So how do you keep two kids busy for five days?

So how do you keep two kids busy for five days? Lots of rope and duct tape....

I keep the activities a surprise and try not to repeat anything unless it was such a big hit that they ask for it every year. The treasure hunt was a huge hit so it's now an annual event. The first year I spent hours writing clues (in verse....why not go all out?) and hid them around the house, inside and out. I made the clues difficult so it would take them a while to find the treasure.....and had lots of them; maybe 20 or more clues.

When they finally got to the last clue 'X marks the spot', there was a big 'X' scratched into the dirt and a few digging tools. I buried the treasure deep, so they had to work to get it - but finally they found two tins - full of gold coins. Most were chocolate but some were Susan B. Anthony dollars.

Another activity we'll repeat this year is Bombs Away.....a water balloon fight. The kids and I spend a long time filling water balloons that we put into three buckets. Once the buckets are full, I space three lawn chairs in a triangle - about 20' apart (or the distance that the kids can throw a water balloon) and we each get a bucket full of water balloons! Then it's all out war!

I have a schedule for each day that is flexible. If the planned activity doesn't go over well - there are always the old standbys - bow & arrows, swinging, and board games. This year, my father made stilts for the kids - so this will keep them busy too.