Collecting Memories, Not Things.

This weekend we finally used our 2015 Christmas present from my in-laws. Our little tribe along with my partner’s parents went to a small adventure park in New England called Storyland, that each of us had been to as kids; almost 50, 24 & 18 years ago. So cool that we now got to go with our son! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the friends & family that not only respect but truly value our wish to collect memories, not things.

To be frank, gifts can be a real burden if you ask me. I don’t just mean the plastic junk that breaks on the first turn or the obnoxiously noisy toys you tell your kids won’t take new batteries when they run out… Kids just get so freaking many of them! Sure, it’s overwhelming to us since we’re the ones who have to find space to house them & help clean them up when his room gets turned upside down but talk about an overwhelmed kid when he has so many toys he can’t even find the one he’s set on playing with at that very moment or he can’t even pick one out of the bunch because there’s too many to choose from. I know our friends & family mean well by it but the truth is, chances are that our 3 year old isn’t going to remember the gifts you bought him.

You know what he will remember? Going to the Wildlife park with his Nan & Naunee for his birthday, taking the train into the city to go to the aquarium, going to a historic fort to explore & fly kites with his Daddy & Nanny and going to his first amusement park with his family as a belated Christmas celebration.

And as his parents, we adore seeing these adventures through his eyes. There is truly no better gift. So, the next time a birthday or holiday rolls around & everyone starts asking you what to get your kids, consider asking them to make new memories with your child or gifting your little one the opportunity to try something new. The best way to say thank you is to invite them along or send a smiley photo of your special day. That is something EVERYONE will remember. I promise.

And, just because I love sharing the smiles & fun, here’s a few snaps of our special day at Story Land!