Tradition

It has become a tradition in our family to take a trip to Door County, WI every Memorial Day. It originally started as an anniversary trip for Frink and I but we have continued it with our children. I love the idea of having our spot, our trip, something special just for our family. I want the kids to say "do you remember the time Bunny got two holes in one at mini-golf?" or "how about the time Lion tried to ride a goat."

In the four years we have been going with Bunny, the tradition has become so ingrained that we do the same things. Every year, the same thing:

Friday - fish fry at Sister Bay Bowl and swimming
Saturday - the Mai Fest parade in Jacksonport and lunch at PC Junction then swimming
Sunday - brunch in Rowley's Bay, biking in Peninsula St. Park and shopping in Fish Creek (with a stop at the candy and fudge stores)
Monday - a trip to The Farm (a petting zoo/ farm museum) and the ride home

Every year, the same thing.

But this year was different, sort of. This year we had the Lion cub with us. It also rained on Saturday morning so the parade was out. Instead we went to a hands on art studio (called, ironically enough Hands On Art Studio). You could make mosaics, paint your own pottery, fuse glass, or play in the metal and jewelry studios. Bunny and I were in heaven. We chose to paint (a plate for me and a unicorn for Bunny). But what is good for an artistically minded 5 year old and her mom, is not necessarily good for a very excitable 2 year old. Let's just say paint got everywhere.

Luckily for Lion, the day was redeemed by a trip to PC Junction for lunch. I think his little brain exploded after we were seated and he saw a train running around the bar. A train that brought your food to you. "Choo choo! Choo choo food! Choo choo food!" over and over again. To say he loved it would be an understatement. He had to be forcibly removed, screaming "No bye bye. Lion choo choo. No choo choo bye bye. Choo choo food!!!!!!!" He still talks about choo choo food today.

The last change to our routine involved us scrapping the bike ride. Neither Frink or I had the desire to pull two kids in a trailer. And I am fairly certain they would have killed eachother. Instead we drove into the park and played at the beach. The day was warm so the kids ran in and out of the water (which was insanely cold). We also built a castle fortress with a working moat. Awesome.

Here is a glimpse at some of the beautiful memories we created.

Holiday Craftiness and a Giveaway

Thanks to Scotch(R) Double Sided Tape for sponsoring my writing about crafts. Add your comment below to be entered for a chance to win free sample rolls to help with your upcoming holiday needs. 10 lucky commenters will be chosen at random on Monday December 6.

This holiday season, I've been searching for a way to get the kids more involved / invested in our family traditions. They are all over traditions that involve ripping open presents and eating copious amounts of candy but the rest of it is just window dressing to them.

At this point Lion is too young to understand things that don't involve destruction of property or copious amounts of candy. Bunny, on the other hand, is eager to learn and get involved. I figured the perfect way to peak her interest (other than candy) was to do some holiday crafts.

The first craft up on the list was a kid friendly menorah for Hanukkah. We have a lovely menorah that Frink has had forever, but I figured we probably shouldn't let the kids (especially Lion) get too close to the flames. I really don't need or want my house to start on fire.



So the menorah needed to be flameless. I thought about having her draw one and add a new candle every night. But I really wanted something we could use year after year, so I decided on felt. I attached the menorah with Scotch (R) double sided tape. The candles and flames each have a small bit of velcro on the back so they are easily moveable and reusable.



So after Daddy said the prayers and lit his menorah, Bunny was able to add the candles and flames to hers. Lion then proceeded to take all of the flames off and tried to throw them away but he was coaxed back with promise of gelt and our beautiful felt menorah glowed once more.



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