My baby boy turned 6! It’s hard to believe that we have a kindergartner on our hands. Watching him grow and learn so much everyday brings me just as much awe and wonder as it did the first week he was home—I can’t believe I get to be his Mommy (thank you Jesus). He’s a fun loving, sweet, feisty, spirited, little boy, we’re so blessed! We celebrated with a ‘Shark’ party in our backyard, and he had a blast!
The party was simple, and very “semi-homemade”. There was a store bought cake, topped with a handmade banner. The decor was light and fun, and the activities were kept to a minimum, which was great because the kids got a chance to do what 6 year olds do best, run around like crazy!
I had 3 planned activities, a quick game, a piñata, and a bounce house! That along with our swing set and plenty of room to run was all that was needed for a great time!
We had the kids play “pin the fin on the shark”, which was my version of the traditional game (you know the one)! I used my Cricut Explore to make 4 inch ‘fins’ (check out the video here!), and the kids pinned them to a giant cardboard shark from Oriental Trading. Very, very easy! Our lucky winner won a couple packs of Rainbow Loom bands and clips–apparently that’s a big deal these days? :)
The most fun part of the party (according to the birthday boy) was the amazing bounce house
from Jump O Rama! This isn’t our first go round with a bounce house, but honestly we’ve never had one this cool!
The inside was spacious enough for kids of all sizes, and just check out the size of that shark up there!
See that pile of shoes? Yeah, it didn’t move. The kids ran around barefoot the whole party, and they loved it so I was a-ok with it!
I really loved working with Jump O Rama, my contact Linda laid the whole process out for me on our first call. Then I received a follow up email, text, and call to triple confirm my reservation. Oh and when I called to let push the party date back due to torrential rains coming our way (ugh), they were more than happy to oblige! They completely understood and were so friendly! We also rented 2 very sturdy tables and 12 chairs from them, as part of a combo package. They are very reasonable too! If you’re in the southern California area, I highly recommend Jump O Rama–tell them I sent ya :)
Another fun thing was the piñata! This is what’s left of it below…It took just 3 kids to bust it open!
Some kids are stronger than they look!
Come back to get the scoop on the rest of my semi-homemade party projects, including the before picture of this store bought piñata!
Check out more shark party details in ‘Shark Birthday Party Part2‘!
Do you plan semi-homemade parties? What do you get at the store and what do you DIY?
Jen @ Four Marrs & One Venus says
How fun is this PARTY?! Love that bounce house– it’s perfect! Cute food ideas…Mom you did GOOD!!
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Thank you Jen! You made this Mom smile! :)
Tara says
What a fun party! I love the shark theme! Kids & bounce houses…they never get tired of them, do they? :)
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Thank you! No they don’t! They loved the bounce house, and they adored the giant shark on top!
Jenny Hostetler says
What a cute party! Love the Shark theme.
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Thank you so much!
Crystal says
Super fun party!! Love the Shark theme!!
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Thanks Crystal!!