Graham is Three!

Graham is Three! October 24, 2018

Filed under: Simply Me — Amy Scott @ 2:39 pm

On Friday, Graham turned three! Because we don’t like to do birthdays small in our family, we took off for the beach on Thursday afternoon. We had dinner in Astoria at Mo’s – our favorite seafood restaurant. Graham happily munched on fries. Owen discovered a new passion for saltine crackers. Then it was off to the hotel and more importantly, the hotel swimming pool. I find humor in the fact that Graham spent his first birthday at a hotel and now his third. 2/3 of his birthdays have involved hotels. However, hotels are one of Graham’s love languages, so it’s all good. The hotel we stayed at in Seaside was set up well for families and long stays. It had two bedrooms and two bathrooms. There was a washer/dryer, jetted tub, kitchen and fireplace. We could have hunkered down there happily all winter. But alas, we were only there for a one night stay.

Graham’s birthday began before the sun was up at 5:30am. The kids were ready for the day even if Jeremy and I would have preferred another hour or so of sleep. We quickly got ready and took off for Pig’N’Pancake for the birthday breakfast. Pancakes, bacon & eggs were on the menu and happily eaten. Then it was time for a walk on the beach and looking for sand dollars. The boys knew that there presents to be opened back at the hotel so the focus turned to getting back to our room for gifts. Owen watched me wrap Graham’s gifts and I explained to him that it was a secret until Graham opened them. To his credit, Owen didn’t tell Graham anything, but since he knew what was inside of them, I think he was just as anxious as Graham for the presents to be opened. We let the kids play with the presents in the hotel room and then we hit to the Seaside carousal. That completed phase one of our birthday adventures.

From Seaside we took off for Tillamook. The creamery there holds a special place in our hearts. We’ve wanted to go back to have a meal there and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. We enjoyed lunch and ice cream – and cheese samples and the gift shop. And that was the end of phase two. Phase three was the Oregon Zoo for the last few hours it was open. We went on a train ride (a must for the birthday boy) and we looked at a handful of top priority animals. At this point in the day, you can imagine the boys were tired and ready for the marathon birthday to wrap up. We certainly know how to pack a day full of fun and celebration. Graham had a blast doing so many of his favorite things and it was a lovely family day.

What to say about our little Graham… First off, he thinks his name is Grambo. He loves applesauce and we should buy it by the pallet at Costco. He loves to play on his own which makes him a pretty easy kid when he and I are home alone together. We often run errands together while Owen is at preschool. I’m also aware that this is his last year fully at home with me during the days, so I’m trying to be more intentional about getting him ready for preschool. We enjoy doing ABCmouse together. He has two pet bunnies he takes care and he loves the games, puzzles and songs. He is a huge fan of coloring – mostly with the colors black and yellow. He is obsessed with shapes thanks to YouTube. He also knows his ABCs and can count to 10. He remains my shy guy and often clings to me for comfort and safety. His attachment to me can be frustrating at times, but I know that someday I will miss him wanting and needing me. I try to appreciate the closeness we share even if does almost drive me batty sometimes. Graham is our family alarm clock and usually wakes up around 6:30am most days. He is a fun, silly, goofy, cuddly, sweet and lovable kiddo. I’m so grateful that God put him in our little family!