I'm Fweeee!

Lola and Locke are now three (or "fwee" in toddler-speak) so they're now members of that not-so-exclusive club that we've read about on so many toy labels since they were born: Ages 3+. What that label doesn't tell you is that the members of this new club can not only play with a lot more toys, they can also tell you what they will and won't do, tell you what YOU will and won't do, shock you with the depth of their knowledge and understanding, make up better stories than any book we read together, make you wish you hadn't said certain things (after you hear it coming back from a 3-year-old), and surprise you with the sweetest words or kiss or hug just when you needed it most.

We celebrated their birthday with about a dozen of their friends at a veritable wonderland for toddlers. It's a showroom for a company that sells big wooden playsets for your yard with swings, slides, climbing walls, forts, tunnels, and towers, many of which cost more than our car. They also have about 4 Thomas train tables, miniature houses, and a basketball court. A good time was had by all.

Here are some pics from the party.

Happy Birthday, my loves.

A Tale of Two Parties

Lola makes her way to the guest of honor



















Locke and the birthday girl playing together at her party













The family after the vintage fire truck ride







Lola and Locke are members of a little toddler posse comprised of kids all close the same age. A couple of their friends turned two recently so we've dipped a toe into the world of kids' birthday parties.

Now I've always been skeptical of the giant parties with hired performers and invitations extended to every member of the school. But I also never realized that parents can receive such genuine pleasure from watching their kids have fun. Not that I believe you have to drop a few thousand for your kids to have fun. In fact, I still firmly believe that money and extravagance has no bearing on the pleasure of a two-year-old. And the two birthday parties we experienced are a tribute to that fact. Next year, however, may be a different story altogether.

One party was held at the gang's favorite park and playground, so they were already comfortable with their surroundings and were immediately happy to be there. There were the usual draws — the swings, slides, ladders and climbing wall. But this time there were even more toys to play with — push toys, riding toys, balls, and bubbles. Plus, there were cupcakes with Dora and Boots in a beach scene on top. What more could a two-year-old want?

In the week leading up to the party, I'd been preparing L+L for the fun time they were going to have that weekend. And each time I mentioned the party, Locke would say, "cake?" "Yes," I'd answer, "you get to eat yummy cake!" So, for 5 or 6 days, we talked about swings, slides, presents, and, most importantly, cake.

When we finally got to the party, L+L were so excited by all their friends and the push cars and the presents and balloons, that they wouldn't even try the cupcakes. They even yelled "Dora and Boots!" when they saw the decorations on them, but their appetites were just no match for the excitement.

But they obviously didn't need cake to have a good time. The party was a huge hit.

The other birthday party was held at a fire station. The kids got to climb around in real fire trucks and, after hot dogs, hamburgers and cake in the station, they went for a ride around town on top of a vintage fire truck. Now, anyone reading this who is not a parent might think, hmmm, that was probably fun. But, to those of you who have kids, you can imagine what this would mean to a toddler. It would be like a teenage boy having a birthday party at Hugh Hefner's mansion!

So, after two perfect parties, we have a better understanding of what it takes to make a birthday party special. Actually, the kids had tons of fun but I think the parents enjoyed them at least as much. Getting to see your kids laughing and squealing with their friends — now that's a party.

Happy Annivers...

Locke and Lola in a quiet moment outside








Locke looking very handsome











Lola taking a peek at the patio













The mad dash continues













Lola and Locke's 2nd birthday was only one of the reasons we were in Texas on our recent trip. The other was my parents' 50th wedding anniversary party. My sisters and I hosted a party for this momentous and, might I say, impressive occasion. We got to see friends of my parents — some of whom I hadn't seen in more years than I'd like to admit was possible. And my parents got to show off their grandbabies. Well, sort of.

The party was held in the ballroom of a hotel. And, as exciting as the mingling of a ballroom-full of older people can be, Lola and Locke found a world of excitement in rest of the hotel to be more compelling. So, the afternoon went something like this: Kelly and I would carry L+L into the party, grab some food (hoping to entice them to sit for a few minutes to eat), sit down at a table, and then, just after we'd started a conversation with someone, we'd have to excuse ourselves and run after whichever toddler we happened to be holding at the time after they slithered through our grasp, onto the floor, and darted off. Then we'd follow them to something that caught their fancy — the house phone, an inviting sofa in the lobby, or, best of all, the ice machine. After entertaining them for a little while, we'd carry them back into the ballroom in hopes that they'd find something or someone as entertaining there.

We finally managed to keep them still long enough for a few quick hellos and a few bites of cake.

I heard from several people that the party was a success. I know L+L had a great time. And so did my parents, which is all that matters.

Kelly and I were just happy it was only three hours long. In the months prior, we'd been training for a half marathon which took place a week after the party, so we were prepared to run 13 miles. But we were in no shape to keep up with two 2-year-olds for three hours. We said our goodbyes and then went home for a nap.