Garrett loves pretending to be a superhero, and since he loves them all equally, we opted for the superhero-themed birthday party, instead of focusing on just one. We planned a superhero training camp at our house with 5 skill areas to master. The invitation was a letter marked "Confidential" complete with handler instructions and references from graduates of our Super Secret Superhero Training Facility. Not to name drop, but Superman, Spiderman and Batman all made the list. It was our first drop-off party, so we wanted to be sure to have enough activities to keep them busy. We had everyone wear their favorite superhero costume. Garrett chose Spiderman, I was a trainer, Ryan was Clark Kent, Scout started out as Batman, and my sister invented a superhero named Green Lightning and made her costume (it was awesome). We also had appearances from the Flash, C-Man, another Batman and Spiderman, Superman, and a Power Ranger. Ryan also made a playlist for Garrett of some great superhero songs to play during the party, which he loved! The five skill areas we chose were web-blasting, speed and agility, marksmanship, rescue skills and strength training. For web-blasting, we put the kids in a circle, tied white yarn around G's waist, and had him throw the ball of yarn to someone across the circle. That person then wrapped it around their waist and tossed it again. By the end, we had a nice web in the middle. For speed and agility training we divided the kids into two rows, each with a soccer ball. When the whistle blew, they had to pass the ball down the line and back, alternating between passing the ball over their heads and between their legs. For marksmanship, Ryan gets the Father of the Year award. We had planned on setting up a dartboard on the fence and letting the kids hit it with water balloons. Well, it rained the day of the party, and the heaviest of it was during this activity. So, my sweet husband stood in the pouring rain holding the target while the kids lined up at the open patio door and took their sweet time throwing the balloons until everyone got a couple of turns. Sweet Daddy! For rescue skills, we went on a group scavenger hunt to save the princess (one of Scout's dolls that I'd taped to the underside of our dining table). It involved riddles and finding clues, and the kids were really into it. Finally, for strength training, we did a pinata. Of course, it was still raining, and since we have no trees growing in our house, Ryan stood on a ladder in the living room and held the very full pinata while the kids again took their time breaking it open. Good thing Ryan has enormous muscles. At the end, all of the kids passed with flying colors and received a certificate stating their official superhero status, signed by Justice Forall and everything.
We finished with a cookie cake with sparkling candles and yummy snacks. The kids really got into all of it, and I had a super time doing it all with them. They all got along well, and worked together. Scout wasn't even mad that we'd taken her doll, but was very grateful that we'd rescued her from the bad guy. I'm really happy that we could celebrate Garrett's five years with his very super friends!
Green Lightning!
Clark Kent, Caroline and C-Man!
Starting the web
Finishing it up!
Speed and agility
Notice I'm safely behind the glass as the water splashes off the target and back into the house.
Contemplating getting Daddy instead of that target
Look how all of these kids have it out for my husband!
Finding the princess
She's safe!
Make a wish!
Show us those muscles!
His friends know him well, and he got some good presents! Thank you, everyone!
