Four-Alarm Celebration

Park's fourth birthday has come and gone, but we hear there are requests to see photos from his big day so we're happy to share, even though it's a month late. And frankly, we're so surprised anyone reads this blog anymore since we've been neglecting it, so thanks to those who are sticking with us and still curious to see what's happening in our lives.

Since we've been adjusting to life with a little one, we took the easy route this year and had a small family celebration at our house. We were so lucky to have all the cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents here. We were also lucky to have semi-cruddy weather turn into beautiful weather just in time for the party.

Park's birthday gift from us was something we've been wanting for years, and we hope it will got a lot of use for much, much longer. While the decision of what to get him was easy, hiding it from him until his birthday was another story. Park's interest in basketball has blossomed over the last year and he and Craig have been enjoying learning moves on the small plastic goal in our basement. We felt it was time to get something a little more realistic that wouldn't tip over when the kid dunked.

Luckily, Park bought the story that we were having a light pole installed in our driveway for a week so he could play outside at night. The morning of his birthday, he was surprised to find that the light pole was something much cooler than a light and much more fun to play with.

As for the party, we went with the four-alarm fire theme since Park is fascinated with all things "emergency." Firetrucks, emergency vehicles, firemen, policemen, you name it.

Park also likes BBQ food so it was only natural to go with Famous Dave's and have them deliver dinner in their fire truck.

Games included Pin the Tail on the Dalmatian, musical chairs, Simon Says and beat the crap out of a fire truck pinata.

It was a great day to turn four!

Good news.

I've been avoiding all of the coverage of the aftermath of the Moore tornado, because, well … I've just seen enough death and destruction lately. Today however I stumbled across a video that got my attention.

Stick with it until the 1:39 mark, you'll be glad you did.