Sit back, relax & welcome to the Harrison world
Welcome to the daily happenings of the Harrison Family. It's crazy here, but we have a lot of fun. Mamma is clearly a little out numbered by the male species in the house, but it sure keeps things interesting. In our lives, you'll find lots of bugs, blocks, trucks, loud banging, clanging, running, hurdling off couches and beds, endless amounts of energy, no sleep, laughter from the belly, boo-boos, trips to the dr, walks to the park, did i mention no sleep? We hope you enjoy the ride as much as we do.
OHHHH, the Star Wars Party! This was great fun planning for because there are sooo many ideas out there for this. Brady and Breck have been Obsessed with Star Wars this year and know every fact there is to know... I get corrected ALL the time by them on Star Wars trivia:) Turning 6, Brady is still in that awesome fantasy world where 'all of this' can easily become
real in the right setting. My mom helped out tremendously with sewing and cake making. Brian, my fabulous husband signed up to play Obi Wan Kenobi ... and secretly Darth Vader. (the boys still believe the REAL Darth Vader visited that day!) The Jedi Knight Training Academy Party began with light saber training, followed by an Obstacle Course Mission, and then... the surprise battle with the ULTIMATE... Darth Vader. We ended with food and cake and the finally the Darth Vader Pinata.
We figured 6 year old boys would be way more interested in the activity at the party rather than fancy food... so we went simple in this area. We turned the Dining room into the Star Wars buffet with Ewok Snacks (cheesits, yogurt covered raisins, m&m's and pretzels), Grape light sabers (grapes on wooden skewers with wine cork wrapped in foil as the handle), Imperial Pizza, Yoda Soda (lime sherbet and sprite) and of course the cool Darth Vader light saber cake. Brian has all of his original Star Wars toys, so we used those as decoration along with some home made decor. Pretty simple.. but got the 'feel' across:) After the party AKA Jedi Knight Training Academy was finished, each Jedi received their official certificate...(i think I liked those more than the kids did!)
When the guests arrived, they were welcomed with the Star Wars theme song playing. They were each fitted with their very own Jedi Knight robe (my mom made them.... 19 total!!!!) which they kept as one of their party favors. Next, they were escorted to our Star Wars temporary tattoo table where cousin David applied them all:) The young Jedi Knights then found their light sabers...(made from pool noodles and duct tape -also a party favor) and were soon led by Obi Wan Kenobi in their light saber training. There is just something about getting in costume... sort of makes everything come alive.. and the music too! Loved... Loved... Loved seeing the magic in the kids smiling eyes.... that made my day.
Brian did a most fantastic job as Obi Wan Kenobi! I planned the party- but Brian pretty much took charge and ran it:) The kids were fascinated with all the cool light saber moves Obi taught them and very eager to try them out during their one on one practice with him. Loved having all the Star Wars music playing in the background while they 'trained'... it really put ya in the mood!
I really, really wish I had captured the look on the kid's faces when Darth first appeared. They had NO idea he was coming and the expression in their eyes was pure magic as the Imperial March music started and Darth came around the corner of our yard. They had a mixture of elation and sheer terror.... it was perfect!!!! Darth did the slow 'walk by' each Jedi... and I loved how they instinctively raised their light sabers as he crossed their paths. This moment was soooooooo worth the party planning!
I'm thinking the kids all pretty much went ballistic inside when Darth rounded the corner out... of the blue. They were awesome battling him one on one and I must say, Darth was awfully brave to battle the entire Jedi force all together at the end. Darth was even cool enough to stay and pose for everyone to get a special individual picture taken. Totally rocked.
The Vader Pinata was cool, but too bad I didn't get a picture before it came crashing down with only the second child to swat at it. No one cared.... it was all about the toys and candy on the ground:)
The Harrison Boys all walked away Happy... with 'The Force' just a little bit stronger and with memories to last a life time (i hope)!
