not-back-to-school luau…

I was in charge of planning the Not-Back-to-School Luau for a local homeschool group. We kept it pretty low key. We rented out the lodge at a local nature center – nature activities conveniently provided. Everyone brought a dish to share and one of the fathers was in charge of grilling hot dogs. We had outdoor games to play at leisure and various crafts: Make Your Own Leis (yarn, cut straws, and tissue paper flowers), Luau Tattoos (go on with water), Make Your Own Surfboard Bookmarks, Make Your Own Wave (water/oil density bottles made in repurposed disposable water bottles), and a table of goodies such as Luau Fun bandz, stickers, key chains, sunglasses, and flower leis.

We made grass skirts for the food tables out of a large roll of donated green paper. Then we made repurposed palm tree table toppers for all of the tables where people would be eating. Oddly enough, these were widely popular and people were taking them home. My children had fun helping me make these. They were completely recycled, using empty paper towel rolls, empty green soda bottles, brown paper from packages (I now have the song from The Sound of Music going through my head), and beans that were used at a previous sensory class to weigh them down. I had forgotten how much fun sensory tubs are for my kids. We’ll be making a new table to hold a tub – to go out in the garage.

Something happened to the cookie cake I made the day before the event. So, right before the luau I was left to make another. I think it turned out better. It was definitely gobbled up.

I have to thank my husband for all his wonderful support with set up and clean up for the party. I won’t plan another one anytime soon.