This memory table was a very special gift our whole family made for Nana and Papa. My brother-in-law took a carpentry class where he built this table. Then, everyone worked together to make a list of memories and drawings. Our list of memories was so large that we had to vote for our top 28. We actually sent out a ballot! When the list was finalized, we began sketching squares to represent each memory. We divided the list so everyone could help with the artwork. It was such a fun trip down memory lane!
We have some talented artists in the family who did the lion’s share of the work, as they designed the center and helped clean up some of the design on the squares. They used a Dremel tool to engrave the words, squares, and parts of the pictures. We all helped with the painting. It turned out really beautiful. The border has a bunch of Nana’s famous quotes. It’s a family treasure.
Here’s another fun gift we made for our grandma’s birthday. We painted the tree and had all the grandkids add their fingerprints as leaves. One of the older grandchildren penned the lettering with the quote, “You left your prints on our hearts & minds. Now we leave ours with you.”
One of our favorite activities is our annual neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt. We’ve done it for more than 15 years! It’s a great way to celebrate spring and get to know all the great people in your neighborhood.
Invitations
We take flyers around to all the neighbors. We tape them on every door. Here’s an example: Easter Egg Hunt Flyer
Eggs
Every participating child brings 12 filled plastic eggs to our house before the day of the hunt. We make a list of the children’s ages. Then, we organize our list into groups of similar sizes. We usually have groups of 7-12 children. The age groups are different every year based on the number of children and their ages.
Mapping the hunt
Before the event, we walk the street knocking doors, asking neighbors if we can use their front yards for the egg hunt. We make a map of all the yards we have permission to use, and assign 3 yards to each age group.
Our flags are made from fabric and wooden dowels. You could also use sprinkler flags.
Sorting
We sort the eggs so each age group has 3 bags of eggs (for 3 yards) with 4 eggs per child in that age group. If we have 8 children in the red group, we will put 32 eggs in each of 3 bags and a red flag in each of those bags. Then, early on the morning of the hunt, we place a bag with its flag in front of each of the yards we are using. Our helpers come and hide all the eggs from the bag in that specific yard. They stick the flag in the front of the yard next to the sidewalk so the kids can find their assigned yards.
Instructions
When the families arrive, we gather them together. We announce the age groups and have all the kids raise their hands when their age group is announced. We tell them that there are three yards on the street marked with their color of flag. They can find 4 eggs in each of those yards. They are only to go into the front yards (no backyards) and they are not to step on flowers or plants. We yell, “Go!” and the children scramble.
Here’s a photo of our Easter Egg Hunt in 2021 with everyone wearing masks.
Bonus Eggs
When it appears that the children have found their 12 eggs, we will honk our car horn. Then the kids are free to go in any yard. (We always add many extra eggs to each yard.) They may find as many eggs as they can. There are also some silver eggs (covered in tin foil) that can be exchanged for prizes when found. We try to put a silver egg in each age group (not every house, just one of the three per age).
Breakfast
As the hunt winds down, we start the breakfast. Everyone brings potluck dishes to share. We provide the plates, utensils, and drinks. Families sit on blankets and camp chairs or mill around visiting.
We love this activity so much! It’s way better than a city egg hunt where the eggs are all gone in 2 minutes. This hunt takes time to go to several yards, and then to search longer for the silver eggs or the extras in other yards. The breakfast attracts neighbors without children and is a great way to visit with people you may not see often. It really is a great activity for everyone!
Make your neighborhood a great place to live by organizing events that bring people together! Find more ideas for neighborhood gatherings HERE.
