Our Little St. Patty's Day

I love how holidays, big and small, have collected their own traditions over the years. I remember thinking when Lauren was a baby that I needed to "think up" special traditions for our family. But really, those things happen because we try them once and enjoy them and end up looking forward to it every year. St. Patrick's Day is the perfect example of a little holiday celebration that basically started in our family when both kids were home all day and we were looking for fun things to do. Now we know every March 17th will start with a special breakfast...

...followed by a treasure hunt. The leprechaun always puts some special green goodies and gold coins in a secret spot.

First you have to read the clues...

...look high and low...

...and maybe even check outside.

Success!

Now it's time to check out the loot!

Green cupcakes always seem to make an appearance, along with other fun green foods. (I think it's the one day a year that Jon will actually eat something green!)

We follow that up with fun crafts, like homemade green playdough--that smells like lime!

Or rainbow necklaces made out of fruit loops.

Cupcakes are ready. Don't forget the sprinkles!

My favorite craft is the one below. We write things we're thankful for (our "treasures") on gold coins and glue them onto the pot at the end of the rainbow. This year, Lauren was mostly thankful for different family members, friends, books, and ponies. Jon was thankful for family, friends, Thomas trains, and playing outside. 

And Mommy was thankful for these two little leprechauns that brighten my day!