party under the big top

After having so much fun at the circus in Vermont with Grandma Sally, Owen asked for a circus themed birthday. His original vision seemed daunting to pull off- he wanted to put on circus acts for his class mates- he and Laurel spent the next few weeks coming up with some circus acts. One involves him wearing a mesh box on his head. Another involves him balancing on his plastic giraffe. The last, named "old man beard walking" has him walking with a cane and him falling over.

Richard was confident that we would have a successful party, but to be sure, we hired an actual performer to keep the party moving- the Amazing Spaghetti, Dan Freed, a local magician and child entertainer. Owen invited his whole pre-k class, plus his usual playmates outside of school, and we had a great turnout.

The Amazing Spaghetti started with a magic show and included Owen in several of his tricks. Owen was a surprisingly willing participant- he made crayons disappear, made a coloring book fill with colors, and did some scarf tricks. The kids were a great audience and laughed the entire time. Then Dan pulled out a huge parachute, and we all played with it in the front yard. Dan moved on to balloon animals for all the kids, then drawings of Owen and Ben. He also kicked off the freestyle show- Owen and the rest of the kids performing for each other. Owen did all of his tricks, Laurel as well. Everyone seemed to have a great time.

We enjoyed clown cupcakes, present opening, and turns with the train set. The Muhly's and Delos-Reyes' stayed for dinner and for some sprinkler time and more kid shows.

Owen had a wonderful 5th birthday party- one I think we will all remember.

Many photos courtesy of Uncle Todd Muhly.

owen at 5

Growing like a weed, Owen just passed 4' and weighs 52 pounds. His hair grows fast too- a blond and curly mop that we tame with trimmers usually not as frequently as we should. Owen's strong enough to power his bike up the driveway, and cautious enough not to ride it into the street. His favorite things are his dad, his bubba and blankie, and his Playmobile toys. He loves being a big brother, but still learning all the implications- like sharing toys and attention. He continues to ask us questions rapid fire- eager to learn everything and will remember everything he's been told. He follows his dad's preference for non-fiction- typically books about planes or outer space and rockets- but will still crack up at a good Poppleton story. He loves flying and traveling, both for the journey as well as to see his grandparents. He and Laurel have become fast friends- we feel so lucky to have a cousin living so close. He's cautiously optimistic about starting Kindergarten in September. We know he will thrive!

the big five

Owen turned five on Tuesday. We had a really special day together, taking a day off of pre-K to have fun at home. Dad came at lunch and we opened his birthday gifts. He was thrilled with all the new loot and the day flew by playing with everything. The Muhly's joined us for the annual spaghetti and meatball birthday dinner followed by cupcakes that Owen had helped make. We are so proud of our bright and handsome 5 year old, and can't wait for the next exciting year.