Moana viewing party

This past weekend I hosted a Moana viewing party for all my nieces and nephews. One of the things I appreciate and love most about kids is their wonder and amazement. All you have to do is build excitement and be engaging in order for kids to have a magical time. Well, that might not be all you have to do, but it's a big part of it!

Now, I wasn't about to go all Pinterest-caliber crazy on this party, but I wanted the kids to be excited when they walked in the door. I went for decorations, themed fun food, and balloons. Kids love balloons and frankly so do I. For the decorations, my sister recommended Birthday Direct, a fairly economical party supply website. I got some plates, straws with little umbrellas, leis, and tissue paper flowers - all for $30!

Food included mini hamburgers served on Hawaiian buns and a pineapple platter. My brother-in-law, co-owner of Simple Fare Catering, sent over some Asian duck spring rolls with a teriyaki sesame dipping sauce. Thanks, Mike! I made a few other things, mostly for the adults, including a zoodle salad and cheddar bacon cheese spread.

The big hit was dessert - a Betty Crocker Raspberry Poke Cake. I had this last summer at a friend's cookout and knew the kids would love it. Admittedly, it's not a very sophisticated or elevated cake recipe, but a crowd pleaser all the same. Refreshing, sweet, and fun!

One thing I learned during our little party is that kids between 4 months and 5 years old don't really have the attention span for an entire movie, in the middle of the day, on a sunny Saturday. But we still had fun! I also love the tissue paper flowers so much I haven't taken them down yet.  They might just be up all summer!

Betty Crocker Raspberry Poke Cake