There were clues inside a few of them that were puzzle pieces to a drawing of the kitchen.

There were clues inside a few of them that were puzzle pieces to a drawing of the kitchen.

In the kitchen we stopped for cupcakes (which were supposed to look like bombs). And, of course, there was a clue underneath all the cupcakes.

The clue was a note written in mirror image. It was a letter from the suspect to his Granny (our grandma happened to show up in the middle of the party and conveniently read the note in the mirror).

Turns out we found the birthday bandit too.  The kids all guessed that it was really the double agent "Red Pickle" (alias Johnny and Daddy.) The kids thought this was so funny that they actually addressed some of his Christmas presents "to Red Pickle from Black Marshmallow". Several of the kids at the party went and drew a new sketch artist picture that accurately depicted the "Red Pickle" culprit.

We ended the party by opening presents and then we let the kids freeze dance to spy music and play "button, button" until their parents came. It was a crazy party. LOUD (one of my friends told me that her son said I had to use my "teacher voice" lots of times, which is hilarious because I totally did!!) It was so much fun though and I think the kids really got into the pretending aspect of it.

Their take home packets were full of spy gear and puzzles to do at home. My kids loved them.