Memorial Day Party Prep

It takes a couple of days for me to go through the creative process for our parties - especially when the kids come.  I want to have fun things planned to keep them away from video games.  Don't get me wrong, I am not against video games.  Jamie and I both play video or online games.  We love them!  But, I want to also expose the kids to "other" ways of having fun.  I remember growing up with my cousin Jayne, playing Indians in the dirt in her backyard.  Being outside.  Sun shining on you.  No toys - just imagination.  Eating mayo sandwiches = delish.  That's right.  Just bread and mayo.  Jayne told me how in the depression some of the staples given to people were bread and mayo.  When you ran out of meat you just had the bread and mayo. I remember fondly my growing up times with my cousin Jayne.

Here are the goodie bags I came up for the kids:  gummy worms, a small water gun, bubble wands, suckers, and a can of wild flowers we will spread out in the garden. 

 
We will also do some art activities and science experiments...

 

Some of the fixings for the food.  I was going to do ribs, but I think they will take up too much space on the grill.  Instead: grilled sausages, hot dogs, hamburgers and pulled pork sammies.  Of course, Patty and Ron will be bringing the beans and potato salad.

 

Getting the yard ready...chairs, and umbrellas...

 
 
Roses...

 
This is where the mad science experiments will take place, inspector 7 (Harley) is giving the area a final review to make sure there are no bugs around! 

 There is a statistic about girls and science.  At a certain age they are as interested in the subject as boys are.  Then, something happens and the rate goes down significantly after they are older.  I hope I am not too late to expose them to the opportunities in a science has to offer them in their later career choices.  Today, we are going to bounce an egg, make waves in a bottle and blow up volcano.  Here is the set up.  Just simple stuff you have around the house: salt, oil, food coloring, flour and water...

 

Setting up the lei station...

 

Waiting for the guests to arrive...

 
A quick nap before Ted gets here...

 

The cookies...

 

Chocolate Cream Pie...

 

Pulled Pork...

 

Grilled Onions...

 

 

Secret Sauce, what's the recipe?  It's a secret!!!

 

Snacks are coming!!!

Jalapeno Cheese Tart...

 

Spinach Dip...

 

There's no place like home...