Easy DIY Summer Party Ideas on KSL

{Summer Party Tips For Any Gathering}

Thank-you summer.  Thank-you for bring the warmth of the sun, the cool of the pool, and the smell of the BBQ grill.

My fondest memories of childhood happened in the summertime. Family gatherings, beach trips, camping, picking berries...I think you all probably have similar feelings about summer. Now that I'm the "grown up" planning the event schedule for the summer I want my kids to love it as much as I did so I love to make each activity as easy and fun as possible.  

Over the years I have learned a few things about a having a successful summer party & I'm going to share a few of my favorite party activities with you! You will also be able to catch me on KSL Ch 5 in Salt Lake City (NBC affiliate) at 5:45 AM tomorrow morning talking about these fun ideas! 

{Easy Ideas for Any Outdoor Party}

Toad's Gathering Tip: Whether I'm in charge of a big family reunion or just getting together with friends,  I always like to have a little something ready to keep everyone busy and happy.  (For some great reunion ideas you can see my grandpa's 95th birthday party. My siblings, their wives, and my cousins are pretty amazing and had some pretty great things prepared!) 

Here are some of my most recent favorite summer party activities that are super easy, but have been big hits!

{Water Bottle Labels}

Bottle labels are the easiest way I know to add a little "party" to any party! 4th of July, sports team party, family reunions, birthdays...you name it, you can do it! These "Summer Party" printables are available from this previous post. Ah, I love summer. 

Sports Team Parties are another fun place to feature labels!

{Home Cotton Candy Machine}

Yes, a homemade cotton candy machine.  For Aidan's 5th birthday party last summer I ordered one off of Amazon for $40 and it was the hit of the party.  This is not the fastest cotton candy maker, but for a small crowd its a great fit. (If you have more than 15-20 people I would probably rent a big one.)

Joke: How many brother's does it take to make a serving of cotton candy? Answer: See picture below :)

{Water Fight Featuring Sponges!}

The staple of any summer fun is to have some sort of water fight.  If you don't want to worry about kids getting mad or hurt try these...sponges! They hold water you they make a good impact on your victim, but they don't hurt.  Another easy tip for any summer party. 

{DIY Huge Bubbles!}

Best ideas for any party. Seriously. Kids both young and old have the best time with these giant bubbles! Plus they are so easy to make!

These bubble makers are made of straws and string. Our ancestors would be proud. 

Yahoo! So fun! This was another hit at Aidan's birthday party last summer. Loved it.

Bubble Recipe
6 cups of water

1/2 cup blue Dawn dish detergent

1/2 cup corn starch

1 TBL baking powder

1 TBL Glycerine

Add all of the ingredients together and mix gently. Let set overnight.  Have the time of your life!

{Homemade Snow Cone Machine!}
Need I say more? Long gone are the days of the Snoopy Snow Cone Machine. Man, I love that thing as a kid...but boy was it SLOW!

This little gem makes cooling off in the summer so easy.  I don't know anyone who doesn't appreciate a snow cone.  Even my dad who is diabetic and make a nice slushy, put sugar-free syrup on it, and enjoy a treat with the rest of us!

Amazon: $25

{Happy Summer}
Whatever you do this summer...make it a fun adventure! Life's too short not to enjoy the simple things...right?!

XOXO, Toady
+Emily Ashby

Toad's Family Photo Tips

{Disclaimer}
I must first declare that I am not an expert photographer by an means. 

I do not have a Nikon D300,000 or a Cannon Rebel XZYSCSzzi. 
Just a basic Nikon D40 with a 18-55mm lens.

However, the past few weekends I've been taking some fun family pictures for friends.  And without getting too technical I have have learned a few things that you might like to hear if you're getting ready to take some holiday pictures. 

{Postcard}
But before we get into the nitty gritty I have to plug how much I love photo postcards.  I've blogged about them for the past few years, but I still have a huge crush on them.  They are so easy and less-expensive to mail...just get a 4X6 and a post card stamp.  So once you get that great family shot this is a great way to go!

For more ideas and information you can visit last year's post:

 Family PhotoCards

Here's a little example...

{Color Coordinate}
My 1st little tip for better chances of a good family picture is to color coordinate.

Its great to have somewhat but not exactly the same colors.  Mixing it up a little adds character to the picture without distracting from being to "matchy matchy".  A cute hair bow for a girl can compliment a little guys tie and be super cute.

Case in point: Natalie.  My good old backing Europe buddy and her sweet family!  Coordinated and super cute!!

Note: I played around in photoshop elements to get the "candy" colors of their clothes to really pop...



And actually, you should be able to get some good ideas from these great gal friends of mine pictures in this post. {I say gals because I know their husbands are like mine...and probably could care less!}  They all did a great job of dressing their families!

{Posing}
The hard part.  One thing I've found is that I love when families are holding hands.  Its a simple gesture, but something about it brings the family closer together. 

I also encourage the gals (if they are a little sassy) to put their hands on their hips...adding a litte character and variety to the shot.  (And its also flattering for mom's arms as well...)

