House of Perpetual Celebration

No sooner had we recovered from the onslaught of Christmas/birthday/New Year's, we were hit with another round of birthdays. And the fact that there's a 10 day difference between the brothers' celebrations only adds to the heightened anticipation.

But to recap, Matthew celebrated his second birthday during a snowstorm.

Thankfully he had two older brothers on standby should he require assistance with his presents. (For the record, I think he managed it by himself).

We then spent the next ten days or so in perpetual study of time, dates, and calendars so as to be sure not to miss February 9th.

We had a joint birthday party with both sets of grandparents in town for the weekend. (Doug pointed out the similarity to the old folktale "Things Could Always be Worse" - by Sunday evening our house felt so much larger). There were games, balloons, and streamers (or "ghostly garlands of Spanish moss" according to Andrew) and some psychedelic flowers.

We finally indulged Andrew's obsession with battery-operated vehicles, and since Doug has gone back to work, Andrew has had a chance to play with it himself.

Andrew enjoyed a birthday scavenger hunt that led to a bike helmet

(I just realized he's never actually made use of it) and a trip to the store for a bike, too.

Matthew's riding toy - a tractor and wagon - did not arrive until Monday whereupon I attempted to assemble the contraption while a certain 2 year old kept stealing my screwdriver. And, not surprising, our trip outdoors was as follows: Stephen rode the tractor, Matthew wanted on the bicycle but was forced to settle for a tricycle, and Andrew read a book.

Cake? Cake? There must be cake if there is to be a birthday. Sadly this is what I was reduced to: a plastic toy and some vehicles stuck on top with enough gel left in a previously-used tube to squeeze out a "6." Nothing fancy, but I did make the ice cream cake and somehow it was all eaten and Andrew looks pleased enough.

Matthew was thrilled with his two bone-shaped Rice Krispie treats.

And since Tuesday was his actual birthday, we required a fresh round of cupcakes.

It' a good thing we don't have birthdays every week. I don't think I can take anymore.