Motherhood: We’re Thankful

features | how to How to Ramp Up the Fun This Holiday Season

By Stacie Ball

The orchards may be closed, but there is still a lot of family fun out there this November! Add your favorite items to your Fall Bucket List and make the most of this holiday season.

Run a 5K

Get exercise and give back to the community at the same time by running or walking in a 5K. • November 13: Huntington Veterans Day 5K. You can even participate in the Huntington Veterans Day Bike Ride or the 1 Mile Family Fun Walk. • November 20- 27: Annual Fox Island Turkey Trot 5K at Fox

Island in Fort Wayne. There is also a 15,000 cm race for kids under ten. • November 25: 17th Annual Kids Kampus Turkey Trot at

Huntington University in Huntington.

Take a Hike

Seize the perfect opportunity to observe the changing leaves, wildlife, and other sights and sounds of Autumn. Go on a guided hike or create your own!

Get Crafty

Crafts don’t have to be complicated. Have the kids help you with these simple projects. • Pinecone Birdfeeder- Tie some twine around a pinecone to use as a hanger. Cover the pinecone in peanut butter using a knife or spatula. Roll the pinecone in birdseed. Hang it outside, and watch the birds eat! • Marbled Paper Leaf Craft- Use shaving cream and fall paint colors to make marbled paper. Then, cut into leaf shapes. https://typicallysimple.com/marbled-paper-fall-leaves/

Thanksgiving Day Games

Start the kids on these fun activities during cooking and clean-up or join in the fun! • Play Parade Bingo while watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Visit https://www.familyeducation.com/printables/thanksgiving-printables/thanksgiving-parade-bingo for a printable bingo board. • The Thankful Game- Ask everyone to write down one thing they are thankful for and place it in a jar. One person reads the responses and others guess the author.

• November 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30: Rambler’s Hike at Eagle Marsh

Barn in Fort Wayne • November 6: Hibernation Hike at Lindenwood Nature Preserve • November 7: Trees Trail Challenge at Franke Park • November 6, 13, 17, and 20: ACRES: Cedar Creek Corridor

Hiking Series at various locations in Fort Wayne • November 13: Fall Color Hike at Lindenwood Nature Preserve

Get in the Christmas Spirit

If you are ready to kick the fall bucket and move on to Christmas, this list is for you. • November 6: Holiday Open Houses in Roanoke • November 17: Lunch and Learn Holiday Door Décor at Charley

Creek Gardens in Wabash • November 19: Wabash Downtown Holiday Night to Remember • November 19: 10th Annual Holiday Walk & Festival of Trees in downtown Warren • November 27: Christmas in the City of Huntington

Start Cooking

The smells and TASTES of comfort foods are half the fun of the season. • Whip up a batch of chili with gooey cinnamon rolls on the side.

Google an easy recipe or try this one https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/easy-chili. • Drink hot spiced apple cider by a crackling bonfire or cozy fireplace. Buy packets at the store or use this recipe https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/ hot-spiced-cider/d3493337-14c1-4afb-bf8e-f1793d615405. • Roast pumpkin seeds by tossing them with olive oil, salt, and any spices you like. Bake for 10-25 minutes.