After a morning of tinkering around on Sunday morning, September 13, 2009, I finally headed out of the house around 2:30pm. My final destination would be Mom’s house, where we were celebrating my nephew Adam’s third birthday. On the way, I stopped off at Toys ‘R’ Us to pick up his giant Hot Wheel Parking Garage and a Winnie the Pooh puzzle. I also made a brief stop at the Beavercreek Popcorn Festival. I didn’t have time to walk around much, but I met up with Heidi for about a half-hour to see her kids jump around inside one of those things kids jump around in.
Heidi with Jayne, Lola, and Madeline – aka things – at the Popcorn Festival
I got out to Mom’s about 5pm, which oddly corresponded to the time that the party was set to begin. Right away the birthday boy came running up the driveway toward me howling “Uncle Braaaad!” Touches the heart. Guests at the shindig included Grandpa Murphy, Dad and Vicki, Mom and Bob, Denise and Aaron and the kids, Aaron’s parents Barbara and Joe, Aaron’s sister Maura and her hubby Micah along with their tots Jackson and Ethan.
No time for posing, pizza awaits!
Adam shows us exactly what three year olds are not supposed to do
A gathering of eaters. Wait…where’s Adam?
It was a low key affair with Dominos pizza, snacks, soda, and of course ice cream and cake. And several varieties at that. Adam’s gift opening session is always a treat as he reacts with equal vibrant enthusiasm to all gifts, but then hurrying on the next one. That kid raked in so much loot, it looked like Christmas for three kids.
Adam getting ready to dig into his massive amounts of loot
A giant Shrek birthday card from his Aunt Jenny
Close-up of enthusiasm – with a bonus leg or something
My gift to Adam, the Fastlane Parking Garage. It makes noises.
…and still they come
There simply must be more!
Megan’s you’re not my Mom stare that even the best of us get, in the arms of her Grandma Barbara
Joe plays with Ethan
Big girl Megan. She’d be crawling within two weeks.
Adam gives it his all to extinguish all three candles
A job well done
This was the extent of Adam’s eating the cake. One finger-full of icing. The kid doesn’t like sweet things. Madman.
Bob, Maura, Ethan, and Michal look on as Mom slices into the cake
Vicki and Dad devour some cake
With the special birthday boy
All in all a swell time was had by all and I wish Adam a healthy and prosperous fourth year of life…and hope that the potty training is complete before the next one.
As a postscript, it might be noted that this day also represented the third anniversary of the founding of The Terrible Catsafterme (which we began with the posting heralding the birth of Adam). I once remarked that I envisioned that the website might be completed in about three years – which turned out to be a bunch of crap. At this point I am hardly halfway through all of the ‘flashbacks’ of my life. Mostly this can be attributed to the jam-packed current events that seem to occupy much time and space ’round here.
I had seriously considered returning to a daily posting for the next six months until traveling commenced in order to try and catch up on some of the old stuff, but ultimately decided against it because of the time and energy that would be required. There is just far too many things that occupy my time and as we near the end of another five year block of time, history dictates that my life could dramatically change as it has every previous half-decade. Or maybe not. It’s the mystery of life that makes it just as fun as it is maddening.
2009 will continue…
Sept. 13th was also Grandma and Grandpa’s wedding anniversary.
In the one picture of Adam there wasn’t a leg present in the backround, it was Joe’s arm (elbow).
Looked like a fun day of celebrating and a big day for the new 3 YEAR OLD BIG BOY!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ADAM!
Bev
September 26th, 2009
Adam is always excited to see his Uncle Brad! And, he just loves the parking garage you got him. He likes to see which of his cars goes down the tracks the best.
Adam got several wonderful presents that he adores. That kid is so lucky to have so many loved ones in his life!
You captured some nice photos of Adam’s party. I’m especially thankful of that since my camera decided not to work that day!
Also, as a side note, don’t forget Megan in the guest list!
Denise
September 26th, 2009
Happy Birthday Adam….and The Terrible Catsafterme. Put me down as one (maybe fruitless) “return to daily posting” vote.
Peter
September 27th, 2009
I think Adam had a wonderful birthday party. It’s funny how he loves that van seat with the wild sheet on it as his “happy birthday” special place to sit. Again, Happy Birthday Adam to the big 3 year old boy!
Mom
September 27th, 2009
Great post. It was a super party. Thanks for documenting so many of my childrens’ highlights.
PS, I am concerned that we may be moving the 4th birthday party to Chuck E Cheese. It is another one of life’s great mysteries which have yet to unfold.
Aaron
September 28th, 2009
Too bad I couldn’t make it this year. The pictures were great. It especially made me happy to see that big smile on his face reading my Shrek card! Looking forward to some fun at Chuck E Cheese next year!
Aunt Jenny
September 29th, 2009
I think he will gladly give up the van seat for Chuck E Cheese for birthday #4.
Mom
October 1st, 2009