This morning’s adventure didn’t require a suitcase or sturdy shoes — just a well-loved box, two curious kiddos, and a craving for colorful fun. That’s right, we played Candy Land — the classic one, with its rainbow path and delightful lands like Peppermint Forest, Lollipop Woods, and Queen Frostine’s icy palace. My little’s were really tired of the photos, so most of the photos are of the board, not OUR game.

We sat cross-legged around the board, Karma choosing the red pawn (“because it’s sparkly like cherries!”) and Leo going for green (“the color of sour apple gummy worms,” he told us quite seriously). I was yellow, the color of sunshine gumdrops and warm giggles.

The game began at the Gingerbread Start, and off we went, drawing cards and hopping from color to color. Each card pulled was met with wide eyes and the question, “Is this the good one?” Karma squealed when she landed in the Cupcake Commons, while Leo shouted, “YES!” when he leapfrogged ahead to Mr. Mint’s peppermint path.

But Candy Land isn’t just sweet victory — it comes with sticky setbacks too. Poor Karma landed on the dreaded sticky Licorice Square and had to skip a turn. “But I wanted to go to Ice Cream Sea!” she protested. A good opportunity for a hug and a mini-lesson in patience (with a sprinkle of jellybean bribery).

Leo, on the other hand, got lucky with a double red card and then a shortcut through Rainbow Trail. “I’m catching up to Queen Frostine!” he sang, completely delighted. We cheered each other on the whole way — and even Karma clapped when Leo finally reached the Candy Castle.

By the end, everyone got a turn to dance our pawns around the board and explore all the sugar-sweet spots we hadn’t landed on. We imagined meeting Lord Licorice for tea (“He has very good manners,” Leo decided) and taking bubblegum rides through Lollipop Woods.

With each bright card drawn and each square stepped, we weren’t just playing — we were journeying together, hand in hand, through a land where kindness and laughter are the real treasures.

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