Arrgh Matey!

Chase's 5th Birthday Party!!

Chase is SO into Pirates, stemming from the VeggieTales 'The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything' movie. So we looked for the most tame pirates possible, which isn't easy. I steered his birthday party more toward a Pirate Treasure Party, to avoid as many skull and crossbones as possible.

We had his party at a local park and all the kids got these pirate bandannas when they arrived.
JuJu, as usual, was the only girl (who wasn't a baby), so she got the only pink bandanna.
Chase and his buddy Mason from preschool.

This was a "big" birthday party for us and we did that on purpose, since he was turning 5. He was allowed to invite 7 friends and 5 were able to come. That was a great number!
Chase and his buddy Colton from Church and Bible Study (and t-ball and swim lessons :).

We sent them on a treasure hunt with these maps not long after everyone had arrived. (Phil made this. Isn't he great?!)

They had a blast, studying their maps and talking about where the treasure was and what it would be.
After following the map and searching the park, they discovered a treasure box (which I didn't get a picture of). We took the treasure box back over to the playground and they opened it to discover it was filled with MORE treasure boxes! Each of these were labeled with their names and contained a telescope, eye patch, glow-in-the-dark silly bands, tattoos, glow-in-the-dark ring, stickers, skull and cross bones sweat band, etc. They loved it!

It was then cake time! Luckily it wasn't too hot outside so all the chocolate didn't melt!

I hope all your wishes come true this year sweet boy!

Braden and another picture of JuJu with food on her face! She loves birthday parties for nothing more than the cake and ice cream!

Looks like he's following in his big sister's footsteps! His buddy, Pops, fed him cake and ice cream.

Chase and his buddy and neighbor, Josh.

We were so glad that Uncle Korey and his girlfriend Tara could join us! Tara lives in Missouri and they take turns driving to see each other on the weekends.

Sweet baby boy!
The kids loved playing in the sand part of the playground and boy were they a mess when we left! But I'm pretty sure that they all had a blast and that's what matters!

Chase and his buddies Braden and Colby (brothers), checking out their gift to Chase- a truck and tractor stencil book. Chase loves to draw so this was a hit! Ryder was camera shy this day so I didn't get any pictures of him.

Is that not the cutest pirate ever? She's checking out her ring.

Happy 5th Birthday Chase! I can't wait to see what this year holds for you. You are always learning, asking questions and seeking to help others. You are a wonderful son!