The days are flying by fast now. My oldest starts Kindergarten in days. I find myself trying to savor all the moments before that day comes when I have to take him to ‘big-boy’ school for the first time. I know, it’s just kindergarten. And it’s literally a 7 minute drive from where we live. But he’s my baby. My first-born. I have spent more hours of my life in the last 5.5 years with him than with anyone else in this world. Yes I am going to be a wreck come August 15th.

So what do we do in the meantime? Find new ways to make simple things like a picnic at the park special. It’s as much for me as it is for them!

Who wants to pack a picnic in a backpack when you can fill up bright red vintage suitcase with goodies? Sure it’s a little awkward to carry, but Rex just LOVES it. I think it makes him feel grown-up and like we’re going somewhere special.

It was one of my flea market finds from awhile back that I paid just dollars for. I had filled it up with random little toys over the past few weeks without the kids noticing. I added a blanket and a bunch of snacks and we were all set for a fun couple of hours.

The kids had fun digging into my stash of goodies. I’m especially glad I packed the wooden blocks and sticks. Endless amounts of creativity to be had.

Including a sword fight!

He’s had them since he was 1. They were a gift from some friends and they are by far one of my favorite toys he’s ever owned.

I’m not sure if Jack-Jack liked the dinosaurs or grapes more. They both made it into her mouth

One thing I wish I had done though was bought 3 tiaras instead of 2. I should have known Rex would be unhappy if he was left out of the whole tiara-wearing thing

So we took turns

All THREE of us. Sigh… It’s ok. I’m happy to have pictures of the three of us together. Even if my son is happily sporting a bright, pink sequined tiara in some of them.

After pulling out everything in the suitcase to play and eat, my baby decides it’s perfect Jack-Jack size and climbs in.

She was very pleased with herself. And I of course was hoping she would do just that so I could get some cute shots of her in it

She soon got bored so off came the tiara

And out she climbed

But not before I caught some adorable ones of her in it though. What is it about babies in bags, buckets, boxes, suitcases etc… ?  Something about them being little for such a short time I think.

It was a fun couple of hours out in the sun. I learned that it doesn’t take much (money or effort) to make a simple outing we do often special and different. Well the suitcase was such a hit I now keep it in the trunk and have filled it up with more inexpensive random little items I come across whenever I’m out and about. Every kid loves a surprise!