Okay, so it's a cardboard box I painted about 5 years ago. You know when you're working on a project and think, "OK, don't touch it anymore, it's good." Then you can't help yourself and add one more thing...and ruin it. Folks, that is NOT a giant cockroach heading for its roach motel on the beach. It is supposed to be an outrigger canoe and a hut.
Let's go take some photos before everyone gets here. We'll have about 40 people. It will look like a typhoon hit by nightfall. This tropical forest is made up of my aunt's banana trees. They really get tiny little bananas. Her whole yard is a tropical splendor as you'll see.
Yes, we've just arrive on the island and we are already being sucked in by a tourist trap. Ready for some thrifty shopping?
Almost there!
Pretty cool!
Lots of stuff!
Oh look! It's free (my favorite word!)
This little store is my mom's idea of party favors! You'll find everything from jewelry to rubber frogs you shoot like rubber bands. Yep, that's gonna leave a mark! The best shot of the day was when I finally figured out how to shoot them and got my brother in the butt, then I ducked into the house behind Trader Nick's. While he was trying to figure out where to retaliate his son took the opportunity to push him in the pool.
Anyway, mom goes all out for the kids, and the adults too!
Inside the tent: our tribute to Tom Hanks in "Castaway".
Excuse me, your seaweed is showing.
We get this underwater effect by draping the inside of a blue tent with plant trimmings, plastic fish, and yards and yards of neon green tulle. And where do you get neon green tulle? Well, being thrifty, we saved if from my sister's wedding of course. Ha, ha, that was a whole different adventure!
Shh..I don't fit in the kiddie pool anymore, no, really, I tried it. I don't fit.
Some of these guys have motion sensors and say things like, "I see you." and "What are you looking at?" while the eyes go back and forth.
A few years ago mom handed me a bunch of Styrofoam packaging from a computer box and said make me a temple for a tiki god. Do you know how hard this stuff is to work with? It pretty much falls apart every year and gets reincarnated in a different arrangement.
It did turn out pretty cool though. Of course the rubber snake, shrunken skulls and fabric flame blowing in his mouth might have something to do with it. I also had a lot of moss covering the joints but it has fallen off over the years.
Oh good! We made it back to civilization. You know I have to say it ... this party is going to be a ball!
More of my artwork, awaiting a face.
Surf's up! All of this artwork is from years ago. Some is mine, some the kids did and some is a group effort.
The real reason I come to this party.
You know it's going to be good when there are 4 grills ready to go!
Dad and Mom measuring the meat to see if it will fit on the grill. We had two huge prime ribs, 5 whole salmon steaks fixed three different ways, and vegetarian "hot dogs". Of course we had all kinds of wonderful side dishes and deserts. I was dieting though so I had to keep away from the food table...OK, OK,...you know I FORGOT to take pictures of the food! How long do you have to blog before you start remembering to do that!
I didn't forget this though! Belly up to the bar anyone? I can't help but think of Bloggeritaville when I look at this. I just love the play on words. Sorry Leigh, the only thrifty thing in this photo is the cardboard art. A real artist did that one but didn't charge us. And if you're wondering where we got all the big cardboard it was packaging at my parents' printing shop.
I told you he never stays still! I was trying to take a shot of my nephews and my son came flying in from the side.
Yes Ladies, its much safer here on the patio.
How many little boys does it take to push a big man into the pool? I think we should leave before we find out how many it takes to push me in the pool! 
Hula -ed out!
Blow out the tiki torches kids, your summer's over!
