Trotting Like Turkeys

For years I have been looking for a good Thanksgiving day tradition but just haven't found one that really stuck. But, this year we discovered a tradition that is not too complicated, loads of fun, and it involves everyone in the family while burning off some calories before the big feast. So with high recomendations I introduce (drumroll please)...

THE THANKSGIVING TURKEY TROT!

To make it feel like an official race we made "run like a turkey" race bibs.

Next, we made the turkey trot medal (one for everyone-we don't want any crying on Thanksgiving Day ;) )

To make the medals you need the following:
-Scissors

-Canning lids

-(Each medal has two lids glued together with the ribbon and feathers sandwiched in between)

-Craft feathers (from any craft store-like Michaels)

-Hot glue gun

-Ribbon

-Computer to print off your turkey logo and words (I just made mine in Word and found a graphic in google images) Once it was printed out I just used a cup to trace a circle shape around the image, cut it out, and glued it on the canning lid.

Then, we invited a few other families to join us at the park. They each brought some Gatorade or fruit to share. We set up the race table and then got to business...

Stretching....

Pinning on our racebibs, and lining up at the starting line

We explained the rules, which were basically that the only way you can lose is if you are a poor sport. If you are smiling and you finish you are a winner and get the prize. Then we started the races!

Race #1: THE CORN ON THE COB FAMILY RELAY

Each family had an ear of corn to use as their relay baton. Each player had to run to the fence and back and then pass their corn to the next member of their family who would do the same. When all of your families runners were finished your family had to sit down as quickly as possible and yell "HAPPY THANKSGIVING"-so fun!

Race #2: THE 3 LEGGED TURKEY RACE

Everyone chose a partner and we tied their legs together for a 3 legged race. The real fun was that each team had to gobble like turkeys while they raced. It was hilarious and left us all laughing.

Race #3: HAM HAM TURKEY

Ok, this isn't really a race but it involves running so it counts. We played duck duck goose but renamed it ham ham turkey for the occasion. When you are called a "turkey" you get to chase the person who is it.

Race #4- RACE BY AGE GROUP

This one was just a regular race but we divided it up by age group. We all cheered on every one of the kids and they all got big high fives and were smiling at the end (maybe because that's the only way you could win :)

Afterwards we gave everyone their medals and Gatorades and then just visited for a while. Parents and kids all had a great time and it is definately a tradition to lookf forward to. Happy trotting!