Sunshine Holiday

My family has a tradition during the month of June and it is called "Sunshine Holiday". I never feel quite like summer has begun until Sunshine Holiday. You haven't heard of this holiday? That's because we made it up. I was about 5 years old. School got out and after about a week, we kids got bored. There are no holidays during June except for Father's Day, and let's face it, it's not a very exciting holiday(at least not for kids). So we made one up. The traditions have changed a little over the years as our family has grown, but the basic elements still remain.

I like to dress in the appropriate holiday colors.

Tradition #1: Draw names. You become that persons secret sunshine. When we were young, the holiday lasted for a week, and you did nice little things for the person all week. Things you could make for your person were usually yellow or had sunshine incorporated into it somehow. Yellow candy, objects, drinks, etc. At the end of the week, your secret person is revealed and you give them the "big gift", which is basically a white elephant. My favorite gift this year was given to my nephew Kanon. A gas mask with some yellow on it. I think he got a game too.

Yellow sun hats.

Doesn't Kelly look great in blond hair?

I think I have seen my dad's bare feet maybe 3 times in my life. He ALWAYS has shoes and socks on. Treasure this moment.

Tradition #2: Big BBQ/sleepover. Everyone comes to Grandma and Grandpa's to party. This year we had very excellent grilled salmon at the BBQ. It was very delicious. Often times we sleep in the backyard in tents, sometimes we go camping. Water games are always involved, usually resulting in a water fight. This year we had a giant water obstacle course. Also my mom makes giant bubble mixture which is always fun. White elephants occur at the close of the festivities.

Lots of little boys!

The kiddie pool isn't quite big enough for these guys.

Can't have a BBQ without watermelon.

Jacob is the right size for this pool.