Riley’s birthday ended up being spread out over three separate days: One party for the pigs, one for friends and extended family, and another one when Daddy was in town. The BIG party was a costume affair, complete with a haunted house cake, a scavenger hunt and playground time (across the street). The weather was blustery but warm. Cake was enjoyed by all. Presents were enjoyed (specifically but not only) by Riley. This was the year we decided to ask friends not to give us presents (because honestly we have enough already), and instead to donate to a charity of our choosing. Riley chose Heifer. He made a fundraising page and raised enough money to purchase an entire water buffalo. (Yay!) But he did receive gift from family and Pigs. Riley’s multi-day celebration set a precedent and what we now know is a slippery slope. (How many cakes does one Pig really need to fully celebrate a day-of-birth?)
Emmett’s party, too, spanned many days. One party, his Minecraft Party, was just for friends. There were Minecraft games (searching for gems), crafts (making a Minecraft face out of small, iron together circles), and finally some Minecraft time on the iPad. It included a Minecraft cake that was both colorful and tasty. Emmett chose the Red Cross for his birthday donations. He was happy to help people affected by flood and fire. Then Emmett has his Pig Party, where he opened gifts from Mom and Dad and had a small cake. And finally, Emmett had his extended family party, which also included cake and presents. Mostly both boy Pigs had these multi-day parties because their actual birthday fell on a day when Dad was out-of-town or was during the week, and, thus, not a good day to invite people over to party. In the future (after, of course, Tessa gets her turn at a three-day-party-binge), we will see what can be done to have a smaller or more condensed party schedule for each Pig.)
After E’s parties came Hanukkah and Christmas. Both were great, and intertwined, successes. Santa came and stuffed stockings. He left Riley and Emmett big-boy-bikes, complete with hand brakes and gear changers. There were many science kits and craft kits and kits of other kinds. The only fly in the ointment was the poorly timed Christmas Eve virus that kept Tessa in bed with a fever and a headache. She missed (missed!) Christmas at Pop-pop’s. But she is already mostly recovered, so it was good to let her sleep. Her enthusiasm and fun-seeking-ness hasn’t let this keep her down. She’s enjoying playing with everything and after a good, long cry yesterday when she woke and realized that she wasn’t going to get to go to Pop-pop’s, she got over it. (Why wallow, really?) Her favorite present was an 80’s throwback of the game Simon. She and Riley played with it for hours. But a close second was the Wizard’s Science, where the Pigs created glow-in-the-dark potions along with a crystal wand and color changing spells.
Asher’s been enjoying the party season, too. He got a Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and Zurg toys from Santa and those are easily the best, best toys he’s ever received. (He discovered the older Pig’s Buzz costume a few weeks ago and has been in character ever since.) Buzz has saved all the other toys in the house. He’s rounded up Woody to help defeat Zurg on many occasions. And its quite common to hear Asher yell “Not today, Zurg,” and then see Zurg hit the ground. Asher also loves the instruments Santa left him (of course, his favorite are the drums). Riley loves his harmonica too and asked if he can have harmonica lessons and take a break from ukulele for a bit. Asher also got a bunch of new Transformer jammies and socks and undies, which is fortuitous given that his Transformer jammies double (and sometimes triple) as everyday wear. (Many-days-in-a-row everyday wear.)
Our holiday season is still afoot, but we’ve rounded out what we’ve experienced so far with a trip to the Nutcracker Ballet for Emmett and Mommy, Paw Patrol Live for the entire crew, and a Zoo Lights visit with Santa where every Pig save Riley drew a blank when the Big Man asked what they wanted for Christmas. Emmett said honestly and quietly, “I dunno. I’m kind of freaking out right now.” Riley, on the other hand, detailed his ideal version of a race car track. Way to think on your feet, Riley. Our hip-hop class, a swim day at the rec center, and cardboard space shuttle building all fall in there somewhere too. Oh, and both boys each lost two teeth. So, the Tooth Fairy brought many books for all, as well. Busy!
Stay tuned, as we have New Year’s and then Tessa’s birthday coming up.
Have a light filled New Year!
The Pigs
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