A Fishy Party!

Ryan had his party yesterday. He wanted a fishing party, so I did my best despite a dearth of fishing themed items at the party stores. Daddy, Mommy, and Ryan all donned our fishing attire, I baked a fish cake, we had a waterfall complete with salmon running, and various other fishing decorations in addition to the usual streamers and balloons (which were varying shades of blue like water).



We had eight kids and five adults present, and it felt a bit chaotic at times. Overall, though, it went smoothly. The kids played for a while, then we started the games. We played "Pin the Fish on the Hook," which was pretty fun to watch. We had fish all over the place, and only two even made it on to the poster!


Next we brought out a small wading pool filled with packing popcorn (all the parents took a collective breath and said something or other about us being brave). We mixed in some paper trout, blindfolded the kids and each got a turn to see how many fish they could "catch." It was much harder than it looked! I thought Abby was going to win, but she got beat out by one fish.



Lastly, we rigged up a fishing pole with a plastic hook and each child fished a treat out of a pond of goodies. Again, this was harder than it looked and a couple kids (Ryan included) ended up needing some help with it. But each child got a small toy, and they liked that a lot!


Next Ryan opened presents and somewhere in here I lost control of the party! Everyone was throwing their gifts at him and he was opening them and then it was over. I was glad we gave him our gifts earlier in the week, except for a set of Nerf guns and ammo to go with it.


Finally, we sang to Ryan and cut the cake. After cake and ice cream (and Goldfish and Gummy Worms) the kids played a bit more until parents came to get them and/or packed them up to go home.


Ryan and Abby were both overexcited all day long and were pretty hyper during the party, but they both had a good time. Ryan was blessed to have all but one of the kids he invited attend, and the other little boy is having us over tomorrow for a special birthday lunch! He got to celebrate with some new friends, current friends, and even one friend we haven't seen in quite a while. He received some neat gifts, including two Lego sets, which he is really getting into these days.


It was a success, it was fun, but I'm so glad it's all over! It took 90 minutes to put the house back together. We had to move all our living room furniture around to accommodate all our guests and the party games! I think next year we'll go back to the small intimate celebrations we usually do.

He's Six

11 days old.
Several years ago not long after we adopted Abby, we were eating at the Olive Garden and I noticed a family with two tweenage kids eyeing us periodically. They were smiling at Ryan and Abby and seeming to enjoy watching our babies. As they were leaving the mom looked at me and quietly said, "Blink and they will be this age" indicating her two children. She was smiling but I could see tears brimming in her eyes. I'm not sure why, but that one comment has remained with me. I can still see her face.


Showing his new watch and Lego kit he got today.
Today I feel like I have blinked. Ryan is six. Those years are gone and can't be retrieved, only reminisced over while turning a scrapbook page or clicking through our thousands of digital pictures. There are other memories too, ones only captured by a Mommy's heart. I treasure those mental snapshots and look forward to the new ones yet to be made. To us he is our miracle, and I love being his Mommy.


Happy Birthday, Ryan!

Being Thoughtful & Helpful

Ryan has been showing some neat signs of maturity lately. He has really been trying to be helpful, not only to me but also to his sister. He made her bed for her this morning just to be nice to her. He often will "rescue" her if looks like she's going to lose her toys because she isn't cleaning them up or if she's going to be disciplined for not putting things away, but the last couple of months I've seen him do little things to help her for no reason at all.


Last week both kids eagerly helped me get the house cleaned up before some of guests arrived for a playdate. Ryan cleaned the floor and toilet while Abigail did the sink, counter, and mirror!


Then this morning Ryan decided he was going to make my coffee for me! I took a deep breath and said, "That would be wonderful, Pumpkin." I knew he would have some difficulty with the task, but in the end he needed only a little guidance and a towel to clean up the spills. He did make my coffee (and a big mess too, but it's the heart that counts!). He even inquired about how much creamer he should put in for me. I was very blessed by his thoughtfulness.