Calling All Explorers!

Henry's 4th Birthday Party- A Jungle Expedition

This was my favorite birthday party yet! Have I mentioned I love having boys? Snakes, frogs, crocs and tigers...it just doesn't get any better than that. Once again, this party was completely inspired by my little Henry. He is always full of ideas (most of which, these days, center around rainforest animals and animal rescuers. The later is heavily influenced by the cartoon Go, Deigo, Go! ) and with a little help from Family Fun I think we brought this idea to life.  Come deep into the jungle with us and explore Henry's 4th birthday party!

The Invitation

The Explorers! Once they decorated their hats with plastic bugs and picked a scarf, they were ready for their first adventure...

Rescuing Rainforest creatures frozen in ice.

They were very determined explorers. Popsicle sticks, pipettes and a little warm water was all it took...

 to get the job done!

 Next up, The Call of the Wild Obstacle Course. An animal sound (such as, the roar of a lion) was played from the i pad, the explorers had to listen carefully to identify what jungle animal was in trouble then race through a number of obstacles to find that animal. Once the animal was found, they had to return through the obstacle course and bring it safely to the animal rescue center (tent). Some of the obstacles included: a piranha pond, poisonous vines, spider webs,

quicksand,

a bat cave,

and a crocodile-filled swamp. Don't step in the water Henry! 

We then traveled into the deepest, darkest part of the jungle to help the mama snake find her lost baby snakes. Check out our Snake Hunt!

All explorers were equipped with a flashlight.

They searched high and low.

Next up, the Frog Toss. The goal was to throw your sticky frog on a leaf . The higher it stuck, the better.

Present Time...

 Cake Time...

These young explorers were very deserving of a little cake and ice cream. Good work guys!

The last and final mission...a treasure hunt. Binoculars were a must for this task. Explorers were required to follow the map carefully in order to locate all of the animals hidden throughout the house which eventually lead them to the treasure.

If you are like me you might get confused by the Tapir and Giant Anteater. Thank goodness we had Henry to keep us all straight.

X marks the spot! The treat bags are the best part of any party, right explorers?

A good time was had by all, even our very youngest of explorers.

A few more pics before it all gets taken down...

Mr. Crocodile Cake

                                            Thanks everyone for coming the our party!

Jake and Henry

Owen, Nolan, Jake, Henry and Van

Nolan, Owen and Henry

Love you, my little Explorer! Happy 4th Birthday! Thanks to everyone for helping me make this happen.  To Mom for twisting the vines, topping off the decor and forever and always coming to my aid. (Even for a stick of butter while the kids are sleeping so I can make the cake). To my Mother-in-law for being willing to come help keep things flowing and under control (even when it means getting a new plate of ice cream without cake crumbs, whatever it takes to keep our explorers happy right?). And to my dear old Dad who came to the rescue with his trusty camera and captured the whole memorable occasion. Priceless Dad, I am so so grateful.