Happy Birthday!!!
We had a wonderful birthday for Paulchen. I can't believe he's really two years old. It doesn't seem like he's that old. Yet at the same time, it seems like he's been part of the family forever.

Paul let me sleep a little, so Paulchen had to wait a little for his presents. But once I woke and dressed somewhat, it was present time. I stayed up very late the night before to put together his best present; a tricycle from Oma and Opa Sportello and Tante Audra.

So during present time, we helped him open the packages from family. There was the tricycle from the Sportellos, clothes and a book from Oma Loomis, Kevin and Kyle, stuffed animals from Oma-ma Sportello and clothes from Oma-ma and Opa-pa Rachow and Tante Christa. Overall there were a bunch of nice gifts. There were also some very nice cards.

We snagged a quick breakfast and then we were off to Leos Spielpark; an indoor play area downtown. We stayed for about 1.5 hours, until Paulchen grew bored and tired. He played in the little kid area. Da made him a castle out of the oversized, soft blocks and the three of us had a plastic ball fight. Aveline just sat by and watched, probably thinking we were all crazy. We tried Paulchen on the bouncy-bounce, but he was upset by it.

When we came home we gave him a harmonica. That was his favorite gift for the day, as it makes lots of different sounds and he loves noise. He also rode the tricycle around the apartment a bit. We held his feet on the peddles and helped him move them. it will take some time and practice before he gets the motion down. Unfortunately, it's been rainy out, so we couldn't take him outside to ride. Hopefully the weather will clear up soon.

For dinner we had his favorite. Tortellini with pesto sauce and peas. I just realized the alliteration. Paulchen prefers pesto and peas. No wonder that's his favorite meal, the food starts with the same letter as his name. All in all, it was a very good day. And our little boy would answer "Two" when I asked him how old he was. What a smart birthday boy.