Going on an Adventure

Three months ago, in a fit of oh-my-God-I-need-to-plan, I asked Joseph what type of birthday party he wanted.  No surprise, it was pirates.  I buried myself in a sea of craft blogs, Etsy shops and even drew a little redheaded pirate to grace the cover of his invite.  (I use the term "drew" loosely.)

A month before his party, just as I was getting ready to place a few orders and copy my pirate, Joseph informed me that he no longer wanted to have a pirate party because...the policemen might come and take him to jail.

"Really?"

"Yes.  Pirates are bad boys.  They steal." 

So back to the drawing board.  After discussion involving aliens and dinosaurs, we finally settled on an Adventure Party.

Since the party was in the afternoon - between lunch and dinner - I decided to have the kids make their own trail mix.  I filled mason jars with Cheerios, raisins, craisins, white and chocolate chips, peanuts and M&M's, brought baggies and voila!  Activity and snack.

Danielle baked to-die-for mini cupcakes that looked as good as ones from a specialty bakery and tasted like heaven.  She topped them with cupcake toppers and sprinkles. Why this woman doesn't have her own business is beyond me.

Becky "volunteered" to make canvas bags to hold the goodies.  They were the hit of the party.  (By "volunteer" I mean that she caved to my pathetic pleas for help.)   My vague idea of canvas messenger bags was transformed into little pieces of art.  Each bag was different.  Each bag was individualized.  Each bag was adorable.

Chad and Ken wandered off into the parkland surrounding the picnic area and set up a trail, complete with treasure - chocolate rocks, plastic bugs.  After the kids made their trail mix, they donned bags filled with water, a compass and a magnifying glass.  Chad took them on a meandering trail through tall grasses, fragrant flowers and towering oaks.

The kids had a blast.

And Joseph...he was King of the Adventure.

Ever since he saw me make Lane's birthday crown, Joseph has been waiting for a crown of his own.  He helped pick out the colors.  He picked out the buttons.  He couldn't wait to wear his birthday crown.  And I have to admit.  It turned out pretty darn cute.

And as quickly as it started, it ended.  The presents were unwrapped; the candles blown out.  We loaded up the kids and headed home - hot, sweaty and tired.  But what an adventure!

Now...

I must give photo credit where photo credit is due.  A big thank you to Danielle for capturing so many wonderful memories.

To see some more amazing photos, go check out Rachel's blog.  It sure pays to have a professional photographer in the family.  I hope she doesn't mind but I'm stealing one of her pictures to end this post...