Captain Jack turns 7!

 
Captain Jack became a pirate, although officially turning 7 on April 12th; asking to change his birth date ever since figuring out students will depart on the 10th!

But arrgh! they were here to help, as was Jack, who has more recently been asking to help cook, something Michael's been doing before turning 2.

 Carolyn & the boys lugged boxes home on the bus and scooters, forging ahead with an American-scale party in Europe.

Those innocent black balls really smarted, apparently; we had a few tears, including the birthday boy, who got really kicked and began limping in wooden leg fashion. Next morning's giant bruise told all.

The weather cooperated, as the area's magnolias, quince, forsythia, and daffodils exploded.

Making picture frames. Getting a tattoo.

Then off to more pressing matters...

Treasure hunt. We decided bilingual parties are more chaotic, as well as older siblings - who can read fast - having unfair advantages. We needed to prepare Jack better, as the birthday boy couldn't connect birthday with losing every contest! 

Games, like swabbing the deck - indoor hockey - were high energy hits, but nothing quite like pelting one another with cannon!

Jack recovered by cake time, which were graced by Swiss pyrotechnics and singing Happy Birthday in French, English, & German (the first foreign language introduced).

 

 A dense chocolate pound cake with vanilla buttercream, covered with chocolate shavings and edible decor.

The world of glamorous cupcakes is slowly making its way to Europe via cable TV, although generally bigger in the UK. BTW, ebayUK is the way to go for cheap cake toppers!

 The Pirates of the Caribbean went global, making striped jerseys & bandanas a common party reference.

 
Aargh!!!