What exactly is an Abe Lincoln Fest you ask? Well, I don't really know... but Emily asked if we could have one in honor of President Lincoln's 200th birthday this year. So the three of us set out to plan an afternoon that was both fun and exciting while still showing great appreciation for one of the most admired men in history (according to this little family). 
First things first, create a festive and welcoming vibe. 
Spiffy up on the inside too. Nothing crazy, keep it simple and homespun. 
Set out a special cake and some punch. Like any good child of the 70's, make sure to put rainbow sherbet in it. 
Prepare some parting gifts for your guests... how about an Abe Lincoln crossword puzzle, a copy of the Gettysburg Address, a few sweet things, tissue cozy, and a mini stapler... because when you are between the ages of 9-11, office supplies are always well received. 
Get things rolling when your friends arrive by playing a rousing Abe Lincoln Game, created by Emily. The object is to roll the dice, move along the path and reach the end. Of course there are many stops along the way where you need to choose a card... they say things like... You need to talk to Lee! Stay back two turns...There is a cow on the loose! Go catch it! Go ahead four spaces... Boothe has been sending scary letters! Stay back one turn... You've been shot! Go back to start... You have just received news that you have been accepted as postmaster! Go ahead four spaces... I'm telling you, this game is a really good time. 
Head outside for a game of Presidential Tag. 
Time to go in and design your own Abe Lincoln campaign/supporter t-shirt! This was a blast. The conversation among the kids the entire time was about different presidents... John Wilkes Boothe... and of course a whole lot of Abe Lincoln discussion. 
Take turns reciting the Gettysburg Address while your friends videotape you. Some of the kids chose to write their own political speeches, which were so great. You could hear a lot of "Quiet on the set! ...Action in three... two... one...!" Stuff like that. Awesome.
There was cake and singing. 
And finally we wound things down by playing Abe Lincoln mad libs... written by Adam. Pretty cool.
I think we pulled it off nicely, everyone seemed to have a great time.
Here's one more little item from the day...
The video explains itself pretty well (this blog now has a voice!), sorry it's a little dark. There was no way around all of that back lighting! Emily did the time-line when she was nine years old, I love this creative way for younger children to take on big research projects and feel really proud of their work.
Well, I guess that's about it. I should go clean up the place now... that sherbet is sticky! Thanks for stopping by our party, it was great to have you!
Looking for more ramblings? Stop by the Simple, Green, Frugal Co-op!
