Have you ever reached into a mystery box without knowing what’s inside? The mix of excitement, a little fear, and a whole lot of fun? That’s how the Turtle Trouble book begins—a true story of curiosity and teamwork, featuring the four Egly brothers.
Turtle Trouble brings to life one of our family’s unforgettable adventures, where a fun-filled “What’s in the Box?” game takes an unexpected turn. What started as a simple challenge spiraled into something wilder. When a frog and a turtle join the game, the boys can’t wait to put their bravery to the test!
But, of course, adventure always comes with a twist: soon after a turtle appears, it mysteriously disappears! What follows is a fast-paced family search that has everyone wondering—where could the curious creature have gone? Will the boys be able to solve the mystery before it’s too late?
Writing this book was a joy! With four energetic boys, our family’s life is often filled with adventures, unexpected detours, and moments that make us laugh (or scramble!). The “What’s in the Box?” game was a favorite in our house, where each turn promises something new and exciting. But when real creatures entered the game, we were in for a story that would go down in Egly family history.
Turtle Trouble is a story of teamwork, curiosity, and a family’s determination to solve a problem together. Just like our last book, it’s about celebrating kindness, cooperation, and the fun of family life. Our boys had so much fun creating this memory that I knew I had to ‘re-create it’ into a book that we could share with other families.
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Here is actual footage of the day this story was created:
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Where to Find Turtle Trouble
If you’re looking for a story to make your little ones laugh, gasp, and cheer along with the Egly brothers, you can find Turtle Trouble on Amazon! It’s a perfect read for kids who love animals, mystery, and a dash of family fun.
Signed copies will be available in December and would make a wonderful Christmas gift for any child up to age 12.
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How to Win a Signed Copy:
Share this blog post or this link on instagram, Facebook or any of your socials and TAG ME! Every place you share gets you entered to win a signed copy!
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Thank you for supporting Turtle Trouble—we hope it brings as much joy to your family as it has to ours!
When we moved to Minnesota I didn’t understand why people would go “up north” for vacation. Wouldn’t they want to go SOUTH and find sunshine and warm weather. Well, when I finally went “up north,” it all made sense. It’s magnificent.
As fall break approached, we thought about indulging in more of that ‘up north’ beauty. But instead, we decided to stay home, check out some local spots, and take a breather before sports and the holiday busy-ness have us running.
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Here are some highlights:
Clark and Paul found recipes on TikTok. While I was working at the Artisan Home tour, they road their bikes to Aldi, bought groceries with their own money, and cooked chicken and pasta for the family! I could not have been more proud.
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I took my first painting class and I loved it! I got to learn new techniques and meet some wonderful people
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We made a trip to the Mall of America, where we explored the new Museum of Illusions—such a fun and mind-bending experience.
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First college visit for George! We got a tour of the University of Minnesota. What a BEAUTIFUL campus.
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The U of M has one of the largest campus bookstores in the county.
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Beautiful historic buildings on the U of M campus!
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We went to a Minnesota Timberwolves preseason game against the Denver Nuggets. Unfortunately, AntMan was not playing, but it was still a fun game to watch.
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Our first “family” basketball game.The 2 legends behind Luke were in attendance, but not playing.
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Clark was back on the court. He is playing on a ‘pre-seaon’ team before his first ‘high school’ try out. Here’s a quick video highlight:
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Luke had one additional day off so we spent the day together playing pickle ball and going to The Wild Robot. It was a cute movie, but we like the book better.
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We are loving this unusually warm fall in Minnesota. The tree outside my house is bringing me absolute delight!
“This is 9-1-1, what’s your emergency?” the man on the phone asked calmly.
“I’ve lost my son,” I stuttered between heavy, anxious breaths.
Paul was only 4. We had finished shopping and I asked him to climb into his car seat while I loaded our groceries. When I came around to buckle Paul into his seat, he wasn’t there.
“Paul?” I asked. No answer.
“Paul?” I said a little louder. No answer.
