Hey, Bunny Friends!
I thought I’d start this letter with this elegant Robot Peacock with an abundance of surveillance tech. It seems to me there’s a great storybook waiting to be written about this fella. Speaking of writing, for the second month now, I’m offering you some ideas to delight the children you love. What can I say: I’m on a celebration kick! I would appreciate your feedback on this. If you can, please take a second to answer this email and let me know if you are enjoying all this holiday themed stuff or if you’d prefer the old style random stuff. I aim to deliver what you need to make magical memories. In this love letter I offer you lots of ideas for fun activities related to occasions in the month of May. I’m hoping something in this letter inspires you to plan some fun, mischief, or even mayhem. Welcome May! — Mary

Photo: AI generated

MAY 1 - MAY DAY

I dug back into my archives to find one of our most enjoyable May Day celebrations. I am always a little surprised how the first flowers of the season stir so much excitement in me. Is it the promise of warm, sunny days? All the new baby birds, squirrels, and bunnies that will fill our yard? Or simply the chance to shed winter’s broken branches and molded leaves? To be reborn? 

May Day is an enduring symbol for me of bringing the beauty and sweetness of Spring to my family in the simple guise of a basket filled with blooms and candy. Rituals have an anchoring effect, I think. They hold the days in place, reminding us to recognize the perpetual cycles of nature and culture. Rituals give us an excuse to pause from life’s obligations and to celebrate its wonder. A reason to gather and be grateful. 

Although I won’t fill this year’s baskets until tonight, Keith and I loaded that year’s baskets in the car, placed them at the door, and did the traditional “ring and run” ruse. Despite our impressive stealth, the kids never seem to wonder who left the May Baskets. 

MAY 4 • SCRAPBOOK DAY

National Scrapbook Day is celebrated every year on the first Saturday of May to honor the art of preserving memories. From family milestones to everyday joys, I think scrapbooking captures life. Whenever I talk about it, I have to thank my friend Lisa Billings for introducing me to this wonderful hobby. (Luv you, Lisa)!

Whether a digital or physical book, scrapbooking is so much more than photo albums. It's a personalized story crafted with embellishments, paper, and journaling. It offers a timeless keepsake, ensuring memories endure across generations. I think of it as a diary on steroids. What an absolutely great day April 4th will be to have a scrapbooking party. Head to your local hobby store where the paper craft department offers all the supplies you’ll need. I recommend buying spiral bound sketchbooks for kids who are starting their first book. They are inexpensive. They lie flat. And a smaller book will be less intimidating.

Photo: Here’s a peek at the books my youngest granddaughters started. I keep them at the ready for their next page on a special bookshelf in our craft room. The shelves are dedicated to scrapbooking supplies and memories.

MAY 4 • STAR WARS DAY

A fun holiday for kids, I suspect. I don’t think I’ve ever included any of my kids or grandkids in our Star Wars festivities, even though Keith and I celebrate every year. They’ve never shown much interest. Now, I suspect, thanks largely to the Mandalorian and similar spin-offs on the Disney Channel, there’s a growing resurgence of fans for this fantasy world. It will be a perfect time to host a viewing party through a streaming service or even video.

1. DECORATIONS: Use iconic Star Wars symbols like light sabers, Death Star, and Millennium Falcon as decor. Hang banners or posters featuring characters like Darth Vader, Yoda, and Princess Leia. Set up a space-themed ambiance with hanging planets, and galaxy-themed tablecloths.
   

2. ACTIVITIES: Here’s three, but the internet has zillions.

   a) Lightsaber Training: Provide foam lightsabers for guests to engage in a friendly lightsaber duel or learn some basic moves.

   b) Jedi Training Academy: Organize obstacle courses or challenges where kids can test their agility, strength, and “Force” abilities.

   c) Star Wars Trivia: Depending on your kids ages and familiarity with the franchise, you could host a trivia contest with questions from the Star Wars universe. Offer small prizes for the winner.
   

