Mattie turned 3 on September 16th. We had her birthday party with a few of her friends on September 20th. She wanted a pirate party...is anyone surprised?! Well, we went with the theme. While they waited for all the guests to arrive, each kid was given a pirate coloring/activity book to color along with coloring pages we printed of Captain Hook. We gave the kids pirate hats, eye patches, a compass and spotting scope when they arrived. As soon as all the kids were there Bubba gave Mattie a treasure map, which he drew and completed with burnt edges and a hole burned in the middle. The kids followed the map to the front yard where Bubba had buried a treasure chest, covered it with sand box sand and placed a big, black "X" on the spot so the kids could actually dig for it. Once they found it and, with help from First Mate Bubba, carried it to the back of the house, they discovered it was filled with treasure (gold coins, beads, swim goggles, slinkys and prisms--all of which ended up in the pool.) Unfortunately, I could not find my camera for the treasure hunt, but here are some pictures I was able to take.

Mattie's birthday cake made by Bubba. Watch out Ace of cakes! Bubba made this completely by himself. I was impressed.

The whole scene, complete with the treasure island. The treasure chest he made from wafers and the jewels are chocolate covered sunflower seeds.


Teag relaxing and watching all the activity.


Mattie blowing out the star candles she picked out.


Mattie LOVED the cake! Both how it looked and certainly how it tasted.


Mattie opening gifts with help from mommy. (Yes, I cut my hair shorter and I LOVE IT!)


Mattie throwing "treasure into the pool". Note the opened treasure box behind her. Bubba made that too.


Cassie, Mason, Eva and Anastasia enjoying the pool.


Mattie and Matilda on their pirate ship.


Mattie and Mason take a break from treasure hunting for a swim.


The neighbor brought Mattie over a set of airplanes for her birthday and she loved them...

...so did Mason.