Unique family traditions and quirks that make you smile

When the kids were little and we would drive off from his Mum and Dad (whether it was at their house or someone else's) we would wait until we were about to drive forward, have all of the windows down and co-ordinate a very loud, long "Bye".  They get a bit embarrassed now as teenagers but it still happens if it's not too public.

That also reminds me of a tradition that my husband's father started with my girls by accident.  Sadly, he passed away earlier this year (small cry, here) but it will always be remembered fondly.  He thought that he was being playful with my eldest daughter when she was about 18 months old, and he growled at her.  She looked startled and terrified and my FIL was devastated.  My husband quickly jumped in and told my daughter to growl back at him.  Bravely, she did and my FIL caught on and looked suitably frightened in a jokey way.  That became their habitual greeting to each other, taken up by my youngest daughter too, when she was old enough. (very teary, now - reaching for the tissues)

This is a 'words misunderstood' story , not a family tradition. As a child care worker in a toddler room many years ago I read a book to the children several times titled 'The Cow Who Fell Into the Canal'. It was set in Holland and the cow knocked over stacks of little round cheeses. I would say 'look at the baby cheeses rolling everywhere'. A month  later we are learning Christmas songs and I realize at least three of the children are singing 'little baby cheeses cradled in the hay'.  Woops!