My name is Kimberly and I feel honored to be able to write a guest post for Maria today. Maria and I first met when she visited my classroom 2 years ago. My students were sure that she probably rode to our school in a pink limousine! During her visit, she read Pink Tiara Cookies for Three and told us about her “new” book The Potato Chip Champ. My students and my own children love her stories and so do I!

When Maria asked me to blog about family traditions, I knew right away which tradition I would write about. This morning, I asked my 10 year old daughter about her definition of a family tradition. Her response is better than any definition I could have created.

My daughter’s definition of a family tradition…

Five years ago, we started a new family tradition. Every summer, we visit Mackinac Island. Mackinac Island is an island located just north of the lower peninsula in Michigan. It is a charming island with beautiful homes overlooking the lake, quaint little shops and plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities mixed with a bit of history everywhere you turn. On Mackinac Island, the residents and visitors travel by foot, bike or horse drawn carriage. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island.

During our annunal visit to Mackinac Island, we ride our bikes around the island. Each year, we stop half way around the 8 mile loop to take a family picture on the same rock. My husband sets the timer on the camera and scales the rocks to jump into the picture. The picture has become an important tradition for our family. It also helps us document the how the kids have grown throughout the years.

Our family tradition in pictures…
We will continue this tradition as long as it creates happy memories and makes us all feel loved! Thank you, Maria! I loved being your guest.
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Hope to see you soon!