Over the weekend we packed the car & headed off to the coast for our last beach vacation of the year. This time around it was just us ~ me, the hubs & our two boys. Our very first “Preston family vacation”. No grandparents. No sitters on fly. And it was actually pretty awesome! Same ol’ daily routine, just in a different location. Sand & the ocean at our fingertips. Pools & restaurants ready for us anytime. I could get used to this.
Our destination: Hilton Head Island, SC {I grew up going there/it’s where my husband & I met!}. Our hotel of choice: Omni Oceanfront Resort {recommend!!}. We were spoiled with everyone’s southern hospitality & freedom to run around {& I mean that literally. Running. Constantly. Our boys didn’t stop the entire time!}.
To make this trip extra special for the boys, I planned a mini treasure hunt on our last morning with the sunrise over the horizon. My two are really starting to like the show “Jake & The Neverland Pirates” on Disney JR. & run around saying “AARGH!” after it’s over. It’s so cute! So I just knew this would be a fun way to include what they’re watching into their lives.
For the hunt, I made a treasure chest from one of their shoe boxes & two periscopes from paper towel rolls. I used wood grain print paper, Mod Podge glue & Mod Podge clear spray sealant to wrap the box & rolls. You can purchase the digital paper from doodleprints {Etsy shop} here.
Before the boys finished getting ready with David, I ran out to the beach to bury their treasure. No maps needed this year since they can’t read, or follow directions for that matter! Inside I placed a few things I knew they’d love ~ starfish, seashells & a couple of Dinosaur Train characters for their small train sets.
Once they found their destination, they weren’t quite sure what it was… But quickly figured out it was meant for them!
Have a treasure hunt next time you’re at the beach! It really is so much fun, & not just for the kids!
We are going to make this a family vacation ritual. Of course there will
be maps & clues later on & the loot will grow with their
interests. I just think it’s a great way to connect with your kids
outside of the normal, daily routine & to just have some fun digging around!
Side note:
While in Target today, I saw the same concept with a treasure chest, periscope, gold coins, etc. from the very same show, Jake & The Neverland Pirates! I was shocked {a little proud of myself that I thought of it before I saw it!}. Although I like mine because this mama made it, the one you can buy is pretty awesome, too! Here’s what I found if you’d like to go that route {this website I am giving is unknown to me & double the $ than Target’s $14}.
XOXO
