Happy Birthday Miri!

The birthday celebrations continued today with a brunch at Aunt Debbie and Uncle Jason's house in honor of Miri's birthday. We had lots of yummy food and the kids had fun playing with their cousins. Alex and Ari had so much fun they didn't want to leave, even when it was an hour past their normal nap time. We're happy to report that we think they've finally moved to an afternoon (and after lunch) nap. For the longest time they've been napping from 11:30 until about 2:30, with lunch after they wake up. We're hoping they've finally adjusted to going down for a nap a little later in the day.


The gathering of all of Miri's children and grandchildren gave us an opportunity for some nice family pictures:

One last story we'd like to mention, just so we can record it now when it's fresh in our minds and remember it for years to come:

After dinner with Nana and Poppy on Friday night, Alex and Ari were playing before going up to bed. They have two ride-on toys that they love: a Retro Rocket and Stanley the Snail. Ari had been riding the Retro Rocket for quite some time when Alex wanted a turn. Mommy explained to Ari that she had a few minutes before it would be Alex's turn. When that time came, she refused to get off, so Mommy had to take her off to allow Alex a turn. We all expected Ari to throw a fit, but instead she gleefully yelled "snail," ran over to Stanley the Snail, sat down, and proceeded to make a big show about how much fun she was having on the snail. Upon seeing how much fun Ari was having on Stanley the Snail, Alex decided he wanted to ride the snail instead of the Retro Rocket. Mommy explained to him that he'd have to wait his turn, but to our surprise Ari jumped right off, patted the seat, and invited Alex to sit down by saying "Alex, Alex." Mommy praised Ari for being so kind to Alex, who eagerly took his turn on the snail...at which time Ari promptly returned to the Retro Rocket and blasted off, turning around just long enough to give us a smile and laugh that said, "ha, ha, suckers!"

We were all amazed at the thought process that went into enticing Alex off of the Retro Rocket and onto the snail so that Ari could ride the rocket. At all of 21 months old. Mommy and Daddy are seriously fearing Ari's teenage years...