Liam's 3rd birthday fell on a Friday this year, and Fridays mean Shabbat dinner at Lynnie and Richard's house. (See post below for a pictorial history of Liam's third year of life.) Liam was quite excited about this all day: he actually wanted to go down for his nap so that when he awoke it would be time to go to his "birthday Shabbat."
When we arrived at Lynnie's house, there were balloons in the entry way--four regular ballons and a gigantic Lighting McQueen balloon. Both boys were terrifically excited, with Gavin running and squealing down the hall. In the kitchen and eating area, Lynnie had set out plates, napkins, gift bags, and a centerpiece, all from one of Liam's favorite movies, Cars. We did the blessing as usual, with Liam downing three birthday "shots" of grape juice. Shabbat dinner was delicious: salad with Italian dressing, dark and light chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, peas, and a bean salad the name of which escapes me.
After dinner, Lynnie asked the boys if they wanted to do another scavenger hunt: at Easter, she had hidden eggs full of candy all over her bedroom. For Liam's Shabbat birthday, she hid twenty-four Hot Wheels car and Cars toys, including several that he had been desperately wanting. Both boys were very excited and did an excellent job of finding all the hidden cars. Liam, having gotten balloons, a delicious dinner, and two dozen new cars, was now told that it was time for birthday cake. It just kept getting better!
Lynnie went into her back room and emerged carrying the world's largest cupcake--this was almost too much: balloons, cars, and a giant cupcake!? If we were to script Liam's birthday, it would run something like that. We passed out tall slices of cupcake birthday cake accompanied by vanilla ice cream. (In her generosity, Lynnie had made a special gluten-free cake, with identical sprinkles, for me.) It was all delicious. Since we were already sitting at the table, we thought it would be a good idea for Liam to open his presents at the table. Wait, there's more?!
From Helen, Liam and Gavin each received a rubber ball and a Cars lunch box. Naturally, the lunch box struck Liam as the ideal carrying case for his dozens of new cars. McKay, following his own tradition of unique gifts, gave Liam a remote-controlled Ferrari. Gavin would later wear himself out chasing it as McKay drove it around. For the record: a 16-month-old outwitted his uncle in the chase. Even after cars, oversized cupcake, dinner, and balloons, Lynnie and Richard gave Liam a very cool foam castle for assembly, new Cars pajamas (Liam has a particular obsession with pajamas), and a Cars place-setting (cup, bowl, and plate). From Mommy and Daddy, Liam received four new Cars toys, The Cat in the Hat book, a new train (Mavis, for which he's been asking for weeks), and a ginormous Thomas the Tank Engine coloring book (it's taller than Gavin). Helen loved watching Liam open presents, laughing the entire time, and McKay tried out some new head gear, as you can see.
After dessert and presents, Liam ran around playing with all his new toys, while Gavin vegged out on Lynnie's rotating chair. She would slowly spin him around on it, and he just sat there, zoning out exactly as he looks in the above picture. Gavin can now scale Lynnie's couch and loves to play hide-and-seek over it with her. We finally took some good pictures of Lynn and Richard with the boys.
All in all, it was a wonderful Shabbat birthday. Both boys had a great time, and Liam was just so happy through everything. The expression on his face opening presents above was how he looked the entire night--he absolutely loved it. Thank you to Lynnie and Richard and McKay and Helen for a marvelous time.