I looked inside the car. No Paul. I looked under the car. No Paul. I did a lap around my car. No Paul.
My heart was beating fast. I’m trying not to panic.
“Did you see a little boy with a red shirt?” I ask a woman getting into a car nearby. She shook her head no.
“I can’t find my son.” I say to people in the parking lot. No one has seen him.
A lady kindly offers to watch my other kids while I search for Paul.
I run back into the grocery store while scanning the parking lot. I see cars leaving and hope that Paul is not in one them. “Has he been kidnapped?” I think, terrified.
I look inside the grocery store. No Paul.
The store manager sends staff out to help find my son and I decide it’s time to call 911, “What’s your emergency?”
“I’ve lost my son.” I respond, with panic in my voice.
While I answer the dispatcher’s questions, I suddenly remember to pray. I silently say, “God, you know where Paul is. Please show me what to do or where to look.” I pause, take a shaky breath and feel a prompt, “Go look in your car again.”
I’m still answering the dispatcher’s questions when I climb into my minivan to get a better look. I climb to the backseat, and look down onto the floor. That is where I found little Paul, curled up behind the back seat, hiding.
“I found him! I found him!” I cry to the dispatcher and to the kind woman still watching my other children.
The dispatcher tells me how happy he is and then reminds me to breathe.
I hang up, take a deep breath and ask Paul what he’s doing curled up in the back of the car.
“I’m playing hide-and-seek with you Mommy!” he says with a big smile.
“Paul, please tell me we are playing hide-and-seek BEFORE you hide next time! I thought I lost you and I was scared.”
“But you FOUND me mom,” he playfully responds, full of joy.
I give him a hug and buckle him into his seat. I thank the kind woman watching my other children and get them buckled in too. As I climb into my seat and turn on the car, I notice I’m shaking. I take some deep breaths and pause to thank God for keeping Paul safe and helping me find him.
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Reflecting on, and writing this story, brought up all the feelings from that day – both the horror and fear I felt as I frantically searched for Paul, and the relief of finding him and the joy of answered prayer.
More importantly, on this day I had a clearer understanding and appreciation of how Jesus Christ pursued me when I was lost. Though, like Paul, I did not know I was lost, He found me. In His presence I found peace, acceptance, joy, unconditional love, purpose and LIFE.
In the book of Luke, chapter 15, Jesus tells a story about a lost sheep. A lost sheep in the wilderness is doomed. It has no protection and it would be only a short time before the coyotes or other predators would attack and kill it.
The Bible calls Jesus our Good Shepherd and says we are His sheep. If we are wandering this earth without allowing Him to guide us, we are easy targets for the enemy’s attack.
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Just as I searched for my son, this story emphasizes the Shepherd’s relentless pursuit of us. In fact, the story shares how the Shepherd left the 99 sheep in his flock to find the ONE missing sheep.
I left my other sons to search for Paul because of my love and care for him. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, seeks us, His lost sheep – a pursuit fueled by love. The story in Luke 15 says that the Shepherd had “exuberant joy” when He found the lost sheep. He carried it to safety with “careful delight” (Luke 15:5 TPT).
As a Christ follower, I understand that my connection with God is not a result of my own pursuit but a response to the Him seeking me. In life’s chaos, we often find ourselves lost and yearning for a connection, and it’s through faith in Jesus that we find direction, protection, and unconditional love.
As we navigate life’s twists and turns, please know that just like a loving parent, God is continuously seeking you, inviting you into the warmth of His love. May you be found by Him and rest in His warm presenceand careful delight.
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Prayer:
“Dear Jesus, thank you for pursuing me with your love. May I be found by you and follow you all the days of my life. May I pause and remember you throughout my day and allow you to lead me. You are the Great Shepherd who leads with love toward peace, joy, and fulfillment. Amen.”
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Verses to consider:
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The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:1-4
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For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13
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I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
George is thriving on the soccer field and an excellent new driver!
Clark is constantly generating new business ideas. He’s also enjoying travel basketball.
Paul is doing well with travel soccer and wrestling. He’s always up for a chat or debate.
