Arrrg.

Well, I thought I was done with the nautical theme after Aubrey's nursery and first birthday party. But, it only seemed fitting to have a pirate party since he is either a firefighter or pirate at any given moment. I want to wait to have his fireman party until he was old enough to really enjoy and appreciate it and, maybe, remember it. 

Since we moved the week before Aubrey's birthday, we weren't quite sure where the party would be until the very last minute so e-vites were sent almost a week before. I also didn't want to move all the decorations so I waited until after we were in the new house to purchase all the party decor and supplies. I also have some family members who are good at party planning and helped me out! I'm so thankful for them because every year they help me pull off his birthday parties and it truly turns out to be a family event which makes it so much more meaningful and fun (for me anyways!).

Playing with Popsicle before the party

We knew if we were moved into the new house before the party we would have it there since we have a playground behind our house and it would be the perfect set up. It ended up raining the night before leaving a muddy area in our backyard so we moved the party to the front yard. I was just happy it wasn't inside so we could enjoy the blob! 

It worked out perfectly and the kids had a blast walking the plank and plunging onto the blob. We also had an awesome pirate ship borrowed from Momsicle and Popsicle and the plank from my mom and dad.

I found Aubrey's shirt at the last minute when someone told me Target had pirate t-shirts! I debated on a regular red striped shirt and the pirate shirt but the birthday boy got the final pick. :) He looked so cute!

Each kid at the party got their own pirate gear complete with hat, eye patch, foam sword and telescope. They made great party favors and they all looked so cute!

The kids enjoyed a snack after walking the plank. The Veggie Tales "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" played on tv and some enjoyed watching it while resting. After snack, Aubrey blew out his candles. Aunt Phoebe made his awesome treasure chest cake! I loved how it turned out! Recycled Mardi Gras beads! Ring Pops! And if only you could have tasted the chocolate cake...yumm!

After cake and ice cream (Aubrey made several comments before his party making sure I knew that he wanted cake AND ice cream), we had a treasure hunt! Each kid received their own telescope to search for the treasure. The telescopes were one of the only things I made for the party. I decided to use up all the paper towel rolls I hoarded for the past several months. Knew those would come in handy one day! We hid the treasure chest in the flowerbeds and eventually guided the kids to it. 

 

We had a really cool treasure map drawn by talented Aunt Phoebe (just a map...not intended to guide them to the hidden treasure).

Once it was found, we had each kid hold and pull on a string to open the treasure chest. It was fun to see and hear their excitement as Mardi Gras beads, Ring Pops and candy fell to the ground.

Aubrey got some fun gifts that he has been enjoying. He is blessed to have so many great friends and family! 

Aubs and JW talking about some serious pirate stuff with their treasure on-beads and rings pops!

When Aubrey woke up the morning of his party and saw the house decorated, he said, "my friends are going to love my pirate party". :) I hope you loved it to Aubs! Happy 3rd Birthday!