Traditions

I think over the course of this list, we have started to develop some birthday and holiday traditions.  Food is often a component!  other things to consider: activity or reading books we have or check out from the library, art/craft, toys.  places to go.

Birthday
had the idea to put streamers on the door and balloons in the room, but this kind of freaked Josh out for his 3rd, birthday.
Sign above entrance to kitchen
For the kids, 20 questions video interview (Josh's 4th birthday video)

Rosh Hashana

• round challah from Deerfield's bakery, ordered 1-2 days ahead
• Apricot Chicken
• Honey Carrots (Boil in sprite, drain, drizzle with honey while hot)
• apple kugel
• sliced apples
• honey
• (Chocolate) Honey Cake 
• wine 
• apple juice

kids coloring pages
books
other toys/activities: shofar (plastic, Jared's real one)
cards to send to family/call to wish a happy new year
China

Yom Kippur - break the fast with dairy/breads

Sukkot
at the Chicago Botanic Gardens

Fall: pumpkin/apple picking.  Corn maze.  Goebberts or Didier farms

Channukah

• party
• dreidel game
• books
• potato pancakes

Winter: Hot Chocolate on the stove

Thanksgiving -

• Veggie Tray using the blue dish from Mexico.  TS spinach and herb dip in the center.
• BLT dip, 1/2 recipe
• Brie en croute on blue plate.

• Turkey, 
• Gravy, 
• Green Bean Casserole
• Stuffing
• Noodle Kugel
• Sweet Potatoes
• Mashed Potatoes
• Cranberry Sauce
• rolls, Brown & Serve
• Salad

• Pecan Pie, Apple Pie, Vanilla Ice Cream, Chocolate and Caramel Sauce

New Years - this has changed as our children get older and the need to be home with them has changed.

Tu B'Shevat - we are starting to create traditions for this.

Valentine's - the kids usually celebrate this in school so we don't have anything

Purim - still in the process

Passover (menu)
Weekly Menu: Brisket, Matzah Lasagna (which I Only make during Passover), various Chicken and Salmon.  MATZAH CRACK!

Sabbath - next list

July 4th (Memorial Day, Labor Day)  4th of July Fireworks on Payton's Hill and parades have become fun traditions

Halloween - again mostly through school, but we do enjoy getting dressed up for my sister in law's mom's adult party and trick or treating around our little neighborhood with friends.