It was our first time to host a birthday party at our house and we were nervous about how it would turn out. I was worried that if we didn't have enough activities planned, uncontrolled chaos would ensue. And, although our house is chaotic every day with two little boys running around, I could only imagine the destruction that 11 children could cause!
It seems as though I underestimated the time it would take 11 kids to get through any given game. We didn't get to several of the pirate challenges I had planned, including the Bucket Brigade, Peg Leg Hop, Walk the Plank, and Crocodile Stomp! But, all the kids had a great time following the Treasure Hunt and playing Pass the Parrot, Pirate Dance, Talk Like A Pirate Competition, and Pin The Treasure on the Map.
Although it was loud, wild, and crazy at times, we think the party was a success! In fact, there were a few tears when the parents started to arrive and the kids realized the party was almost over. And, as Daddy was putting Ryan to bed that night, Ryan thanked him for "the best birthday party ever!"
Balloons and themed decorations help set the tone for the pirate adventure!
Pirate Cap'n Daddy really got into the spirit. While I did a lot of the behind-the-scenes planning, he kept the kids entertained during the party. In fact, I overheard one of the boys tell Ryan, "you have a crazy dad!" That's high praise from a 5-year-old boy!
I had to laugh - despite my best efforts to keep the party organized, chaos erupted within minutes of the first guests' arrival. They found the hidden tub filled with plastic balls that was intended for the Bucket Brigade game. The kids immediately waged a cannonball attack on each other. The parents of the late arriving guests raised their eyebrows and wished me luck. I just shrugged in defeat as Pirate Mike ran by giggling as a group of screaming kids followed throwing plastic balls at him. I'm pretty sure he had just as much fun as the kids!
After everyone had arrived, we rounded the pirates up for a Treasure Hunt. Thankfully, the weather cooperated until after the party! The kids followed a series of clues that lead them all over the yard through the Tower of Doom (the platform of the swing set), past Skull Rock (the rocks under the deck), onto the deck of the Jolly Roger (the deck of the house), over Blacktop Canyon (the driveway), and ended at Hangman's Tree (the crepe myrtle in the front) where they found the hidden loot (their treasure chest party favors). Each treasure chest was filled with an eye patch, gold hoop earring, telescope, ring pops, gold doubloons (gold foil wrapped chocolate coins), pirate tattoos and stickers, and candy necklaces (for the girls).
Then we herded all the rowdy pirates inside to the galley for some grub (Papa John's pizza at Ryan's request).
After lunch, we held a pirate meeting where each pirate had to try to pin the treasure chest on the "X" on a treasure map. Ryan had asked that we not use a blindfold, so we had each kid wear two eye patches. About two pirates in, we realized they could see through a crack under each eye patch, since they were able to place their sticker exactly on top of the "X." That probably was for the best, since everyone wanted to be the winner. Plus, the kids found it hilarious each time Pirate Cap'n Mike scowled and huffed at their success!
Bluebeard the Pirate even made an appearance at Ryan's party. Gavin must have eaten at least 3 ring pops during the party. He kept taking them to different kids' parents and asking them to "op peas" (*open, please*). Apparently the other moms were unable to resist such a cute request, so they complied. The result was a sticky, blue faced boy who left gooey fingerprints everywhere he went!
Then we had a competition to see which pirate could do the best "Aaarrrggghhh" and "Shiver Me Timbers." Pirate Captain Mike demonstrated first, then each of the pirate mateys followed with very loud, and very spirited versions.
Then we played Pass the Parrot, which is similar to Hot Potato, except they passed Skully, a one-eyed parrot made out of construction paper feathers and a toilet paper roll. They played to the tune of Jimmy Buffett's song "Volcano." Pirate Captain Mike controlled the music and, even though he kept his eyes covered to be fair and objective, the birthday boy still won! Then, everyone took to the dance floor to do a pirate jig to more Jimmy Buffett music.
Then we returned to the galley for pirate cake and ice cream.
After we gave the little buccaneers the heave ho, we had to batten down the hatches because a storm was brewing (Hurricane Irene was headed our way). Luckily, if we were house-bound for a few days, we wouldn't starve. We had enough leftover pizza and cake to feed a small army! After the party, we all snuggled on the couch and watched Wall-E, then had an early dinner, and sent two tired little lads to bed (their exhausted old salt parents followed soon after)!
