Although Hunter’s birthday was still a week away, we wanted to have a little celebration for him at the house with Grandma Curly and Papa Colonel before taking our birthday/spring break trip. Ever since Hunter could read, we have written scavenger hunts for him to find his birthday presents. Each year we try to create the clues around his favorite interests. Well, like most 9 year old boys, his interests continue to expand, so we decided to try to combine all of his favorite things into one scavenger hunt.
Emily, who is the master shopper, purchased the gifts and helped wrap and organize them into different themes. I then created the clues below to help guide him through the house and hopefully generate a few laughs along the way. With all the gifts prepared and the clues printed and cut up, the last task before the scavenger hunt was to take the boys out of the house so we could hide the presents. This was Dad’s cue to take the boys to McDonald’s for a tasty and “healthy” lunch while Emily put the finishing touches on the tour. It didn’t take the excited birthday boy long to to devour his chicken nuggets, and we were on our way back to the house.
Because I got a new GoPro for my birthday, along with the chest strap, we decided this was the perfect opportunity to test it out. We rigged up the GoPro on Hunter so we could get his view of the experience, and then I captured video with my iPhone (yeah I know… nerd alert). I posted the video above so you can watch Hunter make his way around the house and uncovers his birthday gifts. I also posted the written clues below if you want to read along with Hunter. The end “gift” was a little play suitcase Emily set up with some accoutrements letting them know we would be heading to Disneyland and Arizona over spring break!
We finished off the day with a visit from Grandma Curly and Poppa Colonel and they came bearing more gifts for the lucky birthday boy. We enjoyed some delicious birthday treats and called it a day. It is hard to believe that our buddy has been with us for 9 years already. I still remember trying to figure out how to get him in the car seat on our way home from the hospital. Hunter (and Sawyer) have completely changed my life for the better and I cannot imagine our house without their amazing energy and laughter. We are truly blessed to have such great kids.
Time to start packing for California! You can read all about our trip to Disneyland and our fun adventures in California and Arizona.
Hunter’s 9th Birthday Scavenger Hunt
Your birthday journey begins
As all of your birthdays do
With a crafty scavenger hunt
and an assortment of clever clues
So let’s be on our way
and begin your birthday fun
your first gift awaits you
Where we keep our fart (I mean dart) guns
–
Just like Stuart, Kevin and Bob
and their fearless leader Gru
They love to dream up creations
Very much like you
Whether it’s LEGOs, sticks, or tape
That comprise your latest invention
You will need some help from Gandalf
Next to the LEGO Dimensions
–
To make it to Cloud Cuckoo Land
You will need to have a plan
And be sure to travel in a group
with Wildstyle and Batman
Even though she’s not a DJ
She loves her awesome tunes
which is where you will find your next surprise
Near the six string in your room
–
There is nothing like the sound
when you set the six string free
As displayed by Mr. Marty McFly
At the Enchantment Under the Sea
With Biff out of the picture
Marty played Johnny B. Goode
So rock your way to your next clue
To the pink stool made of wood
–
Unless you have a DeLorean
to travel through history
You might need to bring the past
To an island in the sea
If Jurassic World is what you seek
Be sure to contact Owen
And bring some Jurassic snacks
Near the next gift you have to open
–
If you hear a lowly grumble
it might not be your tummy
It just might be a creeper
of a scary Minecraft Mummy
Just be sure to grab your pickaxe
and don your diamond gear
and dig your way to your next surprise
where your clothes stains disappear
–
You have built your Ender Portals
And yet you still keep trying
To beat the Ender Dragon
And to look for Herobrine
Minecraft is clearly your new love
with so many things to create
So take your minecart to your next gift
By to swimming pool baby gate
–
Let’s not forget your love of snakes
and lizards and all reptiles
Capturing them for hours
and bringing so many smiles
You have been a nature lover
every day since you could walk
So enjoy these next surprises
near a board you write on with chalk
–
You have reached your last clue
9 clues for 9 great years
I hope you can read all the words
while fighting back the tears
You and Sawyer are like Buzz and Woody
Best friends through thick and thin
So take his hand to your last gifts
Near the bandaids for your skin
–
Just when you thought it was over
that your scavenger hunt was through
We thought that we would surprise you
With one last final clue
You might be wondering why we’re celebrating
Your birthday so early this year
All your questions will be answered
Where our guests look in the mirror