3. TREATS: I just rename normal food to make it more fun like Wookiee Cookies or Yoda Soda. Call cinnamon buns Princess Leia cupcakes. Stick fondant stars on stuff. Make little fun labels for the food. You’re golden!
   

4. GAMES: This is the most memorable part of any party, I think.

   a) Death Star Piñata: Fill a Death Star-shaped piñata with candies and let kids take turns trying to break it open.

   b) Star Wars Recovery Mission: Hide Star Wars-themed items or toys around the party area and provide a list of clues to find them.

   c) Droid Races: Have kids build their own mini droids using craft supplies and race them across a designated track. Award prizes for the fastest droid or most creative design.
   
   Photo: Some post titles from my digital Star Wars album. (It feels a little like a confession to type that at age 73 I have a fan album).

MAY 5 • CINCO DE MAYO

Brief Interlude: This love letter is taking forever to write. I’m diving back into my archives to find stories and photos to share with you since the 2024 events are yet to manifest. It’s so delightful, I can’t tear myself away. Sorry. I’m admittedly dawdling. Although close to the wire, I hope this gives you some fun ideas for your Cinco de Mayo.

As a prelude to Cinco de Mayo, some years back, we had a Mexican Fiesta on May 3rd due to scheduling conflicts. Granny made Pancake Tostadas with whipped cream and colored sprinkles. She also said we needed bacon and yogurt for protein and grapes for fruit.

While we ate, we watched the "Maya and Miguel" show on TV. Roland knows lots of Spanish words and songs that he taught us.

We got to wear sombreros and even The Rat wore one. He was just adorable.

We had maracas and drums to play with our salsa music.

The most fun was the Mexican Hat dance. Paw and Roland were fabulous hat dancers.

Presley's favorite part of the fiesta was the sprinkles. When we were done eating, she spooned some on her plate for a dessert.

Lilly's favorite part was maracas and dancing.

Roland liked everything, but especially The Rat and drumming.

Paw and Granny said their favorite part of the fiesta was their grandchildren. They love them super, super much.

Granny says, "te amo."

That means "I love you" in Spanish.

MAY 6 • GREAT LAKES AWARENESS DAY

I bring this to your attention because, if you’re reading this, a drive to Lake Michigan is a day trip. Great Lakes Awareness Day shines a spotlight on the environmental significance of the Great Lakes region. The Great Lakes hold about 20% of the world's surface freshwater, making them a vital resource for millions of people. 20%!!! This day serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting these interconnected bodies of water. It raises awareness about issues such as pollution, invasive species, and habitat degradation. It also celebrates the cultural, recreational, and economic value that the Great Lakes provide to communities and industries. By coming together to promote stewardship and conservation, we can ensure that these majestic lakes thrive for generations to come. Depending where you live, you may find these websites helpful.

1. Great Lakes Kids: Created by the Great Lakes Information Network, this website provides educational materials, videos, and activities for kids to learn about the Great Lakes' geography, wildlife, and conservation efforts. Click: https://www.greatlakeskids.org/

2. Great Lakes Education Program: Managed by Michigan Sea Grant, this program provides educational resources and curriculum materials for teachers and students to learn about the Great Lakes through hands-on activities and field trips. Click: https://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/education/great-lakes-education-program/
   

MAY 11 • ARCHERY DAY

Why did I not know about this holiday? My entire childhood was filled with archery and involves some of my fondest family memories, with the exception of a perpetually bruised inner left arm. Archery is an art. If you’re considering inviting your kids or grandkids to embrace this ancient sport, do it! Introducing your child to archery can be rewarding in a variety of ways. It fosters discipline, focus, and physical coordination. Just look at me!

With a quick Google search, you can find introductory classes near you where they can learn basic techniques under the guidance of certified instructors. They usually provide age-appropriate equipment, such as recurve bows or youth compound bows, and emphasize safety practices from the outset. Otherwise, if you are an experienced archer like my sister Sam, go for it on your own. Archery offers a fun and challenging activity for kids.

