It's finally here...Party Day!

While it's 7:40am Portland time, we're just creeping towards 5am in Hawaii. Today already feels a bit busy & Duane and I are feeling the calm before the storm. He'll be leaving with his father and brother to grab our spot at the park in just another hour. They will unload a bunch of gear, Duane will stay, and they will continue on gathering more items to return and start setting up. My goal is to blow up some water balloons here to bring later on --- we'll see if Connor is so allowing. The other goal is for Joc & I to gather the kiddo's and be at the park by 9-9:30am. The bouncer & shave ice will be there at 10.

Family here has been so huge in helping put this party on that I honestly believe it should go pretty smoothly today. I just wish I could do more to help out. I Thanks to Momma Mely & Papa Dante, Jon and Joc, all of the Aunties, Uncles, and Cousins... We couldn't be more lucky or more appreciative of everyone & all the effort put forth.

So here are a few facts to remember should you be in the mainland & planning one of these bad boys from afar... that or we ever have another little one.

• Most important, Your THEME! Make sure that it's fun but also accessable. You'll be buying many things! for those not in hawaii -- oriental trading company is your friend. make nice fast! oh & ship!
  
• Invitations, Thank You Cards, and stamps -- order early as it's nice to have done & out of the way.
  
• Balloons, Balloons, and more Balloons...oh & don't forget the helium tanks!
  
• a themed Pinata filled with candy goodness
  
• Party favor bags/boxes -- 5 or 6 themed goodies inside
  
• a deccorated money box - THANKS JOC, it was a blast making.
  
• a sign-in book
• a Cake - keep with theme. THANK YOU Aunty Myrna.
  
• a Banner - THANK YOU RO & CRAIG!
• Games & Prizes -- I'll have to report back on this one, as I'm a novice - so I'll be taking Joc & Aubz lead. Thank GOD for them.
  
• if outside -- a bouncer inflatable/combo, face painting, shave ice machine -- something along those lines is nice to have
  
• if outside -- tents, tables, and chairs... definite MUST haves!
  
• other misc. decor for the party (i.e. 6 foot inflatable monkey, beach monkey crafts that we did earlier in the week to serve as more party decor)
• last but not least - food & drink.