Yesterday was a long day packed with activity, but do you know what I loved about it? It was a day that we created memories worth repeating. I think we can create these types of memories any day, but there are certain seasons of the year that are ripe for this kind of opportunity.
We spent the larger part of our day exploring a local pumpkin patch. Running through the corn maze, hiking up to the train ride, the kids riding in the animal car of the train, playing in the playhouse, going down the slide, swinging in the giant swing, looking for frogs, taking lots of pictures and of course, picking out a pumpkin. The fun didn’t stop there. We all went back to our home to cook and bake up some fall themed food. Pumpkin Soup, Chicken with Apples, and Apple Cupcakes with Marshmallow Topping. You can find those recipes here. We certainly could’ve done those things on our own, but when we do them with friends it just adds more of a “remembering factor.” I’m pretty sure my kids won’t forget yesterday, nor will I.
As I’ve been reflecting back on yesterday, it got me thinking about those things we’ve done with friends that have now become “tradition” because they were memories worth repeating. Take the pie making time with my friend, Mo. It started out innocently enough. I cannot make a pie to save my life so I asked her if she would educate Mini-Me on how to make a pie. Well of course all of the kids wanted in on it since they all got to make their own personal pie and now they merely hear the word “pie” about this time of year and you can bet what comes to their mind…pie making with Mo!! They won’t let this season slip by without getting in their “pie time” with Mo. Don’t worry…they made sure I got this one on the calendar early.
Another one that comes to mind started with the same family, but a different motivation. Last Christmas when neither of our families had money to exchange gifts, Mo came up with idea of doing something together in the midst of a busy holiday season instead. So we bundled up and walked up and down the streets of a nearby place where all of the houses are lit up. When we were done, we came back to our home, served up some hot chocolate and let the kids each decorate their own Christmas cookies. They had a blast! Another memory that the kids have asked to repeat.
Money or not, memories worth repeating can easily be created. What strikes me about these types of things is that when my kids think of certain seasons of the year and the memories that come with it, they don’t remember the toys they got (or didn’t get). What they remember is the joy of doing something of value with people they love. Perfect.
We are so very blessed to have you guys as friends! We definitely loved our “memory worth repeating” day with you all at the Pumpkin Patch and in the kitchen. We call it “Cooking Club” but really it’s a chance to play, eat and share fellowship around the table. Maybe like the church of Acts?