traditions.

 As my kids get older, I think more and more about ways to make the Webbs fun.  Ways to nurture long lasting memories.  What special moments can I give my kids?  What annual adventures should we partake?  For me, trips to the beach, weekends at the barn, Christmas extravaganzas and LOTS of slumber parties are what I remember most as a Ramsey girl.  Good times. 

I've continued the beach tradition with my kids and can't wait for our August week retreat {hi, 'Chele!}.  Beyond that, here are a few other ideas I have. 

• Birthdays.  Last year, I took Emerson to NYC for her birthday.  We conquered the city on foot, saw Dinosaurs, watched a show and just had the BEST time.  I hope to make this an annual birthday excursion.  This year, I see Lion King, Chelsea Piers, Lady Liberty and American Girl on our agenda.  I like the idea of giving experiences as a gift.  Don't you?  Sure, presents are cool, but introducing her to cool places and sights is even better.  She STILL talks about the Dinosaur Museum {Museum of Natural History} and how much she wants to go back.  For my son, maybe it will be a car race or a camping trip or trip to a local airport to watch planes.  Time will tell. 
• Derby Day.  Ok, I love horses and it would be awesome if my kids loved horses.  :)  This year on Derby Day, I rounded up the family and we watched together.  We each picked our favorite horse ~ by color, by silks, by name, by number ~ and cheered them on as the bounded down the backstretch.  Every time I join Emerson on the trampoline, she wants to play "horse race", where I announce "they're off!" and she and her brother race around in circles as I call the race "...out of the far turn....he's on the rail...down the stretch they come!".  Next year, I'll have the appropriate hats and snacks available and will line the sofa with all our toy horses.  Maybe one day we'll hit the Bluegrass State for an up close and personal experience. 
• Cosmos Moon.  Many nights at bedtime I scoop up the little ones and we head outside to look for the moon.  I'm not sure why I ever started this little habit, but it began when Emerson was little and has recently resurfaced with Max.  We talk about how one day they could go to the moon if they wanted and I always mutter the words "Goodnight, Moon" right before we wander back inside.  Of course, catching fireflies in summer months makes the perfect add-on while we're star gazing.
• Valentine's Day. Waking to balloons, a small gift from Cupid and donuts for breakfast bring the biggest grins from my kids.  What's more, I have fun decorating the little treats and reminding my babies how much I love them!  Next year, I'll start a video catalog filming my kids' answer to ~ "what do you love today?". 
• Helping Hands.  I want to pick an event or a cause to support and involve my kids.  Billy Webb and I recently attended a Boys/Girls Club awards ceremony and I was so inspired after listening to the speakers and kids.  It reminded me how fortunate my little family is and how much we could give to others.  Maybe Thanksgiving is the holiday to choose or maybe a local park clean-up is the task.  For now, regular donations to the Salvation Army and my kid's picking old toys to recycle is a start.  Next, I have an idea for an annual fundraiser I'm noodling. 

And finally, food.  I really need to get my kids more hands-on in the kitchen.  It's an easy way to be close with your little ones and teach them ways around the kitchen.  Just the other night I mentioned to Emerson that she should pick one recipe out of a magazine or book each month and we'll make the dish.  This weekend, we'll begin!

 

 

{I'm curious, what traditions do you have in your family?}

 

 

 

 {image via Seeing The Everyday}

 

 

 

Comments

[emily]

my husband and i live for making happy memories for our two girls. we take an annual beach trip to wrightsville beach, nc. it is something we all look forward to all year long. we also visit the unc campus (where we lived when my husband was finishing school there) every year on spring day. the campus has tons of festivities for the first football scrimmage game of the season. your birthday ideas are amazing, and definitely something i will think about doing.