Ahoy Thar Mateys!

Danny loves pirates at the moment, so it was a natural theme for his 4th birthday party. I acknowledge I get a little carried away with parties . . . but it's so fun for me. And on Tuesday morning while Danny reveled in his celebratory hangover, he exclaimed, "Mom. That was the best party ever."
We were greatly missing our Billings cousins this birthday as it was the first time since Danny's birth that they weren't able to celebrate with us. However, we were spoiled to have Grandma & Grandpa Couch** and Grandma & Grandpa Billings all in attendance. Here, Pirate Grandpa & Grandma Couch wait eagerly with the Cap'n for the arrival of his crew. Once the scallywags (3 friends from church) arrived, they got busy painting treasure chests and decorating spy glasses with jewels.
Next it was time to practice digging for treasure. Even Grandpa & Kaylee got in on the action. Next Danny & his crew were ready to commandeer a ship with their cannon balls. Attack!

Time to search for gold. Garrett found a fistful of loot!

By now the buccaneers had worked up a whale of an appetite. The crew feasted on swords (long carrot sticks), fish (goldfish crackers), gold (cheese cubes), cannonballs (balled canteloupe & black grapes), and a fleet of ship (crescent wrapped hot dogs). To wash it down? Sea water (blue Hawaiian punch) of course. After a real treasure hunt, with clues throughout the house and a treasure box filled with gold (Rolos), silver (Hershey Kisses), & jewels (beaded necklaces), it was time for cake. Cap'n Danny was disappointed that his shipmates couldn't stay longer, but he's perfecting his catapult aim for their next adventure. **So, the AMAZING pirate ship? All the artistry and engineering of my parents. Aren't they incredible? And, many of the other ideas were also their genius & effort - the nautical flags, sea water, & sand to name a few. Thanks for all your help Mom & Dad!