Max accomplished a big goal in his reading last year. He not only read and completed The Hobbit; he LOVED it. A rare moment in our history of reading and something that needed to be celebrated with a bang. His 12th birthday, though, months away, presented a perfect time to to have a Hobbit themed party. Plus, it was far enough away that it gave me time plan.
With the help of Lucy, the wide world of the blogs, and imagination we through a most splendid Hobbiton party; with an adventure, ginger ale, some root beer and treasure!
{The Invitation Contract}
"Sorry! I don't want any adventures, thank you. Not today. Good Morning! But please come to tea-any time you like! Why not tomorrow? Good bye!"
“All the same, I should like it all plain and clear," said he obstinately, putting on his business manner (usually reserved for people who tried to borrow money off him), and doing his best to appear wise and prudent and professional and live up to Gandalf's recommendation. "Also I should like to know about risks, out-of-pocket expenses, time required and remuneration, and so forth"--by which he meant: "What am I going to get out of it ? and am I going to come back alive?”
{The Decor}
(credit for the banner goes to Jessica and Charlotte click on to either site to get the download, then use it how you like)
A map of The Shire drawn on a simple plastic table cover.
A whole $0.99 spent on a cool cover.
"Do we really have to go through [Mirkwood]?" groaned the hobbit. "Yes, you do!" said the wizard, "if you want to get to the other side. You must either go through or give up your quest. There are no safe paths in this part of the world."
Two trees made of craft butcher paper, one in the dining room and the other in the entry way, served as our version of Mirkwood
{The Feast}
"If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold [as the hobbits do], it would be a merrier world."
The huge ham, some 20 baked potatoes, mini minced meat pies and green salad weren't around long enough to take a picture. But, they added to the Hobbit style feast and was enjoyed by everyone; especially the boys LOL!
There was a lot of baking and cooking to get the meals ready for our little party. The happy faces and satisfied tummies from from the kids and the adults made it worth it.
Most especially the face of Max, our honored burglar, who kept thanking us for such a "cool party!"
{The Cake}
"And more cakes-and ale-and coffee if you don't mind,"
called the other dwarves
The web is full of examples and how-to-make your very own Hobbit Hole cake. Here are just a few for your own quick reference
{The Adventure}
"We are plain quiet folk, and I have no use for adventures.
Nasty, disturbing, and uncomfortable things."
The boys were asked to bring their own ponies bikes to the party. Earlier in the day The Lineman and Lucy took a treasure box filled with jewels and gold (lots of lemon heads, jaw breakers, sour balls, and gold nugget gum drops) to the hills. The treasure was hidden in Smaug's den, a crevice in the hills; the boys were then sent off on an adventure to retrieve the gold.
Of course, we sent them off with supplies since it was a part of the agreement to joining the party
:-)
At the end Smaug was slayed, via a cool looking dragon pinata, everyone scoring a nice batch of sweets treasure to enjoy.
"Never laugh at live dragons."
Happy 12th Birthday Max!
You deserved the time spent on this day!!
Totally!
"I have chosen Mr. Baggins and that ought to be enough for all of you. If I say he is a Burglar, a Burglar he is, or will be when the time comes. There is a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea of himself."
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