[straightblues]

Well we passed what I believe is the last hurdle on Friday. The appeal is over and we have won. The Native American Tribes said the children weren't really Indians which has been the last remaining holdup. It is now just waiting for the final paper work and a court date to finalize the adoption. Our best guess is either a June or early July finalization date. With all we have been through I won't get too excited until I am before the judge with the children and the adoption is final. But I am assured it is very near.

So it is time to start thinking about an adoption party. We want to do something big since this is the biggest thing I have ever been assocaited with. We want it to be both fun for the 3 children (3,7, and 9) and as well as being memorable. We need something that will entertain the adults as well as the children. We are planning on inviting a 100 to 150 people.

A service at the church blessing the new family will begin the day, but I really don't know what to do from there. Should it be a formal affair or a park event with bouncy houses for the kids. I am really confused. The only thing I know for sure, is I want it to be big to match the significance of the day.

Any thoughts or ideas would be most appreciated. I really don't know what to do. We have set aside a fund of about $5,000 or so for the event but don't have to spend it all.

[mylilangels]

I'm interested in hearing the replies as well. We to are trying to decide how to do this very same thing. we just have our 2yr old though..he won't remember it like the rest of us but i will take plenty of pics so he can see them later. we were thinking a catered dinner at church, w/ all of the church and our family invited. i like the idea of the bouncy houses etc..that gave me a good idea..good luck to you on your party and congrats on the upcoming adoption. ours should be final by June they say..

[athikers]

As far as whether it should be formal, I would think about how your family and especially the kids are most comfortable. If they are used to formal events and like to dress up and like the atmosphere, then go for it! But, if they're going to be twitching in their ties/dresses all day and uncomfortable in a formal atmosphere, then throw the park party instead.

YEAH! Congrats on winning the appeal.

[Boulderbabe]

Congratulations! I am so glad your kids are going to be safe, sound and stable from now on. What an incredible gift you all are giving one another!

Our adoption party was the absolutely best day of my entire life, bar none. We did a party at a restaurant after court (on a Friday) with the whole family in attendance and as many friends as could come. Then we had a huge blowout party in my sister's backyard the following Sunday. It was nothing fancy---a brunch with bagels and lox, and a wonderful cake, and a ham and rolls, etc. But it was so warm and wonderful! The party started at 11 am. At midnight, I gave up and left most of the people in the backyard!

Have a wonderful time. Whatever you do, it will surely be memorable.

[excited2adoptsoon]

I am in the party planning business and I've had a few clients with adoption parties. All of them did high end semiformal events. When I thought about it, I would never want our adoption party to be high end or semiformal. It's about the kids. When I saw these parties that were at high end banquet halls with hardly any kids, it just seemed awkward to me. It was planned just like a wedding. I think the party should be planned to help the kids as well as the parents celebrate and have the time of their lives. Bouncy houses is a great idea! We have a company here that rents out bouncy houses and also hotdog, popcorn and snowcone machines...and it's not that costly.

Congratulations!!!!

[posh]

I would think the kids would enjoy the park with the activities like the bouncy house and some other cool stuff. I don't think kids would like suits and dresses all day. Guess I am too much of a kid myself but you wouldn't have parents telling the kids to behave all day either lol

[mrsred]

With the ages of your kids I would make the event as kid friendly as possible. It is, after all, about them. Make sure that the families of thier friends are on the guest list. When we adopted my son we had a dozen teachers and other staff from the elementary school where he was in kindergarten and our bio son was in fourth grade.
Here is a decorating idea: I went on to my computer where I had all the photos taken in the year he had been with us on files. I printed them all up in 8x10 size and had them plastered all over the place. They were great conversation starters, and really showed everything we had been thru over the year.
A year later we adopted our daughter. Due to a move we did not have quite as large of a turnout for the party, but I did the same thing with the pictures. It really makes them feel like they belong when they see wall to wall picures of themselves.

[straightblues]

Originally Posted by excited2adoptsoon

I would never want our adoption party to be high end or semiformal. It's about the kids. When I saw these parties that were at high end banquet halls with hardly any kids, it just seemed awkward to me.

I think this is the real issue. Is the party really about the children,the new parents, or the new family? Beleive me, we have been through a hugh struggle to keep these kids over the past 21 month and at least a little of the party should soley be about me.

[straightblues]

Originally Posted by mrsred

Make sure that the families of thier friends are on the guest list. When we adopted my son we had a dozen teachers and other staff from the elementary school where he was in kindergarten and our bio son was in fourth grade.

Yeah, this is why the party will have to be big. Because I want to invite all of these people. Inviting teachers, therapist, priest and soical workers things get big right away. Then whatever kids you invite also come with families.

[hesabanana]

We had a BASH when we finally adopted our fs. It was last august. We rented a bounce house and a huge inflatable slide...the kids loved it, and so did the adults as the day wore on and the cocktails flowed! We had about 150 people. We asked folks to bring a dish to pass, and we provided all the meat, beverages, etc. We did water balloons, cake, games etc.
We geared the party for the kids, but I have to tell you, EVERYONE had fun. Our friends and family knew what a long road we had in adopting our son, and acknowledged that in their cards and gift and kind words. I also said a few words, thanking them all for their continued support, telling them the party was for our son, our family, but also for THEM, for being so supportive.
Have a wonderful party!

[Kelly Rae]

Your little ones may be more able to go formal for a longer period of time, but my 4 youngest (7-1 yr) would start to come unraveled. We had a great party that was kid friendly with about 80 people in attendance. Then a few days later DH and I went with our best friends went on the wine train with a wine pairing menu and had the best of both worlds. Whatever you decide congratulations!

[hubbyswife]

We rented a bouncy house that had a slide and had tables and chairs set up at our house in the backyard. We had food, main dish catered and fruits and then a cake..... it was fun....... my DD got a lot of presents.... we had the party in December...

If we had finalized in the summer, there's this place here that has a hall and a huge swimming pool that we would have rented...... and just had pizza and cake....


Congrats.....

[Boulderbabe]

Originally Posted by straightblues

I think this is the real issue. Is the party really about the children,the new parents, or the new family? Beleive me, we have been through a hugh struggle to keep these kids over the past 21 month and at least a little of the party should soley be about me.

At our party, the swingsets and playhouse were about the kids. The case of champagne? THAT was about me!!

[straightblues]

Originally Posted by hesabanana

I also said a few words, thanking them all for their continued support, telling them the party was for our son, our family, but also for THEM, for being so supportive.

A speech is something I want to include. Any themes or direction for the speach would be helpful as well. I think it would also be nice if the two older children would say a few words as well.

[straightblues]

Originally Posted by Boulderbabe

At our party, the swingsets and playhouse were about the kids. The case of champagne? THAT was about me!!

LOL!!!!