Throwing a Bubble Party

For Annie’s first birthday, my mom and I decided that we wanted to do a bubble theme. Mainly because we’re kids at heart and we like bubbles. My wheels started turning for this party when she was only 6 months old and that’s when I started planning. I’m a planner. I do things in advance……WAY in advance. I’m not exactly a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants girl. That’s why God gave me a baby – to shake things up a little. Having a bubble party is very easy! Here’s what we did so that you can get an idea for yourself if you should ever want to go crazy and have a bunch of kids over to play with bubbles in 90 degree weather.

Barry and I made a thick bubble solution using water, Joy detergent, and glycerin. We let it sit overnight. I’m not sure why we did that, but the instructions said to.  Something about alcohol evaporating, yadda yadda. I got caught up on letting the alcohol evaporate. I just hate to waste alcohol. Ha, ha!

This bubble solution was supposed to be so concentrated that you could put a hoola hoop in it, let a kid stand inside, and then pull the bubble over them. Apparently we didn’t get a good mix of bubbles because our bubbles weren’t that big. BUT, they were pretty big and the kids had a blast playing with them in the big pool.

The kids played in that bubble pool all day. Anything that wasn’t nailed down, went into the water. Including whole bodies. And ice cubes. By the end of the day, it was pretty watered down……but still bubbly. There is now a film of bubble solution all over my parents driveway. When it rains next time, it’s going to be a big slip and slide over there. Sorry Mom and Dad! Maybe next year we’ll rent some bounce house inflatables and really take it up a notch.

This little booger has so many toys, he can’t decide which one to play with first. “How exactly can I hold this hoola hoop and get that ball at the same time????” I’m still not sure why they put balls in the bubbles. Any ideas?

Before the kids went home in their parents nice, clean cars we brought out the water hose to rinse them down. This little rascal is having a hard time keeping his wet pants up. Bless his heart! Secretly, I think my sister had a great time using a water hose on those kids. Much more fun than watering the plants!

For the food, we decided to make sub sandwich platters. Mom and I put together the subs with bread, meat, and cheese in advance. On the side we had all sorts of toppings for people to choose, along with every conceivable condiment. It’s like Subway! Eat fresh! We also had macaroni salad and chips. Just in case the kids didn’t want subs, I also had PB&J available. I didn’t see any adults eating one……but I had thoughts of making one and sneaking off to eat it in private.  Hello, my name is Stacy and I am addicted to peanut butter. You might see those plastic tubs on the table and wonder what they’re for. I got those at Big Lots and we filled them with ice. I put the perishable things in there, so that they would stay cold in the 1 million degree heat. Speaking of heat, I think yesterday would have been a great day to preach a sermon on hell. “Don’t like this heat!? Then get SAVED because it’s hotter in hell if you can imagine that!”

On each table, I had bubble centerpieces. I collected bubble wrap for a few months. In the center of the table, I laid a piece of bubble wrap and topped it with bubble accessories. I think it turned out pretty cute. Plus, you could play with it! I heard people popping that wrap all day. I don’t think it was the kids.

I made individual cupcakes with single candles so the kids could blow out their own candle. The cupcakes were cherry flavored. I also made a Texas Sheet Cake for the adults….but some adults wanted cupcakes….with lit candles. I’m glad I’m not the only one who likes to play with fire!

While Annie ate her cake, we ate our cake. Everyone was full of cake. It was a happy time! Cake = happiness. Look at my neat daughter using a fork to eat her SMASH cake. Weirdo.

Barry helped Annie open gifts while I took pictures. I think I had the easier job. Her favorite gifts were tissue paper and envelopes. Yep, she’s my daughter! Cheap and happy!

When the kids left, they got a gift, too. Yeah, this party was just a barrel of fun! In each bucket, with its own shovel, I put a punch balloon (you’re welcome parents!), a bottle of bubbles, a set of kid-safe silverware, and a bag of animal crackers. They were a hit! I got an extra bag of animal crackers for myself. I’m not sharing.

I guess Annie’s party was a success.  This little feller didn’t even make it till the end. Sleep well, little Titus.

No more parties until next year. I think I need a year to recuperate.