Birthday Celebrations from Oz to Zoo (Plus Some Halloween Too!)

We have spread Landon’s birthday celebration out this year, giving it to him in small chunks over several days. We started Monday by taking him and a couple of missionaries to the Henry Ford Museum. While they explored the exhibits, the four of us went to The Wizard of Oz Children’s Educational Exhibition. The kids ran around learning all about science concepts tied to the book and movie.

"I have a feeling we're not in Detroit anymore!"

This little girl is so ready to walk! 

Ready-made Halloween costume

Flying high, fast, and far with the elders

Later in the week, Hallie took the kids out to Troy and the Somerset Collection, where they bought Landon’s teddy bear some new threads.

On the weekend, we set the celebrations into high gear. First, we took the kiddos to Chuck E. Cheese’s (which Mike is now convinced is a casino for children—although we did win quite a few tickets). Landon bought himself a baseball and bat, a slinky, and a crazy straw. We then had dinner at Bob Evans and went to the Detroit Zoo for Zoo Boo (this last bit was thanks to a friend of Hallie’s from the moms’ club who couldn’t go).

"Get these tights off me!"

Four little monkeys who can do no wrong

Amazingly, she sat still for the face tattoo. Eliza's really teething now, so she drools all the time and uses her fingers as  a chew toy.

He approves of the new carousel.

One of the many themed jack-o'-lantern displays

We even saw a fun 4D pirate ghost movie!

The next day, we celebrated Landon's birthday in earnest with themed cupcakes . . . 

. . . and presents!

Upon seeing this LEGO set, Landon said, "A big boy game! I'm a big boy now."

Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa! Landon called this his favorite present ever. Who knew? How quickly we forget about the bike. . . .

Eliza wondered what all the excitement was about. 

Uh, oh! Here comes trouble!

Happy Birthday, Big Man! The time is passing way too fast.