When The Trap Fails

The kids insisted on trying to trap a leprechaun again this year. I reminded them just what they were getting into and what happened that last time they made a trap but the leprechaun was able to escape and play tricks on them. Just like the first time, they were blinded by visions of gold and granted wishes. There was no talking sense into them.

The trap was entirely their design. According to their plan, the leprechaun would also visit a few of their friends and would probably be pretty tired from playing all those tricks so a nice fluffy bed would be very alluring. Signs forbidding sleep and reserving the bed for other creatures would also draw him in (because they like the break the rules), as would the green color and sparkling decorations. They even provided him with a place to hang his hat and a lovely story book. And the mattress was so nice and comfy that surely, he would fall right asleep and not wake up until the kids were able to catch him.

Come morning, the kids ran straight to the trap...

Hrmm...well, it certainly looks like someone slept here. And all the signs were defaced, just like last time. Looks like he helped himself to a few of my Thin Mint cookies as a bedtime snack...but where did he go?

That's when Boo noticed something.

Everyone that helped with the trap had them! Well, except for the Boy because he sleeps on the top bunk and the leprechaun is too short to reach him.

And there was this:

Luckily, the leprechaun left a trail of golden goodies for the kids to follow.

Instead of leading to his pot of gold, the trail led them to where he hid the chairs. They're already taking about the trap for next year...it involves a metal cage and motion sensors. I'm guessing they're taking this a lot more seriously. When they get to dart guns and sleeping potion, I'll have to rein them in a bit.

For dinner tonight we are having corned beef sandwiches on green rolls. Our local grocery store makes these every year but I convinced the kids that the leprechaun did it. There's also green salad and sliced kiwi, with lime jello and pistachio pudding for dessert. I might be having a little too much fun with this...

What tricks did your leprechaun play?

(And feel free to include a link to your post in the comments!)

Wordless Wednesday: Our Leprechaun Trap

Tricksy Leprechauns!

The morning started early. The kids were anxious to see if they had caught a leprechaun in their special trap.

Look! The trap was sprung! Surely there was a leprechaun inside!

But wait...what's that coming out of the top? It looks like...a rope. A gold rope, no less.

NO LEPRECHAUN! But he did leave behind some of his loot. If the leprechaun escaped, then that means he will play tricks on the kids. Suddenly things start falling into place. That explains why Boo had the Boy's favorite stuffed chicken in her bed and he had her new Webkinz. It was the leprechaun!

He even defaced the kids' signs. What a punk!

Hey, we aren't that bad looking a family! What? You say the leprechaun was responsible? Huh. How 'bout that.


Okay, who bought the skim milk? Oh, wait...another trick! The little booger!

The kids were finding all sorts of messes that the leprechaun was responsible for but really, those were the work of a kindergartner and preschooler.

As for me, I am blaming my bad hair day on that little green punk.

FHE: The Leprechaun Trap

Ever since I got my March edition of Family Fun magazine, da Boo has been plotting to capture a Leprechaun. So for Family Home Evening tonight, we built a trap.

Opening Song: I Am A Child Of God.

Opening Prayer: Daddy.

Lesson: I wanted to make sure the kids knew what they were getting into with this latest plan. Didn't they know that leprechauns are notoriously tricky? They're very fast and therefore, impossible to catch in a foot race. You have to trap them. And it has to be a good trap, otherwise, they'll get annoyed that you attempted to catch them and then play tricks on you for revenge. But the kids didn't seem concerned about the wrath of six-inch beings. They were determined to get leprechaun gold.

Luckily, we know the little green men's flaws:

1. They love gold and sparkly things. Even shoes (as leprechauns are cobblers by trade).
2. They love to break the rules.
3. They love to climb on things.
4. Green is their favorite color.

With these facts in mind and with the help of Family Fun, we built our trap.


We used an empty oatmeal container, wrapped in green paper to get their attention. On top, we glued gems leftover from Boo's Valentine's box. Perfect bait. Next, we glued rocks up one side, making a mini rock climbing wall. And then to taunt them further, we posted signs forbidding them access to this delightful adventure to a sparkly prize.

It is perfect!

Golly, I sure hope that an unsuspecting leprechaun doesn't escape from their clever trap and play tricks on them tomorrow...

Closing Song: Twinkle Little Star (and all is right with the world again!)

Closing Prayer: The Boy.

Treats: Cupcakes. Always around when I've had a cake or two over the weekend.