Back in September, Dad had the idea to host a Family Day. It would be in our backyard and involve games and a barbecue. Originally scheduled for early October but canceled due to inclement weather, we rescheduled for the second Saturday in November. The day arrived, with perfect weather for our Family Day.
Anna, Jesse, and Mary took responsibility to set up an obstacle course before the event start time. The creativity they used to skillfully design an awesome course took some effort, but the results worth it.
11am came, and families began to descend upon the backyard with little kids’ faces full of excitement and delight. We started out with some activities such as corn hole (loved watching Grandpa and Grandma do that with the kids) and Spike Ball, while some of the young moms and Gigi sat and talked.
From there, we moved to Cat and Mouse. Mom found the game online–a perfect combination for young and old. People stand in a circle, and then you pick two names. Ahead of time, Dad wrote everyone’s names down and had them folded in his pocket. One person is the cat another the mouse. They are blindfolded, and with people still forming a circle, the cat and mouse can begin wherever they like. Then, the mouse can take one big step in whatever direction, and when it’s done, it has to “squeak.” The cat, still blindfolded, can take one big step (in pursuit of the mouse), and when it’s done, it has to “meow.” The goal obviously being the cat catches the mouse. It caused lots of laughter as the blindfolded people moved around. Even the older ones got really into it, taking ginormous steps to stay away from the cat or in the attempt to catch the mouse.
After that, we enjoyed lunch together. The menu consisted of hot dogs, veggies, picnic eggs, chips, and dessert. Everyone pitched in to bring things.
Following lunch, the anticipated obstacle course began. The absolutely beautiful part of this was the older ones coming alongside the youngers to help them. The aunts and uncles were right there with the littles, cheering, walking next to them, and encouraging. That’s what teamwork is all about. The reverse was true too. The littles cheering the aunts and uncles and daddies and mommies along. Many wonderful memories were created on the Maxwell Family Day.
Maybe Family Day could become a tradition in your family. We loved it, and I’m quite certain it’ll be an annual event at the Maxwells.
Love,
Sarah
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and
in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:8).
What a grand idea! Thank you for sharing this fun event with all of us! It gave us great ideas…. Your family brings many smiles to our faces here! One of my favorite photos is where the older sister is holding her little brother’s hand on the balancing beam – with Dad right there coaching/assisting – precious! Love to all the Maxwell Family Psalm 126:3
I loved, loved, loved seeing that level of helping and coaching, and the desire to participate with even some of the mommmies wanting to do the obstacle course!
What a fun way to spend some time together. Love the photo of Axton, so cute. Is he walking already? Blessings
We all enjoyed our time together outside with beautiful weather for November in Kansas. Nope, Axton isn’t walking yet.
What a fun day! I just love all the pictures! My parents do something similar every spring, we call it Field Day. We will have to incorporate the Cat and Mouse game, that sounds like a great game. Thanks for sharing!
Let us know what you think of it and if you make any tweaks to it. We really enjoyed it.
I love this post and the photos!!
What a wonderful day you all had, and what a special idea for families. 🙂
Thank you for sharing!