Tween Time

Yeah . . . I think everyone had a good time.

Friday night we hosted a tween gathering for the kids from our homeschool co-op. We wanted to do something fun before we move, so we thought this would be the perfect opportunity for us to have the kids over. We had a bonfire and some outdoor things for the kids to do. I have to say with the crazy weather of Ohio and the fact it had been raining for a couple of days, I was a little worried about Friday night. But it was perfect. No rain, not too hot, not too humid, and comfortable temperatures.



We couldn't find Cassie, but when I went in to get my camera this is what I found . . . Holly trying to help Cassie understand her latest Algebra lesson. GO outside and have FUN!!




As the kids arrived, they made their way to the bonfire to cook their hot dogs. We had some of the basics, but then the kids all brought food or drinks to share with their peers. We had hot dogs, chips, watermelon, chips n' salsa, cookies, Rice Krispies treats, M&M's, juice, pop, and water w/flavor packs (yeah, Renners - such a great idea).




After everyone ate, they found various things to do . . .




Mackenzie showed Ethan the frog, maybe it's a toad, she and her siblings caught earlier in the day in our garage.




Our dog, Chloe, made lots of new friends. It was funny to sit back and watch as the kids divided up on their own, girls went one way and the boys went another. It seemed the little girls, Mackenzie and a couple of her friends, played badminton, and then found the tree swing, and tried out the gymnastics mat. The boys made it to the side yard to play baseball and then the girls played a game of volleyball.


















































After a while, someone yelled, "Let's play Capture the Flag!" And all - everyone of them - came running to the center of the yard to find out how to play. Girls vs. Boys, which by the way, I believe the girls out numbered the boys (almost 2:1, counting the three little girls). If we counted correctly, we had 22kids (19 tweens) running around the yard.

Jay explained the rules to all the kids and then they divided and conquered. They played two games, which occupied about 30 minutes of the evening.






After playing, we all gathered around the bonfire for SMORES!! YUM!




Okay, the picture above and below I took, but no one was in harms way. I guess the mode or speed made them look like this. I thought they were cool looking so I wanted to share.



















Then we found the Sparklers . . .




Mackenzie had to explain the her friends, Lindy & Paige, that they wouldn't get burnt because they fizzle out after a while. Both little girls were a little apprehensive, but eventually they took one and then another and another!!





























Well, the tween bonfire was a success thanks to everyone that was able to join us. We had fun having everyone here and we hope everyone had fun too.

By the way, as we were cleaning up after the last family left after 11:00 p.m., it started to rain. So, the weather held off for our perfect evening.