M.S.
Dear L.:
The party sounds wonderful. The only thing I would change would be substituting white grape juice for the apple juice...much less of an allergy risk. Also, be prepared with those throw-away sippy cups PRELABELLED for individual kids...less messy.
Your fruit idea is perfect. But remember, most kids will take the hot dogs, nibble off a bit and walk away. For the little ones, hot dogs might be a choking hazard and demand too much attention from the parents. As a solution, it might be safer and more economical to have an enormous and cheap (and all natural, of course) macaroni and cheese bowl for the kids to go crazy over. Sound good?
Activities: maybe set up some easels (or clothspin large sheets of paper to the fence) for watercoloring or a table with several cans of playdoh OUTSIDE. That would work with your splashy ideas because they can clean up easily. Your only preparation would be supplies and towels. Sounds FUN! Have standby videos in case crabby babies want to recline indoors and/or the kids wear out from the outdoor play and the parents aren't ready to leave. Hide all toys with zillions of little pieces or breakable stuff...for your own sanity! Leave bedrooms "off-limits" unless you want to go in later and find spit-up, half-eaten hotdogs or spills...it's happened to me!
I'm thrilled for your family regarding the baby dedication. What a special commitment to make and what a promise to your child and to God! Many blessings to you and your family on this wonderful beginning!
Best wishes,
M.