Happy Birthday Owen- not so teary!

Okay, so in the last post I felt the need to share about the actual day that Owen was born and how wonderful our adoption experience was/is with his birth mother...but now I need to share about Owen's celebration! This is the incredible thing about adoption...to be able to fully experience it all in the healthiest way possible I believe you have to embrace all aspects of the journey. You have to try to understand the grief and loss that an adoptee feels, but you cannot get stuck there. If you live as a mother focusing on what any child lost, you are doing them a great disservice. But if you completely ignore what they've lost in their adoption, you are doing just as much damage. It's a balance. Life is precious, children are incredible blessings and adoption is the most miraculous way that I have seen God's presence in our lives. So this post is dedicated to celebrating our sweet 4 year old!

These first few are from his actual birthday when we went to Bounce N Craze to play. Such a treat! We've never done that before! Sadie did have fun although she doesn't look like it in that one picture!

We had Owen's party at my parents pool on Sunday. Our parties so far have only included family. We had 12 kids there just from our family, 10 of whom were 5 and under! Needless to say we had lots of entertainment. This top pic is when the boys first saw the spiderman cake. This was the first time I ever bought a cake for my kids :( yowsers! It was worth it...they LOVED it!

So here are some pictures to share. We had such a blast hanging out with everyone and enjoying the pool and new toys! Thanks to everyone for making Owen's day so special!

They make pretty cute spidermen don't you think?

Playing on his new guitar! Thanks Jackson and Savannah! This has been a huge hit with all of the kids!

This guy seems so much older than 4 to me (at least most of the time). He is so sensitive to other people and their needs. He is a wonderful older brother and I am blessed by of the way he loves to care for and look out for his siblings. He clings on everything that Blake says and does.

Owen's favorite color is blue. His favorite sport is still mostly football but he loves to do most anything outside. He's a perfectionist in most everything he does and it bothers him greatly if he can't do something like he thinks he should. He hardly plays with toys, but loves books that aren't too long. He loves school once he gets there, but seriously loves "family days" where we just hang out and play together. I could go on and on about this child of God and how he makes my heart mush when he whispers, "I love you" in my ear.

And from dinner lastnight!

The kids enjoying Owen's new sand and water table. I love things that can entertain several kids at once and those of different ages. Thanks Noonie and Papa for the table!