Celebrating Seven

It's hard to believe that we're already celebrating Oliver turning seven.

Oliver wanted one thing for his birthday, a new bike with gears.

We shopped high and low and finally found one that met his hopes and dreams.

Since he wanted a cool new bike for his birthday, it was only natural to have a bike riding birthday party.  The logistics made us a bit nervous, but we put as much in place as we could and then hoped for the best.

Not to leave all events to chance, Keith laid out a few rules of the road.

Fourteen kids were saddled up, lined up and ready to roll.

We recruited three parents to help us and broke the kids up onto four teams.  During the break up process, two opted out as they weren't as confident in their biking skills.  Never to fear, Keith, two other parents, Kellan and Cole were wheeling snacks and footballs to the park.  They now had two additional helpers while Oliver and many of his friends road the trails of the hood.

As we approached the park, we saw our crowd of parents and kid helpers ready for a snack break.

Nothing quenches a kids thirst like Gatorade.

Nothing gives them a bright mustache like it either.

Oliver had made his first batch of Rice Krispey treats ever.  These treats were special for his party and he was excited to try them out.

From the top of the park, we could see the kids taking full reign of the huge grassy field.

It was a gorgeous October day and the parents enjoyed the blue skies and open part as well.

Oliver was super excited to have his long time friend Charlie at his party.  I say this every time but Oliver and Charlie have been friends since they were itty bitty at Primrose.  It's fun that when they get together it's as if they still spend every day together.

The boys played a great game of football.

Or, chase the Daddy with the football.  Whichever sounded better at the time.

Kellan and Cole enjoyed the Gatorade just as much as the big kids.

It was time to head home and we had time for one final play on the field.

Run, Oliver, Run!

Once it was time to go, we saddled up on our bikes and headed out.

Back at the Ham Fam House, it was make-your-own pizza for everyone.

Pizza made, time to toss it on the grill.

As the pizza's started the grill, the wind blew and the rain sprinkled down.

Fortunately for us, 14 kids don't mind a picnic on the entry way tile.

Finally... the time that all of the kids had been asking for... CAKE!

Oliver may have wanted a bike birthday, but he wanted a Lego cake.

Once again, Das Meyer came through with a master piece.

This cake was so huge that we may be eating it for a year!

Happy Birthday, Oliver!

Seven looks Spectacular on You!

Our lovely neighbor, Samantha and her crazy blue teeth.

If the tile was good enough for a pizza party, it's great for a cake party too!

Kellan wasn't willing to let the cake out of his sight, so he took Oliver his seat at the table.

After most everyone had left, we had a few very welcome stragglers.  Owen and Charlie stayed behind to work on their Lego party favors with Oliver.  It was like a reunion from a meeting that started nearly seven years prior.  It was great to see these boys playing together again.

Charlie, Oliver and Owen

With only a few lingering guests, Oliver was busting at the seams to open his gifts.  So... open gifts he did.

Owen, Oliver and his new Lego Creator.

Samantha, Oliver, Kaitlyn and his new Lego Chimas.

THANKS to everyone for the awesome gifts for Oliver and most importantly, thanks for helping our boys ring in seven spectacular years!

We love you Oliver and we are so very proud of you.  We know that Seven is going to be a BIG year for you!!  We can't wait to see where it takes you.