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