Luke is dabbling in several sports. He’s an adventurous soul and always laughing.
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Meanwhile, Ted is thriving at Target, making waves and leaving positivity in his wake. As for me, I’m substitute teaching at the boys’ schools. I also get the honor of writing for this blog as well as guest posting for others. My second children’s book, “The Great Lake Rescue,” was published in July!
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Our furry family member, Wrigley, turned three this year. He’s officially earned the title of “World’s Best Dog,” bringing joy, laughter, and a whole lot of slobbery tennis balls into our lives.
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We’ve moved again! We haven’t traded the Land of 10,000 Lakes for a tropical paradise. Nope, we’re still proudly repping Minnesota. We found a home that suits our tribe better, with less of a commute for Ted.
In 2008, George had just turned one. His wobbly walk reminded us of Frankenstein…so that’s the costume he wore that year.
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2010-2013 George and Clark LOVED costumes and dressing up as different characters.
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George and Clark as Woody and Buzz
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This was 2015 – our first year in Colorado. All the boys were superheroes. I was well protected!
The year of the Superheroes!
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2018 – our first Halloween in Minnesota. George was AntMan, Clark and Paul were Ninjas and Luke was superman (a costume that all the boys have worn and loved).
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Clark was a football player. Our friend’s daughter was a football!
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Luke and his friend were “bad guys” – guilty of being TOO CUTE! Our friends and neighbors were the police -on patrol and handing out tickets!
On May 24, 2023 my grandfather finished his race and peacefully passed from earth into heaven as he held my sister’s hand. I was honored to be asked to speak at his funeral, and here is some of what I shared:
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My favorite memories of my grandfather are our trips to Florida.
I remember feeling pure joy when we’d cross the Florida state line and spot the first PALM TREE. They would be standing tall, waving and welcoming us in. The palm tree reminded us to breathe deep, relax and enjoy time together.
I’ve always had a special place in my heart for palm trees, partially because we never see them in the midwest, they represent WARM WEATHER and family time, but also because they remind me of my grandfather.
As I thought about the palm tree, I realized it represents who my grandfather was and some of what he taught me.
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Palm trees are unique in that they have inner strength that is unlike any other tree. Instead of trying to stand firm and rigid like the other trees, the palm tree sways with the wind. The palm tree’s flexible, almost elastic structure allows it to bend with the force of the winds and sway right back into place once the winds and storm pass. The palm tree’s roots actually get stronger with every storm it endures.
Just like the palm tree, my grandfather wasn’t about outer adornment, he focused on strengthening his inner core. That inner strength came from his faith in Jesus.
In life, there are times where he stood firm on his convictions, but he also knew how to be flexible, how to show grace, forgiveness and love.
I am a better person because I was loved by Grandpa Ned.
My grandfather taught me that the combination of inner strength along with flexibility (or grace), are the keys for enduring the tests and trials of life’s storms. He taught me that no matter how big the storm may seem, storms don’t last forever. And we serve a God who is bigger than any storm.
Storms made my grandfather stronger because he sought God’s wisdom and planted his roots in the soil of faith in Jesus.
When you see a PALM TREE, I hope you remember him. May it remind us of his inner strength and his grace, and may you consider how you can show that grace, forgiveness and love to others.
“It was a summer of good-byes, see you laters, reunions and releases.”
– Kara Huey
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Grandma Alma’s beautiful casket
Family gathered to celebrate – aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, dad and sisters
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We said good-by to our beloved grandfather at the beginning of the summer, and goodbye to our Grandma Alma at the end of this summer. Alma Jean Riley Freeman lived from June 21, 1932 until August 30, 2023 (91 years). Ned Wayne Freeman lived from December 30, 1930 until May 24, 2023 (92 years). My grandparents were married for 70 years!
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Grandparents play a vital role in shaping a child’s life. They create lasting memories and engage in unique conversations that stand apart from interactions with any other individual. Grandparents contribute significantly to a child’s character development, reinforcing essential values and making priceless investments in their grandchildren’s well-being.
