Living Lovely with Family series: Yearly traditions

I am participating in Heidi's "Living Lovely with Family" series. This week's theme is Yearly Traditions.

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."

--Thornton Wilder

January

Liz's annual family New Year's Eve party with many friends from church- food, fireworks, and even a disco ball to drop (at 9 pm!)

February

A new tradition of doing a mercy project together at Valentine's day and having the children's valentines tied to a string maze that wraps around the house and leads to a hunt for their treats March

My husband's birthday- always celebrated with a yellow cake with chocolate icing and usual something outdoors St. Patrick's day family celebration
Hiking, gardening, walks together outdoors
April

Easter and spring break with extended family- egg hunts, meals togetherMay

Boys' camping trip June

Camp Stinky Feet with my nephew- alternately here or my brother's house- a 4 day boys' dirt fest July

For the 4rth, we have traveled with family on my Dad's side for the past few years. We love being with all of our cousins! (we usually go somewhere with fireworks, amusement and water parks, and lots of bbq)
VBS
Jaybird's birthday- for the kids, we have a party with friends and then another party with family in our hometown. We also spend the entire day of the birthday eating what they choose and opening treats all day long.
August

First day of school celebration- pizza/cupcake party

Toot's birthday

Our anniversary

September

The county fair

Lydie's birthday

Vacation to the beach, usually

Year-round trips to our family farm with my side of the family

October

Annual Halloween party at our friends' house

Baking and evening bonfires We love fall festivals
November

Thanksgiving with family- sometimes in the mountains

We make thankful leaves

My birthday- my husband's divine made-from-scratch strawberry cake with strawberry icing

December

Annual Gingerbreadhouse-building contest with the Harpers

Christmas Around the World study

Worship, family, celebrations! (Christmas traditions could be another post entirely)

We celebrate Advent with interactive, daily devotions as a family

"Today is a smooth white seashell, hold it close and listen to the beauty of the hours."
--Anonymous