A Big Day

Today is Rex's birthday. He is ecstatic. He woke up this morning anticipating being a foot taller, since now he's 5. (So, we had to explain that your body takes some time getting used to being older.) He thinks kindergarten starts tomorrow, because he's 5 now. (We told him it starts in August, he'll just have to wait a bit longer.) He believes the entire world knows today is his birthday, and they're prepared to spoil him generously. (That one we're going to let go on for the day.)

We do our best every year to make birthdays special. Little trips, special dinners, big surprises. Since our pocketbooks are generally on the thin side, we have learned over the years that creativity goes a long way in a little heart. This year is no exception. With the birth of sister Lucy, Rex has learned very quickly that babies change how you do things. Less time with Mom & Dad, fewer trips out of the house, not nearly enough fun as far as he's concerned.

To make his day special we scheduled a few Rex Only hours. He wanted a new bike, so we left the other kiddos at home and went to pick one out that was perfect for him. A nice 'big' royal blue and yellow Huffy, complete with handbrakes and 'Super Charger' decals. (The extra cool bight orange Mongoose he first picked was out of stock, and he refused to wait the two weeks to get one. Go figure...)

Then we traveled across town to take him to lunch at the place of his choice. This was a HUGE secret we instructed Rex to keep until we got into the car, so Todd & I would not feel compelled to sway his decision if we weren't in the mood for (corn dogs, chicken nuggets, pancakes). As soon as we were out of the driveway, he told us we were eating at Red Robin. (YUM!)

After a new bike, delish lunch, and a brief stop to barf on the way home (our little guys gets excited and sometimes throws up. especially after an onion ring tower, corn dog, and bottomless fries.) we headed home to begin prep for his birthday dinner, remaining presents, and cake.

Todd's grilling some hot dogs and brats in the snow. We'll set up a 'hot dog bar' complete with technicolor relish, sport peppers, and all the other Chicago fixin's. We'll have potato salad, fruit salad, and root beer. We're going to sing and eat a big chocolate cake. Rex will get the big green frosting balloons on his way-to-big-for-him piece. He'll open his cards and presents, then play with them until he falls asleep.

It will be exactly what he asked us for.

(Since I'm finishing this Monday morning, I already know it was the perfect day. Before I took Lucy to bed I got a huge hug and 'I Love You' from our new 5 year old. Very rare behavior when he was 4.)