Andrew, the 8-year-old Pirate

This year for Andrew's 8th birthday party (this past Saturday), he decided on a pirate theme.  Greg took command of the decorations and activities, and set up our church playground (which is big, brand new, and has a sun shade: perfect!) as a pirate ship with skully flags, etc.  He also set up a Pirates' Booty Treasure Hunt around the church property including the woods, complete with actual maps for the children to follow.  Of course, he also dressed up as a Pirate Captain.  Because he already had all of the clothing and accessories in his wardrobe.  Naturally.


Explaining the rules of the Treasure Hunt.


The tiniest pirate didn't think this part was very interesting (Becca's baby, "C")


I love how someone on the left has already found the objects hidden at this check-point and put them in the appropriate bag, but others are still looking.  What a team!






The most frightening little pirates I've ever seen


The Pirate Birthday Boy, leading the hunt

Once they were done with that, they brought back all of their found items (as well as the "treasure boxes"/goody bags at the Treasure Site), and Greg did a Pirates' Grog Ceremony (after the fashion of an Army Grog, sans the alcohol).  "...the sand of a thousand beaches (brown sugar), the blood of 7 barracudas (grape juice), the sweat squeezed out of a sock in an old pirate boot (....) (..........), etc. etc. etc..... because we are DISGUSTING PIRATES!!"  This delighted all of the boys.





Help with the birthday candles (lemon cupcakes with stabilized whipped cream frosting tinted "seaweed green" as per Andrew's request).




A reversible super-hero cape that I made (the night before, naturally).



Today, Greg has the three older children out at the "Go-Cart Place".  Jonah is currently down for his nap, and I am thoroughly enjoying the quiet.  I hope you are all having a lovely Labor Day Weekend!