Photo: my sister and her granddaughter

MAY 11 • MIGRATORY BIRD DAY

Migratory Bird Day celebrates the incredible journeys of millions of birds as they migrate across continents. Migratory birds face numerous challenges, including loss of habitat, climate change, and human interference. By commemorating Migratory Bird Day, we recognize the need for international cooperation in conservation efforts to protect these birds and the ecosystems they rely on. Events such as birdwatching excursions, educational programs, and habitat restoration projects often mark the occasion. The awe-inspiring journeys of migratory birds are magical. After a day of birdwatching, how fun would it be to host a Movie Night featuring “Fly Away Home.” If you aren’t familiar with this film, it’s based a true story. It features a young girl who saves a gaggle of goslings and teaches them flight and migratory routes by flying with them in an ultra-light airplane.

The National Audubon Society has a great book called Birding Adventures for Kids filled with zillions of ideas for “watching, feeding, and housing our feathered friends.” You can snag a copy from your library or find it on Amazon by clicking HERE

MAY 12 • MOTHERS DAY

I picked this post from the archive because this card is so adorable and the kids LOVED making it because of the messy hands coupled with the danger of the blow dryer. The table was set for a very special breakfast party. According to myhusband, it’s important to nourish yourself before you start any creative endeavor.

Finally, we were ready to start on our project of making Mother’s Day cards to go with the beautiful gifts we had for Maggie and Mollie. They are such good moms. You can see in the photos above, the first job is to get all your art supplies ready. Then you get green paint all over your hands to make a handprint on a piece of white card stock.

Lilly decided to help Paw make a card for Granny. His hand is a lot bigger and took a lot of paint. Lilly was careful and did a great job. She is special like her cousin Ada. They are both left-handed. Paw told Lilly that means they are right-brained and very creative.

After you make your handprint, you have to get it to dry fast so you can keep going with the project. Presley loves this part. She is a capable blow-dryer operator.

After your handprint is dry, you use your fingertip to dab a little bit of paint on top of each finger to make five flowers. Presley never got the paint and fingers mixed up. She put the correct finger in the correct paint lid every single time. She is a wonderful artist and has great concentration.

Granny had this flower pot template printed. (If she remembered where she got it, she would tell you. Sorry.) We just cut out the flower pot and signed our name on it so our mom can remember who it’s from. Then you glue or tape the pot on your flowers.

Finally, it’s time to wrap the gifts. Each child got a gift box set of fancy hair accessories for their mom. They will just love them. We were all so excited. Granny already bought a roll of paper for each of us. We also each had our own scissors and tape, but we had to share ties from Granny’s ribbon bin.

Maggie stopped by to drop off Roland’s lunch before she headed to work. It was great. He was able to give her the gift and card right away.

Roland’s mom was elated. She loved the hair-do things and thought she would have to share them with Ada because they were so cool. She loved the present and the card, but, most of all, she loved Roland.

Granny didn’t get to photograph Presley and Lilly giving their mother her gifts and cards, but when she went to Mollie’s after Mother’s Day, both cards were hanging on the refrigerator. I bet the moms will keep those cards forever. It was a Happy May Day surprise.

MAY 24 • SCAVENGER HUNT DAY

Oh, how fabulous! I absolutely adore scavenger hunts and am psyched to learn there is a day dedicated to them. If you want to cook up something memorable for the kids you love, I have no better offering than this original version of a Scavenger Hunt I cooked up for my grandchildren. It was unexpectedly a huge hit and I got lots of requests to do it again and again. I’ve also shared it with numerous girlfriends who used the format and materials with their grandchildren. They report the same. I put the very first “Shopping“ Scavenger Hunt into a little memory book for my granddaughter Presley. You can read it by clicking HERE

MAY 27 • MEMORIAL DAY

I think, next year, I will devote an entire issue to the best Memorial Day ever! I just can’t do it justice in this little space. But I hope you have a happy remembrance of the heroes you admire. I’ve included a Memorial Day trifle recipe from my favorite recipe website: Six Sisters Stuff. (no affiliations). It’s a great way to make kids think of fruit as a desert.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup milk

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

• 1 (5.1 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding

• 1 angel food cake

• 4 cups strawberries sliced

• 2 cups raspberries

• 2 cups blueberries
  

INSTRUCTIONS

• Whisk together milk, heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla pudding until fluffy; set aside.
  

