A Knight's Birthday

Roo turned 5. He loves knights and the whole medieval time, so we tailored a party for his brithday. Saturday was perfect, in the 70's, weather. We decided on 'quests' for them to earn their knighthood!

First, the kids made shields. We made 'knightly' names for them like 'Sir Seth the Sixth' (this one was my favorite! ) or 'Sir Frank the Fearless' etc. and they decorated the shields.

Then, we went upstairs which was filled with balloons. 288 of 'em....soar cheeks and a dizzy head...but well worth it! I don't know how I thought that the kids would be able to ignore all the balloons and listen to intructions for their next quest. Duh! They went nuts for a while, and then they needed to try to get across the perilous balloon infested ground, dodging the balloons being lobbed at them from their fellow knights. If they made it outside and touched the dragon, they earned a tunic.

Then we went outside for them to shoot an arrow at the dragon (pinata). If they hit the dragon, they earned a sword. Again, I don't know how I thought that they would ignore the great outdoors to do the quest! Anyway, enough hit the target to get the swords.

I then put the lone maiden in our party in the soccer net, which was made into a castle (thank you Pooh and Piglet for finding tall, perfect boxes for castle posts) In theory, they would free the maiden after getting by the dragon (this time, C. Robin) the older kids did so, but the younger ones kept going after poor dragon. He later said it was like being swarmed by ants...only they had swords!

I knighted them (I dub you "Sir Xavier o' Lake" ) The kids solemnly kneeled down for the ceremony. And then they killed the Dragon (pinata) and got booty (chocolate coins).

At some point, they were thirsty so we went in for cake.

We sang, Roo blew out the candles, and the kids ate the castle cake.

My sis then read a book to the troops, which settled them a bit...or me =) Thanks A-L!

Whew!

It feels like it went that fast too! I think the kids enjoyed themselves; I know Roo did. He's been reminiscing ever since.

I figured out that the part I like best of parties is the preparing. I like remembering too,... oh and I loved watching the kids delight in the moment.

-kanga