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I’m so thankful for the years I had with my grandparents. Here are some of my favorite memories with them:
Trips to Florida, especially the ones that included a visit to Disney World.
I was the only grandchild that joined them for one “art-buying” trip. With their many grandchildren, this was an honor! My grandparents bought me a piece of art, and had the artist sign it. My grandfather brought it home and framed it for me.
One morning my grandmother took me to breakfast and let me order a strawberry Sundae. My eight-year old heart and mind (and stomach), thought this was the best breakfast ever.
At age 17, I got in a car accident while driving to school in the snow. My parents were both out of town so my grandparents were the first ones to arrive after the accident, making sure I was okay and helping navigate what to do.
My high school graduation “Open House” was in my grandparent’s home. They allowed approximately one hundred people to trek in and around their property all day without any complaints – only support for their new high school graduate and all her friends.
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The art piece that my grandparents bought and grandpa framed.A wonderful trip to Disney
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A pictures i found at my grandparents house, taken at my high school open house, on their deck.
Today I’d love to share the beautiful eulogy written by my dad to honor his mom (my grandma).
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My dad used four words that describe my grandmother:
Determination
Decision
Décor
Devotion
The remaining post was written by my dad, regarding his mom, my grandma Alma.
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My Dad and sisters
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DETERMINATION
My mom was born in Jackson County, Kentucky in 1932 in the most humble and primitive conditions. A small cabin with no indoor plumbing. It took determination for her to become an owner of multiple businesses and own a beautiful home on Indiana’s largest natural lake.
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DECISION
In the mid 1960s we attended Eel River Baptist Church. One Sunday morning with my grandparents, dad and family present, mom got up from the pew and went forward to choose a life of faith in Jesus.
The impact for me was profound and I still relive those moments with the sun shining thru the large stained-glass window of the church.
While our lives are filled with many decisions, that is the single most important decision we can all make: to become a follower of Jesus.
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DECOR
Mom was a perfectionist and it showed in her work. The decorating details and standards are beyond what most of us know. The funeral room (where we celebrated her life) was one example of her handiwork; from wall decor to the large window treatments. Her decorating business became so large and popular, the business eventually evolved into mainly decorating, including fine art and antiques because of her amazing talent to improve people’s lives with her unique creative touch.
My grandma had a great sense of style. This was her snowmobile suit from approximately 1960!My grandma and aunt Michelle
DEVOTION
My mother’s devotion was unwavering. She was with dad over 71 years. She could not swim but owned over a dozen boats! Why? Because of her devotion to my dad who loved boats.
She was always in my corner .. correcting me when she thought I needed it, but caring and loving me both near and far. When I lived alone out east in a small, one bedroom apartment, she and dad appeared one day with a small Christmas tree to decorate and celebrate.
A year or two later on Long Island, I found myself in a hurricane. The phone rang and it was my mom, making sure I was safe. She was devoted for her family.
Determination, Decision, Décor and Devotion are just four small words that summarize one big, adventure-filled life that my mom lived. Thank you for celebrating her with us today.
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My last visit with both of my grandparents during the summer of 2022:
My last visit with grandma, July 2023 (pictured with Paul, who took the afternoon away from swimming and spending time with cousins to spend time with grandma. Paul felt like it might be our last visit with her):
I know most birthday parties are held at a ‘play place’ these days, but there is something special about a backyard birthday party. Some of my favorite childhood memories involve backyard games with friends. Now I enjoy re-creating those memories with my kids and their friends. Not only are backyard parties fun and memorable, they can cost less and save you some money.
If you are considering an outdoor birthday party, here are some tips and tricks to make it a memorable day.
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Survival Guide:
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Time: I’ve learned that a backyard birthday is best at about two hours. If you plan to feed the kids lunch, schedule the party from 11AM to 1PM, and let the parents know lunch will be served. If you are just having snacks and cake, then schedule the party from 2PM to 4PM.
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Place: A large grassy area – the front yard, backyard, or at the park.
