Stand Ye In Holy Places {SHARE}

International Youth Art Exhibit

Do you remember the international art competition for youth, based on the 2012 mutual theme? Well, now until June 17, 2013, some 80 pieces of art - as a result of that competition - are being featured in an exhibition at the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City. (Hope I make it to Utah before June... I would love to see it!) :)
 
Here is the link with all the information.
 
One of the major missions of the Church History Museum, to build testimonies in the rising generation and connect them with the history of the Church...  If you live within driving distance of the Salt Lake City area, this would be a great activity for your youth.
 
The museum is located directly west of Temple Square at 45 N. West Temple in Salt Lake City.

No Room at the Inn

One of the most memorable young women activities I can remember (during the Christmas season) has to be "No Room at the Inn". There wasn't actually an official name for the activity, but this suits it well. I am losing my memory, so if there are small details I have forgotten or remember wrong - please forgive me. This is how I remember the night. :)
*
"His Name Shall be Called Wonderful" by Simon Dewey
*
I do not recall who to give the credit to, though I believe it may have been the current young women president, Stefanie. There were many hands involved it creating an atmosphere worthy of the spirit. I was serving as a young women advisor at the time.
*
The young women and leaders (who were not involved in the planning of the activity - myself being one of them) were simply under the impression that the activity for the night was caroling. We grabbed coats, our scarves, our gloves, and our knitted hats... it was typical cold winter's night in Utah Valley.
*
We gathered at the church and decided on the carols we would sing, then we ventured into the cold night air. It was one of those nights you could see the air with every breath and every word spoken. Crisp, to say the least. Despite the chill, the night started with a group of energetic young women and leaders. Excited to sing together door to door, for family and friends.
*
We knocked on the first door and no one was home. It seems that the second door was quiet as well. The group was not discouraged, their enthusiasm was strong as they locked arms and skipped to the next house where the lights were on and was clearly occupied.
*
The home was of one of my friends from high school, Marianne. The girls knocked on the door, ready to finally burst out in song.  Marianne open the door - holding a baby in her arms, she looked frazzled. Another child was yelling in the background. As we started singing, she cut us off, shook her head, and told us it was a bad time. You have to know, she is one of the sweetest, easy going, fun loving women I know... I think we all thought she was joking. And anyways, music soothes the savage beast, right? :)  We kept singing. She shook her head and shut the door in our faces. I thought to myself, "How rude!" and I wasn't the only one. Shock and disappointment entered the mood of the group.
*
We continued on to the next home, only to find that they were in a hurry to get somewhere, keys in hand and heading to their car. They didn't even offer the courtesy of listening to one carol. They actually got in their car and shut the door as we tried to sing to them anyways. The girls were no longer skipping. Their smiles and enthusiasm were diminishing. And honestly, so was mine.
*
I believe we experienced one more disappointing door, where the usually sweet sister was on a long distance telephone call and could not take the time for her visiting carolers. She simply pointed to the phone at her ear and shut the door.
*
Remember, it was cold. It was dark. And now, we were discouraged. The idea of ending the activity and going home had been discussed. But we were encouraged to try one more door. It was the door of a new family to our ward. They didn't speak much English, lived very modestly - still trying to get on their feet. We thought they might be grateful for our visit. We walked up the street, passing homes where the porch lights had been turned off, until we reached their home.
*
Without much hope of a warm welcome, one of the young women knocked at the door. After a brief wait, the porch light turned on and the mother open the door with a smile. As we began singing, she invited us into their humble home. Though she didn't communicate it with words, she obviously knew we were cold (to say the least) and wanted to give us a place to warm ourselves.
*
We were a little confused though, she lead us right through her home and into the unlit garage. There a string of white Christmas lights had been strung. A simple backdrop (possibly a sheet), and Mary and Joseph looking sweetly at baby Jesus laying in a bed of straw. (members of our ward playing the parts). We were all in awe at the sight.  Stefanie, the young women president, shared briefly the experience Mary and Joseph must have had, and the story of our Savior's birth.
*
I don't believe there was a dry eye, or a heart that was not softened and touched by the spirit that night, as we quietly sang together the sweet carols of Christmas... such as Silent Night and Away in a Manger.
*
The night ended as it began. Despite the chill in the air, our hearts were warm, and excitement in the season returned. We shared hot chocolate and hugs. We laughed at the thought of all the phone calls and preparation, the "acting" from the usually sweet sisters who turned us away so rudely. This was not just another activity, it was an amazing experience never to be forgotten.

