Toadfrogs and Elephants

Alex is still in a toy haze and loves having his grandparents around. He and Gam started the morning off by playing “doctor”. Alex really enjoyed being the patient before getting dressed for church.

We had to say goodbye to Gam after lunch, but Granny and Pop are staying a few more days. Alex was content to read for most of the afternoon after his nap. Then we got back to the marbles!

(Get ready for a long post – my boy turned 3 today!) Harper family tradition starts a birthday morning off with “plate presents” for all siblings (which normally means you get it at breakfast). Alex happened to see his the night before in Gam’s room and woke up asking for his “police station”. If you look closely you can still see the marks on his face from the blankets and pillows.

We finally got around to birthday donuts for Alex and birthday muffins for Mom and I. Alex also realized his cake was also on the table and wanted to check it out – he approved. Alex has quite a pile of presents so we let him open one. He loved the Playmobil conveyor from B and Lori!

Granny and Pop arrived with one quick present before the party – a cape custom made by Granny! One side has an “A” and the other has a rocket ship. Alex loved it (and Mom did too)!

Then we were out the door for the big party. We invited 10 little boys (and one little girl) to Yo Mama for a party. It was crazy, hectic, and a little wild, but the kids had a great time. The party included a tour of the back, a craft (decorating aprons), presents (Alex in the big chair and the gift-giver in the little one), and yogurt and cake!

We returned home and everyone had a nap (thank goodness). Then Alex had to get busy opening his presents. He was very methodical about stacking them up as he unwrapped them. He was waiting till the end to play with them. Aunt Emmy called on the computer and Alex loved showing her his favorite card (thanks Sam!). Then it was time for dinner and the rocket ship cake!

My Mom loves snow. I call her the minute I see a few flurries and she is always jealous. She had been hoping for a big snow while she was in town and I was pretty sure she wasn’t even going to see snow on the ground. To my surprise it began to snow this morning and we even had enough to play in!

After a nap, we snuggled up with popcorn and a movie to wait for Granny and Pop’s arrival. We also started the birthday celebration a little early with Wade’s gift to Alex (impressive wrapping job, right?)

Once Alex was in bed, Mom and I began work on his rocketship cake (idea from Parenting – see here). I’m pretty pleased with the results. Here’s hoping Alex is too!

Alex has always loved books and we read at naptime and bedtime and often in between. Today we picked Gam up from the train station. The minute she got in the car, Alex asked, “Did you bring me a book?” (I love that he didn’t ask for a toy or a present. The funny thing here is she did randomly have a book for him in her bag.) She read the book on the way home. The minute we got home he took her upstairs. I thought they were playing, but they were actually reading. After dinner he asked her to read some more. She was there for three hours before bedtime and he never once picked up a toy. It was books, books, books. I love that!

Today was our first time at the Uihlein Soccer Park. I loved that it is an actual soccer complex and not a dark gym. Alex seems to enjoy it, but gets a little distracted before the hour is over. I think if you asked his favorite part is the water break! (Mom, the picture of Alex laying on the field (just for fun, he didn’t fall) is for you. When you remind me of my childhood attempt at soccer you say I turned cartwheels and Melissa looked for four leaf clovers.)

My favorite picture of the night was this one of Abby. She got tired of playing but was content to watch with cuddles and white bear.

Blogs make it so easy to stalk people. I will occasionally click on a link from someone else’s blog or some random place and then become fascinated with a new blog. The one I stumbled onto today? Hanna Mac. The reason I like it? She has few words and awesome pictures.

This link takes you to one of my favorite pictures – click here. Mine will never look as good, but you can bet I will try to recreate this one the next time we have a newborn in the house.

Today’s story time at Yo Mama was insane! We had always been told we had to sign up in advance and the limit was 10 kids (at this age group). Today there were at least 20 kids and it was complete chaos. Evidently Yo Mama had advertised with Milwaukee Moms but neglected to include the registration information. We were told next time would be back to normal. Abby and Alex still had a great time. (Note Abby’s chosen ensemble. I love it!)