This year for her fourth birthday, Vita had a Pirate Party! Ernie and Grandma Victoria got there early to set up. Here's Ernie guarding the park.
As guests arrived, each got a pirate hat, patch, and inflatable sword. Then, Vita would escort them to the ship. (The park actually has a pirate ship themed play structure, which is why we chose this location.)
A couple of real pirates attended the party! Here's Captain Mike playing with the kids.
Lots of Vita's friends from school came to the party. Here's one of Vita's very best friend Cleo! They have so much fun together! The reason Vita is a little blurry in this photo is because she was actually in mid air, jumping for joy. Seriously, she is.
Captain Mike led the kids on a very exciting and dangerous adventure... Mike found an ancient scroll with a clue that led to a treasure chest hidden at the park. (Amazing coincidence, don't you think?) Each clue led the kids to the next clue...
The kids really had to listen closely to solve the complicated riddles and find the next clue.
They were great at it, and here they are re-grouping at the bow of the ship where they found the next clue.
The next clue was at the statue...
The final clue was at the water fountain... which led them to...
The hidden treasure chest, which was found in the shrubs near some trees! The treasure chest was filled with "goody bags" filled with pirate related stuff for the kids, and some chocolate. (If you think this picture isn't well composed, then I suggest YOU try to get a pirate and a whole gang of kids to look and smile at the same time.) Look closely at Vita's face in this picture, and you'll see her cheeks are about to explode off of her face. She had SO MUCH FUN!
Meanwhile, my other little pirate was in good spirits the whole time, despite the noise and commotion and the cold weather. In fact, she wanted to run and play with all the older kids.
After the treasure hunt, we all had pizza... sang happy birthday, and ate pirate cupcakes. Vita beamed as her friends sang to her.
The party took a bit of a turn when we realized that Vita was actually a brain eating zombie pirate! (Or perhaps she's just a bit messy when eating red velvet cake... I can't remember the details.)
Soon it was cold and dark, so we headed home with all of Vita's "loot". Vita made out like a bandit. She opened one gift that night, but we waited until the next morning (her birthday) to open the rest. Just look at this haul!
Moments later, gifts were unwrapped and Vita played with everything all at once.
Mid afternoon, Vita crashed from all the excitement... with toy and birthday card in hand.
Later on, with Vita's birthday celebration behind us, Christmas preparations officially began with lights and a Christmas tree.
As guests arrived, each got a pirate hat, patch, and inflatable sword. Then, Vita would escort them to the ship. (The park actually has a pirate ship themed play structure, which is why we chose this location.)
A couple of real pirates attended the party! Here's Captain Mike playing with the kids.
Lots of Vita's friends from school came to the party. Here's one of Vita's very best friend Cleo! They have so much fun together! The reason Vita is a little blurry in this photo is because she was actually in mid air, jumping for joy. Seriously, she is.
Captain Mike led the kids on a very exciting and dangerous adventure... Mike found an ancient scroll with a clue that led to a treasure chest hidden at the park. (Amazing coincidence, don't you think?) Each clue led the kids to the next clue...
The kids really had to listen closely to solve the complicated riddles and find the next clue.
They were great at it, and here they are re-grouping at the bow of the ship where they found the next clue.
The next clue was at the statue...
The final clue was at the water fountain... which led them to...
The hidden treasure chest, which was found in the shrubs near some trees! The treasure chest was filled with "goody bags" filled with pirate related stuff for the kids, and some chocolate. (If you think this picture isn't well composed, then I suggest YOU try to get a pirate and a whole gang of kids to look and smile at the same time.) Look closely at Vita's face in this picture, and you'll see her cheeks are about to explode off of her face. She had SO MUCH FUN!
Meanwhile, my other little pirate was in good spirits the whole time, despite the noise and commotion and the cold weather. In fact, she wanted to run and play with all the older kids.
After the treasure hunt, we all had pizza... sang happy birthday, and ate pirate cupcakes. Vita beamed as her friends sang to her.
The party took a bit of a turn when we realized that Vita was actually a brain eating zombie pirate! (Or perhaps she's just a bit messy when eating red velvet cake... I can't remember the details.)
Soon it was cold and dark, so we headed home with all of Vita's "loot". Vita made out like a bandit. She opened one gift that night, but we waited until the next morning (her birthday) to open the rest. Just look at this haul!
Moments later, gifts were unwrapped and Vita played with everything all at once.
Mid afternoon, Vita crashed from all the excitement... with toy and birthday card in hand.
Later on, with Vita's birthday celebration behind us, Christmas preparations officially began with lights and a Christmas tree.
PS - Many many many thanks to my pirate friends Mike and Jackie for making this a very special birthday celebration that Vita and her friends will "treasure" for years to come.
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