Here we go a Caroling!

In our neighborhood there is a group of college aged young men who share a house. They all belong to a local Christian church. When they first moved into the neighborhood they went door to door introducing themselves to all their new neighbors. In addition, they gave us their numbers along with a list of combined skill sets they were willing to share, if there was ever a need. Handyman work, yard work, and car repair were all on the list. Both my husband and I were impressed at their genuine kindness.
*
Come to find out, these young men spend their Friday nights with other young men and women studying the Bible. Last Christmas, as they gathered together, they filled a wagon with hot chocolate, marshmallows, and Styrofoam cups. Bundled up, they walked the neighborhood - guitar and snare drum (yet, a drum) in tow - offering up hot chocolate and Christmas carols to all who would open their doors. I know our family loved the music, appreciated the gesture and enjoyed the unexpected surprise.
*
*
This is one thing I had missed up until then - neighborhood Christmas carolers. I absolutely love the sounds of this season!  I am really hoping they come around again this year.  :)
*
ACTIVITY
I am sure many of you may already have this on your calendars... But if you don't, here's an invitation to share your voices in song this Christmas season!  The instruments were a nice touch. Especially the drum, which I think the young men would be happy to take charge of. ;)
*
Here's a simple formula to follow as you go door to door:  First of all, keep it brief. Three song maximum. Start with a fun song. Follow with a song that shares the true spirit of Christmas. And end with the classic, "We Wish You A Merry Christmas".
*
Here's a sample list of songs:
  • Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
  • Jingle Bells
  • Santa Clause is Coming to Town
  • Frosty the Snowman
  • Deck the Halls
  • Silver Bells
  • Winter Wonderland
  • Jingle Bell Rock
  • I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
  • Let it Snow
*
*
  • Away in a Manger
  • Silent Night
  • Angels We Have Heard on High
  • Joy to the World
  • God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
  • Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
  • O Little Town of Bethlehem
  • I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
  • It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
  • O Holy Night

Remember... Arise & Shine

If you are looking for something to give to your youth, that will help them remember the 2012 theme "Arise and Shine", RingMasters is offering this FREE 8x10 printable.
*
*
RingMasters also has some great stocking stuffers - starting at .10 cents. Browse through their sale items and you are sure to find something. Don't forget to use the coupon code 20OFF, for 20% off your order.

YOUshare: PP - A Pattern For Life

Carrie was nice enough to send over a few pictures from their Young Women in Excellence. They decided to go with the theme: Personal Progress, A Pattern For Life.
*
I am loving all the adorable details... actual patterns used for the table cloth, if you look closely you may see that the programs were sewn onto black card stock, pin cushion mason jars filled with candy (the tag says: "Pattern your life after the Savior that ye may thread together good works"), brightly colored "cute as a button" cookies, and how cute is that banner?!  :)
*
Carrie, thank you for sharing!
*

My Sister's Closet

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” - President Boyd K. Packer
*
Here is an adorable twist on the Soup & Share idea. Kim's young women leaders put this together for their young women, love it!
*
Here are all the cute details (plus a few extras):
*
 
