Somewhere Over the Rainbow Party

 It’s a good thing we don’t do birthday parties every year.  I think I might have a heart attack.  I love simple birthday parties.  I really do.  But I had too much fun planning (AKA “pinning”) this incredibly fun Wizard of Oz party that I couldn’t help myself and I may or may not have gotten a little out of control.  It doesn’t help that I think The Wizard of Oz is one of the greatest films of all time.  It does help that the Young Women had a big Wizard of Oz night just before I got released and I rescued A LOT of decorations from premature death in the garbage bin.  I’m all about recycling. 

Here is the front yard.  The sign says “Bell out of order.  Please knock.”  When Mark walked up to the house he asked, “Why doesn’t the door bell work.”  Sigh.  The “bricks” are made with sidewalk chalk paint and a roller.  Incredibly easy but three cups did not go as far as I thought.  Probably a good thing since it was 100 degrees when I was painting.  And please note that the door adornment is not keeping with the theme.  At least I showed some restraint.  Even though it really bugged me.

 Here are the inside decorations.

 

"Look, they're here."

Most of the party come from this Lady.  She really saved the day. The party started with craft.  The winged monkeys destroyed the Emerald City.  The girls had to build it using play dough, glitter, jewels, and beads.  I was surprised how many of them had never seen the movie and had no idea what I was talking about.  So sad!  But I fixed that! 

 

Glinda came to deliver an urgent message.

The Wicked Witch scrambled the Scarecrow's brain and had to put it back together again to receive the next clue.  The girls had to dance to "If I Only had a Brain" and then one at a time, had to pop their balloon to get the clue piece.

The girls weren't too excited about popping balloons.

 The puzzle clue told them the Witch stole something and put it on ice.  They had to melt it to retrieve it and return it to the owner.

  It was heart bead that they returned to the Tin Man.

 And then played pin the heart on the Tin Man to receive their next clue.

 The next clue was a letter from the Cowardly Lion that said the Witch had stolen the clue.  They would have to use water balloons to slow her down and get the clue.  Good thing the Witch was armed with silly string.  Some of those girls have quite the aim!

 Their next clue told them to find the Witch's broom and bring it to the wizard.

 Who congratulated them on a job well done. Then Glinda told them all they had to do was close their eyes, click their heels together and say "There's No Place Like Home" three times.

 

And then time for for cupcakes!

I must say they turned out adorable and were super easy, my favorite kind.  I was surprised that girls even went crazy for the fruit rainbow!

 

 Next was opening presents.  And they we still had an hour left of the party!  They were a lot faster than I expected! 

 

We painted our nails with Ruby Red Slipper nail polish.

 Some girls wanted to work on more of the Emerald City.

 

Logan was a real hero and come straight from band camp to do some face painting.  Aurora said it was her favorite part of the party!

 

 Our goody baskets of poppies, rainbow lollipops, Glinda's Bubble Potion, Glinda's wand, an apple and rainbow chalk.  Whew, what a party!