Archive for the ‘do it’ Category
Bear Hunt Tradition
Are you looking for a special activity to do with your kids or grandkids?
My husband’s family has a tradition that is pure delight.
When the kids in the family are around the age of 6 or 7, Mamaw and Granddad invite them over for a sleepover. Since the family is large, there are usually a few cousins around the same age that are invited together.
The sleepover invariably includes building a fire in their fire pit to cook hotdogs and S’mores, stories around the campfire, and sleeping out on the trampoline under the stars.
In the morning, after hearty breakfast, the kids gather round Mamaw as she reads them the delightful story We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Then she gives them a gift package that includes a cork pop gun or bow and arrow set, binoculars and a water bottle. She tells them, “You are going to need your new supplies, because we are going on a “real” bear hunt.”
This is were a little planning ahead comes in. There are numerous caves in the mountains along the Wasatch Front where we live. A “helper” bear delivers a special gift for each child to a pre-determined cave early in the morning of the expedition.
The kids and grandparents then set off on their hike… traveling swishy, swashy, swishy, swashy, until at last they find…
a deep, dark cave… where the “real” bears have left soft and snuggly teddy bears and notes for each child.
My children not only cherish the bears from their bear hunts… but mostly the memory of the adventure with Mamaw, Granddad and their cousins.
Do you play croquet?
Alice: [curtsying] Yes, Your Majesty, but I just wanted to ask you…
Queen of Hearts: I’ll ask the questions! Do you play croquet?
Alice: Why, yes, Your Majesty. Queen of Hearts: Then let the game begin!
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My husband received a croquet set for Father’s Day this year.
It was Emma’s idea. She played croquet in the last week of school and fell in love. That day she came home and asked when Father’s Day was. “In June.” I said. “I have the perfect gift to give daddy,” she said, “croquet… I just know daddy would love it.”
She was right.
My husband grew up playing croquet with his family in their large, shady backyard. He has fond memories of their competitive games…. and he couldn’t have been more thrilled when he opened his gift. We lost no time getting out into the yard and setting up a game. If you haven’t played in a while, let me remind you what an absolute riot it can be.
There are a few things I’ve realized since we’ve gotten our croquet game:
- We are a competitive bunch.
- My husband has a vendetta against me…. he takes every opportunity to knock me off course.
- My son is gallant. He takes every opportunity to defend me. And to knock his dad of course. It warms my heart.
- Emma is a natural at croquet… she can really hit the ball for such a little lady.
- Lily is hysterical to watch. She hits the side of the mallet more often than not, but she does it with great flair.
- Laughing and playing as a family is priceless.
- I hate playing poison. Especially since my husband is a better shot than me.
If you’re looking for some outdoor fun this summer, it doesn’t get any better than a game of croquet.
