Pirate Birthday Party

Today was Henry's 4th birthday! We had a pirate-themed birthday party that was a big success. It was the first party that Henry actually helped plan himself, choosing the theme and the guest list. He really worked hard to be a good host and mostly succeeded. He and Michael plotted a treasure hunt that began with a message found in a bottle (in the pond), and clues to the location of the map (under a brick in the patio) and the tools (in the sandbox) and then a traipse around the block to discover an X marking the spot in Gran's backyard. They dug up a real wooden treasure box (Gran's; Henry said, "But it will get dirty, Gran; is that okay?") and found their treasure inside. Then they all came back for cake. We outfitted the kids with kerchiefs and eyepatches and the like, and we all had a great time. As the last friend left, Henry said, "In a year, I want to have another birthday with the same party and the same friends!" Which made Michael and me feel pretty great. (There are no pictures of the actual digging because I had to stay at the house with sleeping Agatha, and I had the camera. One of the other dads took some photos so I might post them a bit later.)

Deciphering the map.

Come on, pirate crew!

Singing Happy Birthday. He actually knew what to do this year: wait for the song, smile bashfully, then blow out the candles. Last year he drooled on the cake (by accident!) trying to blow.

Cake on the lawn. Gorgeous day!

Balloon-fighting. Scurvy pirates!

Cool tats.

After it was all done, Henry opened presents. He got lots of wonderful pirate-themed gifts!