by Cathy Baker
Grandchildren heading your way on one of these beautiful Fall evenings?
If so, here are some fun ideas to make the most of the season, and your time with the next generation.
Pile On! Rake a heapin’ pile of leaves on a grassy area of your lawn. No rules required. It seems like children instinctively know that if there’s a pile of leaves before them, they must jump.
Enjoy a Picnic. Simplicity is the key. Pack up peanut butter and honey sandwiches, cheese sticks, fruit, and juice boxes. Throw out a blanket or sheet (avoiding fire ants!), gather the little ones and prepare for lots of giggles. Be sure to take pictures. Raining? No problem! Move it inside.
Hand Shadow Puppet Show. I walked in on Brian’s show with two of our grands at the beach a few weeks ago. They were in awe of Brian’s masterful bunnies and hawks (we’re grateful for the awe-factor while they’re young). All you need is a dark wall and a flashlight. Not sure how to make the figures? Check this out on Pinterest.
Turn on the music…and dance. “Your royal highness, may I have the honor of this dance?” Brian asked. Piper’s facial expression was priceless. Donned in her Belle princess gown, she accepted with the grace of a real princess because, well, she is. 🙂 But we’ve also cut loose by playing The Doors while all four of us (Brian, me, Piper and Gabe) formed a dance train, moving throughout all the rooms of the house. Oh my, the laughter!
Backyard Campout. If the weather is nice, pop a tent, pull out the sleeping bags/pillows, and a lamp (those operating with LED are ideal to read by.) If possible, make a small campfire and break out the graham crackers, marshmallows, and Hershey bars. Weather not cooperating? Move it inside! The best part? You can make S’mores in the microwave. Score! Hershey has great instructions for both indoor and outdoor prep.
Fall is a magnet for fun, laughter, and the making of good memories. Let’s take hold of these moments refusing to let them slip by.
Which one of the above ideas could you see yourself enjoying the most? Or do you have another idea we can add to the list? Love it! Let’s get it posted via comments.
Hi, Cathy! No grandchildren yet (my kids are just 5 and 3), but I love these ideas for a fall family fun night. FYI: I'm sharing my top 10 fellow 31 Dayers' series on my blog tomorrow, and I just wanted to let you know that you're on my list!
Hi, Lisa! I'm delighted that you enjoyed the ideas. 🙂 I probably should've titled it differently (looking back) but I'm thankful you saw past it. The thought of your adorable children (loved your blog) having fun with these makes my day. I'm so grateful that you would consider my blog for your list. What an unexpected blessing!
Thank you, Lisa. 🙂