Love these three!

Can't say that turning 40 is that thrilling.  But getting the cutest present of my life from my sweet children has made my year :)  If a local resident was wondering why there was a middle-aged woman riding around her yard on a bicycle in her bathrobe and morning hair this morning, well here's the answer.

I was treated to this treasure map upon awakening (graciously, after drinking my coffee):

A skillful representation of our entire property including yard, house, garage, swingset, maple trees, roof shingles, and a 'where you are' label.  And, behold!  It is covered with clues on the back!

clue 1 go to the place with the washing machine

clue 2 go to the Door

clue 3 go to our bigist swing

clue 4 go to your bike ride it around the house once you will see wy I made you Do that.

clue 5 go to the Door agin.

clue 6 go to the Boys room

clue 7 open the Box under my Bed.

Done

At once I began my pursuit of the trail of clues!  (...suspend for a moment your thought that you need merely go to the last clue.  Shame on you for even thinking it and spoiling this terrifically fun experience!)  After a brisk ride in 37 degrees in my bathrobe and flip flops (along with the kids on their bikes and scooters too!), I made it to the finish and found an incredible duct-tape envelope creation containing the object of my hunt.  

This was no small treasure...not one, not two, but THREE valuable coupons!

Redeemable for 1 hour of free time on a Friday, 1 hour of free time on a Monday and 5+ house jobs from each kid!  These children know my number!!  ("That's more than FIFTEEN jobs, mom!  And one job is like, "cleaning your room"!)

And this was not all.  No, check out this beauty:

'this one has an inside.  ---> on back'

'how will you get in.  you can stabb it.'

The edges were all sealed with clear packing tape, so I followed advice and stabbed away.  Aha!  

$1.25 from my sweet kiddos to buy my own colored pencils for coloring in my spectacular new grown-up coloring books from Megan! 

And then, a final taped-up envelope containing a special item:

Says Owen, "Now you know why you had to ride your bike around the house."  Ha ha!  I shared promptly.

Ladies and gentlemen, I have arrived.  It just doesn't get better than this!   The kids have been most interested in how and why this present could be the best a Mom could receive, better than a diamond.  Perhaps someday they will understand!