It seems like as soon as the Fourth of July rolls around the rest of summer is gone in a flash. So, today I thought I would share an idea that my younger kids absolutely loved – the countdown chain. You can use this for counting down to a vacation, start of school, birthday or any number of occasions.

For our chain, I cut various colors of cardstock (construction paper would also work) on my large paper-cutter to make it go faster. However, if the kids wanted to get involved, allowing them to cut the strips by hand would work just fine.

Now, for the fun part. On each of the strips of paper, we wrote an activity. These could be anything you want. The following are just a sample of what Quintin and Maddy selected:

• Go for a walk
• Have a tea party
• Build a fort
• Do a puzzle
• Go to Build-a-Bear

After you have an activity on each of the strips of paper, then begin making a paper chain. You can tape or staple the ends together. Once the chain is constructed, we hung it up on the doorway. The kids not only had a visual for the number of days left, but also eagerly anticipated what that day’s activity would be.

It is a great way to countdown and have fun along the way.

I would love to hear from you today. What is a fun activity or idea you could share? It doesn’t have to be limited to children. I am still young at heart.

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And now to announce the winners of the books.

(Drum Roll…..)

Beverly Brown Johnson
Lori A.
Kymmie

Ladies, if you could please email me your address. Also, if you have a preference on one of the 3 books listed let me know. Otherwise, it will just be a surprise.