Daniel's 3rd Birthday

Another birthday party is in the books. Thank goodness. These parties sure are stressful. It didn't help that the place I was having it at is supposed to close for good at the end of this week. Although I've heard that might not be happening now. I decided to have Daniel's party at MyGym. We've been going to classes there since September and Daniel loves it and feels very comfortable there. When I booked the party back in March, I had heard rumblings about them closing but it wasn't until last week that we heard for sure they would be closed as of April 30th. Given that his party was April 25th, that didn't give me the most warm and fuzzy feeling. Luckily all was fine - they were open and the party went on. The second stressful part was Daniel. Mr. grump woke up Sunday morning grumpier than ever. He's had a cold and did not have the best nights sleep. I tried everything to cheer him up but nothing seemed to be working. Well, at least I knew Allison would have a good time, even if the birthday boy did not. On the way to the party we stopped by the food store to pick up the cake. This is when he started to chipper up. He was super excited to ride in the "green" cart with Allison and finally had quite the smile on his face. Jeff and I were tempted to throw the cart in car and bring it to MyGym with us but I think it was a bit too large, nevermind the fact that it would be stealing (we'd bring it back of course). So off to MyGym we went, sans the big green cart, and Daniel continued to be happy. We arrived early so that we could set up the snacks and drinks and Daniel was thrilled to have the place to himself and Allison.

Then the guests arrived. Daniel wasn't so thrilled anymore. Yes, this is the kid who, when I asked "who do you want at your birthday party" replied "Nobody." The first 45 min of the party he was not a happy camper. He did manage to play, but the grump face was back and the tears were on and off.
I mean, what kid wouldn't be happy to be surrounded by a bunch of colorfall plastic balls? Mine apparently. Then grandma sat down with him to play ball, he seemed to rather enjoy that part:
Allison, on the other hand, was having a grand old time. Maybe I can convince her that this counts for her 6th birthday party so we don't have to plan another party three months from now.
During circle time, Daniel did manage to say his name, but in the grumpiest voice you could imagine (sorry, no video):
But look, we did catch him smiling! I think he was starting to have fun.

Until they did the alligator game. He didn't like that so much. And Jeff and I tired to get him excited about the bubbles...nothing seemed to be working.
And the little maze they set up just wasn't doing the trick.
And then they brought out one of his favorite things - the train! That didn't work either...

But then he started to come around. He really liked the seahorse swing.
And he even cracked a smile when my friend Karen held him:
The kids then took a break and had some pizza. Daniel seemed much happier after eating two bites of pizza and about a thousand pieces of fruit. But the real turning point was the zip line. Daniel had been looking forward to the zip line for weeks because we don't usually use it during our weekly MyGym Class. Check out this smile!
After that, he was all smiles:

And so was I...
Allison and Jeff also took a turn on the zip line...not sure who had more fun...
The party was almost over, but Daniel had one more chance to shine. He and Allison got to ride around...in a green cart (a bit different than the one at the food store but he was still all smiles)!
He told me later that this was his favorite part. Maybe because there was a monkey friend next to him (and I'm not referring to Allison)
And finally, it was time for cake and a boisterous round of the Happy Birthday song.

And Daniel finished up the party with a smile...what more could I ask for?

Happy 3rd Birthday Buddy!
Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate!