couldn't link up to your email to send our game so here it is--great for olderbabies and even when desperate, older kids...

I set up a play kitchen--my pots, pans, cookie sheets, spoons, whisks etc (all the thing the kids want to play with ) on a big splat mat and pour corn meal out into the containers--instant PLAY SAND.  They can draw in it, play making food, pour like water (not as messy) etc...it is edible so if they happen to eat some, no big deal.  ONe down side, tends to stick to the feet so will get tracked everywhere but I usually let them play in it ofr or day or two (or three) then pack it up, vaccuum and put it away until the next sub-zero or rainy day.

Also, never down play the excitement of helping with the dishes if there are lots of suds and possible big floppy yellow rubber gloves--my child loves if she can "help"--jsut avoid the really breakable things :)