We celebrated Trent's fourth birthday last night with a pirate party. I literally started planning this party 5 days before the event, but it miraculously all came together and it was a fun night.
Trent had originally requested a Cars party, but we did that last year. Then he said he wanted a Buzz Lightyear party. Been there, done that too. So, I suggested a pirate party and he was all for it. Plus, we were able to get double duty out of his Halloween costume - bonus!
I have never been so prepared for a party to begin. At about 10 minutes before the party started, I put a couple pizzas in the oven so we could eat soon after all the guests arrived. I was standing in the kitchen when Ashlyn came in with a quizzical look on her face and asked, "Why are you just standing there?" I guess she is used to me frantically running around, desperately trying to get everything done at the last minute. It was a nice change of pace :o)
The kids kept themselves entertained before dinner by coloring pirate pictures. Once all the guests arrived we had a pizza dinner, which is something I have never done before - another nice change of pace. It was certainly a lot easier than fixing a full dinner, and a lot more kid friendly too.
After dinner, Brian went over some pirate etiquette: how pirates act, what they say, what they wear, etc. We passed out the pirate gear (hats, eye patches, and earrings) and then Brian made balloon swords, which ultimately ended in a few spontaneous sword fights.
After all the kids were properly piratified, it was time for the treasure hunt!
Clue #1 -A dirty pirate doesn’t like to be seen, so go to the place where ye get yerself clean. (bathtub)Clue #2 -A pirate goes here on a cold winter’s day to warm up his bones, then he be on his way. (fireplace)
Clue #3 -A special hidin’ place in here ye will find, where a pirate might go when he be in a bind. (playroom tent)
Clue #4 -Tis good for a pirate to laugh and to play, when he jumps tis not ‘weee’, but ‘arrrr’ he doth say. (trampoline)
Clue #5 -Early to bed and early to rise, makes a pirate healthy, wealthy, and wise. (Trent's bed)
Clue #6 -Ye be searchin’ for a treasure and ye want it a lot, yer final clue be simple: X marks the spot!
The 'X' was made from balloons, which doubled as part of the party decor and it took the kids back to the center of the party where the rest of the guests could see them find the treasure. Each favor was filled with gold candy: Hershey nuggets, gold coins, Rolos, and milk chocolate gold balls.
Then it was time for presents and cake and ice cream. Trent wanted to invite friends to his party this year, but I think we'll hold off one more year. Ashlyn didn't have her first friend party until she turned five and I think I'll make the rest of my kids do the same. With all the support and love of family, my kids get spoiled enough with presents.
This was honestly the easiest party I have put together, but it didn't make a bit of difference to the kids...something I'll keep in mind for future parties ;o)
6 comments:
So fun Jamie!
Wow! That looks like an incredible party! I can't imagine how much work actually went into it... but it looks successful :) Glad they kids had fun!
Lucky Trent! What a fun and creative event. You work well under pressure.
Even when you "don't go to a lot of trouble" your parties are still amazing! Can't wait to see you guys this weekend!
You throw the coolest parties for your kiddos! :) What great memories you're creating for them!
It was a super super cute and fun party. It's true, kids are easily entertained so the simpler the better. And, honestly, you could have told me that you put hours into it and I would have believed you. Fun time!
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