Good Times, Good Friends

On the eve of Michael's birthday, it is impossible to not think about how much he has grown in what seems like such a short amount of time. Long gone are the easy days of snacking on chocolate milk and goldfish crackers while riding in a Little Tykes Cozy Coupe car down the hill to the park. No more dressing up in superman pjs and 'flying' around the house with his cape flapping behind him. No more bedtime stories and silly little songs. Now his days are filled with hockey and listening to music on his Zune in between calls on his cell phone from his friends.

Michael began his birthday weekend celebrations very appropriately with nothing other than a hockey game in Minnetonka. The game was a bit disappointing, but Grandma & Grandpa C came to watch which made it special. Grandpa took over baby duty, and did 'funny-walk' with Tubby during the entire game to keep him occupied and happy. After the game, we met up with Michael's 3 good friends from good old New Brighton, and brought them back to our house for a sleepover. It is very nice that Michael has maintained these special friendships even though we have been gone for 4-1/2 years!

The boys have been busy sharing music on their Zunes and ipods, playing Guitar Hero and other various video games, teasing each other(sometimes not very nicely), and laughing about silly things that do not seem to make any sense. I tried talking them into going to a movie or going to the water park, but they seem to just want to hang out with each other...which is just fine. They did finally agree to go out and sled in the dark in the backyard and they all came back in one piece each.....most of them even avoided the killer tree that is unable to be seen in the darkness! Before they tucked themselves into bed, I drove them into the cul-de-sac to see the light show. They were quite impressed...it was fun to hear their comments... "Oh, Snap!" "Wow!" "Amazing!""How did he do that?""That one really Rocks!""There's no way he can make it better next year!".....yeah, you wanna bet? Bob's already got plans!

Off to bed I go, long before my birthday boy and his friends. It is so nice to see him happy, and having a good time with some really good friends(minus the unprovoked attacks against his younger brother). Even though he will continue to change and grow, along with his interests and activities, I will never become tired of watching him smile and doing things that make him truly feel happy about being himself. That's what all of us desire for our kids, right?