Oktoberfest 2011

We started this tradition FIVE years ago when were newly married and it has become one of our favorite fall events.  To be honest, we almost didn't do it this year - what, with a baby and all - but it is important to both of us that we maintain friendships and things that are important to us - like hospitality - even with Sam.  So... Chapman Oktoberfest FIVE went on. (See past years here and here.)

We had a slightly smaller crowd than usual; but, we figured out that we still had at least 35 different kinds of beer there for tasting.  As usual, we asked our guests to bring a six-pack of the most original beer they could find, sample what they wanted, and then place their vote for the BEST and WORST.  This year, Seth (you may recognize him) won with Stegmeier Pumpkin Ale and Kathryn won worst with Mad Bishop. This is her THIRD year in a row being the "loser."  She's quite proud of the title.

Sam attended about the first hour of the party, then he spent the night with his Gigi (did I ever announce that that's the name my mom decided on?) and Bear.  I admit that Jeff and I were both a little hesitant (more for our own sake, we knew he'd be in good hands); but it seemed like as good a time as any to give him his first overnight without the 'rents.  He did AWESOME and was probably glad to escape our crowded house.  Mom and Dad survived too and even slept uninterrupted until 9AM.

Overall, the party was a success; BUT, Jeff and I agreed that it had a different feel this year.  We're older - all of us.  And, if we're really being honest, our relationships are different than they were five years ago, or even one.  I can't really explain it, because it isn't an obvious change really, but it is there.  In some ways it felt like were "catching up" with people that we used to know everything about.  Does that make sense?

That change is hard for me sometimes; but, when we talked about it; we realized that there really is no other choice. We are in a new season now.  I'm SO thankful for the seasons that have come before it - the ones where we were out with friends every.single.night etc. - but they couldn't have stayed the same.  If they did, we wouldn't have Sam.  We wouldn't know the joy of lazy Friday nights at home eating chili and watching movies.  We couldn't sustain both lifestyles forever. 

None of this is to say we don't value our friends - I'm a HUGE advocate for not giving them up just because your life changes - but I think there is something to be said for accepting change as it comes.  I've tried, and it's too hard to fight it.  I'm grateful that our community of friends and family have really loved us where we are and gone on this journey WITH us over the past years.  It's neat to have friends that know you in many different stages - but again, change is always hard.

What do you think about this?  How have you all balanced having a baby with having friends in different seasons of life?

Anyway, I'm getting a bit too deep for a post on a beer party. You get the idea.

Until #6...