Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Birthday Play-By-Play

We celebrated birthday number 2 for Reid on Sunday. Actually, the party started Saturday night when we took the crazies to Rain Forest Cafe. For my AZ and So. Cal friends, that may not seem like a big deal, but they don't have them in Ohio. So for all my Ohio friends, I included a couple of pictures. This restaurant is decked out! It is seriously like you're in the midst of a rain forest. There are waterfalls, giant fish tanks, trees, jungle foliage EVERYWHERE, life-like elephants, gorillas, birds, snakes, leopards....the works. After eating there, I remember why I swore I'd never go back...the food is overpriced and under flavored. It wasn't very good, but way worth it to watch the crazies enjoying themselves. I think they thought the animals were real. And every few minutes you hear a "rainstorm" or trumpeting elephants or some kind of rain forest sound. Parker asked if the Gorilla sitting nearby was going to steal his dinner.

Rain Forest Cafe is at a 'Mills' mall. Once again, Ohioans probably don't know what I'm referring to, but it's just like any other Mills mall I've ever been to. The reason we went there was actually for the train store. Following a long tradition of two-year old boys everywhere, Reid loves trains and was having a "choo-choo" birthday party. There is a great train store there with toy train tables set up all over for kids to play with and a train the kids can actually ride on that goes around the store. The boys enjoyed that as well as a free Merry-Go-Round ride for the birthday boy.

Parker is crazy about birthdays and could hardly sleep that night...he was out of control excited for Reid's birthday. He woke up at least four times during the night. And by 4:30am we couldn't get him to go back to bed. Reid finally woke up at 5:30...thanks to his persistent brother...and he opened presents then since Park couldn't wait another minute.

We had a delicious, but poorly decorated train cake. Spencer bakes, I decorate. I always have grand ideas for cakes, but not the skills necessary to carry them out. Please don't look Betheny. (Betheny makes incredible cakes.)

We finished off the night with what we refer to as a 'pajama party.' It includes pajamas (of course), snacks, and a family movie...this time a Thomas the Tank Engine movie (starring Alec Baldwin) to fit the theme.

Most parents talk about how fast time flies. It seemed to be the opposite for me this time. I can't believe only one year has gone by since his last birthday. Reid's life has changed dramatically in the past year. Beside the normal changes a toddler goes through, he had his foot amputated, has received 2 prosthetic legs, learned to walk 3 times (once before amputation, once with a prosthetic, and once on one foot and one stump). He started nursery. He had to start sharing a room with Parker (this may sound like an everyday occurrence, but was TRAUMATIC for my children...we spent almost three months of sleepless nights and days without naps trying to make this work). Reid went from being the youngest child to the middle child and took upon him middle child personality traits almost immediately after Grayden entered our home. And most recently, he moved from Ohio to Texas. What a year, huh? It's been a life altering year for all of us, but especially for Reid. I was glad to be celebrating birthday number two. This upcoming year can't possible be as dramatic as the last.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY REID!

***If you roll your mouse over the pictures there's captions...just in case you have questions about any of the pictures...namely the one of Spencer's bum.***

13 comments:

Lauri said...

I was wondering when you were going to post his birthday pictures! Thanks for appeasing grandma! Boy oh Boy...three very cute boys. Now you need to do Spencer some justice and post some better pictures of him.

Kelly said...

Loved the cake, what are you talking about? It was adorable! I have been to a "Mills" mall in Arizona, and have only seen the RainForest Cafe- actually we went in, and looked around, but ate somewhere else- but it is an amazing place for the kids! Those pics are too cute! Reid really has had an amazing year- thank goodness you journaled it all- how could you ever remember that much?! By the way, Grayden looks so cute in the hat, and Parker, well, he is always the hit of the party! Tell Reid happy b-day for us! We miss you!

Abbey said...

I may be from OHIO but I have been to a rainforest cafe in Chicago. I am so happy that Reid had a happy number 2. It seemed just like yesterday he was having his airplane birthday party. You always come up with the most creative birthday themes. Anyway, I should go to bed I have VT tomorrow. A gutter fell off your house but someone put it back up. Dont mind my random thoughts it is 11 at night. Hope to see pictures of Spencer's new car.

Traci Elizabeth said...

Hey girlie....I ate at Rainforest Cafe once and thought the food was Disgusting!! I guess they can get away with gross food since the atmosphere is fun. Happy Birthday to Reid. I used to think that Gray looked so much like Parker, but now he has his own cute look!

Jessica said...

Happy Birthday Reid!! It looks like you guys had a great time. You are right about the RainForest Cafe but it is fun to take kids. Your boys are the cutest.

Heidi said...

WAY cute! I have never been to Rainforest Cafe, just for the reasons explained. Im sure its a great experience, but I've heard not worth the money! THanks for sharing! and Happy Birthday to Reid!

Shalece said...

Happy Birthday to Reid! I think the cake is adorable! I have heard the same thing about Rainforest Cafe, but it looks so fun. I am sure we will take our kids there sometime despite the yucky food..

jeanine said...

Happy birthday Reid! I've never been to Rainforest cafe... except to walk around. I don't think I'll ever go now.

jeanine said...

Happy birthday Reid! I've never been to Rainforest cafe... except to walk around. I don't think I'll ever go now.

Autumn said...

These pictures are great! I love that cake-and love your friend's, too. I've been to the Rain Forest Cafe in Chicago too and felt the same way. Awesome atmosphere but the prices?!?!? I didn't realize Jake and Reid shared the same birthday either.

jeanine said...

ps. SUPER CUTE CAKE!

Jenn said...

Love the Cake... so very cute! The train store sounds neat to take kids! Happy Belated Birthday to Reid!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday Reid! I can't see the slideshow pics! I'm dying to see that cake! I bet it's amazing. I'm glad you gave him such a fun birthday with all he's gone through.
I'm so proud of you for going outside your comfort zone in the previous post. You are amazing. Those ladies don't know what they're getting up there in Texas. They will LOVE you. Everyone else does! :)