Friday, December 05, 2008

Starting Traditions

The day after Thanksgiving My Love sent the kids on a treasure hunt. He printed out simple maps for the kids that lead from one clue to the next.




Off they go to find the next clue...

I love this pic and how they were all lined up so perfectly
and in birth order even.



X marks the spot and so they started to dig...



...and dig.



The booty was a tin full of chocolate coins. At first the kids thought the were real gold coins but after I told them to smell them the yelled, "CANDY!!! YAY, CHOCOLATE!!!" and dug in.





Now each evening the kids put there tins on their place mats at the table. Each morning they find a small prize. AN M&M (that's right, just one), a quarter for their penny banks, or a mini tub of playdoh (leftover birthday favors), or a couple sticks of chalk to decorate the patio.

I also put a star into one of the tins. Whoever gets it wins the privilege of opening the door of the advent calendar.

16 comments:

Mel said...

How CREATIVE!!!

Shell in your Pocket said...

How wonderful...just love the pictures..so fun!!!!!
-sandy toes

Dutch said...

I just love that. They seem like they had so much fun.

Karen Deborah said...

What a great mom and dad! super fabulous ideas that they will never forget!!! I sprayed rocks with gold paint and made buried pirate treasure. The teens still talk about it. YEP you are COOL!

Becky said...

Love it! That is so cool! I might steal your idea next year!

Anonymous said...

How unbelievably fun is that?! Nice work, Mom and Dad!

Dena said...

What a fun, creative idea to do as a family! Makes me wish my kids were young again.

beckyjomama said...

What a fun idea!! I love the treasure hunt!

Lynn - JnL4God said...

Becky
What wonderful fun with your kids. Great Idea.
Hey I still need your adress for the Baby in the Bag Contest. Please e-mail me at ljgolf823 @ Comcast (dot) net
Thank you

Unknown said...

Those kids are so adorable : ). I love the picture where they are marching to the treasure : ). I love how you thought of this great idea! WAY TO GO, Ms. Creative : ). Hope your weekend is filled with happiness!

Grandma Tillie's Bakery said...

Oh that is so cool! All kids want is our time and attention and you guys have done a great job.

On Christmas day I write both of my kids a series of clue poems to help them find a hidden present. I stay up late on Christmas Eve writing them because they have to rhyme! Even my almost 18 year old loves this tradition.

Your older daughter reminds me of my older brother leading our pack of 4 around when we were growing up. LOL

Mar said...

I'm definitely going to plan the same for my homeschooled grandkids on their next visit to Grandma's house. They will LOVE it, too! Thanks for your good inspiration!

Garden State Kate said...

That is a lovely idea. We do
something similar on St Patrick's Day...following clues and the colors of the rainbow to find
the "pot of gold".lol
Your idea of prizes fit into ours as well.

Debbie in CA : ) said...

More sugar? Whoa! -- Brave woman!! : D (No wonder you've been a bit on the tired side lately ~~ giggle!)

Karen Deborah said...

tagged you

Bobbi said...

I just found this blog "accidently" while looking at some other blog comments. I liked the title...as I am feeling very adult deprived too! I love these advent ideas. Your husband sounds like a gem!