I don't know why I always seem to end up doing 2 cakes, probably because I usually can't make a decision on a final cake, but we always end up inviting a lot of people anyway so it works out well-haha.
My attempt at a pirate ship watermelon basket complete with a plank.
This was my first party without any of our family in town for help, so I had to keep the menu fairly simple and actually ended up scrapping a few things because I just plum ran out of time. But there was definitely more than enough to go around.I served parrot legs (chicken), undersea pasta, veggie planks, fish and swords (goldfish and pretzel sticks), Pirates Booty, pirate teeth (corn), sea monster eyes (olives), and of course the Pirate ship fruit basket and cakes.
I planned for a treasure hunt (wanted to make a map, but am not very gifted in the art department) and just made up some clues. I tried to keep it authentic/antique looking and burned the edges of the papers. With each clue there was a game, and then after the game the next clue was read.
The kids all gathered around to find the first clue.
And they're off!My friend Marissa and her husband Mike took some pictures for us with their camera, and caught some good moments Micah missed.
Finding a hidden clue
I loved looking at all the pictures and seeing the boys look like they're having such a good time. These faces are what make all the prep and planning worth it. I love that we can make them this happy! (Micah was the official photographer with our camera-which only had a zoom lens because I dropped and broke our regular one-I think he did a great job!)
As I mentioned, the kids played games in between all the clue finding. The first game was pin the patch on the pirate. I had also meant to have them "walk the plank" after their turn and get their own eye patch, but I was wearing many hats that day and wasn't as organized as I would have hoped. Luckily I remembered the eye patches during the next game.
The next game was supposed to be a "peg-legged/3 legged" race for the older kids, and the younger ones were just doing potato sack races, but I forgot to cut the fabric I got for scarves, and it just ended up being the sack races. After this game the kids got hand hooks we made out of cups, cardboard, and foil.
The final game was "sink the ship" where the kids were supposed to be in two teams with their cannon balls (foil balls) and throw them in the opposing teams bucket/ship. The team that got the most balls in were the winners. Yeah, this one really didn't go as planned either. If anyone has a formula to getting young kids in order, I'd love to have it! haha :) They all just kind of threw their balls and yeah-whatever!
After that game they were given the final clue to find the treasure. I found this inflatable treasure chest that was meant to be a beverage cooler, but was the perfect size for the pinata I found (the treasure).
This was the first time I've ever had a pinata at one of our parties, and I'll admit, I was really nervous. Very glad Micah was around! haha I was over cautious trying to make sure everyone was clear of getting hit.
Devin was very gentle when he hit, and then later saw him getting upset when the other kids were really beating it. I don't think he wanted it to get "hurt". But was soon over it when the treats started flowing :)
Getting the "booty"!
2 more photos courtesy of April.
Singing Happy Birthday
Yum.
Present time
By the end of the day I think we were all feeling like Makaela, at least I know I was!
The boys wasted no time playing with the booty Devin collected :)
Aaargh!
Wiped out. Happy Birthday Honey.
