Life is an Obstacle Course

What do you get when you take a dozen pizzas...

...put up a challenging obstacle course...

...and set a bunch of crazy kids free?

Oliver's 5th Birthday Party, of course!!

Unfortunately, we had to cancel and reschedule this party TWICE because my kids got sick and then sick again (yay!!) so when the day finally came, we had a lot to celebrate!

 The birthday boy wanted an Obstacle Course Party.  

I came up with the course and Sean pulled out all kinds of secret skills and talents to make it happen. 

He is amazing.  Really.

The possibilities are endless 

with some good old PVC pipe...

...A few tunnels we had laying around...

...some 2x4s...

 ...a zillion pool noodles from the dollar store....

...And some hay bales!!

(This party was back in June and my kids still haven't tired of playing with them! (Although I am very tired of hauling them around each time they want to rearrange...but that is for another blog :)))

(and yes, I did just use parentheses within another set of parentheses) 

And oh yes, 

One handsome husband with a big heart, a whole lotta patience and  strong muscles :) 

Here he is hauling a load of frozen treats down the street from the freezer at our friend's house to the park.  In a laundry basket.  

(I told you he was awesome! :))

I didn't know how it would all work out but you know, when you get a bunch of wonderful people together on a beautiful summer afternoon, it is hard NOT to have a great time!  

 

There is so much spunk packed into this one little girl.

I love watching her just be herself :)

After we ate, things started continued to get a little crazy....

(notice how Elliott looks up and ahead when he leaps instead of looking where he is supposed to land? This is simultaneously one of my favorite and least favorite things that he does.  It is terrifying yet it embodies who he is so perfectly- happy and free!!)

I know it was a party for Oliver, but every year that goes by is another year that we have been parents.   

Who knew so much life and learning could be jamb packed into 5 short years?

I look at this picture, taken less than an hour after Oliver's birth and I think to myself, WOW-we had no idea what we were really in for: 

the lengths that we would be stretched to, 

the weaknesses that would be revealed, 

the pleasure that we would experience, 

the deliciousness of a naked baby, 

the amazing selfishness of our human nature

the amount of fun that can be had doing "nothing" together,

the hours that would not be slept, 

the number of dishes that would need to be done, 

the strength of a toddler's who does not want to get in their car seat,

the joy in watching someone else succeed, 

the depths that one heart can love, 

the the power of a well-timed hug, a word of encouragement, a shower (alone) or a cup of coffee 

AND, 

the inexplicable confidence you have when you say it is ALL worth it.  All of it.

So, Babe- 5 years down and a lifetime to go.

I am so thankful that we get to be partners for this obstacle course!!

We love you Oliver and we are so glad we get to be your parents.  Happy Birthday!!

Thank you PhotoSoBello for documenting yet another special day for my family!