PURPOSE
To give the each of the young women an opportunity to serve and share with others. Also, possibly serving the temporal needs of one or more of your young women - secretly.  :)
*
IN PREPARATION
The young women and leaders gathered items from their own closets that they no longer used, but thought they might be something someone else would use themselves: 
  • dresses
  • skirts
  • shirts
  • sweaters
  • jackets
  • pants
  • shorts
  • pajamas
  • shoes
  • jewelry
  • hats
  • scarfs
  • books
  • movies
  • room decor
All items were dropped off at Kim's (YW President) home beforehand.  She made sure everything was clean and in good condition.
*
Then all clothing items were tagged, including jewelry. Earrings were placed on cute card stock for display.  :)
 *
SET-UP
They gathered clothes racks, mannequins, mirrors - anything that would make the room feel like a boutique. And added lots of hot pink sparkly tulle. :)
*
*
SERVICE OPPORTUNITY {UPON ARRIVAL}
Since this was held the week before Thanksgiving, there were cards placed on a table for the young women to write a note of gratitude to some one in the ward that has made a difference in their life. The card served as their ticket into the boutique.
*
TIME TO SHOP {KIND OF}
The young women were each given a shopping bag - with their name tied to it.  Everyone got to choose four items to begin with.  Then, after everyone had something in their bag, they got to "shop" for any additional items they would like.  The girls filled their shopping bags!
*
*
Just one of the outfits put together for display.
*
MEAL TIME
As mentioned in the beginning of the post, this was also a Soup and Share. The YW Leaders provided homemade soup and bread sticks for the girls.
*
PERSONAL PROGRESS POSSIBILITY
The young women could contribute to the meal by having their mother or another adult teach them how to make soup from scratch. Then they could make up a batch and bring it to the activity, along with a recipe card to share with the other girls - which could be added to their hope chests. :)
*
The young women loved it so much - they want to do it again!
*
KEEP ON SHARING!
If the Faith in God/Activity Days girls are meeting the same night as your activity, I am sure they would love a chance to go through all the left over items. They may find a treasure themselves.  :)
*
Whatever items are left over can be donated to your local Deseret Industries, GoodWill, Salvation Army, or other organization.

Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789

*
Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789 - President George Washington
*
"WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLIC THANKSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:
"NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;- and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
"And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; - to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
"GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine."
Signed: George Washington
Source: The Massachusetts Centinel, Wednesday, October 14, 1789

Halloween Decor

*
 *
CREATIVE RESOURCES
  • free BAT template found here
  • FLYING BATS clipart found here
  • free RAVEN template found here
  • free WITCH template found here
  • free PORTRAIT MASK templates found here

I just love this vintage photograph!

The Haunted House

I came across this article and thought a few of you may be inspired by the unique way doors were opened to share the gospel. :)  Read if you dare!
*

click photo for link to photo credit
*
The Haunted House, by Kristine Stones Keele, New Era, October 1983
 
Near my home in the north woods of upper Michigan, there once stood an old turn-of-the-century home. For years it had been abandoned, its black, weather-beaten frame cracking with age and crawling with snaky tendrils of ancient vines that wrapped and coiled themselves across the windows and around the doors. Various out-buildings were scattered here and there, but they were barely distinguishable beneath the creeping tangle of brush and brier. The house towered three stories high and cast a forbidding shadow on the bleached and withered ground. This shadow had spread throughout the community and entered the fearful heart of every child around.
 
When I entered the ninth grade, however, I decided it was time to get over being frightened of the old place. I wondered if perhaps I couldn’t use it for a party. Now, being the only Latter-day Saint in my high school, I had heard and tolerated some pretty cruel things. I figured I could stand up to jokes and criticism for not smoking and drinking, but what I couldn’t take was hearing over and over again about how Mormons just didn’t know how to really have fun at parties. Because of that, my bishop (who was also my dad and a biology professor at the nearby university) came up with an idea to prove my friends wrong. On Halloween night he would temporarily move into the local neighborhood haunted house. But by then—thanks to the efforts of my dad, brother, and missionaries—it would be transformed into a terrifying realm of horror and fright. According to plan I invited about 20 of my closest nonmember friends. Since all of them lived in town, about six miles away, I assumed none of them had ever heard of the old Sutinen home. I assumed correctly.
 
At 7:00 the party began at my house; and after about an hour of games, pizza, and root beer, I suggested we visit a poor old man named Toivo. I explained he lived alone but always had treats ready for any trick-or-treater who dared venture down the lonely, overgrown trail that led to his home. My suggestion was enthusiastically received until they saw Mr. Sutinen’s home. Even I, who knew my dad waited within, felt a shiver of fear creep along my spine, like a spider on a web of nerves. We approached cautiously toward where the house loomed up, outlined starkly against the moonlit sky. To add to the eerie effect, a single light flickered from behind the drawn curtains. Ghostly wisps of fog clawed at our legs, and branches whipped wickedly against our faces. We were considering bravely marching on, when shrill laughter split the tomblike quiet. Some of the group turned, running wildly for home, while the rest huddled near and bombarded me with questions. “Are you sure this is the right house?” “How long have you known this man?” “Are you positive he’s harmless?” and finally, “If this is a joke, you’re gonna be sorry!”
 
