Ramp it up!

For the big birthday party this year, we rented out an indoor bike riding/skate park. Rhys and Claudia had enjoyed going there for the little kids riding time, and Rhys was excited to introduce his friends to it.

The 18 kids climbed, raced, and traveled in a boy pack + Claudia across this amazing, yet dirty, ramp creation. The other girls (little sisters) rode bikes and scooters - but weren't throwing their bodies over these walls like our girl.

A great time was had by all - except for the splinters (yes there were four!), ripped pants (at least 3), and  tears (ummm…I lost count?!). Geez - whose idea was this anyway?

At least the sweets helped and the hot pizza and juice boxes and candy….!

But maybe next year, we should try mini golf…or art classes. :)

But then it wouldn't be quite as an exciting of a story to tell. Happy Birthday and Love to Rhys!

Six Years Old, Yesterday

Happy Birthday to our dear Rhys, our child who is full of life's passions.

Five was a big year -- he tried "rock" school, navigated the preschool friendship circles, and graduated from preschool in May. He got ready for Kindergarten, following a month of camp for soon-to-be Kindergartners. He swam, swam, swam this past summer and even went off the first platform at the pool, multiple times.

This year he had Camp Aunt Kate, a week in Chicago and and alone trip to Nanny-ville with Mom.

Kindergarten arrived and with it the neighborhood bus. Rhys was brave and took the bus on the very first day. He has embraced Kindergarten but not all the rules. (The poor boys in the classroom - but that's another post.)

Dom and I are amazed by the process in which he he is learning to read, write and add/subtract.

Rhys enjoys putting together comic books for his friends and family. He is also quite adept at Legos now, too, "reading" the directions by himself. And, of course, he continues to love his preferred friends - running, playing spy, and trying to get time on anyone's video game consul!

He is the best friend to those he loves, and a caring big brother.

Wow - Six…1/3 of his time living at home (well, maybe) is over! The next six years will be a whole new journey of learning, for him and for us.

And I miss the day he was born…if I could back in time to that day, I would, just to experience it all again.

We love you Rhys - forever, and ever, and ever………

Yes!

From LeapPads to art supplies and everything in between - it was a very good Christmas for the Oldham children. Despite threats that Xavier the elf would tell Santa not-so-good news, the Jolly Old Elf delivered.

Following a day of play with neighborhood friends on new scooters and go-carts, we prepared our Christmas Day Feast for Uncles Matthew and Mark, and Granny.

Today the walkie talkie and other spy gear is in full force (at 8 am) as we contemplate what do to today -- besides prepare for the big birthday.

Six years of parenthood to celebrate tomorrow -- oh, and six years of awesome Rhys-ness!

The Best Pageant Ever 2013

Rhys volunteered to be an angel in this year's pageant - a very cool decision, and not one embraced by any other little boy. I say they can keep their bathrobes ... who wouldn't want wings.

He rocked it...

At the last minute, little sister C wanted to be an angel too -- yes, she's another break-the-mold kind of child!  No white dress and tights and shiny black shoes for her.

But in her, you can see the wonder!

Claudia and Rhys did great - it's much more fun to be part of the action than in the audience.

(That said, we did leave during the "Peace" -- better than last year!)

It's a Holly Jolly Christmas

Kindergarten party! With little sister joining in - like the 5-year-old she thinks she is.

Part Two: Our new passion, snowboarding!

Superheroes Don't Get Hurt

Preparing for the 2024 X Games. Quote by Claudia O.

Our Family of Four

Aren't we blessed?!

This is the best we could do a for a family photo this year  - but we have some great ones in the holiday card of the children,  that will soon be flying to your door.

First Snow of 2013

Claudia and Rhys are very excited to put on snow boots and are eagerly looking forward to sledding, snowman building and snowball fights.

Too bad this snow isn't sticky!

Next time…