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Guest list: Try to keep the amount of guests the same number as the age of the child. If your child is turning 8, only invite 7-8 kids.
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Game list: Keep a list of the games you are going to play in your pocket or on your phone so that you can refer to it. Tip – print this post or have it available on your phone! If a game is not going well, scratch it and move on to the next one.
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Safety: An adult should always be watching or playing with the kids. It’s easy for someone to get hurt or tackled if there are a bunch of kids playing with no supervision. One ref can make all the difference.
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Prep:
Put all the game supplies in one container right where the action takes place.
Have a large trash can available close by.
Keep them hydrated! Create a drink/snack table for self-serve.
Have a spot for gifts/gift opening.
Have a side craft or coloring table for kids who don’t want to play games. They can sit and watch/color/craft.
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Etiqueitte: Do not send invites to school unless you are inviting the whole class. I recommend Evite!
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Here are some of our favorite party games:
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Active Group Games
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Crepe paper tag – Put a ‘crepe paper‘ belt around each child, with a 3 foot long tail. When you say “go” – kids will try to tear off the belt of the other players while protecting their own. Last one wearing the belt wins. After the game, ask everyone to grab the trash and throw it away before you move on to the next game. Play more than once if the kids are having fun!
Sharks and Minnows – Identify who will be the shark, either a kid or parent. Everyone else will be minnows. The shark stands in the middle of the play area. At any time, the shark can yell Shark Attack! At with point, the minnows must run to the opposite boundary line without being tagged. If a minnow is tagged, s/he also becomes a shark.
3 v 3 soccer game – Grab a sports ball or soccer ball, set up two goals using nets or cones, divide the kids into two teams, and play!
Simon Says – A parent starts as “Simon.” After the first round, you can choose one child as “Simon.” Simon gives instructions by saying, “Simon says…” telling the kids to perform a physical action. For example, “Simon says touch your nose,” “Simon says shake like a leaf.” Each child must perform the action. If Simon leaves out “Simon says” before giving instruction, anyone who performed the activity is out! Other ideas: Simon says lift your leg, turn around, sit down, clap, bend, laugh, smile, tap your knees, touch your toes, run in place, stretch up high, give a high five, close your eyes, move like a robot, dance, do the griddy, etc.
Balloon Stomp – Tie a balloon to each player’s ankle with a short piece of string. There should be at least a couple feet of string from the ankle to the balloon so the balloon can bounce along the ground. Have all your players carefully stand at the edges of the play area. At “go,” all players rush forward and try to stomp each other’s balloons so they pop (while protecting yours from getting popped). When your balloon pops, you’re eliminated from the game. Go sit or stand along the sidelines and watch until there’s only one player remaining with a balloon on their ankle: the winner!
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Circle Games – have everyone sit down in a circle.
Duck Duck Goose – does this need instructions?
Hot (or Cold) Potato – Pass a bean bag until the music stops. Whoever is ‘holding the bag’ when the music ends is out. Keep playing until there is a winner.
Balloon Bounce – Kids lay down (or sit down) and have to work together to keep balloon(s) in the air.
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Relay Races – Divide kids into two (or more) even teams. Have them line up behind a starting line or cone.
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One shoe off – At the start of this relay, every kid takes off ONE shoe. Put all the shoes in one big pile. Separate the kids into two teams and line them up behind cones. When the relay begins, the first kid on each team runs to the shoe pile, finds his or her shoe, and returns to the back of the line. The relay continues until the last kid on each team has returned to the line. The first team to finish is the winning team. Note: You will want to be sure at the start of the relay that there are no identical shoes in the pile. If there are, you might want to distinguish the duplicate shoes by placing a piece of masking tape with the owner’s name on them.
Balloon Waddle – Start at the starting line, place a balloon between their knees and race out and around a cone, run back and pass it to the next team member without dropping or bursting their balloon. If the balloon drops, they must put it back between their knees before moving forward.
