Let's Play "Guess Who's Coming to the Party!"

So, I don't know if you have heard the news recently about the dad and son over in the U.K. somewhere who received a bill for NOT going to a birthday party that they r.s.v.p'd to that they would be attending.  Seems that Jr. found he had other plans with Grandma, they didn't have a way to contact the people throwing the party, and didn't show.  Now there is a viral story batting around the universe about how they received a bill, and they're not paying the bill, and BLAH BLAH BLAH.

Regardless of where you stand on these people getting the bill, not paying the bill, or why stories like this go viral in the first place, it brought a dilemma to mind that plagues many a parent throwing a birthday party for kids. 

R.S.V.P. (ing)

If you are having a backyard party, while it may be inconvenient to have people not show up that you were expecting,or show up when you didn't expect them,  it's usually not the end of the world.  There is a general rule of thumb that I follow now for party favors bags/gifts that has developed from people with this habit.  I don't customize party favors anymore!  If you have someone show up that you were not expecting, I always feel bad for not having a gift bag!  By not putting names on the bags (or hats or whatever), you can roll with the punches.  Also, consider making up a few extras as siblings can, and often do, show up with guests occasionally. You can always keep leftovers for a rainy day (or donate them to a local charity to brighten someone elses!)

Here's my tried and true check list of how to deal with RSVP's and kids parties.

DO add an R.S.V.P. with YOUR name (not Caden's Mom) and best contact number/email.
DO consider using an online site to keep track of invites (like Evite or whatever).
DO expect that some kids are going to lose paper invites before getting home, that some kids are dealing with two households and the parent that has them that weekend might be clueless.
DO send out your invites a month ahead, if possible.
DO call the week of the party the kids house (or email) and follow up to see if they received the invite.  Say something like "I'm following up because I know that invites often get lost on the way home" because Mom/Dad may have just forgotten and are now horribly embarrassed. 
Do expect a few extra kids if possible.  If the party is offsite, they usually try to accomdate unexpected guests.  If not, perhaps that's not your site for next year!
DO relax!  In the big picture, a stressed out Mom is a sure fire wet blanket for any celebration.  Your kid is having a birthday!  Awesome!  Enjoy every minute, regardless of what anyone else is doing!
DON'T customize party favors/bag - roll with it as kids show up!
DON'T take it personally when kids don't show up.  You might be the most organized Mom in the world, but some Mom's are hanging on by a thread and they need a little love. Next time that Mom with cake on her face might be you!
DON'T send party favor bags for the kids that didn't show into school...it  is never pretty.

Have a wonderful party! Free party tips and themes on our Facebook page daily!  Love, from Party Jumpers!

The Holiday Break (and WHAT TO DO WITH THE KIDS!!!)

I LOVE love love Christmas - and having all five kids home is incredible.  My sister is coming in from Chicago with her daughter who's 14, and I can't wait to celebrate!  They will be visiting for a couple of weeks, so we have ample opportunity to do lots of fun activities while they are here.  I've started a Pinterest page (naturally)...but here are some of the ideas that we've come up with so far!

1) Rent a Golf Cart (o.k. this was hubby's idea - and honestly - I wasn't so crazy about it) but the kids love it!  We're decorating it for the holidays and using it to deliver cookies to the neighbors! Rent it for a month!

2) Museums Museums Museums - Our family membership to the South Florida Museum is awesome for many reasons, and one of them is free or discounted access to SO many other Florida museums! Road Trip?

3) Beach Snow-people!  Coming from Chicago - they are going to need to thaw out.  Some beach snow people will be great fun!  Don't forget the carrots!

4)  Check out some fun craft ideas on that Pinterest page!

5)  Manasota Family Fun (check out links all over our Facebook page) does a great job keeping up to date listing of fun activites!

6)  Lights Looking!  We throw everyone in the car with hot coco - put on the Christmas carols - and driving around looking at lights singing!  Sounds goofy - but we LOVE it!

7) Naturally, we'll be throwing up some fun inflatables over the holiday when all the family shows up to keep the kids occupied!  Check ours out at Party Jumpers

Just the tip of the iceberg!  Feel free to comment and let us know your favorite family traditions and holiday activities! 

