The Birthday Boy

December 4th is a big day in our household.  It's Alex's birthday!  It's the day mine and Andy's life changed, forever.  This year was especially special because he was turning five and it was the last year before going to school.  So, I took a personal day to spend just with him.  Then, the boys' daycare (Sarah) asked if everyone would be willing/wanting to go on a field trip to see the play, "Llama, Llama Holiday Drama" at Stages Theater in Hopkins.  The New Prague ECFE was taking a field trip, so we would be riding the bus too!  Who can pass up such an excellent opportunity?  Sarah bought the tickets for the kids as a special treat too!  How sweet is she?  

Who knew the day of the field trip it would be snowing like crazy and freezing?  It didn't stop us though.  We loaded the bus at 8:30 in the morning and were up there to watch the play.  Alex loves going to Stages and I love seeing the magic through his eyes.  Aiden; however, doesn't see the magic yet.  He watched for a good portion of the beginning and then got a bit load and restless.  I walked out into the hall with him for a bit before he was ready to come back in and see the end.  It was a great play and such a great time of year to get in the mood for Christmas!  

After the play was over, the whole group found a room to eat in at Stages.  Sarah packed lunchables and treats for the kids, which they were joyful about as well.  We grabbed a quick group picture before hopping on the bus back home. 

Andy and I have talked about and decided that Alex wasn't going to have a "friend" birthday party until he is in school.  Just makes sense for us.  But, he really wanted to invite one friend.  We talked about and decided we were okay with that.  He invited his friend, Carter, to come to dinner with us at Chuck-E Cheese.  Yes, of all places, but he's a kid!  After a quick nap at home, we turned around to pick up Carter and head up to Edina in the snow for my kid's birthday.  If you were smart, the roads were completely safe and the kids just watched a movie on the way up anyway. 

Andy met us at the completely empty Chuck-E Cheese for some pizza, presents and play time.  We were literally the only ones there, which was an added bonus.  They were running around playing on the games, collecting tickets, meeting Chuck-E, dancing with his band and having a great time.  The employee even let the two older boys go in the ticket chute where the tickets flew all around and they grabbed as many as they could.  Carter and Alex thought this was such a "big kid" thing to do and were thrilled with the opportunity.  

After a little while at Chuck-E Cheese we headed next door to Cherry Berry.  We had never been there before, but Alex loves ice cream and choosing his own toppings.  It was a great experience and because of the snow they gave us 50% off!  Who doesn't love a great deal?

It was such a wonderful day to celebrate my little guy.  He was exhausted and fell asleep immediately when we got home...only to be awoken in pain at 11 pm.  After talking with the nurse over the phone who instructed us to give him two medications off and on over the next 24 hours and to numb his ear by putting olive oil in it every so often, we decided to take him into Urgent Care.  He had a double ear infection.  Our fridge is now stocked with three bottles of Amoxicilian since Aiden wouldn't let Alex have all the fun.  

Happy Birthday, little guy!