LIVING LOCAL (EDHTrails.org)

Recently our little Peanut turned six.  From the start, we wanted to do something different for her birthday, something a little more active … something outside. One day when I was watching the Peanut ride her bike, an idea hit me, Safetyville USA! I had never been myself but I have heard great things about Safetyville and Vans said that the place has been around since he was a little Vans. The Peanut has really progressed in riding her bike so this place was perfect!

The Peanut and some of her friends.
The Peanut and some of her friends.

If you don’t know much about Safetyville, it is a mini replica of Sacramento complete with buildings, stop signs, railroad tracks and real working traffic lights!

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You can see the size ratio of the lights compared to the adults.
You can see the size ratio of the lights compared to the adults.

We totally lucked out on the weather as it had rained the day before but that Saturday, it was gorgeous outside. Jersey Dad was still in town to help us set up and get things moving.

When I was organizing the party, I realized that the Peanut’s guest list has grown tremendously over the years. Between friends she has known since daycare, to close friends we have known forever ,to her new friends in kindergarten, the list went on and on. Luckily the place accommodated a large guest list and really, the more the merrier when it came to cruising around Safetyville.

Cruisin'
Cruisin’

What I did not want (or need) was huge piles of presents.  I know it is customary to bring presents to a party and I know that kids (especially six year olds) really look forward to all the presents but I knew that the Peanut would be happy with a few little things and so, Vans and I talked and decided to do something different this year.

Donations to EDHTrails.org
Donations to EDHTrails.org

We used evite.com for our invitations instead of the usual paper invitations. I happen to like evite.com because I can insert the date and party information directly onto our phone and we also limit the amount of paper produced.

Through evite.com we were able to notify guests that we were offering an “in lieu” of presents idea. When I told the Peanut what I was doing she didn’t understand. She thought she would receive NO presents on her birthday but when I assured her that she will have plenty to open, she was okay with what we were asking her to do. It made her happy to help.

I reached out to Mike on Trails over at EDHTrails.org. You may remember when I posted about EDHTrails.org in this post here. Well he got the approvals he needed to begin this journey of brining a quality trail network and skills loop to EDH. Vans and I could not be more excited.
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As avid trail runners and mountain bikers, having a trail that connects to our own street seems pretty sweet not to mention that it will provide a place for our kids to ride and play.

EDHtrails.org
EDHtrails.org

Vans and I support what Mike and EDHTrails.org are doing and since having moved to EDH a few years ago, I would say our love of “living local” has grown. From my work at Gold Country Run & Sport to Van’s support of Mraz Brewing Company (our local brewery) all the way to El Dorado Hills Natural Farms we are loving our local businesses and community.

Fresh berries from EDH Farms at the party.
Fresh berries from EDH Farms at the party.

When all was said and done, most of the kids (and parents) agreed that they had a fun time at Safetyville.

See, even the parents had fun!
See, even the parents had fun!

Overall, the Peanut was able to raise $135 towards EDHtrails.org and have enough presents to open and play with for hours.

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While the idea to donate to a charity or cause isn’t new, I  have to say I really loved it and I look forward to doing it more in the future. Santa Claus knows we have more than enough toys in our house. Sometimes giving back or giving to those who need it more, is a win win situation.

Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!

Happy Trails!

~Trailmomma

 

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One Reply to “LIVING LOCAL (EDHTrails.org)”

  1. What a great lesson in giving you are teaching your girls. The party sounds like it was lots of fun and I can only kick myself for not being able to go. (Not used to heavy traffic and the day before we almost saw a horrific accident near Highway 65 in a torrential downpour, really freaked me out and I couldn’t bring myself to drive on your Calif Hwys). I didn’t know about your “no gifts” idea, but I hope the Peanut liked what we gave her!!!

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