Ahoy! Ma Hearties.

Ahoy - me hearties! Cap'n Romeo and his trusty crew (Talon and Dogger) are sailing into port. Calling all land lubbers to enjoy some swash-buckling fun aboard their pirate ship! What fun we have had this week dressing up as pirates and role-playing in the boys pirate ship. (from cotton on kids) Our week of pirate play came about after a visit to the library where Master 2 yells at the top of his voice "Ahoy Me Hearties Book Mama!" Shiver me timbers! This be as fine a book as I've seen in many a year. Master 4 and Master 2 love this book almost as much as I do. The story is witty, arch enough for a grown-up, but simple enough for children from 3-30 to love. And the gorgeous illustrations - taking Pirate Pete and his harried parrot from Candy Island to Dragon Island, to the treasure bearing Mermaid Island are an utter delight. This is a rarity in children's books - a tale that is as fun for adults as it is for kids, and one which stands the test of multiple (often nightly) readings. Arrr! Bring this book alive and your little one will have so much fun letting his imagination run wild!

Outdoor Fun:

Set up a hammock if possible.

• make an awning from some calico or an old sheet. Tie each corner to four sturdy poles and make guy ropes to keep the poles vertical. (Use tent poles and guys if you already have them.) Put down some blankets and cushions and have a swask-buckling pirate story-telling session!

Craft Fun:

• Master 2 had great fun painting a treasure box with six different glitter paints. When the box was dry I gave him a sheet of pirate stickers which he sat and peeled off to decorate with.

Afternoon tea:

Fruit & Veggie Pirates
Makes 2

Ingredients
2 rice cakes
1 tbs spreadable cream cheese
2 slices cucumber
2 Uncle Toby's Cheerios
4 currants
1 fresh date remove
4 fresh chives
1/2 tsp poppy seeds
2 slices red capsicum 4 large slices red apple
4 smaller slices red apple

If you have a real pirate lover in your house be sure to check out this link which has lots of ideas and suggestions of the best pirate toys for boys. The pirate toys featured range from being suitable for boys from as young as 3 and 4 years old up until 8 or 9 years old. http://www.squidoo.com/pirate-toys-for-boys