Birthdays

When I was in elementary school, birthday parties took place at home, or, if you were really lucky, McDonalds.  At McDonalds you could enjoy your fill of "Orange Drink" and eat all the fries you wanted.  Then you would go with your friends and play around in the claustrophobic PlayPlace tubes that were always hot and that always seemed to smell like feet.  

My, how birthdays have changed since I was young.  Christian actually went to two birthday parties this weekend.  The first was an incredibly fun Zumbatonic party that took place at The Fitness Studio.  The kids spent the majority of the time dancing and playing fun games with Kim, one of the owners of the studio.  Afterwards, they enjoyed pizza and cupcakes and everyone had a great time.  As one of the parents who chose to stay (because you're supposed to, right?  I never actually know what to do, but figured I should stay just because at some point, my awesome son will be too cool for his Mom to stay), I really enjoyed watching the kids have fun.  Kim was absolutely amazing with the kids and it was a great party.

Christian's second party was today, at a magical place called Dave and Busters.  Considering the fact that it was filled with all kinds of video games that he could play as much as he wanted, he was incredibly happy and totally in his element.  

Again, Ellee and I stayed.  I toyed with the idea of running over to the Walmart that was located next door for the two hours, but in the end figured it would be a fun place for Ellee and Mom to play too.  Ellee absolutely loved the driving games.  

 She once told me that she was excited to "grow up" so that she could drive... and take her own vitamins.  

When Ellee saw this Bling Watch in a claw game, she insisted that she needed to win it for Daddy.  Sadly, she didn't, but at least we know where to find it, if Daddy ever decides he wants one.

It was a great afternoon.  I'm so happy that my kids are building up good friendships.  Christian spent a good amount of his time running around with his buddies.  Whereas he's always spent a good majority of his time with older kids in our youth groups, it's so good for him to spend time with kids his own age.  It was fun to see him laughing and hanging out with his school friends.

Speaking of birthdays, my nephew had his birthday party this weekend.  Sadly, we couldn't be there with him to celebrate, but we did get to buy him the Angry Birds sweatshirt that he proudly wore for his Angry Birds party, so that was fun.    

Birthdays are great.  Most important though, I believe is what they represent.  Another year, another milestone of this great life that we get to live.  Life certainly should be celebrated, and it was good to be reminded of that as we celebrated this weekend.