Reassuring them that everything was fine, I boldly knocked upon the blistered door. Like something out of a horror movie, the door slowly creaked open, and I gazed into the red-rimmed eyes of a madman. With a start I realized this white-haired maniac was my father!
 
“Trick-or-treat,” my friends whispered as Toivo Sutinen ushered us into his parlor. This room was dimly lit by two flickering candles perched on large polished skulls. Nice touch, Dad, I thought as I gazed at the skulls, the cobwebs, and the coffin set back in a corner.
 
“Wall now, ain’t dis a surprise. Ten purdy gerls cum ta visit ol’ me,” muttered Mr. Sutinen in a slurred drawl. “Ah was jist gunna eat ma supper. Join me, hey?”
 
Carol, the Good Samaritan of our group, slapped “old” Toivo on the shoulder and heartily agreed. The rest warily glanced around. And Mary, still hovering near the door, asked the question on everyone’s mind. “Uh, Mr. Sutinen, what were you planning to eat?”
 
“Why, ma favorite,” happily responded Mr. Sutinen, “barbecued bat wings!”
 
Too late we noticed the dozens of murky specimen bottles crowding the counters and shelves of the kitchen.
 
“Unless, of course,” finished Mr. Sutinen, whacking something near him, “you want ta wait until Mabel here thaws out.”
 
Looking up, we saw a row of frozen cats hanging stiffly from the rafters!
 
This, of course, made sense when one remembered my dad was a professor of biology and used such things in his labs. But to my friends it was a ghastly spectacle and required a hasty exit by the nearest door—which was locked! Mary promptly began to cry, and several others looked like they wanted to. I begged my friends to stay and humor this crazy old man a little while longer, and they agreed.
 
“Wall, ah kin see yer not hungry,” cheerfully said the old man, picking up one of the candle skulls. “Why don’t ah take you on a tour of ma home?”
 
Happily accepting any excuse to leave the kitchen and its occupants, we followed Toivo Sutinen up the rickety, wooden steps and into a narrow hall.
 
“First room on the left here was ma dear Mildred’s” explained Toivo opening the door wide and allowing us to enter.
 
Except for a dusty end table on which lay a bloodstained knife, everything in this room was covered with enormous sheets. Avoiding eye contact with the knife, we halfheartedly listened to Mr. Sutinen reminisce about his dear departed wife. Uncomfortably we began to realize he was talking about Mildred as if she were still alive.
 
“Yep, ma heart was near broke, couldn’t stand it no more. So went out late one night and brought ma Mildred back home.”
 
With a flourish, Mr. Sutinen pulled back the bed sheet. And there, in all her skeletal beauty, lay the former “Mrs. Sutinen”!
 
That was too much; my dad had gone too far! Screaming frantically we ran from the bedroom and down the stairs. We must have triggered something because as we ran ghosts in Victorian dress swooped past, bats squeaked, and howls echoed through the empty corridors. The door was now wide open, but as we bounded down the steep steps, something huge and hairy jumped out from behind a nearby tree.
 
I don’t remember much after that except a lot of screaming and running. Within minutes we were safely back in the security of my home, breathlessly reliving each terrifying moment. My mother insisted I tell my friends the truth, but it took some doing to convince them crazy Toivo was not only my father but the “minister” of my church.
 
Later, when my dad, brother, and the missionaries returned, everyone wanted to ask them questions. I’m not sure that much gospel doctrine got discussed that night, but all in all the experience had a positive effect on my friends. Two of them later joined the Church and four others seriously considered it. The greatest result, however, was that from then on there wasn’t a single Church activity that wasn’t attended by as many nonmembers as members.
 
A couple of years ago, the old house burned to the ground. I’ll never forget that day. Standing with a crowd of interested bystanders and frustrated firemen, I remember thinking that no one would be sorry to see this place go. It had stood too long, frightening children, and reminding others of ghosts, goblins, and things that go bump in the night. With a crash the house collapsed, showering sparks and ashes on everyone. For a brief moment I felt a twinge of regret. And then it was all over. The firemen doused the glowing coals with buckets of water, and the crowd broke up.
 
