Summer luau

As my mother always told me when you have a really bad day everything will be better tomorrow. How true. Today the Golden Gate Mothers Group (the West Coast version of HRP Mamas) hosted a free summer luau at our neighborhood park, Julius Kahn (referred to by locals as J.K.).

J.K. with the cypress trees of the Presidio National Park in the background

The festivities started at ten this morning. Mister T, Miss L and I walked over to be welcomed by balloons and leis. They had jumpy houses set up by age group. Miss L jumped and played in the toddler house. They also had wonderful themed crafts, like making your own lei and coloring your own beach ball. There was face painting and temporary tattoos. Miss L chose flowers and a seahorse for each arm. She didn't care for the application of the tattoos (holding a wet sponge to her arm for 20 seconds), but she was very pleased with the finished products.

A DJ was playing funky 70's music and early 80's MJ hits. They filled inflatable tubs with bubble liquid and had gigantic bubble wands the kids could dip in and whirl around to create giant bubbles. Each child was given a ticket for a free Popsicle so Miss L tasted her first for the summer (strawberry, of course). They also offered free snacks, such as diced fruit and bananas. And at the end everyone could pick out party gifts from big buckets filled with bath toys and beach toys.

It was a really well-organized, fun event. Miss L loved running from station to station to try everything as well as getting some time to enjoy the sand and slides in the playground. I could tell she was tired as we strolled home, up the two big hills to our street. Of course as soon as we got home she had to kick her beach ball around the house before agreeing to take her afternoon nap. Now she is soundly sleeping away. We'll hit the pool for family swim when she wakes up.