Thanks alot for all the ideas - Firstly it's not me that minds the mess, if anything I have more fun! Its there father he gets cranky when they go home really messy, the chalk is a good idea I have lots in my Art and Craft shed so I will get some out today. Secondly yes they are boys but my boys (I have three and one girl) were doing all that messy stuff at that age, I also used to look after a 11 month old girl would absolutely love to paint and didn't eat all that much. These boys are premmie twins so are really small for their age and have just learnt to walk so even the walking around the backyard to get leaves and things is a struggle for them right now. To Smiles4u the best book I ever bought for my children was 501Activities for kids by Di Hodges - it has things in it like - twig weaving, photo puzzles, marble paintings and funny feet. It's great from two and up, my family has alot of fun with it.