Planning A Family Reunion

When we, my wife and I decided to help put together a family reunion we could not believe how much work was involved and what little help we received from the rest of the family. We figured it would be fairly easy since we both worked from home, we thought since we had more time on our hands that we could make things fall in place with a little effort. Boy, were we so surprised!

First of all finding the location that everyone could afford was the first major task. We knew everyone was at different stages therefore it had to be affordable. The ages raged from the older generation whom were living on fixed income. As long as the hotel would be decent, they would be satisfied. To many middle age professionals whom were now putting there kids in college. The younger generation who were mostly college students with no money of their own, so we check into the prices of plenty hotels. We had to check into bus rentals, activities, and catering services to make this family reunion a great success.

First off we demanded everyone to put half the money up front, but we didn't know how many people we had attending. You know there are always the last family to pay the money, so we kept that in mind also. There wasn't anyone trying to make any real commitments, everyone wanted to know the exact prices. The problem arises when we couldn't give the exact prices unless we knew how people were going altogether.

My wife and I decided to estimate approx. 50 people joining us on our family reunion. Once we estimated the amount of people we found that the price would be $350 per person. We were praying that there would be 50 people our we would have took a major lost with the money. We had to put the money down in order to reserve all the rooms. Sure enough out prayers were answers we had gotten 75 people to sign on, which meant we had some money left over, and with the extra money we donated it to a family member who needed some work done on the house after they had retired and were living on a fixed income.

Parties For Children

Parties! We all like them, we have all at some point hosted or attended one and no doubt realised the costs and pressures involved. This is never greater than when it comes to hosting children’s parties!

In the ever growing competitive world of youth, the pressures to compete with your peers is indeed immense. This follows through in many areas of a Childs life whether it is what outfit to wear, what pencil case to have, or who indeed had the best party!

The problem as a parent is that hosting the perfect party for your child can be extremely stressful and the added financial pressures of providing your Childs ideal party can be pretty tough. But there are ways of hosting a unique party on a cost effective budget.

What we must bear in mind is that a party is all about providing your child with an enjoyable experience and good memories. “Memories do not have to cost a fortune”.

Here are a few pointers that can assist in relieving the pressures and financial strain of hosting your child’s party.

1) Venue – The hiring of a hall can be costly. If you feel confident that you can host your Childs party at your home with minimum disruption this could be the way to go. (Summer parties are a great idea, with plenty of suntan lotion the garden can be a great place to be.)

2) Music – If you do decide to hire a venue you will probably end up with the added cost of hiring a DJ. This is not always a necessity. There are plenty of CD’s available to buy that are designed for DJ’s but can be used in a standard CD player thus saving the need for a DJ. These CD collections are designed to cater for specific categories like children’s parties. Ok, there is an outlay to purchase the CD’s but it is sure to be less than the hire of a DJ and is far better suited to a party in the home.

3) Lighting – You do not want to loose the feel of lively party by having it in your home and obviously if you do not hire a DJ you do not have the added benefit of those pretty disco lights. Young children especially, enjoy dancing away to a lively disco light but what a lot of people do not realise is you can pick up a pretty basic but effective party light from as little approx. £25.00 These small type lights are not suitable for large venues but for hosting a small party, they are great!

4) Looking For Something Unique? – If you want something for the children to talk about and something to remember, a small bubble machine can be great. The smaller type effect machines are easy to set up and operate, go down a storm with young children and can be purchased for less than you think! (Watch the adults chase the bubbles around too…….)

A well thought out, organised party can be an enjoyable experience for both child and parent. The key is most definitely in the planning. By spending a short while sourcing your goods and investigating party and disco equipment beforehand you can save yourself a lot of money and host a party to be remembered.

Pirate Birthday Party - Five Games for a Buccaneer's Birthday Bash

I’s be an old salt, and t'is be my pleasure to show ye the way. Fair winds to thee lads and laddies fer birthday booty is our pay! Fun and favor will be had by all. So, here’s be five buccaneer games for those who heed the pirate’s call.

Don’t Crack the Kraken
This game is essentially is an egg and spoon relay race where the egg is decorated to look like a Kraken. An egg an easily be decorated using markers or crayons. Tentacles can be added to the bottom of the egg using a fast drying glue or scotch tape. Yarn, twine or shredded paper all make suitable tentacles.

Divide your guests up into equal teams(with at least 3 team members) and designate both a start and finish line. Have each team nominate a “Captain” who will stand on the start line a Quartermaster who will stand on the finish line. The remaining team members will stand evenly spaced between the Captain and Quartermaster. The captain will begin the race as he begins walk as quickly as possible to the first crew member with his kraken (egg) cradled in spoon . The kraken (egg) must be transferred to the next player without falling off the spoon. If the kraken falls off the spoon the team must start all over again. The first team to transfer the kraken to each player without dropping it and reaching the finish line wins.

Jump the Shark
Jump the shark is a variation of leapfrog. In the crouched position the players represent sharks and in the leaping position shark bait. Divide the guests into relay teams, each team having equal number of players in single file lines. Mark a point of reference that will ultimately become the finish line (garage, swing set, etc.) Tell the players that a dreadful sea witch has turned them into shark bait and the only way to resume their human form is to return to their ship. The first player of each team will take a running leap. Where ever they land they are to remain in a crouched position. Now the second player will now take a running leap over the first player. Upon landing the second player takes the crouched position and the first player returns to the line. The third player now takes a running leap over the second player and assumes the crouched position. This continues until one of the teams reaches the ship. The first team to have all of their members reach the ship wins.

