Friday, July 15, 2011

A Timeless Summer Ice Cream Truck Surprise Birthday!

This is PART ONE of a two part post!  Please check back for PART TWO featuring a giveaway of a Build a Dream Playhouse and a HOW TO on the steps to create your own ice cream truck party!
Dakotah was surprised by a gathering of neighborhood friends and an unexpected visit from the ice cream truck for his birthday.  It was a quintessential summertime day with sticky ice cream drips, bare feet, sunshine, and the music of the ice cream truck!  


 I KNEW that I wanted an ice cream truck to do a surprise visit for Dakotah's July birthday.  Finding an ice cream truck wasn't so simple, but I finally discovered Lumpy's Ice Cream just in time.  They are an incredible company, ensuring that our full experience was perfect!  Thank you Lumpy!


I made a big banner for the front of the truck that read, "Happy Birthday Dakotah". 


 I also hung long shimmery, red streamers on the back of the truck.  



The ice cream man handed Kotah a big bundle of colorful balloons when he arrived in front of our house.  Kotah was a bit embarrassed as he realized he was being surprised by a spontaneous gathering as the neighbors made their way over to the ice cream truck music. He had no idea that friends were coming over or that the ice cream truck was coming. But we wore his million-dollar smile the whole time. 




Why does ice cream from an ice cream truck taste so much better?






Cameron and friends

Nothing captures the spirit of summer more than enjoying the simple pleasures of life in the warm and lazy afternoons of your neighborhood.  I have childhood memories of dashing through wet, squishy green grass, then bouncing onto the sidewalk, with my toes leaving wet footprint marks as I chased down the sounds of the ice cream truck.  I remember arriving at the window, breathless with anticipation.  I savored the feeling of satisfaction when the truck stalled on my street, as the music still played.  The charming truck stayed in our neighborhood as more kids gathered.  Everyone would count quarters, nickels, and dimes while squinting at the menu board, finding excitement in making a sweet choice.  It's the simple and wholesome memories of childhood that soften our adult hearts, allowing us to LOVE EACH DAY.




Bye Lumpy...


 After the ice cream truck left, sticky fingers were wiped onto jean pockets and the kids played at the park while I quickly set up one more little surprise.  I discovered Build a Dream Playhouses and was instantly captured by the charm of this simple childhood activity taken to a more exciting level!  Remember decorating those old refrigerator cardboard boxes?  Build a Dream takes that concept and enhances it 100%! They sell a variety of different designs for children to personalize and create as they play.  The ice cream truck box was IDEAL for this party!  I will be doing a GIVEAWAY in the next post for one of these playhouses!


 I had a decorated table with a variety of the markers for the kids.  I made the *YUM* sign using printables from Eat,Drink, Chic. Then I used mini clothespins (my recent favorite) to hang the letters: I am in love with the miniture banner. 


The markers were in adorable ABC cups that I also used for our 2011 Summer Activity List.  






A photo of Dakotah on his first birthday was also on the table.


This matchbox ice cream truck was an early morning gift for Kotah.  I was then able to use it for the decor.



It was ACTUALLY peaceful in the yard for a lonnnnng time as the kids colored and designed.  This works parents!  I promise.  They absolutely loved coloring the Build a Dream Playhouse box. 


 





Titus
 There were even accessories to color. 


It was a truly pleasant late afternoon spontaneous gathering to celebrate our middle son's 9th birthday.  Classic childhood charm was captured and tucked away on this birthday.  And I suppose that is why classics remain classic: because they timelessly make humans feel that everything is okay.  Despite good times and bad times, we can rely on classic things that have been enjoyed by generations to give our souls rest.



We ended the day with just our family opening presents and eating pizza to go.
I love the boxes that they came in! 


We have had good times and bad times,
Because of that, 
I chose to celebrate the good times fully.  

  
"I see skies of blue...
clouds of white...
bright blessed days...
And I think to myself, 
what a wonderful world."
-timeless song





This is PART ONE of a two part post!  Please check back for PART TWO featuring a giveaway of a Build a Dream Playhouse and a HOW TO on the steps to create your own ice cream truck party! 




