Sunday, August 22, 2010

popsicle party!

We had a neighborhood popsicle party at our house yesterday afternoon. I wanted to get some of the families from the neighborhood with young children together--I wanted to meet them, ya know? It's so easy to go through life without really knowing your neighbors. I was really happy that people showed up and seemed to have a good time.
I set out some activities for the children--painting, bubbles, pool.




The most popular activity was pounding into these colored ice blocks that Ken had made ahead. They also had little plastic sea creatures frozen in there, which the children got to find and keep. Oh, and the trampoline was super popular too.
I bought popsicles at the store (which was a really fun treat because we never normally buy them. It was fun to go to the store and just buy a bunch of different kinds) and we put out water and orange slices. A really easy party to accomplish! It was so fun to see the neighborhood children interacting and to get to know some of the grownups. I'd love to do something like this again sometime!

12 comments:

Samantha S said...

What a wonderful idea! I'd love to do that but I dont think I have the confidence to pull it off. BTW what are the watercolour paints you have? I have been looking everywhere for paints in a tin as opposed to a plastic one, but they dont seem to do them much anymore. I like the more old-fashioned paintbox.

Mary Beth said...

Hi Samantha. Yes, their watercolors came in a plain metal tin. Love it! I suspect/hope they will last for years and that is how I justified the expensive pricetag. They are from here: http://www.novanatural.com/creativity/wet-on-wet/watercolor-set

Also, these do occasionally go on sale. I got these one time when they had a sale on all art supplies, so maybe keep checking the website.

Laura said...

what a fun day & a great way to get to know your neighbors!

Carrie said...

What a super cool idea Mary Beth! I'm going to send the ice block idea to my youth specialist at work.

Joy said...

I love it! I'll bet the boys had a wonderful time. You're such a sweet neighbor, Mary Beth. :) I love the watercolors too. I just bought Finn the full wet-on-wet watercolor set up for his birthday (from Nova Natural) so those watercolors will have to wait...but they're on my list!

Anonymous said...

that is an awesome idea! sounds like heaps of fun and so great to get to know who your neighbours are :)

Andrea said...

How fun! What a great idea.

Denise C. said...

I love how you incorporate Mason jars with everything. Using them with your boy's art is easel is neat! :)

likeschocolate said...

I will have to remember that activity for next summer. I am sure it was a huge hit.

silverpebble said...

What a fabulous idea, I must try this with the little ones.

I am so grateful for your previous post too. I am just beginning to gather the ingredients to make my own cleaning materials. I will be bookmarking this.

Kim of Milkybeer Handmade said...

Such a fantastic idea. My husband and I have lived in our building for 7 years and still don't know our neighbours...how sad. Now that we have kids, a party like this would be the perfect thing to get to know everyone. Thanks for the inspiration!

Mary Beth said...

You're welcome, Kim. It was the same thing with us--just barely knew the neighbors. That is so not where I want to "be" right now. And it was amazing to me how well the party went, how many people showed up (not that many, but more than I thought) and how much people seemed to be enjoying themselves. Good luck with your party!