"Making a Mystery"

I was feeling like it was high time that I did something fun with my kids. Ross asked me on Saturday to "make a mystery" for them to solve. I didn't come up with anything that day, but today I decided to follow the examples of my mom, John, and Erik and make a treasure hunt of sorts. While older three kids were at school, I set it up like so:


I taped this note to the face of the TV screen (so as to be sure that it would be noticed right away).

Attention! Hoppy, Jumpers and Lydia's CD player have all been kidnapped!

If you ever want to see them again, you must follow these instructions immediately and exactly! You must find each of the following:

A broken heart and a contrite ... wait, that's the wrong list!

5 golden rings, 4 calling birds, 3 french hens, 2 turtle doves,... no, sorry wrong list again!

3 jugs of milk, toilet paper, a rubber salami ... oh that's my shopping list.

Okay, here's the real list of things to bring:

1 Pony tail holder

1 red, 1 yellow, 1 blue, and 1 black crayon

2 pair of matching socks belonging to your father

2 pennys

1 twig that is over a foot long

1 bike bottle of water

Once you've found each of these items, bring them to the Dangerously Crazed Captain Silly Face for inspection. There you will receiver further instructions.

Next I gave them a clue with a code to crack, which led to a treasure map, which led to a riddle to solve, which led them back to their original clue and told them to look for the clue hidden in the background. I had their things hidden in the box in the back of the picture with the ingredients for making rice crispy treats and a note that said that their friends were waiting for them to make a tasty treat with them. So, we made the rice crispy treats.

It was a huge success! The kids loved it, and have requested more mysteries. Fun stuff.