Busy Toddlers!!!

I don't know about any one else but i use to have a real hard time trying to prepare dinner and keeping my toddlers busy and out of things they are not suppose to be into. They always seem to get into those things, cupboards ect when i am busy getting dinner ready. We have older cupboards and have been unable to find a safety latches for them. So i am careful with what i put in the lower cupboards. I have a  2 in a half year old, and the twins are 15 months.
Besides having a gate on the main floor that has the living room dining room and kitchen. Tons of things for toddlers to get into. I keep some toys upstairs in the living room but that does not keep them busy while i am preparing a meal. For my two in a half year old, on top of the fridge I have activities. (all from the dollar store) She has her crayons, colouring books, stickers, sticker books, and puzzles that are kept up there. I bring them down during those times. It still remains a novelty to her. She chooses an activity and does it the kitchen table. These are things that her brothers can get into and she has to do them at the table where they can't reach. The boys who are 15 months, I bring up some toys that they have not played with for a while. Something that will keep their interest so I can get something done. Sometimes, i just give them a bowl and a measuring spoons. It works and dinner preparation is much easier.