This past Saturday, January 30th, we celebrated Alayna and Ariel's fifth birthday.  The girls started preschool this year, and this was their first birthday attended by friends from school.  It was quite a site for me to see the twins playing and interacting with their school friends.  I was struck square in the face by the reality that my little twins are getting older and more independent.  I guess my mother was correct... Babies do grow up very quickly.

Their party was held at a place called Louisiana Cheernastics, which is kind of a cross between gymnastics and cheerleading.  All of the preparation, setup, coordination, and cleanup was handled by a very professional and friendly staff.  There were lots of activities and equipment to keep the children entertained.  In fact, I really wanted jump on the trampolines and inflatable bouncers but was told that they were for the children.  Oh well!  After all of the children had a full hour of play time in the gym area, the cake and refreshments were served; and the gifts were opened in a private party room.



By the time we made it back to our house, many of our family members were already gathered for a private and more intimate family birthday party for the girls.  We had more refreshments, and the girls opened many more presents.  However, the biggest and most unexpected present did not get unveiled until Sunday evening.  I was given the task of assembling a fifteen foot trampoline/enclosure combination but was delayed until Saturday morning due to inclement weather.  I did brave the frigid thirty-two degree weather Saturday morning before the party but was unable to complete the assembly until Sunday.  Alayna and Ariel's eyes were as big as saucers when they saw the large trampoline in the backyard on Sunday.  Seeing their expressions was well worth the mild discomfort I felt while assembling the unit in such cold weather; and after both girls hugged my legs and told me that they "loved me so much", I had one those rare daddy moments in which I felt like a true hero.

Alayna, Ariel, Sharon and I are all so very grateful for all of those who made this such a wonderful celebration.  We are truly blessed to have such wonderful friends and family.

Michael Morrow