How better to be invited to a Social than with a nice Welcome sign?
You may or may not know that Anner and I host an epic Ice Cream Social every summer. And when I say epic, I’m not exaggerating. We’re talking ‘more toppings than guests‘ kind of epic. ‘Folks schedule their summer family vacations so they can be there‘ kind of epic. ‘Yes, please DO have thirds‘ kind of epic. I’m happy to report that year nine didn’t disappoint! Well, having to reschedule due to rain on the original day of – after 55 straight days of sunshine!!! – was a bummer, but the following weekend shone with sun and tasty frivolity ensued!
Total guests: 54
Number of those that were kids: 22!!! A record breaker!
Number of toppings: 56ish (I admit, I’ve kind of forgotten)
Games for the kids and brave adults: 4 (lawn twister, bocce, badminton, hopscotch)
Yes, you read that right, we made LAWN TWISTER!!! Anner saw a version on Pinterest and insisted we had to make it. I admit that I hesitated, but she wasn’t having any part of that. Buy a little marking paint, make a cardboard template, take a trip to Goodwill for the actual game so we’d have a spinner and voila – Lawn Twister!
The making of Lawn Twister.
Lawn Twister is ready for action!
The fenced-in front yard is game central for the kids, but it’s the backyard where the sundae magic happens. This year we set up the tent I used for art shows to keep the sun off.
Toppings bar…yes, this is one of THREE tables of toppings!
Let us begin.
Hot fudge, salted caramel and nutella sauces…who doesn’t like a hot topping? Actually, some of the kids really preferred the Magic Shell. Something for everyone!
Fruit and sprinkles anchored Toppings Table #3… with some homemade cookies and brownies thrown in. Word on the street is that one kid emptied the whipped cream on his sundae and all we could do was high-five. He embraced the true nature of the World’s Best Ice Cream Social! Next year, we’ll have more.
“That’s all nice,” I hear you say, “but no more of this tempting prelude – I want to actually see some folks enjoying ice cream!” Ok, then. Sundae joy and kids having fun, coming right up…………
Color makes a sundae better!
Lawn Twister and Bocce in action!
Noah gets into it!
Dean showing off his sundae of deliciousness. Can you believe he’s been to every Social since he was born?!! His mom tells us that there was, in fact, ice cream in that bowl.
My old ultimate frisbee captain Retsu and his daughters made it for the first time this year! Don’t worry, his toppings came post-photo.
Every kid loved the extra-long hopscotch that Benjamin B. drew on the driveway for us. Benjamin, you certainly earned your ice cream – thank you!
Like I said, everyone loved the hopscotch!
Taking their sundaes to the back patio!
Trust me, it wasn’t just the kids with the out-of-control sundaes!
See what I mean?
With a little leftover ice cream chilling in the freezer, it’s time to start planning for next year…what can we do that’ll compete with Lawn Twister? We’re open to ideas!!!
Oh no, we missed your ice cream social! Please next year let us know the date- we will eat icecream here in memoriam!
We absolutely will! And we miss you all – I hope school has started well for everyone.
Fantastic!!!