the lantern party

Ah summer bliss.  I really don't want it to end.  It seems like once August begins, it's time to think about getting ready for back to school days, and I am so not ready to start waking up early again! 

So instead of thinking about having to set my alarm clock, let's focus instead on all the fun we have been having the last few weeks having birthdays!  Here are a few pictures and details from Ava Carmel's fifth birthday. . . 

the LANTERN PARTY agenda:

{1}: MADE PRETTY PRINCESS BRACELETS + NECKLACES

We did this by putting plastic beads on glittery pipe cleaners.  I always find that it works best at our parties to have some sort of crafting activity going on while the children arrive.  It lets them ease into the party and get comfortable while working on a little project.  So glad we have our Ashlyn, Cam and Andy party assistants!

{2}: PLAYED THE FLOATING LANTERN GAME

We did this by giving each girl a balloon, which was her "lantern." We played songs from the Tangled soundtrack and each girl tried to keep her lantern from touching the ground for the entire song.  They could use their heads or fingertips or knees or hands to keep the lanterns off the ground.

 

{3}: LONG LONG LOCKS

When the girls finished the floating lanterns game, we noticed that there was a piece of yellow "hair" (yarn) hanging out the back door, with a note on it that said "follow me."  The girls followed Rapunzel's tangled hair all around the house, up and down the stairs, out the front door, around the yard, around the neighbor's yard, and finally found a basket full of golden magical locks (pineapple licorice.)

{4}: SCAVENGER HUNT FOR THE RAPUNZEL CAKE

The girls received a mysterious letter full of clues asking them to help find the lost Rapunzel cake.  The clues led them all around the house, until finally they found the cake, sitting under the lanterns.  Then it was on to cake and ice cream and opening gifts.

{5}: DREAM LANTERNS

Each girl got a "lantern" (a balloon) and a little piece of paper.  We helped them write down their dreams on the paper, attach them to the balloon string, count to three, and then they all watched the lanterns float higher and higher.  Most of the girls dreams were "to see the lanterns," except for Brynn who wished for some new markers :)  They were all so cute.  

How I love my big 5-year old Ava Carmel!  She is still walking around shaking her head with dismay while trying not to smile, saying "I can't believe I'm 5!  I am so. big. now."

(You can see the invitations for the party here.)

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