• Cut angel food cake into bite-sized pieces; set aside. Combine strawberries, raspberries and blueberries; set aside. Start assembling your trifle by placing half your angel food cake in the bottom of your bowl or trifle dish.
  

• Spread on half of your cream mixture and top with half of your fruit. Repeat. Store in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

• 1 cup milk

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

• 1 (5.1 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding

• 1 angel food cake

• 4 cups strawberries sliced

• 2 cups raspberries

• 2 cups blueberries

MAY 29 • OTTER DAY

I know it’s not a mainstream holiday, but that otter photo is so darned cute I couldn’t resist learning more. (Besides, my friend Michele Harrell is an Otter Lover like no other and I’m okay with an audience of one). Otter Day is intended to raise awareness about otters and the critical role they play in aquatic ecosystems.

Otter’s role in maintaining the health of freshwater and marine environments is vital. They control populations of prey species such as fish, crabs, and mollusks. Their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem, as they’re sensitive to pollution and habitat degradation.

On Otter Day, various organizations, conservationists, and enthusiasts like Michele organize educational events, fundraisers, and outreach programs to highlight otter conservation efforts and promote responsible stewardship. Otter Day aims to inspire action to protect these playful and adorable creatures and the habitats they depend on for survival. For Otter Day-themed activities, games, and crafts for kids, you can try some of these:

FIVE IDEAS TO CELEBRATE OTTER DAY

1. I am a firm believer that the more taboo the activity, the more your kids will love it. So, if weather allows, I would set up a water slide on a small hill so they could bark like otters while sliding down on their bellies into a muddy puddle. The muddier the better.
   

2. Otter Storytime: For little ones, "Otters Love to Play" by Jonathan London or "Sea Otter Pup" by Victoria Miles are beloved by kids.
   

3. Otter Puppets: Help kids create their own otter puppets using brown paper bags, felt, googly eyes, and markers. They can use these puppets to enact otter stories or role-play.
   

4. Otter Obstacle Course: Set up an otter-themed obstacle course. Include activities like crawling through tunnels (representing otter dens), balancing on logs (like otters on riverbanks), and jumping over "rocks" (obstacle course blocks).
   

5. Otter Dance Party: Play lively, upbeat music and encourage kids to dance like otters. Emphasize playful movements like sliding, rolling, and splashing.

Any of these play ideas will engage kids in learning about otters, loving otters, and maybe saving their habitats when they’re older. (Have fun, Michele)!

LOVE PROJECT: ART JOURNALS

Each month, I’ve been trying to undertake a love project. Earlier this year when I visited some beloved family members in Arizona, my niece Maggie and nephew Lucas (pictured above) made every day a complete joy! As a gift of gratitude I made them each a multi-purpose book.

• It’s an activity book which brings an adult they love even closer.
• Maggie & Lucas both love art, so I made this an art journal too. 
• It’s a conversation starter, stimulating imagination, communication,    planning, and collaboration skills.
• It becomes a storybook recounting their adventure — and it’s
hand illustrated to boot!
• Most of all, it’s an heirloom they can revisit through life, and even
share with their own children and grandchildren someday. 

I will go into more detail in a future letter. I’m happy with the way it came together and hope they have lots of fun with it.

ARTIST WE LOVE • DA VINCI

If you missed the new Artists We Love newsletter, it’s devoted to Leonardo and his master works. The issue is filled with a host of art activities inspired by Da Vinci. There’s also a column on how to host a party in his honor. You can read it by clicking right HERE!

• • • GRANNY BUNNY ARCHIVE • • •
If you’re looking for other ideas in the back issues of these
Granny Bunny love letters, grab a cup of your favorite beverage,
sit back, and relax - then click HERE to find them all.