ohhhh ... coool take on the challenge (thanks for spurring some ideas!) I love that you've anchored all of this with the black, in the stitching, the embelli's and alpha --- plays off the photos so well. Gorgeous! They'll take their kids someday.
Oh what a fun pirates layout. I love the photos and the blocking. I love the story and all the pretty clusters and details. The bomb is the perfect finishing touch.