Joseph’s Swashbuckling 3rd Birthday Party

Prior to having a child, I though parents who wasted lots of time, energy, and money on children’s parties were crazy.  I thought themes tacky.  But, somehow, things seem to change when you hangout with these little beings all day.  So, I went crazy, and all out, and threw my first real theme party.  I did cry from stress the day before, and it did rain, and Joseph did refuse to even put on his pirate costume, but I actually am glad I did it.  We did also have fun and I love trying to give back to all the families that do so much for us.  Oh yeah, I don’t think I mentioned that the guest list was pretty long—we ended up with 15 children and 12 adults.  Wow! 

Joseph was actually a huge help getting ready.  He made every single one of the boats for this “cake.”

The plank!

 

 

Couldn’t be cuter

The pirate cake!! Just a dirt cake, with my attempt at a skull and crossbones.  In my opinion dirt cake is one of the yummiest, most simple things EVER—pretty much Oreos, vanilla pudding, cream cheese, butter, sugar, whipped cream . . . yummy.  Recipe here.  Try it!

Piñata demolition finally accomplished

 

The gang

Awww

 

Indulging some more after everyone left.  On his birthday I let him lick the spoon!

 

Party banner that took FOREVER.  I like it, but probably will never try this again. 

Everyone signed a shirt for him, which was very fun and a great memento (and, most surprisingly, a shirt he actual likes to wear).

 

After the party he had a blast playing in his new “Super J” cape made by Jill!

My friend Claire took lots of fun pictures, but I couldn’t figure out how to steal them and put them here, so you will have to check them out here instead!