A Pirate and Princess Party was a Memorable Birthday

With three kids whose birthdays fall in a three-week range (July 12, July 22 and August 3), holding one birthday party - and only one - has become the tradition in our family.

A few years ago when my kids were turning seven, five and three I decided to throw a special party for them and some of their friends.

Since I have one boy and two girls, I had to choose a theme that would be pleasing to all so I chose a Pirate and Princess Party for them.

They were thrilled!

Since I was on a tight budget, decorations and activities had to be inexpensive or homemade. We chose a mixture of both.

I created pirate hats out of poster board for the boys and tiaras cut out of poster board and spray painted with silver paint. When the guests arrived, the kids were allowed time to decorate their pirate hat or tiara to wear for the party.

The guests were also encouraged to dress up like a pirate or a princess.

Using a brown paper grocery sack, construction paper, cardboard and paint I made a pirate's treasure chest, filled it with candy and goodies then hung it from the swingset as a pinata.

The kids loved beating on it until the loot fell out!

The kids then enjoyed running all over our yard playing and having fun while the grown ups sat around to visit.

It's been almost five years since our Pirate and Princess Party, but the kids still talk about it and remember it fondly. I think it's at the top of the list of their favorite birthday celebrations!