Yes, it has now been five years since I gave birth to my youngest child. He was born when we lived in a suburb, spent some time on the Mendocino County CA beaches as an infant, then came to live here at Sand Creek and celebrate his first birthday here. Crazy times, although he really probably doesn't know anything other than this place, this life. Wait till he gets his own room, 1/3 the size of our current living space!
We celebrated the day by going to Duluth, eating at his favorite McDonald's, and visiting the Great Lakes Aquarium. It is a place that unfortunately hasn't gotten the visitorship, hence the funding, that it deserves, but for a five year old, with some kid-at-heart parents, it is pretty cool. They have a two-story high aquarium with all of the native fishes of Lake Superior, including some huge lake sturgeon. And a freshwater marsh exhibit, complete with otters. They feed the otters pineapple...hmmm...
Mr. Attitude enjoyed his time alone without siblings to compete with. Despite my frequent desperate wonderings at his behaviors, he is really an intelligent, loving person and a delight to have for a son. As I always lament on my kids' birthdays, I am so unworthy...
7 comments:
Happy Birthday to both of you!
That's going to be a wonderful birthday memory for him, to go off alone with you.
Pineapple? Hawaiian Hula Otters? Well, I guess we all have our little cravings that must be satisfied.
madcap- yes, maybe all of our native otters here would be so much more balanced if only they would incorporate some pineapple in their diet!
Anyway, it was fun to see pineapple halves floating in the water. Maybe it keeps them from going neurotic under captivity.
Sounds like a little man's dream. Happy birthday to him!
happy birthday, mr. attitude!
deb, the wholesome life you're providing for your kids indicates you are plenty worthy to be so blessed.
Happy birthday (to both him and you, as the birthee, right?)
Oh, man.... the Aquarium. I spent some key life energy there over the years (long, work-related story). If you ever want the whole, sordid story, let me know. It's sad to see it in it's current state; it was such a great idea way back when. But I'm glad you and Mr. Attitude enjoyed it!
Happy Birthday Mr. A!
LauraH- thanks. He was a little excited at first, thinking he had to take in everything in a short time, but he found a couple favorite exhibits and wanted to go back to them.
dharma bum- Well, anything has to be better than my bland suburban upbringing. :) And, congrats on the new dog. Labs are the best!
gtr- I knew you had some negative associations there. Feel free to email me with them; I haven't asked Nate yet about the experience, but it can't have been too good! Too bad, it seems like a place with so much potential. I did like watching the huge sturgeon in the deepwater exhibit.
FC- Mr. A thanks you. The Hermit reports he was singing Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" at the top of his lungs in Sam's Club today. Now that's something you don't see every day from a five year old!
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