Let's Have A "Pumpkin Painting Party"

Kathy couldn’t help enjoying the wide grin on her face when she mailed the invitations at the Post Office. Images of happy kids and marvelous masterpieces were anticipated rewards for planning this event. She was excited to be hosting a painting party for eight nieces and nephews, all under the age of  7. The required shopping for this get-together took her to different locations which specialized in the party favors and supplies she would need. Fun was in the air as she prepared for the upcoming festivities, saving the pumpkin purchases closer to the party date.   

A disappointment occurred when the parents of three out-of-town nieces informed Kathy the children were unable to attend the party. She didn’t want them to miss out on some of the fun, so she sent them some foam soap, markers, and other surprises so they, too, could celebrate the upcoming festive season. When she set up the basement with large tables covered in heavy-duty paper, she also added plenty of paper towels and handi-wipes for accidental splashes or spills.  

Finally, the day had arrived, and not only were the cutie-pies dressed for painting fun, their parents were also on board to help when needed. The kids each picked out their pumpkin and sat down to study their project while deciding what paint color to use. A few quiet moments produced a “think tank” for the youngsters who gave their selections careful consideration. The parents took occasional photos and  slowly engaged in the suggestions and evolving works of art created by their offspring. Soon the pumpkins were getting a makeover, not only with different colors, but different textures as well.  Some paint, at first, seemed to be too thin for this task because it slowly slid down the sides of pumpkin. Oh no! That’s not supposed to happen! What should we do?  Re-paint later?  Will this spoil the child’s careful creation? The consensus was to let the paint dry, see how it turned out, and hope for the best.  

This was the perfect time for a lunch break that gave the artists time to ponder the next step of the decorating process. Everyone feasted on pizza, veggies, pumpkin cookies and drinks, but our tiny tots hurried their consumption in order to finish their project.  When our mini-Michelangelos checked the drying paint, they discovered that the thinner variety resulted in a variegated finish that added a mystical touch to the pumpkin’s charm.  It‘s okay! Hurrah for this reversal of worry!  Now the stick-on faces were selected and with some adult assistance, little fingers worked their magic turning their creations into pirates, mummies, or scary creatures, each with accessories. 

All too soon, the pumpkins were finished with satisfied faces on the painters and the painted. Not only were the kids excited to take home their project and place it in a window,--the parents also appreciated the finished results. Before everyone left, the hostess gave each of the children a large “Trick or Treat” bag that was full of markers, foam soap, kiddie band-aids, candy and age related toys. The invited guests and parents thanked Aunt Kathy for her fun idea, admirable undertaking and generosity. Hugs and kisses were shared with everyone and after some clean-up help, the guests left. 

Kathy was pleased the day was a success and the kids have the results of all their hard work.  Although she was exhausted, she took a few minutes to reminisce in her mind, the day’s events. She visualized laughing children and moments of a game-changing upset that turned into a positive and artistic surprise. The party accomplished all she hoped it would and left a memory for all who participated.  It was a good day.  And for all that, she wore a heartfelt smile.