From our family to yours!

Farm / Barnyard Party - the perfect fall party theme!

I love Fall - not like - love.  Growing up in New England, it was such a magical time of year.  I love it here in Sarasota too - we have so many fun fall festivals, it reminds me of home.  It also reminds me of what a great time of year it is to throw a "Farm" themed party - you have pumpkins/hay/scarecrows - so many things available to decorate the perfect backyard party (or festival - carnival!).  I've been busy working on some cute ideas up on our Pinterest board - check them out here!  Of course - we have the perfect bouncehouse to go with your theme - but check out all of the other great decorating ideas, cakes/cupcakes, invitations and food!  Perfect for boys or girls on any age - I hope you have fun planning!

Farm Bouncehouse - Party Jumpers

First Birthday! Awww! Party Time!

It seems that we've been booking SO many first birthday parties this month, I have to wonder WHAT was going on 1 year and 9 months ago!  First birthdays bring out the nostalgic Mom in me! Naturally, baby could care less about the party, but as Mom's we love to make beautiful memories of this special day and a big party is usually in store!  As you normally are inviting not baby's friends, but friends and family, you'll want to have food and entertainment for young and old!  Don't forget the SMASH cake - my personal favorite!

Check out some of the cute ideas on our Pinterest Page...then call us and we'll be happy to help plan the festivities!  Table, Chairs, Bouncer, Concessions - you name it!

Have a Monster of a Party!

Adorable Monster themed party table!

I'm kinda obsessed with monsters....not the scary kind....but the cute fuzzy kind.  They also make for an awesome kids party idea!  The "Little Monster" theme is great for first birthdays, but I'd throw a monster party for any age!

This is a party theme that you can easily pull it off D.I.Y. and cheap too! Google eyes to the max! Cupcakes with eyes (you can buy edible ones on Oriental Trading)

Homemade invitations - how can you screw up a MONSTER?  Check out some cute ideas on our Pinterest board here!


Balloons with Eyes?  Fuzzy tablecloths! Monsters peaking out from under chairs! Monster footprints leading up to the door !  Let your imagination go wild!  Don't forget a bouncehouse, obstacle course, waterslide or foam machine for the wildest monster party ever! Party Jumpers - Sarasota and Bradentons answer for great kids parties

Edible Monsters!  

2nd Baby? Have a "Baby Sprinkle" instead of a Shower!

     I hadn't heard of this idea until today, but it's my new favorite party idea!  Is someone you love having baby #2 (or 3 or more?).  It feels kinda tacky to keep throwing baby showers, and after you hit 3 or more kids, people WILL start rolling their eyes!  Instead of a full blown shower, have a "Baby Sprinkle!".  People feel less pressured to bring big gifts, but every baby deserves a celebration, and EVERY Mom deserves to be celebrated!

     Check out our awesome Pinterest page for lots of great baby shower and sprinkle ideas!  Think INFORMAL - a much more laid back feeling with this party.  As many of the guest (including the guest of honor) have kids as well - why not consider inviting them?  (Shameless plug alter - we often deliver bouncehouses to showers! Check us out at Party Jumpers!

    Sprinkles - everywhere!  What a fun and festive idea!  Sprinkles on the invitations, food, decorations! Now the only question is WHERE was this great idea when I was having all those kids!

CUPCAKES! A great theme for a birthday!

I love cupcakes - mostly because I can't be trusted with an ENTIRE cake.

A Cupcake themed birthday or shower theme is a great idea!  If you're a creative baker, the possibilities are endless.  Here in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas, there are some great bakeries that specialize in the treats.  One of my favorites is Gigi's on University as they have always have Gluten Free options for my youngest daughter!

Check out my Pinterest for a host of great ideas for your party - but one of the best is the cupcake wrapper garland!  I love the activity idea of "Decorate your Own" cupcake for the kids!

You'll probably want to add an inflatable to the mix to burn off some of that sugar charged energy!  Make sure to call Party Jumpers for your a bouncehouse or waterslide to make the party complete! You can also check us out here!  Make sure to like and share our Facebook page for monthly specials and the most up-to-date party themes!

