Wow, five years old. We can hardly believe it! If anyone had told us four years ago that we would have seen this day come it would have been hard to imagine, given the information we had available.
In the past five years Max has taught us innumerable lessons. We have learned doctors don't have all the answers. We have learned what true hope is. We have learned what faith in action looks like. We have learned to live in the present, because tomorrow holds no guarantees. It seems that everyday holds a lesson, if you just take the time to listen. A few months ago a lesson was learned during a typical Occupational Therapy session. Max's arms were getting stretched and he really doesn't like that. We could tell that Max was whispering to himself. I bent down to hear what he was saying and this is what I heard, "try to be brave, try to be brave." Since that day whenever it has been a little tougher around the High house than usual I remember to "try to be brave," after all if my 5 year old can do it...so can I.
He has also taught us that joy is in the simple things, or not so simple when planning a child's brithday party. I will be the first to admit that kid's birthday parties are not my strong suit, especially since most of them are surrounded around themes that include physical activity. I can't count the number of parties we go to where Max gets to watch the kids play the whole time. So when it came time for figuring out what to do for Max's party I was kind of at a loss. That is until I discovered the reptile guy (not so much discovered as heard about him from another spouse in the squadron). Max was so excited about his party yesterday. He woke up wanting to go right then. I had to tell him it was still 7 hours away and he informed me that an hour was a really long time. Luckily, Nana and Papa were here to play and we got to Skype with Grandma and Grandpa High, so he could open his presents from them. The rest of the time before the party was filled with garbage...literally. Grandma and Grandpa got him a huge garbage truck and some books about garbage trucks and movies about garbage trucks. Let's just say we learned quite a lot about garbage yesterday.
Max had a blast at his party and I think the reptiles were a hit with kids and adults alike. In addition Nurse Nancy was on hand to give all the kiddos balloon mermaids and monkeys. Below are some, okay, a lot of party pictures...
This is Max walking with his buddy, Hunter. He wanted them to hold hands, collective ahhhhhh.
Max with a hissing cockroach, yuck!
Leopard Gecko
Okay, this was funny. Tim (the reptile guy) just let the tarantula roam around his body while he pulled out more animals. The kids were going crazy.
Feeding a tortoise...
You'll notice you don't see Aaron or me near Max at all...this is why.
Fun with an iguana...
Ummm, yeah, so this is the other reason Aaron and I are no where to be found. This was one of his "snakes in training," even Max was a little hesitant.
Something else you would never find me doing, but my Busia had no problem, can anyone say Christmas card picture...
The kids really enjoyed petting the alligator.
Now this is a group picture!
Even my Uncle Tim and Cousin Briana couldn't resist.
Cupcake Extravaganza, unfortunately it was to windy to light the candles.
Thanks so much to all of those who came out to celebrate Max's birthday. Especially to our family who continues to support us by driving two and a half hours to attend a child's birthday party (anyone recall a massive trek to Charleston 2 years ago :).
Hope you have enjoyed this taste of reptile mania!
Peace!
Love all the pictures Traci. The party was lots of fun!! Robin
Posted by: Robin | November 14, 2011 at 11:42 PM
Happy, Happy Birthday Max!!!
We are so proud of you!!!
Posted by: Rachelle | November 16, 2011 at 02:00 PM