This year for Dylan’s birthday party we decided to do something a little different, and a little unconventional. We didn’t exactly have a party, but instead went to Gatorland and invited our friends and family that wanted to join. We didn’t go with the party package which included things that Dylan is just to young for. I am not going to lie, I was having intense anxiety over this birthday celebration. I kept thinking, “will people think we are cheap?” “will there be to much chaos with a large group that people won’t have fun?” “will anyone come?” “will Dylan be afraid of everything?” “where are we going to do cupcakes and sing happy birthday?”. The mom guilt started to kick in and I was having doubts about the whole thing. Robby is so laid back and sometimes it drives me crazy! Mostly in situations like this where I am freaking out that this day is going to be a disaster, but he continued to assure me not to worry, and no matter what everyone would have fun.
I don’t say this often, but he was right. This day was nothing short of perfect! Everyone had a great time! The kids were perfect, the weather was perfect, the park was way better and had way more then we expected. I got to see how much Dylan has grown in just a short year. There is such a significant change from 2 to 3 years old. He is really coming into himself. Seeing the excitement on his face and watching him get to enjoy it with so many family and friends engraved a memory I never want to forget. We had been telling him for weeks that we were going to see aligators and snakes for his birthday. He couldn’t stop repeating, “look mommy, look daddy” at everything he saw.
A character trait that Dylan has always had, even though I’m not sure where he gets it from, is how scared (or cautious) he is around new things. I really wasn’t sure how this day was going to go since it was all new to him, and sometimes all he wants is for us to hold him and carry him around during new interactions. Not this time, he was trying to go into the gator enclosure! We even got an awesome photo opp holding a baby alligator and python! He never ceases to amaze me.
From the alligator jumparoo and wrestling shows, feeding alligators and birds, to riding the train, Dylan was awe struck. Happy 3rd Birthday sweet boy, I’m glad your day was so amazing! Thank you again to our friends and family that came and spent this special day with us!
