For Ethan's 9th birthday, we had an "Indiana Jones" party! To start it off, we made whips out of braided yarn and sticks. I didn't realize that 9yr olds don't really know how to braid much, so I had to have some speedy fingers.
Next, Sami started the adventure by being, "Spalko" ,from the last movie, saying that she was going to find the crytsal skull before they did!
They all geared up by getting a backpack with some bottled water and with their whips and the map, they were ready to go.
Ethan's cousin, Cameron, was dressed as "Short Round"!
First danger was the snakes and spiders on the stairs and the boulder they had to get passed. They had to not step on anything or they would be considered "dead".
Then they came across pikes laced with poison...such a dangerous mission!
Next was a waterfall they had to go though...
Lexie was there as Dr. Snider and offered them a refreshing drink. Too bad they didn't know that she slipped poison in the drinks! Luckily, Adrian was knew of a tribal doctor that has the antidote!
They had to step on the stones without getting hit by darts (Nerf gun bullets) that I shot at them. Sasha was tied to the tree as a wild animal!
Then our little "Indy's" had to use the rope to swing over the quick sand...
After they all made it, Adrian tells them of the next adventure.
They must run through a bunch of chicken wire and then jump through a ring of fire!Parker gets some good air!
Ethan really gets into it and Jacob dramatically comes to the rescue.
Finally they make it to the hut (Tent on the tramp) of the tribal doctor.
They get their antidote (an M&M candy) and a gift. Those who already had hats got this coconut bowl that Trent is holding.
Lexie was the tribal doctor. Katelyn was the only girl, so her hat was purple!
Finally, they map says they are close to the skull!
Underneath the grape vines was a skeleton holding a treasure chest with a snake on it.
After they moved the snake, they got the treasure chest! Inside was the crystal skull and some gold coins (some were chocolate coins)
Adrian divides up the treasure into their backpacks. Fun!
Group shot of all the adventurers!
Next up-Singing "Happy Birthday" to Dr. Jones...AKA Ethan.
Make a wish Ethan! The kids got to keep the mini skulls on their cupcake too.
Ethan enjoyed many wonderful gifts...we found a Indiana Jones Wii game that was not the Lego version and he loves it!
Lastly, we played "Pin the Flag on the X" game. Big suckers was the prize for all.
I think we had more fun planning this party than any other. The girls really got into character and the boys seemed to like the adventure as well! Can't wait until next year.
We enjoyed eating cucumbers from our garden and some "Veggie Straws".
The Hull's little boy cracked me up with the way he cautiously walked down the hill so he wouldn't fall...
We brought our inflatable raft, here Sami, Madi (her cousin) and Kristine go for a ride while Lexie wades out.
Ethan enjoyed practicing his bow and arrow.
Brother Lee took his raft out he made from scratch!
Later Adrian takes a turn floating along while reading a book with Austin.
At night, the older kids had fun playing a wild game of Leap Frog.
Erin almost looks like a frog!
Who's driving that crazy bus? Oh- looks like Brian!
The younger boys have fun talking about the lighting and wind storm that passed through.
The next morning we had a bunch of skits put on by different ward members!
Brother Miner recited from memory a funny mixed up rendition of "Cinderella" that was a hoot!
Adrian was called up to try and start the "lawn mower" in the end, Brother Rice gave it a try and it worked because all it needed was a bit "Jerk"!Ha ha.
Sami and Kristine try on the mustaches from our family's skit about trying to direct a play repeatedly using different voices/styles.
There was a rope swing that kept the kids entertained. Lexie braved it too!
Austin couldn't get enough.
Isn't that the cutet thing you've ever seen! Ethan's cap gun was loved by all the boys.
Then came the exciting game of water football!
There was a sand bar pretty far out into the lake and was perfect to play!
Here, Bishop Bakow took Adrian down good.
We had fun playing a few rounds of Volleyball.
Careful where you point that thing, Ethan! 
Despite the "girl drama" we had to deal with, it was a great campout!
It is so nice to be part of such a fun ward with such great friends!