D.I.Y. Cupcake Garland! Adorable!

CowABunga! It's a Party!

Looking for a fun theme for your kids next birthday bash? How about the Teenager Mutant Nina Turtles? They are HOT again! I've found some awesome ideas on Pinterest...but here's the low down!

*Think PIZZA for lunch - and why not consider a Pizza themed cake!  It would be an easy D.I.Y. - but I'm sure that a local bakery would love to whip one up too!  (Again, check out my Pinterest board for some great tips on how you can whip that up!

* Green Balloons can easily be transformed into Ninja heads!

* Felt makes easy and cheap Ninja masks!

* Add a bouncehouse, waterslide or even better - and obstacle course - to really get the party jumping!

Add an Obstacle Course for Real Ninja Action! Party Jumpers at (941) 343-0370

Celebrating Everything - Suncoast Style!

     As I sit here writing, the house is unusually quiet.  All five kids have gone back to school today, and I'm faced with a stack of "summer" work that has piled up the last couple of months while trying to balance kids with work.  It's quite a stack, but I would trade it for the kids being home one more day in a heartbeat.

     You see, my oldest started college today. COLLEGE. When the heck did that happen? When your kids are little, the days go by slow - but the years go by fast. When they hit school age, your family enters this wormhole of a time warp and things enter lightening speed.  My hubby stood, coffee in hand this morning, reviewing the driving schedule I posted on the fridge to get the other four kids to their four schools.

     "When did things start moving so fast?" was his question.

     I'm not quite sure when it happened. What I do know is that we, as parents, need to take a minute everyday to just stop. Stop talking on the phone, surfing the web, being preoccupied by work - just stop even for 15 minutes - and just BE with the kids.  Play cards - listen to that paintball story - make dinner together - SOMETHING where you are 100% present with your kids.

     On my wedding day, one of my best friends advised me to close my eyes for 2 minutes and just BE in that space.  She said the day would be gone before I knew it and I'd regret being swept away by so many moments.  I took her advice, and that two minutes are still my favorite memory of the day.  What I heard, smelt, felt - those sensations are still with me.  Why not take that advice everyday with the people the most important to you!

     I hope you and yours have a wonderful first day back to school.  Celebrate everything - every small and large victory!  Have dinner on the beach tonight!  Swim in the pool instead of putting on the T.V.! Break out the Monopoly game and let them stay up an extra 15 minutes!

With Love,

Michelle

Back To School Bash!

Sigh - the end of summer is always sad - we never accomplish all that we want to do with the kids and time flys so quickly.  This last week before we return to the hustle and bustle of school, we're going to cram in seven more days of fun!  Been booking "Back to School" bashes lately - cheers to the neighborhoods that combine funds, talents and time to give the kids a great send off! It's also a GREAT icebreaker idea for a kid new to the school and wanting to make some friends! (What better way to get acquainted then at a fun party!)  Here are some ideas for your Back to School Bash!

* Celebrate the start of something new!  It's such a stressful time for kids going back - most are nervous and especially if starting a new school!  Make this a joyful time!  I love the idea of having the party just AFTER school starts - something to look forward to!  Consider inviting the whole class as well as old friends - instant popularity! :)

*  You already have so much going on with back to school preparations - make this as easy as possible on YOU.  Look into downloadable invitations (check out on my Pinterest Back to School Bash Board)

* You can probably find lots of cute Back to School themed cakes and cupcakes at your local market - but I think these homemade apple ones are adorable (you can put a worm in them too for added effect!)

* I wonder if you might snag some cute B-T-S decorations from your local stores as they break down those decorations and move into the Halloween decorations? Might be worth a shot!

* If you are throwing the party within the school year - check in advance with your teachers about invitations going home.  Many schools have tight restrictions in terms of class lists - you may have to send them out blindly and hope for the best!

