T-Ball Pictures 2014

We are having so much fun with t-ball this year!  Kyle is improving and loves 

to hit.  He's made a few really great plays, and we are so grateful for his team and coaches.  It's been such a fun season!

Easter Baskets/Easter Dinner

 Easter morning was a little crazy with trying to get everyone up and ready and to church before 9.  We did manage a few moments to open Easter baskets. 

 It's not a holiday unless someone's crying! 

 "Oh, I have an egg, too?  Maybe it's okay." 

 Chocolate for breakfast. 

Later in the evening, we got together with Grandpa and Grandma for a nice Easter dinner.  Ham, rolls, creamy potatoes, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, and pineapple, YUM!

I'm so grateful for all of my blessings and know that our Savior is the reason for this joyous season. 

Captain Ryan's Party

Ryan has been wanting a Jake party for who knows how long.....probably since last summer after Kyle's party, when he started thinking about his next birthday.

Thankfully, a pirate pirate is a piece of cake to put together.

Emmy, as always, designed an AWESOME invite:

 

I doctored them up a bit by rolling them up into old bottles, and we delivered them to Ryan's friends. 

It just so happened that Habitat for Humanity in Midland did a Tool Box Bash with a pirate theme, and Auntie Deb donated a bunch of accessories to our party stash.  That made things even easier!

Before the party, we got a few things set up.

I had a great time making the cake, and Emmy wanted to snap a picture of me decorating. 

Claire desperately wanted to help out, so we gave her the job of setting up the bandana coloring station.

The birthday boy himself!  Ahoy, Ryan!

Arrrr, Matey!

We had "Fish and Chips"  {goldfish crackers and potato chips,} "Fruit Loot" {strawberries and grapes,} "Golden Nuggets" {cheese,} "Polly's Crackers," "Cannon Ball" {cheese dip and crackers,} "Fish Bait" {gummy worms,} Pirate's Booty, and "Sand Cakes."  {I was so happy how the cake and cupcakes turned out, with brown sugar "sand," and gold coin candies.

The drinks were "Sea Water" and "Jolly Roger Punch" {Apple Juice}

I'm so glad Emmy and Eric could be here to celebrate!

Dayton was a big helper.

While everyone was arriving, the pirates got to color their own bandanas.

Then, I had them all sit at Skull Rock and play "X Marks the Spot...."  {basically pin the tail on the donkey, with a pirate map.}

Everyone did pretty well....perhaps they could see through the white blindfolds????

Next, it was time for a treasure hunt!

We gave all the pirates a treasure bag and a map.   Here's the first clue:
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Ahoy, Mateys it’s time for treasure hunt fun

So off together ye will search, hunt, and run.

Ye be ever so clever.

If ye find all the clues, you’ll discover a treasure.

Ye have no pirate jewels, or even a hat.

To find them, ye must follow the map.

First, we have a little challenge to do

to prove ye are pirate true.

To earn your first pirate ware

all must give me their very best stare

and say “Arrrgghhh! We be pirates, beware!”

#1

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Now if ye are feeling lucky,

Go to Pirate Island and climb aboard Bucky.

Once there, let me hear you shout, “Hooray!”

You’ll find something to help you see on your way.

#2

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To become a pirate, ye must now pass this test:

Remember to try your best.

Each of ye must walk the plank!

Be careful to not fall in the drank!

If ye make it through alive,

Ye will find your next prize.

#3

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Go to Turtle Beach for some buried treasure.

There you’ll find jewels for your pleasure.

It’s time to look beneath the land.

Use the hooks to dig in the sand.

#4

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If a pirate true ye be,

Sail from Crocodile Isle to Shark Reef.

When you make it through the stormy seas,

Your treasure will be something every captain needs.

#5

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Now, Mateys, you have passed all my tests,

You’re ready for real treasure, I bet.

To find the gold you seek today,

Discover the hidden island of Castaway Cay!

#6

After such a fun treasure hunt, the mateys were ready for snack time!

The great thing about this age is that they just want to play!  Instead of playing another pirate game I had planned, Captain Ryan and his mates just wanted to play out in the pirate world outside.  It was great. 

Then, it was cake time!




Captain Jack and pals sent the crew on their way. 

And, the Captain got to open more loot!

What a fun party for our little matey!