At age 9 our kids get to have a friend birthday party. When we originally brainstormed ideas Payton wanted a Mario Party at home. As we discussed the guest list I learned there were a few girls he wanted to invite. Hmm. A Wii party with a bunch of 9 year old boys and girls. I'm not sure how that is going to work.
So I told him no. I just can't come up with a good party theme that would work in our home (where we always hold parties) for boys and girls.
"I know! Let's have it at the pool!", he said.
Sometimes that boy has some great ideas.
So a pool party was born! I wanted to keep it simple. I had already dodged the obligation to clean my house (and clean it again after the party ended), I wouldn't have to entertain the kids for 2 hours (entertainment is provided for me), and the whole moving thing was feeling eminent. Keep it simple!
For invitations I printed these from TomKat Studio:
And for a personal touch I rounded up a few photos of Payton in and around the pool and put them on a teeny tiny photo strip.
Put it all together and wah-la!
Roller stamp across the front of the envelope
Now for the actual party . . . .
We held it during public swim hours and just reserved a space for our group on the bleachers. Kids arrived, dropped their towels, and headed for the pool. I had a few pool toys on hand as well.
Diving rings, inflatable shark (everyone went home with one), and underwater cameras. I think the cameras were a real hit. I had four cameras that the kids could play with and pass around. At the beginning of the party I gave Conner the job of getting underwater photos of everyone in attendance. We just got the photos developed and they are pretty fun! It's also interesting to see the party from their perspective, in the water.
Payton finished writing his thank you cards yesterday (gotta get those in the mail) and we included each child's underwater photo in the envelope.
While the kids swam I took photos and handed out snacks (Capri Sun, Goldfish crackers, shark fruit snacks).
After 45 minutes of swimming I gathered everyone out of the pool so we could sing happy birthday, eat cupcakes, and open presents. I got the great idea for shark fin cupcakes here. Card stock and toothpicks.
After another hour of swimming it was time to go home. Everybody went home with a box of swedish fish and an inflatable shark. The "thank you" tags" also came from TomKat Studio.
I think fun was had by all! Payton had a great time, he was so excited to have his friends there, and so excited to open his gifts. I'm not sure these kids have ever seen such a joyful reaction to present opening (I told you that he has a gift). Which is awesome, because it makes the giver feel that much more special.
Party Supplies
Fujifilm Quick Snap Waterproof 35mm Single Use Camera (4 Pack)
Shark Inflatable Toys 24"
Swedish Fish Assorted Soft & Chewy Candy, 3.5-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 12)
