I've always wanted to have fun-filled, tradition-rich family holidays. I've always admired moms who can celebrate with their families creatively. Their kids always look so happy. The mom always seems so energized. The activities are always so involved and well-thought-out.
So this year I decided I wanted to try my hand at it. Because I finally have a child old enough to understand (somewhat) what holidays are and who can enjoy (somewhat) fun holiday activities. I think I did help to create some happy memories, but there was also a fair share of stress, chaos, and other not-so-happy emotions as well. Hopefully Shaelyn will only remember the good parts.
My attempts at a fun, creative 4th of July for a 2-year-old:
* Teach the 2-year-old how to sign "Happy 4th of July," "Happy Birthday America," and "American Flag."
* Talk about the colors red, white and blue.
* Find red, white, and blue things to wear. Red Lightening McQueen shoes really help.
* Take the 2-year-old to the downtown 4th festival, where she can slide down inflatable slides and jump on bouncy castles (Shaelyn's favorite), which of course all costs money. And of course, the festival's more fun if you tell her it's an outside party!
* Go to the downtown park where there are lots of fountains and play in the water for FREE!
* Get lots of good "festival food," like pizza, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and kettle corn, and find shady (meaning no sun, not ghetto-ish) places to sit down and eat.
* Go home for a much-needed nap, then head over to your friends' house for a fun cook-out.
* After dinner, pop Gator snaps with your friends on the sidewalk. They pop really good if you stomp on them.
* Then light some sparklers and watch your kids be mesmerized (or terrified) by the pyrotechnics.
