We had Hank's birthday party on Wednesday afternoon with our neighborhood friends. It was the perfect number of kids and the perfect level of simplicity. Cake, ice cream, two homemade games, the end.
The only thing I kind of splurged on was this pirate ship cake from the store. You didn't think I made that, did you? You sweet thing! I had to have it to go with all the awesome pirate party stuff and decorations that I scooped up for 75% off at Michael's. I bought all that stuff last year sometime, intending to save it for this very occasion. It was so cheap! So, since I saved money on party goodies, I had to spend it on a cake, obviously.
This was fun: Laura made a "Pin the Feather on the Parrot" game, and carefully left a blank space on the parrot's shoulder to be the target. We had a "big kid winner" and a "little kid winner." Then the kids played a game called "Don't Eat Pete," which a wonderful local reader named Missy had brought my kids, along with a bunch of other goodies. The game is adorable and it could not be simpler, yet it manages to entertain a mixed-age group--you can download a printable board and directions here. It involves eating candy, secrets, and shouting. The Holy Trinity of party fun.
Then it was time for cake.
I think the whole affair was a great success and Hank was a gracious host. More pics are here. And it felt like I was also celebrating the end of my chemotherapy with a pirate-themed party. Which, why not? Yar!
I think the whole affair was a great success and Hank was a gracious host. More pics are here. And it felt like I was also celebrating the end of my chemotherapy with a pirate-themed party. Which, why not? Yar!
(I also took a picture during chemo, but it is lacking in cute children. Captures the scene though.)
I can't believe my little buddy Hank has been around for four years. I really love the 3's and 4's. I'm not sure I love not having a toddler anymore. I know there are remedies for that problem, but I don't think we're up to it. What I really, really want is for both of my kids to stay the exact ages that they are now.
I hope your day had a little piratey goodness.
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29 comments:
Super cute party! Also, love the nail polish that matches the sandals. That is some serious style, lady.
That is the cutest cake I've ever seen. How the heck do you cut something like that, ha. Looks like everyone had a good time. I think you had just the right number of kids for a 4 year old.
Congrats on getting through chemo. Now that wasn't so bad. Onto the radiation. Before you know it, you will be done completely. Good going.
Hank looks SO grown up in those pics! I know it's only been a couple months since I've seen him, but he looks different! Looks like a fun party...yar! That cake looks awesome--much better than my pirate cake for Nate's 3rd bday. I just baked one and stuck some Little People pirates on top. :)
Cute feet! Glad chemo is done--hallelujah!
What a day for you! I'm very impressed!
Hank and Laura are adorable and so are your feet!
Thanks for the link for the don't eat pete game -- I've downloaded it and am going to get some m&ms tomorrow!
I have loved visiting your blog -- loved the laughs and the wonderful, inspirational writing --
Holy cool pirate cake! That party looks like a blast, happy birthday little man!
And you... congrats on finishing your Chemo. Now we can chillax in NYC.
Wow, that cake is awesome! I don't even know where you'd go around here to buy such a cake.
Also, I'm surprised the chemo room looks like the popular reading room of the library, only with wigs and hats. I guess it's supposed to be more cheerful?
Ahoy Matey!
What a perfect party.
I know what you mean about these kids needing to stay the ages they are.
Such a sweet, handsome boy. Happy 4th, Hank!
That was the perfect party for Hank in theme,number of guests,games, and simplicity. He looks so happy. I want to see the fabled ZuZu-pets-in-armor in action.I remember so very well the feeling you describe of wanting to capture the time and age of Hank and Laura. It is a precious time in their lives. But then again, every age is.
Happy end of chemo!!!! Did that cake come from Publix? I miss Publix. Ralph's in no way measures up.
The pictures are wonderful. It sounds like such a fun day. I know what you mean about the kids staying the age they are now. Lindsay tells me that all the time and I remember it from when my kids were little. I agree with your mom. You really do enjoy every age(with the possible exception of the ages 16 and 17)
We look forward to seeing you. Love ya
It looks perfect, Becky. Happy birthday to Hank!!! And you my friend - happy end of chemo. Whew. xoxox
How is he FOUR??? It seems like he was born roughly 10 minutes ago. Looks like a fabulous party! And I'll just give you another WOOOOT on the end of chemo.
Happy birthday to Hank! And happy end of chemo to you. I'm very happy to hear you're done with it.
Ok, wait...is that ANOTHER new pillow on your couch? The cute striped one? You have got to be stopped--this is a sickness, you know.
No hon, that's a striped knit throw, from ikea. No worries!
I feel the same way you do...my little Emmy will be three in a month, and she's losing those chunky little toddler fat rolls on her legs! WAAAH!
Glad to hear you're done with chemo...Hurray!
Love the photos - all wonderful. Especially pirate goodies, your kids, and cute sandals. Thanks for sharing everything with us, your readers. I too miss having 4 year olds around. I really do. I don't want my kids to grow up either.
Happy birthday Hank!
So glad your chemo is over and so impressed that you can get your toes to match your shoes that closely!
Hank was born on the summer solstice. Coincidence? Don't be naive! We can only the grateful that he uses his powers for good.
Happy birthday Hank! What a fun party... and after chemo. You are Wonder Woman.
I was looking at Kira last week and thinking -- pathetically wishing, really -- exactly what you said, that I wanted so so much for her to stay four-next-month forever. Because we are done, and yet I'm not done having a toddler/preschooler in my life. I'm NOT. And yet I guess I am, almost. I grieve that.
And celebrate, for you, your last trip to see that particular view over your toes. Hugs to you, amazing Becky.
I think Cassie would go for the natural remedy if she could skip the whole being pregnant thing.
Chemo looks very spa-like. Guess you weren't kidding about that!
And super-cute pirate party! (Not to mention super-cute little pirates.) Happy belated birthday, Hank!
Very cool pirate party and I did at first give you credit for the cake, in an "oh for real? she *made* that?!" kind of way ;)
"What I really, really want is for both of my kids to stay the exact ages that they are now." . . . ah, ah so.
When you get your hands on that age-defying magic wand, please call me. I'm sitting by the phone.
Happy Birthday to The Hankster!!
Did you know that on Facebook, you can change your language settings to "Pirate"? Strange but true. Instead of the status update it's "What be troubling ye?" and instead of pushing Send, you push "Blabber t'yer Mates!"
I just found your blog (thru Ohdeedoh) and I'm really enjoying browsing around! I guess you were in CA when this cutie came around, but if you were in GA we might have been in the hospital together. My guy's party http://babblingjulie.typepad.com/babbling/2010/06/birthday-party-action.html (not the perfect level of simplicity - will have to remedie that next year!!!)
I hope you're at least half way through your fight with breast cancer. Not that you need this from some random other mom in this large city, but you go girl! You obviously have the humor and support to go the long haul.
Regards
(And I totally agree about the staying this age! So far we've been unsuccessful with having a second kid so this is all the more (?) precious. http://babblingjulie.typepad.com/babbling/2010/06/omg-hes-4-years-old.html
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