up perfectly so far. If they prove be immortal (aka Stride Rite) I’ll let you know.

The Tornado Tube:
I was at a birthday party that was almost rained out by hurricane Ike. The brilliant host of the party turned a tough time into a teachable moment buy giving out Tornado Tubes as a party activity/favors. The little gadget allow you to screw together two plastic bottles, top-to-top. By swirling them just right, you create a vortex that works like a swirling tornado. This little thing was a huge hit, not just with the four-year-old recipient, but also with both of his older siblings. Coop wanted to take the thing to bed with him that night. The kids worked to create the tornado time and time and time again. They devised different techniques. Added glitter to the water. It was kind of mesmerizing to the wife and I as well.