Egg race – Give each team a large spoon and one egg. One team member at a time runs out and around a cone, while holding the egg in the spoon, without dropping it. If the egg drops, the runner has to retrieve it and replace it back on the spoon before returning to running.
Balance a bean bag on top of your head and race around the cone.
Shoebox Slide – Provide each team with two shoeboxes (or amazon boxes). At the start of the race, the first member of each team puts one foot into each shoebox, slides his or her way around a cone set up at a destination point, and then slides back to the team. When that child returns to the team, he or she jumps out of the shoeboxes and the second student “puts them on.” The relay continues until the last member returns to his or her team. The first team to finish is the winner.
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Parachute Games
Who remembers playing Parachute games?
Who has fun childhood memories of playing with a parachute? My mom purchased this as a birthday gift for my boys many years ago, and we’ve been playing games with it ever since. Our kids and their friends love it. Here’s the link to find one, here are games to play:
Mushroom – This is a great starting activity to get everyone used to moving the parachute and working together. Have everyone grab one handle, then lift the parachute above their head and back down to the ground. Have them do this three times. Then have them lift it high, bring it over and behind their back and sit on it. This creates a mushroom canopy.
Popcorn – Have everyone grab one handle. Place several soft balls on the parachute and have the kids try to keep them on, while popping them up like popcorn.
Merry-Go-Round – Have everyone grab ONE handle. When the music starts, they should walk in a circle, then skip, hop, stop and go the other direction, etc.
Sharks and lifeguards – Kids sit down, holding the parachute above their legs. One kid should stand outside the circle – they are the lifeguard. One kids goes under the parachute and is the shark. All kids holding the parachute should shake it like waves. A shark has to try to pull a kid under the parachute. The kid can call for the lifeguard to help pull them back out. If a kid gets pulled under, they are a shark. Keep playing and give other kids a chance to start as the shark or life guard. Remind kids not to kick the shark. Also remind the lifeguard not to yank a kid by the arm. Pull under the armpits.
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The goal of the party: PLAY and have fun!
Supplies: Here are affiliate links to party supplies.
My son Clark LOVES Scavenger hunts. But let’s be honest…who DOESN’T enjoy a fun hunt?
One year, my husband buried a treasure box in a forest, then created a treasure map for the boys to follow, find and DIG UP! (Best day ever! Best DAD ever!)
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Another year, just as George was learning to spell, he created a scavenger hunt for his brother. He left kind and encouraging words for him to find around the house. (Best brother ever!)
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For Clark’s 13th birthday, we gave him two hunts. One indoors (by himself) to find his birthday present, and one OUTSIDE with his friends. Both were a HIT so I wanted to share this idea with you!
Scavenger hunts work not only for a birthday, but also for Christmas, for a family night, or on any day you’re looking for something fun to do with your family. You could even have your kids create scavenger hunts for each other.
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Here was Clark’s INDOOR birthday hunt:
(Thank you Pinterest and Google for helping me with these riddles)
Here is our OUTDOOR Hunt:
(Feel free to copy and paste to a word document, or print this and play!)
Good for kids 12 and up. Make sure each team has a phone/camera.
Scavenger hunt
Take a selfie of your entire team on the play set.
Take a picture of two people swinging.
Find the sidewalk chalk. Write an encouraging message on the sidewalk. (Ideas: You Matter. -or- You Got this! -or- Choose Joy) You will find the sidewalk chalk:
Find the secret message and write down what you see. Secret message is found:
Take a selfie with a dog or person out for a walk.
Trade a penny for something more valuable.
What is the mystery word written on our neighbor’s front door?
Find the little library and write down the name of one book.
Take a picture next to a fire hydrant.
Find leaves from 3 different trees and bring them back.
Take a picture of something red.
Take a photo of two of your team mates jumping in the air at the same time.
Take a picture of someone sitting on the park bench.
Take a picture of a house or mailbox with the number 2 on it.
Return home
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Here are some ideas from my son’s 13th birthday:
Scrambled word = teenager
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The boys loved the scavenger hunts!
What would you add or change? Leave me a comment.
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