Captain Henry's Pirate Birthday Bash!

Two years ago I really thought we were as big as we would ever get with the Angry Bird Birthday. I reassured myself thinking, well THIS was crazy, but at least we got it out of our system while he was little. Then last year he picked Nintendo Land, and I knew Nick was going to get really into it, but that's okay! He's just four. We will dial it back next year. And then we started talking Pirate Party...and I realized  that this is just who we are.  We are crazy birthday people.  We think of something like, say, an actual working cannon, and where normal people might say "Nooooo..." we say "That sounds sorta cool...." So, here were are. The crazy birthday people. Welcome to our favorite day of the year...

Our five year old Birthday Boy!

A pirate ship cake, with cannon candles, because why not?  This cake was very nearly a shipwreck disaster.  As we finished up decorating it we noticed a small crack... that then got bigger and bigger and then 'CRAP HOLD IT UP!" See that box in the back?  Yeah, it's totally holding the cake together.  Stack 4 layers of cake only on one side at your own risk... But still, pretty cool, right?

Here is the cannon... it shot 2-liter bottles....

And the fine ship, The Salty Owl.  (Our neighbors happen to cut down their old privacy fence last week and Nick saw nothing but opportunity in that old pile of wood)

If you are curious if it actually worked, here is a video, including the taking down of the ship where the crows nest drops and spills treasure.  Seriously, sometimes Nick amazes me.

Other games included walking the plank... (I drew those signs!  I mean, they might not be as impressive as a working cannon, but still.  PROUD)

That is an actual pit full of water that Nick dug... just in case you were curious.  The kids had to walk out on the plank and grab their pirate bandanna in order to move on to the next pirate map obstacle on the way to the treasure

I am happy to report the plank was able to hold an adult as well... 

Bandannas were quickly put to good use

Next up, in order to win a sword they had to toss a ring on the hook!

I am happy to report every pirate was successful

Oh, they got eye patches too...

Next up was firing the cannon

Which I am sure you are shocked to hear they were VERY EXCITED ABOUT

Just after taking down the left side of the sail (Nick has everything rigged so that when it was hit it would drop... I can't even...)

The dropping of the crows nest...

The mad dash for treasure.. (Henry wins!)

It's a madhouse!

Our pirates and the ship builder with the now defeated Salty Owl

Then there was sword fighting...

And birthday cake

presents...

nun chuck practice (SAFE!)

All in all, a perfect pirate party!

And now for lots (and lots) more pictures!

Mama and Papa with the birthday boy

What party is complete without special bottle labels?  Most, actually. But not this one!

The kids table!  

Adorable Thank Ye Matey suckers made by Nanny!

Friends

Captain Henry

Cici

Nieem 

Ethan

Charing and Carter

Nana and Henry

Cory, Wes and Liz

Aunt Boo and Uncle Chris

Ryan and Arielle

Me, stealing some baby Freddy time!

Aunt Candice and Lucas

Grandaddy and GrandVal

Nanny and Papaw

Great Grandma stealing a quick hug 

James with his treasure

Aunt Nicole, Uncle Chris and Nieem

my girls

Grayson and his Mama

Friends

Charing with Freddy

Henry and Hawk

Family

Family

A proud Mama and Papa