Pirate Johnathan's Treasure Hunt

To prepare for Johnathan's pirate themed party we made several crafts. With Johnathan's help, we made a pirate hat, an eye patch, a hook, and a money pouch. With Johnathan's help, he and Jeremy built a treasure chest and made gold nuggets and gold coins.

Little did Johnathan know that this was all in preparation for his big day. On his birthday, August 31st, we went to a park that morning to play. We brought along his homemade pirate stuff, but there was more to come.



While we were playing for awhile with Grandma and Josh at the park, Grandpa and Daddy went into the woods along a trail and set up the treasure hunt for Johnathan. Then, Daddy came out of the woods with something he "found" for Johnathan: a real pirate's treasure map! Johnathan decided he better follow it and find the treasure!



Jeremy dropped our spray painted rocks, or gold nuggets, along the path in intervals to keep Johnathan on the right track. Here he is looking for another piece of gold.



Found some gold!



The gold led us to several "treasures" along the way:
1. inflatable swords (one for him and Josh)
2. a pirate belt
3. inflatable parrot that sits on your shoulder
4. a pirate do-rag

Here he is between treasure 3 and 4 showing off his gear!



Finally the gold led us to this park bench and our treasure box! Inside was the pirate costume he's wearing in this picture. (Think we're ready for Halloween?)



He had so much fun doing this. It was a complete surprise to him. Even more surprising was Grandpa hiding in the woods and jumping out hollering "Who stole my gold?!" Johnathan really thought the whole thing was real. That real pirates came and hid treasure for him in the woods. It was beyond great!



A few more pictures of Captain Pirate Johnathan.







Coming out of the woods.





It was a beautiful day to stay at the park for a picnic.





Ready to go home and nap after a fun afternoon.