Third Touch-a-Truck

So the third annual Touch-a-Truck event was held two Saturdays ago, on the same day as Rory’s birthday party. Seriously? Seriously.

However, since my youngest son loves pointing out big trucks when we’re driving around, I really wanted to take him. Luckily, I had everything for the party well under control, so we went out there right after the event started at 10am.

Unfortunately, Rory was not in the best of moods. He did point to a lot of the big trucks…..

 

…..but this was the face we saw most of the day.

And while Riley didn’t whine or cry, he was a huge pill and didn’t really want to see or do anything out there.

But we managed to see a big FBI vehicle, a trolley, a mini loader, a front end loader, a crane truck, a garbage truck, a cement mixer, a Coast Guard boat, and a fire truck.

 

However, I made an easy decision when we were leaving: I am not taking the boys back to Touch-a-Truck again. I always think at least one of them is going to absolutely love being there, but that’s just never happened. Instead I get whining and complaining.

So we’re done. It’s a great event and I love that it exists, but it’s apparently not for us.

But I did get my new favorite picture of Riley.

Maybe I should have let the front end loader drive away with him in its scoop. That certainly would have adjusted his attitude.

Video Monday: Rory’s Hot Dog Dance

Please enjoy Rory’s rendition of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Hot Dog Dance. He loves music, he loves Mickey, and he loves being naked.

Best combination ever, in his mind.

Happy Monday!

Come Inside It’s Fun Inside! {Rory’s Second Birthday}

What is it with the little one’s birthday and rain? We had the same problem for his first birthday, but luckily everything worked out. There was a chance of rain again this year, but once again it passed us by and allowed us to have a great time. Hallelujah.

I booked a bouncy house again, thinking that was something the big kids would enjoy. It arrived that morning, so the boys were able to enjoy some jumping time before lunch. I was expecting Rory not to want too much to do with the bouncy, but he LOVED it.

Rory spent a good part of the party playing in and around the bouncy house, huge smiles on his face and having the best time. He napped well and was in a great mood when he woke up, which continued throughout the duration of the party. So grateful for that.

We had a good turnout, with most of our friends and family able to attend: 13 kids and 25 adults. Most of our family stayed inside and watched the LSU baseball game against Arkansas (the Tigers won!)…..

…..while the kids hardly ever left the bouncy house.

  

 

Rory got SO sweaty in the bouncy, so when he came inside for a break and some water (eyeing up his pile of presents in the meantime)…..

…..Kenny and I decided it was a good time to sing “Happy Birthday” and cut the cake. We took a family pic behind the table, I snapped my customary shot of the crowd, and then we lit the candles and sang to the birthday boy.

After last year’s cake disaster and his rejection of his birthday pie the weekend before, I didn’t expect Rory to want any of his cake. But he surprised me by taking a few bites, even though he much preferred the strawberries on the table. This kid is a strawberry fiend.

Did I mention that we used so much gel coloring to get the icing black enough and red enough that we totally dyed everyone’s lips, teeth, and tongues black and red? Yep, we sure did. The black was the worst. So bad that I didn’t even take a picture of anyone sporting it. But Kate looked cute with her half red and half black tongue.

The party started to break up not long after everyone had their cake. However, Kate, Riley, and Rory got back in the bouncy and had a grand old time. I even gave Kate a pair of Rory’s PJ pants (which looked like capris on her) so she could get down the slide better. They had a ball. So much fun, in fact, that I ended up popping chicken nuggets into the oven for their dinner and having them take bites in between bouncing sessions.

  

We decided not to open Rory’s gifts until the next morning, but I did give Riley a little something special that afternoon. UJ found a guy in Jackson Square that personalizes Lego creations, so he got one for Riley. So sweet and thoughtful. Riley loved it, although he did disassemble it practically right away.

We let Rory tear into his gifts on Sunday morning. Riley just couldn’t help himself and did his fair share of paper ripping, “helping” his little brother. Some great gifts were given, lots to be enjoyed outside this summer.

Huge thanks to everyone who was able to come to the party. We had a really good day, and I think Rory had a really fun time. Birthday parties are the best.

Meeska, Mooska, Mickey Mouse! So long for now…..see ya real soon. :)

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!