Dacha full of Dóchas: Birthday Bash

As usual, I've had no time to post, but I wanted to share some photos of the kids' birthdays from last month. Riley is now 4 and Colin is 2. Since their birthdays are five days apart, we really had a weeklong celebration. The festivities started with Colin's birthday. I had to work that night so I took the kids out for a special lunch. I let Colin choose the restaurant. When I asked him where he wanted to eat, I was certain he'd reply, "fence fies," meaning any fast food place with fried potatoes. Instead he requested Cici's pizza. I later realized this was because his sister was whispering it in his ear. Judging from the amount of food he consumed, he didn't seem to mind being put up to it. We later presented Colin with a trampoline. He really seems to like it, though we can't get him to pose for a photo on it.

On Riley's birthday, she wanted to pick a special place to eat for lunch like Colin had. She told me she wanted to eat at Cici's again, but by the time we got to Wooster she'd changed her mind and wanted to eat at, "that place with chips on the table." This turned out to be the local Mexican restaurant. I don't think she ate much more than the chips and salsa, but Colin and I enjoyed some good food. We gave Riley a doctor kit and some play food which both kids like to play with (and fight over.)

Here is Colin with Hobbes on his new trampoline. He is using Riley's new medical kits to give Hobbes a check up. Notice how he has placed the blood pressure cuff around the cat's neck. Hobbes seems to be taking this remarkably well.

We encourage both kids to jump on the trampoline as much as they want, especially if they seem a little too full of energy before bedtime.

Riley and Colin had a joint party on the Saturday between their birthdays. Riley picked the theme - pirates. That's right, no Disney Princesses here. We enjoyed some great fellowship with friends and family and the kids had a lot of fun. Here are a few photos of the event.