End of Year Stories from Our Backyard

Having just relocated to a new house featuring a large, open backyard, I immediately felt inspired to mark the end of the school year with a grand celebration. The final day of teaching always brings a blend of feelings – relief, a sense of achievement, and eager anticipation for summer – but this time, the vast green space outside my home gave birth to an ideal concept: hosting a large party for friends, family, and fellow educators. I pictured children playing games, a kitchen table overflowing with delicious dishes, and outdoor seating arranged under the shade of the big tree near the house. Organizing such an event promised an exciting project to focus on during my final month of teaching, provided I could convince Ericka to embrace my ambitious plan.

After much whining and begging, Ericka finally gave in and agreed we could host a grand End of the School Year party, turning a dream I had cherished for a long time into a lively reality. At first, she worried about the logistics, the costs, and the challenge of hosting such a large group. However, as my enthusiasm grew to an almost uncontrollable level and I assured her the event would be safe and unforgettable, her doubts gradually diminished. When she eventually gave her consent, a wave of excitement surged through me, inspiring intense planning sessions to perfect every aspect. As invitations were sent out to my friends, their eagerness to celebrate the school year's end in a fresh, exciting way boosted my spirits, while ironically, it only deepened Ericka’s apprehension!

For our inaugural End of the Year celebration, we rented a bouncy house to entertain the children and encouraged everyone to contribute a dish to share. As families arrived, they brought a delightful assortment of homemade foods, which soon transformed our kitchen table into a lively communal feast. The selection ranged from flavorful casseroles and crisp salads to rich desserts, ensuring there was something to please every taste. While the adults gathered around tables set up on the deck and in the shaded area beside the house, we enjoyed watching the kids joyfully bouncing in the colorful inflatable and playing on the backyard playset. The combination of children’s laughter and the delicious diversity of dishes made the party an unforgettable event brimming with happiness, camaraderie, and community spirit. This blend of lively play and shared dining not only created a fun atmosphere for the children but also strengthened bonds and friendships among the adults, transforming what began as a simple gathering into a beloved yearly tradition.

One unforgettable year, my friends Toni and Terry Diel took me to Costco to purchase supplies for the upcoming party. My original intention was straightforward: buy snacks, beverages, and disposable items to ensure we were well-prepared. However, as we explored the aisles, we unexpectedly came across a large, brightly colored airplane seesaw. Although I knew Ericka would not be thrilled, I was captivated by its playful charm and imagined how much joy it would bring to the backyard gathering. Acting on impulse, I placed it in our cart along with the other party necessities. This unplanned addition, combined with the Costco membership, inflated the total to $500. Worried that Ericka would insist on returning the airplane, I assembled it promptly in the garage before she arrived home from work. Ultimately, that impulsive buy became a standout attraction, sparking lively conversations and endless enjoyment during the festivities.

As our children matured, the End of Year Party evolved from the lively frenzy of bouncy houses and screeching toddlers into a warm, inclusive event featuring engaging yard games. While bouncy houses had been a favorite for the younger kids, providing nonstop laughter and energetic bouncing, we discovered that games like cornhole, badminton, and ladder toss appealed to everyone—children, parents, and friends alike—encouraging friendly rivalry. These activities inspired bursts of laughter and spirited competition in what we affectionately named Obner State Park, allowing all attendees to partake in the fun. The upbeat ambiance, filled with joyful cheers and humorous smack talk, created cherished memories and new traditions that mirrored our families’ growing interests and developing personalities. This shift preserved the festive spirit while strengthening the sense of community and togetherness, making every End of the Year Party a genuinely special occasion.

Eventually, Ericka and I began searching for new games to play at the annual party. We came across several thrilling options that quickly became party favorites, yet none matched the immense popularity or amusement of the inflatable human soccer balls that Ericka bought. These huge, clear bubbles envelop the upper body, enabling players to bounce, roll, and crash into one another safely while engaging in a lively and chaotic soccer match. The sight of friends bursting into laughter as they collided and tumbled across the backyard filled our gatherings with endless excitement and joy. More than just a game, the inflatable human soccer balls fostered unforgettable experiences and eased social interactions, transforming strangers into teammates and rivals into friends. Their unique combination of physical activity and fun secured their place as a beloved game in our party lineup, demonstrating that sometimes the most enjoyable entertainment comes from something a little out of the ordinary.

When axe throwing surged in popularity, it swiftly became one of the most thrilling and unconventional social activities. Eager to join the craze, we decided to rent an inflatable axe throwing station for our gathering. This inflatable setup was safe and appropriate for guests across all age groups, infusing the backyard with a lively, carnival-like vibe. Guests eagerly formed lines to test their accuracy and engage in playful competitions, sharing laughter and cheers with every successful hit. It was striking how this modern twist on a classic skill brought everyone together, fostering conversation, cooperation, and spirited rivalry. I’m proud to mention that my axe throwing ability surpassed that of all blindfolded toddlers at the party.

A year ago, when I faced the challenging choice to retire due to medical reasons, I was engulfed by uncertainty about what lay ahead – especially concerning one of my favorite traditions: hosting the End of the Year parties. For many years, these events were more than mere celebrations; they were treasured rituals filled with laughter, growing friendships, and lasting memories. Since I was no longer teaching, throwing a party to mark the school year's end felt strange. After careful consideration, I opted to rename the gathering "Summer Kickoff" and scheduled it for the first official day of summer rather than the last day of school. With Ericka’s support, I invited a smaller group, streamlined the preparations, and enjoyed the event just as before. Ultimately, scaling down the party became another step in the ongoing transformation of the annual event.

As the sun set on last year’s Summer Kickoff, surrounded by the familiar sounds of laughter and the soft glow of citronella candles, I felt a profound sense of gratitude. What began as a simple celebration of the end of school had blossomed into a cherished tradition that adapted with us – growing, evolving, yet always rooted in connection and joy. The bouncy castles, airplane teeter-totter, inflatable bubbles, and axe-throwing station were more than just party amusements; they symbolized moments of togetherness, spontaneity, and the enduring spirit of friendship and family. Though life’s seasons change and chapters close, these celebrations remind me that community and celebration are constants worth nurturing. With that comforting thought, I’m already looking forward to the next gathering – whatever form it might take and whoever joins us – knowing that the heart of the party will always live in the smiles we share and the memories we create.