Then came a real birthday (but on the wrong day)

We had Tyson’s “real” party at a place called Jumpin’ Wild. The name pretty much sums it up. It was a good experience overall. It was a little pricey, but worth it. Other than the 6 hours it took to do the Spiderman cake, there was very little effort required on my part. More on that later… The staff corralled the kiddos at the right time for pizza, cake, and presents, served everything and did the clean up. This was Tyson’s first birthday experience where we invited his friends (as opposed to my friends with children his age). Three of his school friends came and I know that made him feel so special. He got to play air hockey for the first time and I know he loved the physical gratification of smacking that puck around. It kind of makes me wonder if I am depriving him by not letting him throw more of his toys…

So yes, the cake took me a while to make. Six hours of blood, sweat and a few tears went into Spidey and his webs. This is the 3rd cake I have decorated this way and every time I have the debate with myself about whether it is really worth it. I spend about 30% more $$ on them than a store-bought cake and they are so time consuming. The thing is, my mom made them for me and my brother when we were young and I and always promised myself that I would do the same when I had children. I know I will do Tanner’s cake this year and by the time next year’s birthdays roll around I know I will have forgotten this little debate until I am halfway through with Tyson’s cake.

After all is said and done, my sweet boy is 4. This child who can light up any room and constantly amazes me with his insight, is moving farther and farther away from little boy and entirely too close to big boy. I can handle it, but I can't help but be a little sad.

A pretend birthday for Tyson

Tyson’s 4th birthday fell on a Monday this year, so we (his parents and grandparents) decided to do cake and presents the day prior. We described it to him as his pretend birthday party as his “real” party with his extended family and school friends would be the following weekend at a local bounce-house type of place. At his pretend party he received a new bike and a guitar. Seeing how fast he rode his new bike made me feel guilty about how small his old one was in comparison. We all just assumed he was not able to ride fast due to a lack of athleticism or something, but with the new bike, he was zipping around everywhere. I guess that is what I get for under-estimating him. He was so excited by the guitar, that he just had to “do a show”, so we all gathered around for his little performance. Let me just say, that boy is such a ham. I don’t think he will be trying out for any musical talent shows any time soon, but I was most impressed at his ability to adlib (jungle animals, anyone??).