 

I also love when kids are being themselves.  Look at Kyler on the right crouching down and holding his mom's hand.  Also, check out Kason's little hand on his mom's leg.  I love it. I think its the little details that make a  photo special.

 

Ah, hah! Holding hands and the sassy hand on the hip...

{Close Up}
Don't be afraid of a cute family shot that's not full body.  When I get a Christmas Card in the mail its so great to be able to see the faces!  (And sometimes we ladies even like it a bit better than the full body shot! Well, at least I do!)

And if you can get a good angle where you are looking up it creates a great shot as well...



I could ramble on about this all night, but I'd better not.  Hopefully these few little ideas can make your next family pictures a little less painful!

{Faves}
But before I close, I also have to throw in a few of my favorites... 

 Good luck with those family pictures! Let me know how it goes!

XOXO

Toad



Like a Champ

{"A"}

For those of you who may be new to my blog, I'd like introduce you to someone...

This is Aidan. He is my fun, fiesty three year old who has entered the world of "special needs" preschool this year. 

(Background: When he was about 2 I started to notice that he wasn't speaking as well as other kids his age.  After a few months of watching and worrying a little, I talked to you my aunt Diane who had early development challenges with my cousin.  She encouraged me to have Aidan tested for a speech delay sooner than later because before they turn 3 kids qualify for early intervention therapy from the State. 

He was tested and was in the 90th percentile for cognitive and phyical development and scored in the 1st percentile in speech.  Because he didn't have any other issues (at least they anyone could tell) they said he had a "speech delay" and we started on our journey...

Until he turned 3 (August 7) a speech and language specialist came to our home 2X a month and worked with Aidan.  We loved her.  Abby, if you are out there reading this...you are amazing.  Now that he is 3 he has an IEP and started preschool a few weeks ago!  Now, back to our story...)

{The Mother's Battle}
If you've ever put a 5 year old on a bus you know how your heart beats a little faster and you hope and pray all goes well.  When they told me I could put my 3 year old on the bus to go to school my heart about stopped. 

Are you kidding?  Put a kid on a bus with an adult I don't even know and send him off to school?  Really? 

He refers to himself as "A" (we are working on the whole name), he isn't potty trained (once our commuication has improved we'll tackle that beast, but we have enough to get frustrated over right now...), and he is still a baby (well, at least for me...:))  My mind raced just thinking of what would happen if he got lost or scared.  Ahhh.

Once my heart started beating again and I pulled myself together...and I started to think it through. 

If I could get him on the bus, our parting may actually be easier than if I was to drop him off at school myself. (Thoughts of dropping him off at nursery at church on Sunday flashed through my mind.) 

Yes, if the bus driver is 1) a woman (less likely to be abusive), 2) has her teeth, and mostly importantly--3)gives me a "good vibe" (mother's instinct and God's guidance never lets you down) then I'll do it.

And guess what...all 3 worked out! (Thanks to the Big Man up above!!)

{1st Day}
Before I knew it the day had come.  Getting up, dressed, and fed by 8 just about did us all in.  Mornings have always been a struggle in our home.  Okay, let me rephrase that...I'm not a morning person so mornings are a struggle in our home.;)

But once we got outside the smiles started and we were good to go.  And if this Toad can give a few tips to any of you who may want them it is this...

#1 Straggly hair is awesome...on 3 year old boys anyway.;)

#2 If your child can't say their name, picture nametags are crucial.  If the teacher/busdriver forget the face/name combo then at least we'll get the right backpack on his back.

#3) Nametag on the back.  Obviously not a good idea for most kids, but when you someone asks Aidan his name and he says, "Blah, jabber, blah, choo choo, blah A" it may come in handy.  Bless his little heart.;)

{Waiting}
Once he was labeled the whole family gathered with Aidan to wait for the bus.  With special needs kids they come right to your driveway.  Ethan, being the best older brother ever, was full of wise council and great advice about riding the bus and what to do at school. 

Aidan insisted that everyone who was waiting with him also wear a backpack.  And since all three of my guys will be in school this semester, getting backpacks on each one of them wasn't a problem.

 

And then we waited...

{The bus}
And it came.  Please forgive the blurry pictures.  Who even knows what I was thinking or doing.  I was too worried about whether or not I trusted the bus driver to let him on the bus.  (And yes, I followed right behind the bus all the way to the school.;))

And he was SO excited.  After a year of watching Ethan get on the bus for kindergarten, he got his moment.  This time, the bus was for him.  He loved it.

And he marched right up to the door and got on the bus like a champ...

Now, to dispell any myths that might be out there...this was a normal, full sized bus.  (Not like the short buses we knew growing up.)

These buses are also equiped with 3 point harnesses for the little kids.  (Can you image if they didn't buckle these little ones down?) 

And look at that smile!

And look how nice his bus driver is! (Sigh of relief!) My fears were dispelled as I met Kim (the driver) and saw that there was only one other child that would be riding the bus.  (Who by-the-way is the cutest little African American gal you've ever seen.)