* Feel free to add a fun inflatable to jump up the party!  Here in Florida it's still super hot - so a waterslide is a great choice - but if you are in a cooler location consider a bouncehouse, obstacle course or something fun like our Octodome Extreme - you can joust, play Twister, basketball, volleyball or just plain bounce! Check out all of our other awesome stuff on our site www.partyjumpersinc.com  or call me at (941) 343-0370

* Adding a "Book Swap" theme makes the deal even sweeter! What better way to start the school year then with a new (recycled) book!!  Consider adding several of your own in case someone forgets one - check to see if your local library has a store.  Goodwill Bookstores as also a great choice!

The Clan McLean - ready for a new year!

I wish you all a wonderful school year.  I pray for our kids as they all start new journeys as well, especially Jackie starting a new elementary, Ian starting high school and Cami starting college. Blessings to you and your family as you start your new adventures!

Michelle

Word on the street - Hot Party Trends for Kids!

Everyone loves a great party!  Throw one that your kids will be talking about forever!  Here are some ideas for the coolest parties in town - complete with Pinterest links to help you plan your next - Best - party! I've tried to include in each theme ideas for food - decorations - activities and invitations! Whatever your party theme - we wish you the very best day ever!

Frozen! Can your girls just not "Let It Go"?  Oh - that SONG!  Make your life a little easier with these fun ideas to have a cool Frozen Party of your own!  Check out the Party Jumpers Facebook page as well - I found a super cute "Build a Snowman" project at the Dollar Store for a craft! 

Frozen Party

Minecraft!  My kids are OBSESSED with Minecraft!  Build your own party with these ideas - 

Minecraft Party Ideas!  

Legos!  Although the movie has been out for a while, Lego's are an eternal hit!  This party theme is still SUPER popular!  You can even have a showing of it now that's it out on DVD.   Don't forget you can get Lego Block candy at Bulk Nation.  Check out these awesome ideas to make your party planning so much easier!

Lego Party

Kids and Organization - the Essentials!

I don't tell many people that I meet for the first time that I have five kids, but when I do, I get many wide eyes stares that range from the "Are you NUTS" look to the "You MUST be NUTS" look :)  Truth be told, because it's our life, it dosen't seem like a big deal,  but when I look at a friend that has eight kids, I am blown away.  "How do you do it?" is the most popular question - so I'm here to tell you the secret!  ORGANIZATION

A Closet Sweater fabric bin

Folders for each kid!

Really!  That's it!  My grandmother told me to do an extra 20 minutes of housework everynight - and that was a great piece of advice!  I call it "Getting my ducks in a row" - don't go to bed without the laundry flipped, the dishwasher running, the floors and kitchen cleaned.  Waking up to a mess is the WORST!  I'm including some crummy pictures (from my phone)  of some of the things that help my house look like it's not a warzone - the key is HIDE STUFF! No coffee "tables" - coffee "trunks" - that end table is - yup - another trunk (holds a Huge train set!)   The playroom - an 8 foot room divider holds board games and a small part of a huge book collection.  The laundry room has a bin for each kids clothes - comes out of the dryer and into the bins.  In the kitchen there is a folder for each kid that holds school info ( 5 different schools! Yikes!)  as well as a folder for each activity with the schedules, guidelines etc.  Online organization I owe to Cozi - an online family organization system really - it's our calendar, all my shoppings lists, to do lists, and more.  You'll love it trust - trust me!  Check out my Pinterest page as well for the board on Stuff with Kids!  If you are organizing a party in the the Sarasota or Bradenton areas - check out Party Jumpers - I'll help you organize your next best family friendly event or birthday! Here's to Spring and your organized home!

Coffee table or Train Set container?

There's alot of toys, games and craft in them there cabinets!

Ikea - a Mom's best friend!

Great kid parties on the Suncoast!

Loving Pinterest!

It's so much fun to help a customer find a great theme for their upcoming birthday party!  So many wonderful choices here in the Sarasota - Bradenton areas!  Today, one Mom I spoke to is planning a Minion party for her child! Fun!  I helped her find a great bouncehouse - and then hopped over to our Pinterest account to start working up some fun ideas to make the party a complete success!  The bright colors and simple design of Despicable Me lend themselves to a great party!  Do you have an idea?  Call us at Party Jumpes and we'll help you get your party bouncing!  (941) 343-0370.

