A Birthday

Thursday was my wife's birthday.  She turned (redacted) years old and our daughter was determined that there would be a party of some kind or another.  She likes parties.

Thursday, of course, is a work day and my wife went into the office like normal.  This confused our daughter greatly.  Caelyn did not understand why mommy had to work on her birthday.  She was certain the people at the office had no idea it was Kerry's birthday.  Caelyn tried convincing me I should call and let them know.  That way, they would send Kerry home.  She was completely lost when I explained to her it didn't work that way.

She eventually settled for going to a local party store to pick out some supplies for the "party."  We walked in and she proceeded to want everything in the store for her mommy's party.  Banner, ok.  Balloons, ok.  Dora writing pen with fuzzy end.  Yep, got that too.  And then there were the little yellow alien looking smiley face people.  Yes, they are exactly like they sound.

I asked Caelyn if she was picking out things for mommy or herself.  She assured me they were for mommy but that mommy would need to share with her.  And so it went at the party store.  We did not leave with a lot of stuff though not for a lack of trying on our daughter's part.

Later in the day, the weather was nice.  We decided to walk to the train station to meet Kerry.  We never made it.  Our neighbors across the street were out front.  That was as far as we got.  Caelyn started to play with the little girl across the street.  A few minutes later, another little girl from a couple of houses down joined in. 

Before any of the adults made any decisions, our neighbors across the street had a backyard full of 6 kids.  Three girls (including Caelyn) of the same age and their younger siblings.  I texted Kerry where we were.

Kerry arrived a little later and we all hung out as the kids played.  About the time we would normally be starting the bedtime routine, we got home.  Kerry still had to eat and of course, there was the matter of the birthday party.  It may have been late, but there would have to be a party.

Caelyn had hidden Kerry's presents somewhere in the house.  I still don't know where.  After Kerry finished dinner, Caelyn retrieved the presents one by one for Kerry to open.  Once the presents were opened, it was time for cake.  The candles consisted of one large silver dinner candle chosen by Caelyn and the numbers (redacted) and (redacted) to make Kerry's age.

The party lasted well into the night.  Well, maybe just well past bedtime.  The best part was trying to get two children, hopped up on cake, to calm down for bed.