May the 4th Be with You

If you're a Star Wars fan, you're not alone in the galaxy. May the fourth (as in "May the Force be with you") has become a regular celebration among Jedis and Stormtroopers alike. It's a favorite with children, too, but why should they have all the fun?

If you want to throw a good Star Wars party for grown ups, here are a few ideas for you, plus a free party planning sheet to download.

Of course, we use the term "grown ups" here loosely. Star Wars tends to bring out the kid in all of us.

Refreshments are a must at any party. Besides the usual Yoda Soda and Wookie Cookies, you could opt for some more savory food. BB-8 pancakes, lightsaber grapes on a skewer, and Death Star meatballs could be yummy. 

"Grown up" activities could include a costume contest, build-your-own-lightsaber activity (followed by a duel, of course), and a Star Wars trivia game like this one from Amazon. Or you could just make up your own trivia game.

If you need tips for decorations, the internet has a Bantha-load of ideas on how to make your party room look amazing.

 As for the guest list, that's up to you. But we suggest not inviting any Sith. They are kind of downers. If your leanings are to the Dark Side, we suggest you plan a party for the day after May the Fourth. The Revenge of the Fifth.

#THANKYOUBUSDRIVERS

Have you thanked your school bus driver lately?

Every year on the 4th Tuesday of April is National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. This year it falls on April 23.

These men and women drive our kids to and from school all year long. We trust them. They care about our children. And they are trained to keep them safe.

So how can we show our appreciation for our bus drivers? We don't have to wait for National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day to thank them with a kind note, or a drawing from a student or parent. Gift cards and candy are nice too. Whatever it is, your bus driver will be happy they are appreciated. 

You can share your love and support by using #thankyoubusdrivers when you post on social media as well. Let us know what you do for your bus driver this year in the comments below.

Thanks to Our Teachers

It's that time of year again! The weather is getting warmer. The kids are almost done with school. And you need to figure out what in the world to give your child's teacher for a thank you gift.

Well, we did a highly unscientific survey of some of the teachers we know (and we know quite a few). Here are the things they told us they would appreciate for end of year or teacher appreciation week presents.

1. Not a Mug

Of all the teachers we spoke to, only one said she didn't mind getting a mug for a present. The others said they have an abundance of "Best Teacher in the World" crockery. Another no-no was lotions and other similar products. Their toiletry baskets overfloweth.

2. Gift Cards

Teachers love gift cards they can use to buy classroom supplies or go out to eat. Alternately, classroom supplies are much appreciated. More than one teacher we spoke to said they always need glue sticks and wet wipes and that their dry-erase markers seem to just get up and walk away. Asking your child's teacher what they need may be the best way to go.

3. Something Personal

If you know your teacher well, you can get them something they actually like. Our daughter had a teacher who collected all things owl. New teachers might also need supplies with their names on them. A package of pencils that read "Please return to Mrs. Wingo," a sign with their name on it, or a personalized stamp or stickers for their library books.

4. Appreciation

We all like to be appreciated. It takes a special person to be a teacher, and the ones we spoke to said their favorite thing to get from their students is a nice note. It could be a drawing, or a poem, or a simple "Thank you for being my teacher."

We are always looking for new ideas. Let us know how you decide to appreciate the teachers in your lives when you leave a comment below.

4 Ancient Games We Still Play

CHESS

We've all heard of chess. But did you know it originated in India in about 600 B.C.? Of course it changed  through time and across various countries, but the game we play today is very similar to the original. Chess became popular in the 19th century. Now we can play it on our smart phones! Of course, it's always better in person.

HNEFATAFL

Before chess became popular, tafl, sometimes called hnefatafl, was the game to play. It was a favorite game among the Vikings. Depending on which player you are, the object of the game is either to capture the king or protect the king. It's a game with complex strategy. When we discovered it we loved it so much we laser engraved our own board. 

MANCALA

The earliest evidence of mancala shows up more than 3000 years ago in Africa. With simple rules, but complex strategy, mancala is now a favorite worldwide. Try your hand at it online, or you could even make your own board from an egg carton and marbles. See instructions at https://www.marbleskidsmuseum.org/make-your-own-mancala.

MAHJONG

So, technically, mahjong isn't ancient. It originated in China in the 1800's. This game of strategy and skill is played with tiles by families all over the world. Although there are regional variations, the basic object of the game is for a player to get all fourteen of their tiles into four sets and one pair.

Is there a favorite old game you like to play? Let us know and we'll look it up and give it a try!