let's talk about everyday parties

Last summer, on a random Thursday, I threw a cowboy party for the kids. I gathered up some hats and bandanas, made some cookie dough, added balloons, and it was a party. 

It was not a big deal in terms of preparation. It was certainly no mermaid party. But it was a fun surprise for the kids and all of them – even the teens – had a great afternoon.  

After decorating cookies, playing pin the tail on the donkey, and riding the broom around as a fake horse, we had buffalo chicken sandwiches and twice baked potatoes for dinner.

This is one of my older kids’ favorite meals. Every single one of them (except, of course, our vegetarian, who is a fan of the baked potatoes) loves this dinner. I can’t explain it. I know I’ve mentioned this dinner before (and even wrote about it here – look at that photograph! Ugh! Not that these are all that much better. Double Ugh.) and I certainly won’t go on about it, but if you need cowboy party food, this is your meal. 

And of course you will need a cowboy movie and some popcorn.

Good luck with the cowboy movie search. We watched Rango. I’m afraid that I am not as smart as all of those critics who lauded this movie with praises. That is 10 hours of my life that I will never get back.

This summer, I am planning to throw one family-only, every day is a good day to celebrate party each month. I’ve been hording ideas (shocker) on Pinterest, of course. 

I’m thinking I might do a watermelon themed party one month, and maybe an art party. We will definitely do a backyard camp out as well. And I love, love, love these flamingo croquet mallets for an Alice in Wonderland party. Or just a flamingo party. Or a fairy tea. Or a bike parade and ice cream social. Too many options. I want to have all of the parties. Why is summer only three months? (Trust me, by mid-July, I'll be saying why is summer three whole months?)

What do you think about random family parties with your kids? Yeah or nay? If you give it a try, will you let me know how it goes? Thanks. I’m pretty excited to see what you create.

P.S. Looking for something to make with the kids? Check out these summer craft ideas. Or my kid stuff board. And MJ over at Pars Caeli is doing this really cool 18 summers challenge. I'm loving it. I might just love her. Whatever. I'm enthusiastic. Get on board. 

P.P.S. Read this article last week about “Pinterest stress”. I get it, I really do. I know some people think that I’m that crafty mom (even though I don't) and others just think I’m crazy. The truth, of course, lies in the middle. Here's what is important. Let's agree to have the kind of fun that we want to have this summer and not compare our fun to other people’s fun. Does that work for you? Excellent. Let's do it.