As I wandered back down the path that led to my home, I thought once more of that terrifying, yet zany, Halloween party. It was ironic, but comforting to know, that a place of such indescribable horror had served as a site where good opinions of the Church had been formed and, I hoped, would be nurtured for many years to come.

A Treat To Serve

*
Each year before Halloween, Kathy's ward goes trick-or-treating for their local Deseret Industries.  The young men and young women visit their neighborhoods to collect donations. I have yet to hear all the details - I just saw this on Kathy's FACEBOOK page - she is the cute Waldo below! It sounds like it could be a great tradition to start. :)
*

What Makes You Beautiful

I am sure you have seen at least one of these videos made by a few young men groups across the nation, in response to President Thomas S. Monson saying that "every woman deserves to be told she's beautiful."
*
I would love to see a music video like this made by an Elder's Quorm or High Priest Group.  President Monson did say "every woman"... he did not specify age, right?  ;)
*
Original inspiration: Citrus Heights Young Men
*
The same group of young men made this video, as commissioned, for girls camp. :)
*
Colorado Spring North Young Men
I love the arrow being shot into a YW Value Target!
*
Alta Mesa Boyz
*
Hayden Lake Stake Young Men
*
One of these would be fun to watch during this activity: The Beauty I See In Them

Robbie's "Lego Star Wars" Party

My son has been planning on a "Super Hero Squad" birthday party for a few months now.  As we were putting the finishing touches on his invitations, he told me he changed his mind.  He wanted to have a "Star Wars" birthday party. I could have said "tough luck mister", but he is just too dang adorable! This is what we threw together:
*
*
INVITATION
Here are the invitations the two of us designed. He helped choose the characters and colors. :) I thought they turned out pretty cute. 
*
*
DECOR
Continuing to keep things simple this year... I covered the entry way with black butcher paper and used a silver Sharpie to draw stars - creating a galaxy.  ;)
*
*
Afterwards (into the following day) I let my boys and their friends use chalk to draw aliens, more stars, spaceships and U.F.O.s.
*
GAMES AND ACTIVITIES
"I am an Alien!" - They created silly aliens, just like the ones found in Star Wars, from outlines of their own bodies. We had a bucket of white butcher paper, cut into 4 foot long sheets, and rolled up.  We began by having the children lye down on a piece of white butcher paper to have their bodies outlined. They were encouraged to be silly. Then they took their paper into the kitchen where they found crayons. This is where imaginations went wild!
*
*
Galaxy Play Dough - I made up a couple batches of play dough and tinted the dough black. I made 1/2 cup balls and placed them into Zip lock bags. The children got to add the glitter themselves, if they wanted to.
*
*
Jedi Training - My understanding was that we had to have a little Jedi Training. Each child received his/her own light saber for this activity. Of course Darth Vader was near. :)
*
*
Pinata - Robbie really wanted one. I found a Darth Vader pinata, he was so excited when he saw it! This one is a pull pinata, which means the children take turns pulling the ribbons. There is only one ribbon that opens the pinata, allowing the goodies to fall. Honestly, I think they would have liked to wack Vader in the head instead. :)
*
Darth Vader Pull String Pinata
*
TAKE-A-WAY/GIFT
I found these 11 oz. Design Your Own Mug, from Dollar Tree. Below is the insert I designed.
*
*

Halloween 2012

I had to show you what my sister, Kathy, just made. She said she found the idea on Pinterest. So cute!
*

