101 Things...

I know this is a long list, but I found this book the other day called, "101 Things Every Kid Should Do Growing Up" by Alecia T. Devantier. At first I was sad thinking about how quickly my girls are growing up and will continue to grow up and how it's hard to get everything in that you always dream of doing. It felt good as I read to see that we have already done a lot of the things. Anyway, here is a pretty great list of things to get you started. In the book it goes into more detail and gives more ideas on how to accomplish each of these thing of course. (Keep in mind the book says that these things should preferrably be done ages 3-12 - whew! that gives me some time).

1. Do something to make the world a better place
2. Believe in things that can't be seen
3. Go outside at dush and stay there until it's dark, watching the stars come out
4. Camp in the backyard
5. Play in the bathtub until her skin wrinkles
6. Play with play dough
7. Receive notes of support, encouragement, or "just because"
8. Catch snowflakes on her tongue and eyelashes
9. Write a thank-you note of gratitude to a relative or teacher
10. Own one really fun piece of clothing
11. Turn off the television for a weekend
12. Eat homemade ice cream on a hot summer day
13. Help create a scrapbook of her childhood memories
14. Go to a museum
15. Build a gingerbread house and then get to eat it
16. Spit watermelon seeds
17. Do a "senior study"
18. Receive praise for who she is and what she has accomplished
19. Haev a favorite book or bedtime story
20. Take a nighttime hike by the light of the moon
21. Receive an award
22. Make a special homemade present for Mom or Dad, Grandma or Grandpa
23. Express creativity
24. Learn how to swim
25. Go for a ride in a small airplane
26. Experiment with simple science projects
27. Take music lessons
28. Help bake a cake from scratch adn then lick the frosting bowl
29. Grow a vegetable garden
30. Blow a bubble gum bubble until it pops
31. Experience a family car trip
32. See a classic movie on the big screen
33. Go to a parade
34. Write in a journal
35. Creative a holiday keepsake
36. Participate in a "-thon"
37. Possess a soft, cuddly stuffed animal, that she is never forced to give up becaues she's "too old"
38. Have a collection
39. Attend a live performance
40. Let a fuzzy caterpillar crawl up her arm, and then watch that caterpillar turn into a butterfly
41. Create a self-portrait
42. Build a sand castle in the summer and a snow fort in the winter
43. Go on a factory tour
44. Decorate the driveway
45. Write a "memory letter" each year
46. Explore other cultures
47. Play dress-up
48. Eat green eggs
49. Ride a horse
50. Have a treasure box
51. Spend some time on a farm, even for a short visit
52. Be allowed the freedom to make choices, decisions, and mistakes
53. Go to a fair, carnival, or amusement park
54. Visit the place(s) where Mom and Dad grew up
55. Get dressed up and go to a fancy dinner or restaurant
56. Create a board game
57. Have one outstanding teacher
58. Write a letter to a favorite actor, athlete or hero
59. Have a pet
60. Have a hobby
61. Decorate her room according to the theme of her choice
62. Take a trip to Washington, D.C.
63. Have a secret hideout
64. Play classic games
65. Run a lemonade stand
66. Mark birthdays with a celebration
67. Clown around
68. Go to a family reunion
69. Make a pizza
70. Learn to appreciate the different abilities of people
71. Be taken for a "pajama ride"
72. Have a "get better" box
73. Blow soap bubbles
74. Spend some time alone with each parent
75. Build a model
76. Go on a scavenger hunt
77. Go to a baseball game with Grandpa
78. Play with her food
79. See Mom or Dad laugh
80. Make caramel apples
81. Publish a book
82. Have a best friend
83. Experience the feelings of love, safety, and security
84. Participate in an extracurricular activity
85. Have a pen pal
86. Have a personal library card
87. Enjoy lazy summer days
88. Experience the ocean
89. Be given a camera to take pictures, and the freedom to take whatever pictures she wants to take
90. Produce a video
91. Experience the mystery of magic
92. Go to a summer camp
93. Make a meal for the family
94. Do chores around the house without being paid
95. Spend time alone
96. Have an adventure
97. Experience the beauty of nature
98. Learn about the family's history
99. Learn the value of money
100. Have the opportunity to act like a kid
101. Have a dream for the future and an adult who believes in that dream