Our back yard stay-cation

Our family has never been known for taking over-the-top vacations. However, we love to get away each year to enjoy special times with our family. This year, due to Covid-19, we didn't see that happening, so we decided to make our own backyard fun we would never forget. So, just as I would plan for any vacation, I planned for this.

OUR SIMPLE HOMEMADE PARADISE

I'm a gal who finds pleasure in keeping things simple. As a mom, I have found that the less stressful something is, the more fun it is. Every time. He's how I did it:

1. I used what I already had.

Trampoline, quick set pool, tent, fire pit - Normally we would just throw some wood on the fire and cook some hot dogs real fast but to make it extra special I swept the concrete clean and did special chalk drawings for everyone so they would know where to sit and feel special like a guest of honor. Next, I took this old tent that our neighbors gave us and I put a soft plushy quilt and some pillows inside, next I put a door mat at the entrance and finally I sprayed it down from the inside out with one of my Doug & Cristy Design's fragrances. It felt like a little tropical resort cabana. 

2. I made a short list of things my boys enjoy doing the most.

Getting wet and running around like crazy wild hyenas. 

3. I added some extra spice to the mix for some extra special fun.

I bought a few things on Amazon for them to find in their tent such as: water balloons, a toy rocket launcher, frisbees, glow sticks and of course smores for later. All in I spent about 35 bucks which was all the fancy we needed. Finally, what added the extra sauce was having music playing outside. I just connected a mini blue tooth speaker and it was on! We just made sure not to disturb the nearby neighbors.....(too much).

Check out the fun tunes that kissed our party with some happy vibes. ​

Happy Music

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Here's a list of the fun we had and some ideas for your next backyard bash: water balloon fights, water balloon toss, frisbee toss, chalk, swimming, marshmallow & hot dog roast, scavenger hunt, stories in the dark by the fire or inside the tent. The best part about when it got dark were the glow sticks. We decked out the tent with glow sticks which was home base and then we covered ourselves in glow necklaces and bracelets so you could clearly see your target when firing the water balloons at one another. Also, putting glow sticks in the pool and swimming in the dark with The Party-Saurus Rex Song playing was so cool! Check out the pictures below for a snapshot of our "glow night!"

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The Grand Finale!

Our water balloon glow party was a huge success! It was truly a magical moment our whole family will never forget and the best part is...it all happened in our everyday backyard. I'm looking forward to Phase 2 of our Staycation very soon; maybe next weekend!