 
This post is linked to: Under the Table & Dreamin, It's a Blog Party, Think Pink Sundays LambAround, DIY ShowoffSeasonal SundaysMet Monday, Making the World Cuter, A2Z Tips & Tutorials, Lettered Cottage How To, Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On, Home Decor & Organizing, Outdoor Wednesday, Works for Me Wednesday, Blue Cricket Design, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Transformation Thursday, House of H, Tablescape Thursday, Show off Your Stuff, Strut Your Stuff Show and Share Day, Foodie Friday, Frugal Friday, I'm Lovin It, Tickled Pink, Friday Flair, Design DazzleBe Different Act Normal, Funky Junk Interiors, Weekend Wrap Up

47 comments:

Abby Killam said...

I loooooooove the cardboard box thing! Oh my nieces would love LOVE something like that. Where did you find it?

caveman said...

I bet Kotah's face is sore from smiling for hours non-stop. My favorite part was watching the entire neighborhood gather to color that truck.

BluBabesCreate said...

Totally cute! That was a lot of work! I've never seen such a clever birthday party! Come see a pair of hot pink deer antlers.

Julie said...

Such a cute idea! I love it!

The Tuscan Home said...

Oh my goodness, you are the EXPERT on parties. You always amaze, because everything seems so carefully thought out and implemented so smoothly. I will never forget your Secret Agent Party. What a cute idea and I love how your pictures tell a story. Thanks so much for sharing! XOXO ~Liz

P.S. I appreciate your sweet comment on daughters room post. *smile*

Michelle {Daydream Believers} said...

What a wonderful surprise! Love, love, LOVE this! GREAT job! :)

Jenny said...

Just when I think you're already beyond amazingly creative, you top yourself!

Wow.

Clever, neat, adorable, different, amazing...

Ummm...

WOW!

You are just something else girl!

Lisa@southern-days said...

What a neat idea! It's perfect for a summer birthday. You're very creative! Loved all the pics.

jmac said...

Omg! What a precious idea!! May I borrow it to put in my back pocket for a grandbebe event sometime?? Can't wait for part two!

jakiesmom said...

awesome job!

Jenn said...

Kotah has got to be the only boy that has ever had a real ice cream truck at his party!! I bet he is the coolest kid on the block!! LOVE it!

Maggie said...

Fabulous idea for a birthday surprise.
I know your son will remember this one for a long time.
Maggie

Anonymous said...

That is just TOO CUTE! Oh my, so clever!

Mrs.AOK said...

SUPER. DUPER. CUTE. IDEA! Love this... How much fun, what a lucky boy and what an amazing mama!
Coming over from @Tatertots&Jello's Linky

http://little-miss-aok-bowtique.blogspot.com/

Shirley said...

Love this idea, it looks like a great party!

Jane said...

I LOVE THIS PARTY!!!!!

This one is going in my files for future grandbabies. I can just imagine the faces of your boys and their friends...What a great day!!!

Hugs,
Jane

All Things Fee said...

Such a clever idea for a summer birthday!


Would love for you to share at Calling all Crafters!
http://allthingsfee.blogspot.com/2011/07/calling-all-crafters-16th-edition.html

Rach H @ FamilyEverAfter said...

LOVE this! You are one creative gal! And I love the name Dakotah, I'm from South Dakota :)

Found you on TT&J. I would love for you to link this up at my weekend Link Party, Once Upon a Weekend. This weekend is my first-ever party, and I am so hoping people will participate! :)

Here’s the link if you’re interested:

http://familyeverafter.blogspot.com/2011/07/once-upon-weekend-link-party-1.html

Also, if you have a list of favorite link parties, I’d love to be included on Fridays. Thanks a ton!

The Tablescaper said...

What a fun and creative party!!!Thanks for being a part of Seasonal Sundays.

- The Tablescaper

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh my gosh--what a fabulous party!!! WOW!!! Happy Birthday to your son!
XO
Cindy

mama hall said...

you are insanely creative, lady! what a beautiful and fun birthday for K! gorgeous celebration. congrats & happy birthday ((hugs))

HoosierHomemade said...

