traditions

We buy a box of a dozen doughnuts when the children loose a tooth.  We generally get Krispy Kreme and share with P's family.  It's been a fun way to celebrate these milestones.

We also like to do lantern walks.  It's very magical walking in the dark forest with a candle in a jar x 10-50 small children singing and hearing the story of St. Martin.

We also like to go to the zoo in Jville which is free for children 12 and under in November.

In September there are a lot of free events here in SA.  This year we were so busy with play practice and bike training for the big ride.  We didn't even do the trolley!

I'm looking forward to taking the kayaks down to the creek and doing some exploring.  Yay for making memories and new traditions.

Our ward had a fall festival tonight and it was fantastic.  Instead of focusing on costumes and candy like a trunk or treat, it was just social, games, and a great dinner.  We met from 4-6 on a Saturday and did games for the first hour.  Kids outside with tons of activities and snowcones (yes, it is Florida).
The older crowd stayed inside and played bingo.  We all gathered to eat chili and it was all set out so nice.  Bowls of sour cream and cheese were placed in front of each crock pot.  So many neat details like this made it a great event. 

Christmas is coming this next month and I'm looking for more traditions for the kids to be involved in magical service.  For years the children have taken turns stuffing stockings and filling St. Nicholas shoes.  But there are 5 of them and they fight over who will do what.  Yikes.  So I'm trying to find new traditions to get the older children involved in so the younger ones can do the simple treat giving activities.