The Ideas!
Make Up a Secret, Nonverbal Code for Family Members Only
This will come in especially handy when you’re at some social function where talking aloud could be a hindrance. You might want to create signs that mean “This is boring!” “Way to go!” “What fun!” “I’m starving!” “Gotta go to the bathroom!” and (of course) “I love you!”
Plan a Family Reunion
Of course, you don’t have to actually put on a family reunion, but planning one can be gobs-o-fun. First select the ideal spot for your family to get together (Walt Disney World, perhaps?). Next make a guest list of all the relatives you hope would come; brainstorm fun activities (how about a “Great Uncle Herman Imitation Contest?”); plan the perfect menu for your time together, and add any other details you think would make this first-rate fun for you and your family.
Count the Number of Animals You See in a Day
We encounter a veritable menagerie of beasts during a normal day, only we’ve become so accustomed to it that we sometimes miss out on the joy of seeing God’s creatures at work and play in our world. So, see how many squirrels, sparrows, dogs, cats, pigeons, lizards, frogs, turtles, and such you can spot during the course of a normal day (keep a running count in your head). The next day, see if you can spot at least one more!
Skip Stones on a Lake
Contrary to popular opinion, this takes real skill! Take your family to a nearby body of water, stockpile the flattest, roundest stones you can find, then set your pitching arms in motion. See who can skip a rock the farthest, with the most bounces, and with the greatest flair!
Play Miniature Gold—Blindfolded!
Bring along a blindfold to the miniature golf course, and throw the scorecards out for this one! At each hole, have a different family member don the blindfold and try a hand at sightless putting. Let other family members offer coaching advice to the blindfolded golfer, and be sure to lead that person around the hole so he or she doesn’t crash into anything! Afterward, hold a family discussion to determine exactly who had the greatest shot of the day.
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The Ideas!