In our search for quality time with our families, some simple, inexpensive things often get overlooked.

You don't have to spend a bunch of cash to have great family time.

-Wash the cars together. DD loves this, she gets her own towel and does the lower areas while dad and I do the high ones.

-Rake leaves. There is nothing more inviting to a small child (or adults for that matter ) than a big, fluffy, pile of freshly raked leaves.

-Cook/Bake together. Some of our best chats are over an oven or stove.

-Take a walk. We go into the cornfield behind our property and fill a bucket for the squirrels. The cornstalks are long gone, but there are plenty of stray cobs laying around with corn still attached. DD love this.

-Have a tea party...or hot chocolate...or ice cream social. Take a few moments for everyone to unwind and enjoy a treat.

-Make lunch special with a picnic in the living room. We do this often and never seem to tire of it.