You've got mail!

Winter, although mild, has kind of given my family a case of the "blahs."  The inevitable letdown after the holidays has left our normal days feeling a little...well...normal!  So, in an effort to promote the loving spirit of Valentine's day, I made a trip to the Dollar Tree the other day and purchased some cheap gift boxes.  With a Sharpie, I put each of our names on one and placed them at our respective spots at the dinner table.

The first night, I put something in each mailbox and then explained the idea. Our little project will run through Valentine's day.  Throughout each day (preferably when no one is looking), we can place small gifts, cards, or trinkets in each other's boxes.  The only rule is that it can't be expensive.  Each night at dinner time, we are allowed to open our "mailboxes."  The kids have delighted not only in seeing what is in their boxes, but also in seeing the rest of us find their gifts.  Immediately, my kids began searching for treasures to share with one another (and with us).  We've seen pieces of candy from their individual stashes, sweet cards written to each other, and even money from their piggy banks in mine and Daddy's boxes!  We've traded coupons good for reading time, snuggle time, etc.  The fun of hiding things from each other during the day has led to many giggles, much shushing of anyone who knows the secret, and pure delight upon pulling one over on us.  Even Daddy's in on the game!  Who knew that $4 at the Dollar Tree could result in so much fun?