Joshua is 10!!!

We officially celebrated Joshua's birthday on Saturday.....his way!  He started the day by getting up at 5AM before anyone else - WHY?  Because he was so nervous about his FIRST 5K!  He ran in the Run from the Sun race with Ben.

Joshua loves to try anything!  He loved running in this race - he averaged around 8 minute miles.  Next year, he is going to train for it!

This is Ben being his usual self.....

Joshua did tell me afterwards, "Dad really did push me..."

We then went to Joshua & Logan's soccer game....

Ben let Joshua play forward for at least 2 quarters.....he was all over the field.  I saw him score at least 3 goals and assist on at least 2 other goals.  You would have never known he had run a 5K a few hours earlier.

We then came home to "Welcome the Athletes"  to the

2009 Birthday Olympics!

We had all the athletes "Check In" -

they gave us their "stats" and made t-shirts for the big event!

Then the "Opening Ceremonies" began.....

Our opening ceremony audience was SHOCKED and AWE-d by the amazing talent....

We introduced each athlete as they struck a pose on the platform....

Logan's Pose

Logan Stephan's Pose

Mason Knollmiller's Pose

Mason Crawford's Pose

Dallin's Pose

Let the Games Begin.....

First they had to stretch....

Joshua decided on every single one of these events.....

They did the long jump....

They did the "discus" throw....

They did a "shuttle run"...

They all ran the 1/2 mile....

They all died after the 1/2 mile....

They did a javalin throw and basketball....

All in all there were EIGHT events.....and as we waited for Coach Ben to tally all the events and scores......we opened presents and ate cake!

(Logan and Emma were so excited about the "trick" candles we put on Joshua's cake)

Another shot of the cake with all the athletes listed...

We couldn't have an olympic party without a "closing cermony" and awarding of trophies and medals....

More Awards....

Joshua had a great birthday!  He kept thanking me for "such a great party" and couldn't believe what "great presents" he got. 

We finished his great celebration with a yummy dinner at Costa Vida.....one of Joshua's favorite places and food...burritos!

We love having Joshua in our family - he is such a sweet boy with one of the biggest determined minds to do anything and everything.  He is a great example to all of his siblings (and parents) and he really is fun to have around!

Happy Birthday Joshua!