Battleship! {in full color}

*
This past week, my daughter celebrated her 14th birthday. Pretty exciting... moving up to the Mia Maid class, but mostly because she can go to the dances now.  :)
*
This is how she celebrated with her friends: Battleship {in full color}. She gets all the credit for creating this fun game!  I am sharing it here for those of you looking for a fun and colorful group activity.
*
OUR INSPIRATION
Of course the board game Battleship was the source of our inspiration. Maddy has been wanting to play human Battleship for awhile now with her friends.
*
*
We changed the game plan after my daughters and I ran (walked) the Color Me Rad 5K this past weekend. Afterwards, Maddy decided to play Battleship {in full color}!
*
*
I found this on YOU tube.  It is the closest thing I could find, to what we would love to have happen. Wish we had a crane!  :)  But, we have no access to a crane, so we created our own version.
*
*
GETTIN' READY
I could not find a recipe for the color chalk bombs, so I had to create my own. I tried a few different concoctions. This was my first attempt.  The colors were great!
*
*
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup corn starch
1 Tbsp water
10 drops food coloring (I used neon)
*
DIRECTIONS
I put all the ingredients into a Ziploc bag and sealed it tight.
Next I worked it with my fingers, until it was blended completely.
*
My initial test run showed that the powder alone didn't stick. I added the powder to a spray bottle full of water, shook it up and it worked good. It was simply colored water, and a bit washed out though.
*
This next concoction is the one that worked best. Vivid colors, more paint like. We filled small water balloons with the color.
*
*
INGREDIENTS
2 cups cold water
3/4 cup corn starch
10 drops food coloring (I used neon)
*
DIRECTIONS
 In a saucepan, combine cold water, cornstarch, and food coloring.
Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, ONLY until you feel it thickening.
It should take less than 2 minutes.
Remove from heat immediately.
Continue to stir, adding cold water as needed, until desired consistency.
*
To fill the water balloons, I poured the paint into spray bottles. It was easy to fill the water balloons directly from the spray bottle. Then we filled the balloons and tied them up - carefully, very carefully. It was a messy process, because a few of the balloons popped.  Oops!  I made a few extra batches of color to refill the spray bottles. I figured the kids would have fun spraying each other too. I was right! Maddy requested a bunch of water filled balloons too.  :)
*
*
THE ARRIVAL
As her guests arrived, they were given either a hot pink or neon green wristband. This was an easy way to create teams. Plus wristbands are cool!  ;)
*
*
BATTLESHIP {in full color}
Set-Up:  The game was played on a volleyball court. If you decide to play "blind", like the real game of Battleship - spray paint the lines (grid) directly onto the grass with letters and numbers. And use clothes pins and sheets to create a barrier between the two teams. We played with full vision. No barrier. No coordinates.
*
*
Ammunition:  We used the mini color bombs, water balloons, and color filled spray bottles.
*
Game Play:
  • Blind - Have each team create 5 ships, by having team members lie on the ground in groups or individually.  Choose a commander who calls out coordinates. Keep track of hits and misses on a piece of paper.  When someone gets hit with a {full color} missile, call out "IT"S A HIT!"  When a full ship of people get hit, they all yell out "YOU SUNK OUR BATTLESHIP!"
  • Full Vision - Everyone anchored themselves, sat down, on their own side. Once they chose a spot, they could not move - unless it was their turn. In turn, one team member would toss a playground ball over the net, trying to hit one of the other team's "ships".  If the ball hit, bumped, or rolled into someone, then that person gets bombed or sprayed with color, by the person who had tossed the ball. I honestly thought playing this way would make it way too easy to hit someone, but these kids kept missing! It made the actual hits exciting!
When I could tell they had had enough of the one hit at a time, I yelled out, "All Attack!" They all ran in and grabbed the remaining color bombs, water balloons, and color filled spray bottles. It was an all out battle!
*
*
GROUP GAMES
The fun continued with the following games.
The sun had gone down, it was dark, and they had to play in the light of a lamp post.  But they didn't care. They played Dragon Tails a couple times. When it came to Trash Can they played 3 times. I hadn't realized how competitive this group was!
*
*
I heard afterwards that a number of them said it was the most fun they had had at a birthday party in a long time. I attribute that to the laughter, the cheers, being active, and their friendships! They didn't have their phones in their hands. There was no texting, no web browsing, nothing taking them away away from where they were. They were "all there"!
*
LET THEM EAT CUPCAKES!
We went back to the house and let them hang out for a bit. Maddy requested FUNfetti! cupcakes. Easy peasy. We frosted them with our favorite homemade butter cream frosting, tinted bright ocean blue.
*
*
I frosted enough for them all to have one, but I made plenty more. I left the extra cupcakes and frosting out for them to frost their own. They were not shy!
*
MOVIE TIME
My husband suggested the movie, Battleship. It was on pay-per-view. I put it on for them to watch, as they waited for their parents.
*