Treasure Hunt
Hide treasures around the house and yard. Divide guests into teams and provide each team with a treasure map that also has clues or riddles as to where they may find various pieces of treasure. Give the teams approximately 10 minutes to find as much treasure as possible. The team that returns with the most treasure wins.

X Marks the Treasure Map
Much like Pin the Tail on the Donkey, when playing X Marks the Treasure Map you use a large black X to mark where the treasure is buried. You can make your own map using black markers and craft paper. You might want to crumple the paper and roll the edges to give it a worn appearance. You can cut the X out of construction paper. Due to the popularity of Pirate’s of the Caribbean this game can easily be purchased from several online retailers.

How Much Treasure Does a Treasure Chest Hold?
This is an easy guessing game. Fill a prop pirate’s chest with chocolate gold coins. Give each guest a piece of paper and ask them to write their name on the piece of paper as well as their best guess as to how much treasure the treasure chest holds. The player who guess the closest to the actually amount wins the treasure and all of the treasure it holds.

Fun Kid Birthday Cakes - Creative Xpress Cake

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Childs 1st Birthday Party Celebrate Your Baby In Style

It’s the special day when your precious bundle of joy turns one! You can’t believe it’s been a whole year though at times in the middle of the night, you can’t believe it’s been only a year! This is a special occasion that’s really worth celebrating. It needs to be perfect so that 10 years later when you show your child the pictures of their 1st birthday, he or she feels happy and loved. You’re proud of your little one and it’s your day to show her or him off.

Color Ideas

It’s not uncommon but it’s always adorable – pink for girls and blue for boys. You could always pick pure and simple white instead, if you prefer, or even brighter colors. If you’re opting for pink or blue, pick the softest pastel shades in summer but go for stronger shades in winter. Work off of the color theme, making sure everything you put in works with it.

Decorations

It’s often said that a child’s first birthday party is more for the benefit of family members than for the child themselves! Keeping this in mind, make or choose decorations that are colorful and striking without going overboard.

Food

You should opt for food that is child-friendly and quick to prepare. If possible, you might try to prepare some of it the day before so you can relax and enjoy the party. Ideas include sandwiches, mini-muffins, crackers and cheese, hot savouries and of course birthday cake.

These ideas for planning your child’s 1st birthday party are just a start. Whatever direction you go in with decorations, food and all the rest, you and your family are sure to have a wonderful day.

Kids American Chopper Party Ideas For Motorcycle Lovers Who Hog The Road

The popular and tough guy TV show, American Chopper is one of the reality TV shows to gain a huge fan following amongst motorbike enthusiasts. If you or one of your loved ones is into motorbikes, why not plan an American Chopper party for your next special occasion?

Decorate the garage with motorcycling memorabilia and posters. On your invitations, ask everyone who has a motorbike to turn up in their riding gear. These two elements will make for great photo opportunities.

There are bikers of every age group – males and females from teenagers to seventy year olds, people for whom being on a bike on the open road is the closest thing to being in heaven. As such you’ll have to provide food and beverages that will be popular with everyone. Make sure there is plenty of beer (unless you’re underage), as well as things such buffalo wings, steak or pizza. Have the party in the garage, so everyone who has brought their bike can park it in the drive.

As an alternative, don’t supply alcohol. Instead, the bikers can gather, enjoy the food and atmosphere of the party and take off together for a ride afterwards. This a great way to top off an enjoyable afternoon.

Planning an American Chopper party can almost be as enjoyable as the party itself. And as well as being a novel way to celebrate a special occasion, your American Chopper party can be a way for your motorcycle-mad guests (who mightn’t already know each other) to make new friends who share their passion.

Sesame Street Party - Fun with Oscar and Big Bird!

Sesame Street has been on TV for ever – a lot of young adults grew up with it and plenty of kids watch it now. A great educational and entertaining show, it is based around several recurring characters with particular types of personalities that teach children different things. A Sesame Street party is a great idea for a younger children’s fancy dress party since there are a lot of great characters to dress up as.

Invitation cards should not be a problem, with packs readily available at stationery or department stores. Food can also be varied and of your own choice, except that you should be sure to include cookies for the cookie monster and Ernie. As props, you can rent some puppets and costumes of Oscar the Grouch and Big Bird to use around the party room. You can make a cardboard cut out green street sign with Sesame Street written on it just like in the show. Put one in the foyer leading to the living room or just outside the door, or even both.

Find colored pictures of Sesame Street characters online and print them out. Cut these out and paste or hang them around the room and in the bathroom your guests will use. Add Sesame Street merchandise that is easily available in stores and games themed around the show. Kids will love and remember the great Sesame Street party especially if you can dress up as Big Bird and go around talking to or playing with them or handing around the food.

With a bit of creative flair, you can plan a Sesame Street party that your little ones and their friends will thoroughly enjoy. The variety of characters on Sesame Street means that the only limits are your budget and your imagination.