Summer Party with Ice Cream Bar

The Summer days just flew by, and it seemed there were very few weeks when everyone was home at the same time. Two weekends ago, we finally had a free night, so we celebrated our son’s July birthday with a Pool Party. A co-ed Pool Party. *gulp*

He wanted to invite all his friends he’d missed over the Summer, so we had the party at the big neighborhood pool. Since I had to transport everything, I kept it really simple and used decor and supplies I had on hand.

I hung the Mexican Banners I picked up on this trip from the gazebo, for an instant party-vibe. (I also used them in the Pottery Barn Fiesta Challenge.)

We created the simple invitations using this method, and texted the file to his friends and their parents. You can be sure 12-year-olds always check their text messages.

I draped a table in red and white striped fabric, and set the food on it. Small canned drinks and water were served in galvanized buckets over ice, placed around the pool area.

We kept the food really simple, and easy to eat. The watermelon-on-a-stick was a big hit! Use a paring knife to break through the skin of the watermelon before inserting the craft/popsicle stick.

Nutter Butters were transformed in to flip-flop cookies with some gel icing, and we used popcorn buckets from the Dollar Store to hold chips.

The kids had a great time swimming and catching up, then we played group games.

Their favorites were the relays….pushing a soccer ball with only your face, walking on your hands, and racing in tiny floaties.

The kids are all so sweet, and I’m grateful my son has this great group of friends. I was also thrilled to see the girls eat as much as the boys!

For dessert, we surprised the kids with a big Ice Cream Sundae Bar…with Haagen-Daz, no less! The small pints allowed us to try lots of flavors, and were perfect for transporting in coolers of ice.

Toppings included cherries, strawberries, marshmallows, chopped cookies, chocolate chips, almonds, whipped cream, hot fudge and caramel sauces, and sprinkles. (The shaker jars are from the Dollar Store!)

They created some delicious masterpieces!!

My sweet boy said it was his best birthday ever. I’d do just about anything to see that smile.

It was the perfect end to the Summer Break too, so we might need to procrastinate his party next year! How have you been celebrating the final days of Summer? And who’s going out for ice cream tonight!?