We had a little party

... for our twins' second birthday last weekend. We kicked off the day with singing happy birthday and opening presents in pajamas, before breakfast. Since they are so much into music theses days, we decided to provide some instruments. Preempting possible regrets we, for now, avoided the drums. They loved the xylophone and the piano, and play with them often, and (most of the time) share or take turns without requiring much intervention. Then it was time for singing Parabéns a Você to Tio Tony, who shares his birthday with L and T. Needless to say that the whole family was on the other end of the line. We connected our Skypes and sang and talked away, the twins are getting so interactive and good at this virtual communication stuff! They showed off their new toys and sang along, clapped and blew candles. It was almost as good as being with each other, but not quite. At least we were definitely together, and that was special. It is nice that they recognize almost everyone now (and there are lots of people on my side of the family!)
Then it was time to go shopping with mama. She had a change of heart regarding buying new clothes, and last minute decided that they should wear something new for their birthday… I could not find at all what I was looking for, but settled for something that worked just as well. Not that they care, really. Meanwhile, papa was cleaning the backyard and the grill, because we were expecting some guests…
We know, the rule kind of says one guest per year of age, but we totally went overboard, because even with twins and the excuse of doubling the minor partygoers, we had ten little guests (between the ages of 19 months and 11 years), their parents, and some childless friends. We had a blast! They all arrived after nap time (at my request, so we didn’t have little monsters hosting the party instead of cute birthday boys!!). The Rundqvists arrived and started with the cutest rendition of the Swedish happy birthday song. Well, the only rendition I have ever heard, but still adorable enough to bring tears to my eyes. It was one of the highlights of the day for me. We set up a blow-up castle in the lawn, and let the kids venture into it at will. Then the Diaz de Leon joined, after a detour to get some extra ice for our coolers, and carrying a delicious pasta salad and nothing less than a big bunch of balloons, to fill the eye and the joy of pretty much everyone. That was so nice!
After that, guests started trickling down: Dr. Stockmann with some cool beer that the gentlemen were all very grateful for, the Kurihide family with the super cute decorated little cookies that just vanished (mostly into Thomas), a salad by our so welcomed and yet unexpected guests Na and Biao. Before I knew it, there were people everywhere, clusters of kids in the family room, the kids’ bedroom, outside, in front of the TV or around the table having nibbles of whatever I had out.
After grilling peppers, zucchini, corn, chicken and steaks for about 2 hours, we finally had dinner and then… cake and presents. The twins really had no concept of presents and birthdays, so it was nice to watch them intrigued by the wrapped packages and the fact that they actually had things inside. Some adorable outfits (the Johnson lab, Na and Biao), handcrafted wall fixtures by the Cowburns, and a playdough set from the DDLs. Lucas opened every card and read “happy day”. Around 7 pm Thomas decided he was done. He came to me and asked to be held, and there he stayed until all the guests had left. He actually started waving goodbye to everybody still outside chatting, in a clear sign that his party was over… got to teach this kid some etiquette! We finally gave them the absolutely required bath before tucking them into bed… and then got on with business clearing everything away before collapsing in bed. I missed my gym the next morning, simply could not drag myself out of bed at 5:40 am… but sure had quite the workout the day before. Thanks everyone for a wonderful day, everyone was happy and we enjoyed so much sharing this day with you.
Pictures at flickr.com/photos/crisbp…