What a FUN Birthday!! Love all your ideas! I'm running a short series with Ice Cream Truck Cupcakes and would love to find the little matchbox ice cream truck. Can you tell me where you bought it?
Thanks for sharing!
~Liz

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

You are an awesome mom! How fun - to have your own ice cream truck!

Judy@cutest-little-things.blogspot.com said...

Happy belated Birthday, Kotah!

For an impromptu party it turned out so cute! It just goes to show that great parties don't have to be over-the-top to be memorable, fun, and creative!

I did a post a few years back about the ice cream truck: http://cutest-little-things.blogspot.com/2010/06/we-all-scream-for-ice-cream.html I have a fondness for old school fun!

Btw, Andrew has that same matchbox truck!!

Judy@cutest-little-things.blogspot.com

Jenn said...

What a cool party idea! Looks like the kids had a blast and I totally agree that ice cream just tastes better when it comes from the ice cream truck!
Jenn :)

Jensamom23 said...

What a great idea!

Janis@HomeStyle said...

What a fantastic idea............I'm sure the kids LOVED it...... I'm sure the grown-ups did too!!!

Emily said...

What a fun birthday party idea. I'd love to do something like that for my little man once he gets a lot older! The playhouse was a great touch.. I'm sure it did keep the kids occupied for awhile! Thanks for sharing. :)

Visiting from A2Z.

annies home said...

love this awesome idea how fun it looks like all had a great time come see me at http://shopannies.blogspot.com

Courtney said...

This is one of the cutest ideas I've seen in a long time. I'm going to check out Build a Dream - looks great! Thanks for sharing. (Found you through Works for Me Wednesday)

Unknown said...

What a super fun b-day party idea! Love it.

I would love for you to share it on my Wednesday meme! http://www.crystalandcomp.com/2011/07/the-mommy-club-share-your-resources-and-solutions/

Suzy said...

Super cute idea!

The Fajdich Times said...

What a great birthday party:)

Amy @ TheMombot.com said...

This is so cute! I love the cardboard truck!

Melanie said...

I love different party ideas, especially for kids! This idea is awesome!

Kelli W said...

What a fun party theme! I know my boys would love it...they get so excited when they heard the ice cream truck:) Stopping by from TT&J

Jorgelina said...

Very fun!!
Totally cute!

Ann said...

How "cool" is that. So many fantastic party ideas. LUCKY guy.
Ann

Anonymous said...

Jake had a great time.

Kristin @ Yellow Bliss Road said...

What a sweet, sweet party! :) Looks like your son was thoroughly surprised and enjoyed himself. Thanks for sharing this great idea!!

Tracy said...

Love your project --
I'd like to invite you to my weekly T.G.I.F. Linky party to share your projects -- I'm looking to grow my party with good quality projects just like this one….here is the direct link if you'd like to join us sometime….:)
T.G.I.F. Linky Party

Lumpy's Ice Cream said...

Thank you, Lisa. We loved coming down and making your birthday party a special one for your family and friends. I am glad we met your expectation of your old child hood memories and to continue to share a dying summer tradition that we all loved, to all of our kids today.....

Mike Bosshardt
Owner Operator of "Lumpy's Ice Cream"
lumpysicecream@live.com

Erica said...

My sons would love LOVE something like that. Love your project!

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Marlene McGarrity said...

You know how to throw a birthday party! This is the way kids should have parties...fun and easy going.

Printabelle said...

Wonderful details! I love the matchbox truck and the shots of the kids with the ice cream truck. Amazing!

Candice said...

How fun is this?? Great job!! I love planning parties, here is my most recent...my son's Candy Land 4th bday party. :)

http://wolfsonsafari.blogspot.com/2012/06/grahams-candy-land-4th-birthday-party.html

Unknown said...

Found your party via Pinterest.
Can you tell me where you came across the ice cream Popsicle yard art that they can color?

Thanks
Heather