Wipeout Party

R turned 6 this week, which means that amongst all the busyness we had a birthday party to plan. After discussing several themes, R finally chose Wipeout.

For those of you unfamiliar with the ABC show, each episode is an hour of contestants running, flopping, fumbling and swimming through a series of gigantic obstacle courses while comedian commentators gently mock them.

The most well known component of the show is the big balls:

My kids love this show. They think it is hilarious. I kind of do too.

So the party began with everyone watching part of an episode of Wipeout, just to get in the mood. It reminded me just how grown up my boy is to listen to him and his friends guffaw and make goofy comments.

Then we went in the backyard to participate in our own Wipeout obstacle course.

It began with our own version of the "big balls." Okay, so they aren't big, and they aren't balls, but I had safety and a budget to contend with:

Then they waded through a pool where they had to "fight off" a "swarm" of "killer" octopi (read, manage to avoid 3 inflatable octopi).

Next was weaving through "cones" (plastic cups), and under the trampoline where the "contestants" had to get through the "sweeper" (T swishing a foam noodle).

After the sweeper they had to climb over a bucket and then walk along a "balance beam" (jumprope) while getting sprayed with silly string. (Those familiar with the show know that contestants are often sprayed with something messy.):

Then they had to "swim" through the "big" pool:

Jump over the hurdles...

Which sometimes also included silly string. Through another pool-

Down the slide into yet another pool:

And, lastly, down the "chute" into the "Winner's Circle."

R invited 5 friends, including his cousins B and D. They each got a practice run, then two timed runs so they could try to improve on their own time. I think the fastest anyone made it through the course was 21 seconds!

Also, it will be long time before I volunteer to inflate anything again.

Next we enjoyed an ice cream cake from Cold Stone. That smile makes it all worth it.

And, of course, opening presents. (Please note the "big ball" balloons on the birthday seat.)

R was very excited about his ultra-cool toy from his grandpa.

The party was a great success, not too long, not too short, with an excess of adults (thanks for coming DH2 and M!) for helping with the little things. We had a yard full of cute kids, my favorite little boy leading the bunch. Happy Birthday, R! I love you, you quirky, smart, little drama man.

After the party was cleaned up we let R choose a restaurant and the kids watched high-divers, fire-dancers and silk-acrobats while they ate their chicken and fries. Also, today I caught E about a microsecond before she cut her bangs off at the scalp. My kids keep me on my toes so much they're starting to bruise.

Special thanks to DH for nodding his head and saying, "Whatever you want, Dear" before, during, and after the party. He did the majority of the grunt work. And I love him for it.