Emerson's Pirate Party!

Emerson would only wear this hat for about 3 seconds.

For Emerson's first birthday, since this is really one of the few times where we don't have to get his input for the theme, we (well, let's be honest, I) chose to have a pirate party!

For one, I love pirates, as anyone who knows me well knows! I have had a life-size Jack Sparrow for years. We also have so many pirate-themed decorations that this party didn't require anything new, really.

Thank heavens for Amazon, though, since we have so little time to shop, I could just order all the plates and utensils online! I also asked for our wonderful family to help with the potluck lunch sides, however, I will share that my choice to grill was not a great one. Next year's party, I am ordering pre-made sandwiches or something that doesn't require manual labor in the middle of a party. There is enough to do with watching a bunch of children run wild.

Here are the photos and with them some explanations of the details of the party!

We had this cake and the cookies specially made! Love how they turned out!

Kyle carved this pirate ship out of the watermelon because I am still obsessed with watermelon, a year after pregnancy.

Thank you Kinkos for professionally printing this banner for me at 11:30 the night before the party.

The gifts for the guests were pirate accessories! Eye patches, hats, swords, and bandanas!

Thank heaven for the Halloween decoration collection we have!

One of the activities for the kids

The kids got to take home their "loot" in these little skulls for Target's Dollar Spot.

Guests followed the dotted line to the X

And the Jolly Roger flew out front

Jack greeted all at the door

We got this sand and buried a bunch of treasure. The kids had a BLAST with it! It was a total mess, but worth it.

Cousin Dylan made it all the way from San Diego for the party

Tattoos!

Family portrait!

One more of the cake!

Blowing out the candle!

And ready for some sugar!

Thank you, Jo, for taking these awesome action shots!

Emerson's loot!

Marin drew Emerson this adorable picture of a pirate ship! And Emerson LOVES his cars!

That big present held a Radio Flyer Wagon!!!

Mila and Tegan were such big helpers!!!

Later that night we opened the rest of the gifts! Emerson got classic blocks from the Bucherts.

And this fun lion "car"!

Nothing beats hugs from "Tiny", Emerson's new best friend!

Puzzles from Aunt Shannon, Cousin Dylan, and Grandad Davis

Emerson's first pirate ship from Grammy and Grandpa Jensen!

More blocks from Uncle Casey, Aunt Karen, and Cousins Jack and Lucy!

And mom and dad got me this singing pirate ship rocker! I love it, despite the half-amused look on my face here.
I also ordered this outfit from Etsy so that the suspenders and bow tie continued the pirate theme!