Matthew is 8

My Matthew just turned 8 last week, but since it was on Good Friday the 10th, it wasn't an appriopriate day for a party, he had his party on Saturday the 18th. When I talked to one of the parents, he asked where the party was being held. Our house?!? I guess many kids have parties at locations, like mini golf, or bowling or amusement parks. I have been told that this is less work and less clean up.

Well we had the party at home and it was a success. The kids had a blast and they were entertained the whole time. They didn't want to leave.

The weather was cloudy about 5C/40F, at least there was no snow. The kids played soccer for a little bit and then when everyone arrived we played a boardgame on the driveway. We made a boardgame with 16 square and the kids were the pawns. We made a die with a cardboard box and the kids had a blast throwing it into the air and stuff. Some of the spaces were, skip a turn, go back 3 spaces, move forward 2 spaces and empty your pockets, jump till you next turn, similar to Monopoly. Make up your own rules. They stayed outside for about an hour. Then we proceed inside for more fun.

We did a craft, the decorated their own brown goodie bag and made orgami shirt which they decorated too. Here are the instructions for the shirt.

We also played a couple of games of Bingo and Charades. Even my Natalie the 3 year old and Andrew the 5 year old participated. Natalie did the actions for animals. Make it applicable for the age group. I just did a search on the internet for different game ideas. There are tons out there.

For food, we had pop corn chicken with sliced vegetables and fruit. Very healthy and very little packaging. When we were done eating, the cake was brought out and they used the dinner plate for their cake. Just one set of dishes and cutlery. Very little clean up and little waste. That is the "green" mum coming out in me.

This party lasted 3 hours, and barely had enough time to open gifts. I think the boys really wanted to play lego but didn't have time. No excuse about the house being too small. The whole party took place on the driveway and in the regular size living room and dinning room. Mostly in the dinning room around the table, there were 9 kids in total! The kids don't really need fancy parties and elobrate locations. I think everyone had a good time and I know Matthew did, that is the most important! Have your next party at home.