Hap bifday to u

I think we can all agree that my children are basically geniuses.  My (now) two-year-old even knew that yesterday was her birthday.  As in, I think she actually grasped the concept of lots of presents for her.  I think Rex helped her understand.  She also sang "hap birfdae to u" to herself all afternoon.  As I pottied and brushed my teeth right after the kids woke up, I hear Greg mumble something about the children.  I go to the living room to see this:  

Luckily, they held off just long enough for me to grab the camera.  Rex remembered that I had said Alice could open one present in the morning and helped Alice right along.  She tried this little trick again after her nap but I stopped her.

 Instead of doing parties, our kids get to pick something fun to do as a family.  Alice picked bounce house.  I think she had an ok time, but I really think she just wanted to drink soda.  

 Rex, on the other hand, had a horrible time.  About 45 minutes into our stay, he comes up to me about to cry explaining that all the other kids were being rude to him and refusing to be his friend.  Rex usually makes friends pretty quickly, so I thought maybe he was just off his game.  I asked a little girl if she would play with Rex.  She said no.  I 'bout punched her in the face.   Then I remembered that I was an adult and restrained myself.  I continued on my hunt and within a minute found another little boy in search of a friend and then Rex was happy and running around like a crazy person again.

 We got lunch at an over-priced diner, then headed home for naps and normal Saturday errands.

In the tradition of my parents, we eat the child's favorite food on his or her birthday.  We had mac-n-cheese, both homemade and from the box, I'm that awesome.  Grandma Libby and a friend and soon-to-be Aunt Sahar joined us for dinner, presents and cake, which comprises the rest of the pictures.

Alice loves monkeys, so obviously I had to make her monkey cupcakes.

Greg took some "Pinterest" pictures for me so I could Pin my own creations--which I think is tacky, but if you're impressed enough by my monkeys, pin away.

We found this cute little kitchen set at a resell store in a kind of scary part of Charlotte and probably over-paid for it, but I love the vintage feel.  After I set them out, I thought "If I were a good mom, I'd Pinterest that thing up and paint it all sorts of cute colors."  But honestly, I like as it is.  I do plan to make a little curtain and fo-kitchen window for it (someday). Mom bought one of the pieces and we bought the other--so here it is Mom, this is what you got Alice for her birthday.