Saturday, July 9, 2011

2nd Parents' Night Out

    

We had another fun and successful night! 
Four hours flies by when you're caring for 16 kiddos. :) 

Our first PNO adoption fundraiser was great, and afterward my mind was swirling with ideas on how to make it even better!  So this time, in addition to everything I did before, I added in the following:

I asked the parents help us instruct the kids on a few guidelines for the night.

I posted signs on the back door reminding everyone to wear shoes outside.

And then take them off again when they head back in.
(It bugs me the feet are all so fair, so I'll be taking my own pics for next time! ;)

Everyone brought swimsuits, towels, and their own labeled water bottle.


Once everyone had arrived, Mr. Joe made nametags for them out of blue painter's tape.

All the plates were labeled with the kiddos' names (blue tape again).  I also had all the food prepped in advance so it was easy for Erin and I to serve dinner.

All of these changes helped the evening go relatively smoothly....as much as is possible with so many kiddos! :)

Here is a little of what we did:
We played with the food toys.

We entertained the baby bunnies.

We got wet!

I don't have any great pics from the last hour or so, but after everyone was in their pjs, Mr. Joe played his guitar so we could sing and dance.  There were fun & crazy songs, then quieter worship songs to help everyone wind down.  Then we dimmed the lights and watched a movie until pick-up time.  The kids were hungry again, so I was busy serving more bananas, grapes, & carrots.


Parents' notes regarding their kiddos:
Loves his cuddles.
Cute little escape artist.
Life of the Party
mother hen
Dramatic Leader
Sweet and Helpful
Friend of the little ones.
A little sensitive.
Loves to be held.
Button Pusher
Art/Drama Queen
Tends to run away.
Will want to take home a bunny.

Kids' ages: 13 mos., 15 mos., 17 mos.,
2, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 6, 8, 8

The tireless volunteers:
Erin, Anna-Lise, Joe & Jenny, me & Andy

Our next Parents' Night Out adoption fundraiser will be Friday, July 22, from 5 - 9pm.  If you're interested bringing your children, or volunteering as a caregiver, please let me know ASAP. :)

6 comments:

Jenny said...

We had a great time! Count us in for the 22nd! This time we would like to bring dinner for the adults/caregivers!

Andy and Kiara said...

That would be awesome, Jenny! We loved having you both here, and not having a planned dinner for the adults was a definite weakness in our strategy. ;)

Heather Kinkel said...

Well, I must say, my little ones had a GREAT time! All morning long they've been plotting a way to get to keep one (or 3!) of those bunnies...
You may end up hearing from us!
Thanks again for providing a great opportunity for the kids to enjoy each other and your family as well - all while working on your family's goal! Great job, guys!

Elise said...

That is great, Kiara. Clearly, you are using your early childhood education background. I love your signs. Next time I will bring my kids. Hmmmm...do you take them via skype?

Jamie said...

Looks like a really great and bless night! So happy for you guys!

Unknown said...

SO, SO, SO, CUTE!!!
I heard what a great time they all had ;)
xo

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