Abigail's Pirate Party

Our eldest daughter, Abigail, celebrated her 5th birthday last month, pirate-style!

Pirate party food was in order, so I cooked up some Ocean Catch (raspberry jello & Swedish fish) and Mini Bagel Boats (mini bagels, strawberry cream cheese, Wilton pirate flag toothpicks).

We also served bags of Pirate's Booty, Sword Fruit Kabobs, and Gold Nuggets (cubed cheddar cheese).

And, of course, a pirate cake was in order!  I usually stick with cupcakes since they are simple and I am definitely not a baker, but this cake I found on Pinterest was too adorable, and it seemed rather easy to assemble.  I'm glad I tried, because it turned out great and Abigail loved the lit cannons she blew out as her friends sang her the birthday song.

We decorated pretty simply, and had empty goody bags for everyone that they filled with treasures (chocolate coins, eye patches, pirate hooks, jewels, skull necklaces) from the treasure chest after each gamed played.

Abigail's friends came dressed in their best pirate garb!

They watched the Jake and the Neverland Pirates birthday episode as everyone was being dropped off.  I found this to be a good way to keep the energy level down while kids filed in.  It also helped some of the kids that were a little unsure of being dropped off assimilate into the swing of things :)

And onto the games! The kids loved trying to keep the "cannon balls" in the air without letting them touch the ground.  

Abigail's very talented Paw-Paw read  "How I Became a Pirate" by Melinda Long.  This is such an imaginative book that I would highly recommend!  

Pirate bean bag toss was pretty easy, but became much more difficult with a pirate's hook on one's hand.

X marks the spot! Walking the plank, crawling through the tunnel, and hopping on one leg to the X brought each pirate kid to the end of the obstacle course where they received a pirate's sword.

Thank you, friends & family, for making this such a memorable birthday for our big 5-year-old!

We love you, Abigail!