Sophie has been looking forward to her birthday party since the day school got out! She’s a summer baby, so her parties always include water of some kind, even thought we’ve never had a pool. Usually that means a water slide or an obscene amount of water balloons. This year, it was both. It’s always a full house for parties, which is so fun. Josh and I come from big families and of course Sophie wanted to invite her school friends! We kept it simple and just did some snacks, fruit, and beautiful sugar cookies made by a local baker.
We did a craft too to give the kid’s a chance to come inside and rest from the heat and using each other as surfboards down the water slide. Yeah, that happened. (Mental note: maybe skip the water slide next year or be sure to have parents sign waivers before they leave.) We found some unfinished treasure boxes at Michaels and Sophie picked all her favorite paint colors. Which by the way, her favorite color is blue now, which I’m still not used to. It’s been pink and purple everything since she could make the choice herself. So, yeah, I’d say seven is a pretty big deal. We put a drop cloth under the table and let the girls have at it. They painted shells and the boxes and no one cried. Success.
I made Sophie a mermaid crown inspired by some pictures on Pinterest, which she was obsessed with before the party. Buuuut then was too embarrassed to wear during the party. So I guess she’s still the same ‘ol Soph after all. Praise be!
Her party also included what is quickly becoming a party staple over here- a balloon garland. The garland itself takes barely any time to make, requires zero skill, and is relatively inexpensive. However, it makes a huge statement. I even have plans for a back to school one, using these. You can check out my Instagram highlights here for a tutorial, if you’re needing a few tips and tricks! I used a macrame curtain as a “boho inspired” fishing net. We also brought in one of our egg chairs (which I’m obsessed with) from outside as a special place for her to open presents. Her and all her friends, sisters, and cousins ended up sitting in it to “help her.”
This summer has been jam packed with activities, which is unlike years past. We are usually a hang out at home kind of a family. So it’s been so fun – but so exhausting. I’m ready for a slow down but NOT ready for the girls to be in school. I love having them home with me. So we are making it a point to cherish what’s left of this summer season. I can’t believe she’s seven…
For sources: Check out my Amazon List! // Mermaid Swimsuit // Paper Goods
Thank you for reading, pinning, and sharing! Enjoy what’s left of your summer! xx, Whitney
