Sunday, June 24

That was fun!

Ok, that was actually fun. We didn't get some of the food prepared in time (although the scurvy prevention table was out and heavily stocked - and that's what really matters on any sea venture, right?) We really do need to work on our overall timing, but we are getting better, and the rest of the day turned out okay in spite of ourselves.

As the guests arrived, each received a pirate sword to decorate (for ID purposes, since all the swords are identical otherwise), and picked a bandana (this was easier than making hats, and the kids seemed to like them, but in looking through the pictures, it does look like the theme was more "Urban Gang Boy Band" than "18th Century Pirates". Eh.) We brought out the eyeliner and gave the kids their choice of facial hair. Too bad John got started before he knew he didn't have to use the permanent marker...

To join the crew, each recruit took a Pirate Test (ran an obstacle course). This was so easy, and so fun. The trash bags hanging on the swing set in the above picture aren't some neglected hillbilly part of the yard - they're swinging pendulums to duck. There's a moat to swing over, a balance beam, and a little knife throwing practice.
The crew found buried treasure (coins in the sand pit - who knew they'd spend half an hour there? Even the big kids got into the act.) Then, according to pirate law, they divvied up the loot evenly among the crew.
I have no idea why Danger Girl (aka EmBaby) does that. None of the boys did that. I don't do that. Or at least, well, I don't do that, okay? But she does. Weird.

The pinata was a big hit, and it turned out beautifully. Zorak made it, and he did such a great job of it. (Particularly considering his purchasing agent couldn't procure the appropriate pinata tissue paper. She should probably be fired. But he rocks! It even had skulls.)


And now, the dishes have been done, the presents set gently upon the shelves. The children are bathed and loved on and sound asleep, and I'm thinking that sounds like a pretty good idea. This is one pooped pirate-mom. But it was worth it, every blasted second of preparation was worth it. What made it better, though, was having good friends to come and share it with us. Yep. It's good, good stuff.

Kiss those babies!
~Dy

14 comments:

Needleroozer said...

Cool! What great pictures!I showed them to the Fine Young Man- he thought it was almost as good as being there.

I cannot believe all the work Zorak went to making that pinata! It was wonderful!

And for the record, both my kids did that lifting of the shirt thing!!
The Boy would lift it up and put it over his head and then try to walk around that way. ;-)

You are the bestes pirate mom ever!
LB

Needleroozer said...

That was supposed to be bestest!

Emily (Laundry and Lullabies) said...

Now THAT looks like a birthday to remember. What fun!

Bridget said...

It looks like everyone had a great time at the party. I loved the pirate ship.

Jennie C. said...

Wow! When you throw a birthday party, you go all out! My poor little dears are lucky to get balloons. :-D

Stephanie not in TX said...

You TOTALLY ROCK!!!!!!!!! That a cool party! I'm sending you my kids on their birthdays, from now on.

melissa said...

YOU DID IT!! YAY!!!! That'll be the party that all the kids are talking about around the first grade watering whole for years to come!

Great job. I know the kids loved having everybody out to the house for the big soiree'. Stephanie's right, Y'all Rock!

Dy said...

Jennie, usually, they get a bbq and one friend's family invited over. This year, he asked for an actual party. I don't know if we'll recover in time for Smidge and James' birthdays! LOL!

Steph, you have no idea how often I've wished you guys lived close enough to come to one of our cook-outs. :-) Send the boys anytime!

LB - that's funny about FYM running around like that. Thankfully, Danger Girl stays still for that. I'll have to post a shot of her latest exploit of adventure. She's going to make me old and twitchy before my time.

Thanks, guys - and for all the birthday wishes. He really did have a great day.
Dy

Rebel said...

Awesome party! Even cool tenager KJ would have liked being there...and that's saying something if you can impress him.

Melora said...

What a fabulous party! I love the obstacle course, and the buried treasure. And Zorak's pirate ship -- wow!

K. lifted her shirts too. T. just took his off. K. also lifted dresses, most often to wipe her nose on, but also to enjoy the lovely cool breeze on her tummy. There is only a short part of a girl's life when she Can do this without scandal, so I let it go unless we were around people who would really get bent out of shape.

Jules said...

You two are the best parents ever!! It looks like a great party. I want to be reincarnated as one of your kids, darn it!! ;)

Awesome pinata, too. ;)

Sheila said...

What a great party! I am seriously jealous over that pinata and the game ideas.

J-Lynn said...

Oh Dy the pinata came out SOOOO nice!!!

LMAO@the trash bag comment.

Emily did that when we were there too remember? Zorak would probably smack me if he heard my "Babies Gone Wild" take on it eh? haha

Fe said...

The pinata! Wow! That is _seriously_ cool!