Block Party 2010

I've mentioned before how much I love outdoor gatherings in the summertime. Our annual block party rates right up there as one of my favorite outdoor summer events. Even tho we live on a block that's shortened by a cul de sac at one end, there are people at the other end of the block we hardly ever see.  The block party tends to bring everyone outside for the day, and it's great to re-establish those connections.  It's also a great way to meet the new folks.  We've had four new families join our block since last fall, and they all came out for the party.
Each block party tends to reflect the personalities of those who live on the street, and ours is no different.  For years, our block party has included some sort of craft project in the day's activities.  It's obvious from the projects we've had over the years that we have artists and carpenters on our block.  One year the dads made the frame of a play house, and the kids spent the day covering it in paper mache.  The house provided hours and hours of entertainment that entire summer.  This year's project was a much smaller undertaking: building and painting small houses.  Some kids chose to make bird houses, others chose to design theirs for small dolls and stuffed animals.

Bubbles are another block tradition.

The traditional evening potluck is always a hit. Everything was so tasty, from the tamales and the potato salad to the grilled eggplant bruschetta.  All of it was homemade and just amazing.

The pinata isn't really a tradition; rather, it makes an on-again, off-again appearance. This year, it was SO on!

New this year: teenage rock band.  Kelsey's friends joined our block party and added live music and a great vibe to the dinner atmosphere.

When the band finished playing, they joined us inside for awhile to relax and cool off.  After refreshments, a game of spoons broke out in the living room.