This is what Aiden looked like over 2 years ago.
For the first time he is having a surprise birthday party at school.
He was so excited.
All year long his classmates and friends have been celebrating their birthdays.
And he has waited since September, and is now finally having a party and soon reaching the Big 3!
He wanted to skip lunch and go straight for the cake.
Since he also had a Christmas performance that night, we both took the day off to kill 2 birds with one stone.
Plus we know it’s extra special to him if we were both there.
Family pictures!
He was so happy, he didn’t want to see us go.
Poor thing cried when we left, but luckily we came back 5 hours later.
We wondered how he would behave at the performance this year.
He did not run.
He did not cry.
He did sing the first song, but after that he stood there the whole time, quietly saying Mami and smiling the whole time.
All the Christmas dancing and singing that he practiced was a no-show.
He did try for just a little bit.
But he does look extra sweet with the hat on, especially when he smiled with his mouth closed.
Aiden made sure to stand smack in the front for this song.
I think they normally put him in the front, along with the other boy who was at least a foot behind Aiden.
They tried to tell him to move, but he wouldn’t budge.
But at least we got good seats and he was in a jolly mood.
They put toys in his hands to keep him occupied for the final few songs.
It helped, he did stay in his spot.
This year the performance started at a decent time but seemed much more disorganized.
I think they had more young childrens this time.
Aiden kept scooting close to Santa, and whoa this time he did not cry when he was on Santa’s lap. (the girl next to Aiden gave Aiden a big kiss one day. She kept wanting Aiden to wait for her and asked him if they were friends. too funny)
The next day he had another Christmas party.
Many gifts from the Aunties.
The kids are lined up by age.
I was shocked that Aiden would put his arms around little Caitlyn.
All Mommies paired up with their kid, except Auntie on the left had to borrow a child since her son wanted nothing to do with us strangers.
Auntie Darlene also cooked some delicious beef stew for us and Vietnamese dessert!
We were very fortunate.
Time to open gifts.
Kids are forced to wait because us parents wanted some more photos.
The place is a mess with wrapping paper, which everyone pitched in to clean up.
That night we went to Ethan’s birthday party.
Same birthday as Aiden but Aiden is 2 years younger.
We’re so glad that Aiden didn’t miss out on celebrating with Ethan!
Auntie Carla did a terrific job with the circus theme @ Chubby Cheek Cafe
Lots of food and fun for everyone!
Even Ethan’s favorite Ninja turtle, Rafael
Brings parents back to their childhood with the circus theme.
But Ethan saw that this was just a costume, can’t fool kids these days right?
This ninja was a little too reserved.
But kids still loved him.
Aiden even sat for a short period to join in the fun.
But he didn’t follow directions or anything, often times he just ran off.
Unlike his friend Douglas whose about 10 months younger, was the first to sit and look intently at Rafael.
Aiden loves coming to Chubby Cheek and even though there are so many fun things to do, he always goes for the kitchen area.
So for him to sit down just a bit is a big step forward.
No, he’s not jumping with the other kids.
And he’s not running away from the turtle in fear! Yay!
Mommie is trying to match with Daddie and Aiden today.
Ah, another rare family picture moment.
And the Happy Tamily
Pinata time
Super excited birthday boy
Aiden’s turn.
Nope, he didn’t cause any damage.
But he did enjoy it.
Lilian hit it once and started crying. Poor thing.
Oh no, Rafael has to hit his friend.
He was instructed to put an end to the long line of children hitting the pinata.
Lots of candy and mini toys
Aiden also got his birthday present from Auntie Carla and Uncle Thomas! His favorite – cars!