Kids Birthday Party Planning!

I spoke with a great Mom of twins yesterday, knee deep in planning their birthday party here in Sarasota. There are so many options available, it can get a big overwhelming!  Here are some basic considerations when planning your next special event!

 When!  While you can't change the time of year of your child's birthday, here are some things you might want to consider...

• Time of Day -  Do you need to consider nap times? If summer, morning parties are better because it often rains in the afternoon! Are many of your guests involved in activities that take up mornings instead?
• Day of Week - While most parties are on the weekend, if you have preschool children, there might be more flexibility during the week for certain venues or vendors.  Many people are very busy on Saturdays, but find Sunday afternoons more open.  Will guests religious commitments conflict with a weekend party? 
• Week of Year - Does your party date coincide with school vacations? Manatee and Sarasota counties often have different schedules for Spring Break - will that present a problem?  Are there other holidays that might conflict?

Next week, we'll discuss some of the great WHERE to have the party options.  If you have any questions about kids birthday parties here in the Sarasota or Bradenton areas - feel free to email me fun@partyjumpersinc.com

My secret for stress free holidays.....

We love the holidays! The hustle and bustle, family and friends, presents and decorations. I'm the goofball in line next to you at BJ's humming Christmas carols with the eggnog mustache. At our house, the whole family comes for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Thanskmas (which is the holiday where everyone who was too busy during the OTHER holidays comes for a big meal and festivities between the two!) Shopping for five kids alone can take a month!

So I totally get that the holiday season can be chaotic and always look for ways to cut down on stress so that we, as parents, can enjoy the holidays with the family. Spending less time in the kitchen for me was a priority, so I look for ways to farm out work there. Who wants to be slaving in the kitchen when I could be playing Just Dance on the Wii??? I've worked to not make everything "perfect" as in the past. I'm just going to leave that up to Martha Stewart...to me perfect would be getting in that epic Nerf battle.

I have another family secret for keeping the holidays stress free. I have a little unfair advantage here. We throw up an inflatable bouncehouse, waterslide, or other great game. At any holiday here at the house, there are a MINIMUM for 8-12 kids ranging in age from 5-15 years old. That's alot of kids in a house that is not huge. And ALOT of energy. Depending of the weather, I throw something up outside to keep them occupied and happy! The key is to divide by ages...the little girls (5-10 years old) will just don't play as rough as the boys...so we have other activities to keeps people happy while waiting for their turn. This Thanksgiving it was tablecloth decoration (with fabric markers) and gingerbread house making! The teenagers needs space too. We make sure that they get time on all the fun inflatables. The hidden beauty is that the adults get a minute to enjoy a quiet conversation (or a fun game of charades) while we watch the kids have the time of their lives.

The holidays are precious times - and I'm so grateful for the memories we have made as a family here in Sarasota. Here's a wish that your holiday season may be filled with wonder, laughs, and love.

Michelle

Party Jumpers

941.343.0370

I'm in the middle of planning an AWESOME Shark Escape party....

While trying to decide if we were going to throw a Luau or a "Surfer Dude" party for my friend Michelles awesome little dude Carter....we decided to go for a Shark Escape Party instead!

Ingredients are:

*One fun Shark Escape Water Slide

*The coolest cupcake and fruit salad you have EVER seen (I'll post pictures!)

*Invitations that look like surf boards with bite marks

*some fun shark stuff for goodie bags (I'll get those pictures up soon!) You would be AMAZED how many cool things are out there with this theme!

*A shark pinata? When you have the slide - really organized games are not an issue - the kids are entertaining themselves!

*A smattering of luau stuff that we have available - a tiki bar and real surfboard are some cool decorations that we are using! The tables are decorated in a blue wrap with white tulle for waves - sprinked with seashells.

And on the first day - there was a party...

This blog is dedicated to finding great kids party ideas in Sarasota. We want your ideas! Have a great party idea? Attended the best party ever? Let us know!

Here's to your kid having the best party EVER!!!