And off he went.  I wasn't sure if I should cry or jump for joy.

Have you ever wondered why your kids were sent to you? 

Would anyone love them more?!

I may not always love what he does,

but I doubt anyone could love him more. 

Okay, except maybe his dad.;)



To let's hear it for brave little people, their lucky parents, and a great school year!   And just so you know, as of last Thursday Aidan's teacher said:  "his speech is really coming along, he follows directions well (I know! gasp), and he is alot of fun."

Tears are filling my eyes as I finish this post.  I guess sometimes you just have to love them enough to let them go.  Darn it.

We love you Aidan.

Love, Mom

My Swimming Lessons

{Slow Learner}

We {heart} water.  Like many of you...summer means swimming, sunblock, & swim diapers. I've realized that long gone are the days of a relaxing when I visit the pool. 

{Remember when you could just sit and flip through a magazine or close your eyes for an extended period of time?  I know, its a total blurr for me too;)}

I also used to think that I was pretty smart...but I'm realizing that I'm not as quick as I used to be.  Case in Point...its only taken me 5+ yrs of hauling kids to the water for me to learn the following swimming lessons...

{Toys}

If I don't want to chase Aidan all over the place then I need to keep him busy.  Sand toys make AWESOME water toys...

Bath toys are also great for those not ready for slides, lazy rivers, or goggles...

{this is our cousin Amelia}

But just a quick warning...your kids may not be the only ones who think your toys are cool!  Sometimes they may attract a little crowd of new friends!

{The Double Diaper}

Swim diapers are required at most pools these days, and some even require 2!  The purpose of the disposable swim diaper is to keep the poopy out of the water.  But it obviously doesn't absorb a little wee wee...right?

Ask me how I know?  I used to put on the swim diapers before we left home {my boys pretty much run into the pool once they see the water...and its a battle to hold them back} & sometimes even after swimming I'd just through them into the car.

And then the stinky came.

That car seat REALLY started to smell. 

And here was my solution...the double diaper.  I just put both diapers on before we leave, lather on the sunblock, and off we go.  Once at the pool I just pull the regular diaper off and...tah dah! We are in the pool in no time!

{Brighty}

Having kids wear bright swimwear makes it so much easier to spot them!

Especially if its a busy day at the pool!

{Ethan's Tip}

I'm pretty sure this is the official way to enter a pool with flippers on...;)

{On another Note}

Just got an email letting me know what this bad boy is on sale from Amazon.com for $85! And shipping is free! 

I don't know...now may be the time for you to get one! Getting my 1st machine 18 months ago was life changing!:)

And just think of all of the those Christmas gifts you could make!:) 

{Related...kinda}

And back to swimming...I'm out of cool things to say...oh, except that I wanted to let you know {if you don't already} that McDonald's has KIDDIE CONES!! Not all of them offer KC...you have to ask, but if they do the are SO great.  At $.25-$.50 depending on the restaurant they are the best post-swimming treat we've found.  Sorry, no picts...they disappear too fast.

{The Border}

In Utah, the borders are not very controversial.  I mean, if anyone is crossing from Idaho they are probably chasing some sort of livestock.   Utah and Idaho get along pretty well as far as I know...they even share this amazing water hole...aka  Bear Lake.

{Too bad Arizona doesn't share a beautiful lake on their Southern Border...people would just want to stay just where they are!  And it IS a big lake...right after college one of my best friends...Barb Morgan...brought me to Bear Lake & I fell in love instantly.  We decided to bike around it...6 hours later we were sore in places I never knew I had, starving, and popping Advil like crazy.   Ah, Barb!}

Prepare: These next few pictures are in the running for my favorites this summer.   And yes, Aidan's legs are that tan. He's got me beat.

What? Seagulls? Yes.

This history behind the seagulls in Utah goes something like this. {And you should all know better than to quote me...;)}

The pioneers of Utah came across the plains to escape religious persecution. There wasn't much to farm, but they worked hard and started planting and harvesting food. I'm not sure exactly what time of year it was, but crickets came in DROVES and began eating and destroying the settlers only chance for survival. The pioneers prayed for help and guess what came to eat the cricket? You better believe it...SEAGULLS!
I love that bit of history. Don't believe me? Fine...here's link to prove it...and if you ever visit SLC you'll have to go downtown and see the statue built to remember the experience. 

Our friend Anli is taking a break {and Ethan's future wife if we have anything to say about it;)}...doesn't she have the best eyes?!

I thought I was pretty cool when I took this picture.  Love the toys, water, and.....well,  I didn't notice the little swimmer in the background.    Hmmmmmmm.   Sorry. I'm not THAT good with Photoshop.;)

I hope Gina doesn't mind if I post this one...I couldn't resist. Love it.

PS The berry shakes here are highly recommended.  So are the onion rings if you really want to go for it!

{Will's Bday!}

And on the home front...

Happy Birthday Will! Will is my father-in-law and the green thing in his hand is a hammer. 

Can you believe summer is 1/2 over? Boo hoo hoo.   So now I have to warn ya...the berries are back.  {More to come!}