Olympic Games Birthday Party

Caedens 6th Birthday Olympics.

let the games begin

balloons filled the trampoline Event #1: water balloon toss

Event #2: Relay race. Mike and Caeden went first. Notice Mike is under the Tramp and C isn't, thats because my son cheated and skipped the second trampoline crawl.

Event #3: Sack Race. I love his face in this picture. Sheer delight and determination.

Event #4: Pin the medal on the athlete

I found printable medals online, and cut them out to "pin" on the photo of Caeden. The blind fold was an american flag handkerchief.

We also printed out gold medals and strung them on ribbon. The winner of each game, got another medal strung on the ribbon around their neck. The child with the most medals took home a huge bag of skittles.

Gift time and more trampoline time ( after all the balloons popped).

Caeden's is in the middle doing a front flip.

Dessert was vanilla cake decorated with skittles, served with ice cream of course.

Thankfully Michael's had all their 4th of July decor already on display in the store. So we had Red White and Blue plates and napkins.

The party favors were 1) glow bracelets, 2) butter mints in american flag wrapping, and 3) a pkg of water balloons. Caeden wanted glow bracelets because when strung together they look like the Olympic Rings.

We also made Score cards, but they were more for decoration since no one used them. they were glued onto straws and placed in a vase.

I enjoyed every part of the preparation for this party and am so glad that Caeden enjoyed his party.

Such a fun day!

Happy 6th birthday

Caeden, My specials,

You have been ours for 6 years. We have watched you grow from a fun loving baby, to a wide-smiled toddler pushing your tonka truck across the floor at lightning speed, to a preschooler who loved to ride a bike, to now, a 6 yr old little man who loves life with a passion, has an intensity for learning, and demonstrates wisdom about life. You are thoughtful, affectionate, a kind friend to all, confident, observant, determined, conscientious, and you have a big knack for making us laugh. Mom and Dad are incredibly proud of who you are. We would like to ask that you slow your growing because just when we get used to your age, you add another year.

While you were five you learned to read and learned to swim.

Currently you really enjoy art, running, playing games with the family, riding bikes, playing with your friends, watching movies, building Legos, and reading books.

The verse I am praying for you and O is from Isaiah 44:3-5,

"I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They shall spring up among the grass like willows by flowing streams. This one will say, 'I am the Lord's,' another will call on the name of Jacob, and another will write on his hand, 'The Lord's,' and name himself by the name of Israel."

Can't wait to see what you learn during your 6th year of life, buddy.

We love you immensely,

Mom and Dad

Gimme a break

Sun & Sand, Friends & Frolic, Rest & Relaxation

Our trip to San Diego was wonderful. We had been so caught up in our weekly schedule that taking time to just be together with no agenda was incredible. I wonder at what point our kids will be "too old" to enjoy hanging out with their mom and dad. Hopefully not too soon, because I love how we all enjoy each other's company. We bathed on the beaches, cooked out with old College friends, drove, spent quality time with each other, shopped, ate, drove, laughed, engaged in deep conversations, toured an enormous Naval ship, drove, exercised, watched our kids play with new friends, and drove some more.

San Diego has been one of my favorite places on earth ever since I lived there about 13 years ago. There is so much appeal to this big city with perfect weather, delicious food & gorgeous beaches. Our visit however, made me thankful for our simple life in our new hometown. We don't have to fight traffic and busy places. Plus we eat at home more and spend less money. So thankful that God places us exactly where we need to be. It's easy to get caught up in my own material wants and desires. This week leaves me pondering about what I truly desire out of life. To be honest, it's hard for me to give a specific answer. In a recent sermon podcast, Tim Keller said, "If we seek happiness over righteousness we get neither, but if we seek righteousness over happiness, we will get both." May I live each day with the utmost intention to honor my husband, shepherd my children, love my neighbor as myself, and glorify my God, so that my life won't be wasted.

It's always good to go away, but even greater to come back home.