American Ninja Warrior Party!

We had Nate's 9th birthday party on Saturday, at a local gym where one of the coaches holds "Ninja" classes. Fun Fact: this coach actually competed on American Ninja Warrior this summer! (One of Nate's favorite shows on NBC.) We watched Coach Casey compete on TV, and cheered him on since he was an Alabama student. Little did we know that he would be the coach at Nate's party and we could get to meet him! Nate was star-struck and it was the cutest thing ever :)

I got ANW headbands made for all the kids to wear, and was pleasantly surprised when 18 of the 20 wanted to wear them! Here they are, listening to Coach Casey give instructions....

Nate was adamant that this was an all-boys party, but I convinced him that Abby should come, as well as one of her friends (Kate from next door).

Coach Casey explained that the obstacle course would be run in two rounds. The first round was a practice one, and it didn't matter if you fell, had to start over, had questions, etc. There were 6 groups of obstacles, and each one got harder than the next. So fun to see how all the kids dealt with being challenged!

Chandler / Kate / George & Anthony

Mrs. Long Legs

"Mom, I have to jump OVER this!"

Listening to Coach Casey explain the 3rd set of obstacles

Just a *tad* bit excited!

Ninja Nate!!!

My Boy.

I love this picture for so many reasons! Both Nate & Abby's faces are priceless :)

Listening to more instructions from Coach Casey

More practice round fun!

Then it was finally time for round 2, the timed round!!! The kids were excited & nervous about this! The coaches were super strict and made the kids go back to the beginning of each set of obstacles if they fell or messed up.

After everyone completed their timed run, they had free play while Coach Casey tallied up the results. I found Nate with his (stop)watch, timing himself OVER AND OVER on this set of obstacles. He was very focused and it took all of my self-control to not break down laughing.

Group shot with Coach Casey before he announced the results.

Time to move into the party room!

Couldn't get enough of this cutie, Baby Caroline, and her scrunched up nose :)

Photo op with Coach Casey. I seriously think Nate will remember this day forever.

Coach Casey was signing autographs for a few kids, and offered to sign a shirt for Nate. He pulled an extra one he had from his car - that his cheering section wore while he competing on ANW - and gave it to Nate! He signed it and Nate was soooooo excited!!

 Not only was Nate enamored with Coach Casey, but his Aunt Lora too! She flew in from NC for a very short visit - think: 36 hours - and he enjoyed every second. Bonus: her baby belly is getting bigger and we got to love on Guppie :)

Good ole Nanny & Poppy, who haven't missed a party yet. Love them!