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Candy Bar - Adoption Party for Bigger Kids

Our adoption is FINAL!  Whoo hoo!

So I threw a big, BIG party.  I wanted to share a few photos and give a few tips or discuss the challenges...It wasn't easy finding stuff on the internet or pinterest with ideas for Adoption Parties for bigger kids...inviting them into the family and what it all means.  I pieced it all together and used a number of cool ideas from Pinterest and bit off quite a bit more than I realized...but it was fun and well worth it.  Here are some shots of the candy bar and some homemade decorations.

Homemade Cakepops
I decided thinking of it a bit like a wedding reception, since our family was gaining nieces, grand-daughters, cousins, and we were making a life time commitment to them in being their forever family.

My family was not unhappy that I practiced making cake pops ahead of time, and my mom is well versed in dipped pretzels.  Our colors were purple and teal (the girls helped decide) and we were off and running.  The ceiling at the venue was very high, so i decided floating the decorations upwards from the tables was the best option.

Collected dishes from thrift stores and glued a few pieces together
Most of the pinterest posts I saw didn't talk about adopting bigger kids.  They were all baby shower-esque with some cheesy photos of  'waiting for you' signs.  I don't like the Gotcha day thing either.  Our girls have been with us since early in their foster care process and we were solidifying a long awaited day.  I made homemade photo booth signs and got our family matching T-shirts that said "Team XXX" with our last name.... We sang karaoke and my son sang as well as a family friend whose son danced and rapped.   The food was ordered lasagna and a cut up veggie tray, as well as salad, rolls, and a huge cheese/salami platter for appetizers.

A well fed group is one that will hang around, relax, and have fun. The kids had a blast and had things to do (although I forgot to bring the corn hole).  It was lots of fun and truly a once in a lifetime event that I put my heart and soul into.  I was so blessed by the family and support of friends who helped set up, clean up, and came from miles around to help usher in the new members of our family.

Mom's homemade pretzels were a hit

Ordered cakes and added homemade tags






Handmade Chalkboard sign and Cake Pops

Large Globe Balloons strung with handmade crepe flowers on Fishing line

Homemade Banner "Its Official"


Photo Booth backdrop
 
Jenga guestbook and photos hung on a string between anchored almond tree cuttings
my son sang Karaoke -



Talented young rapper and dancer entertained us

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