Gunnar was excited that Daddy had gotten home from work but he was also hungry since it was dinnertime. Once Mommy had put him in his seat and brought over his meal, the boy's primary focus was his food. "Taytoes," he said, reaching for the mashed potatoes first and chowing them down - yummy! Blue eyes followed some presents to the table as he ate. Were they for him? Mommy had put them next to Daddy but Gunnar was slightly distracted by them as he ate. He remembered something about birthday but he didn't completely understand.

"Oh this looks great, Min, thanks," Ethan grinned as his wife set down the food for their meal. He was hungry after a long day of work and he reached over to help himself and pile up his plate. He glanced over, still smiling, as she brought over presents next. He'd open them after dinner but it really was nice to come home to such a welcoming birthday. "So how was everyone's day today?" he asked after taking a bite of his roast. "Have you been having a good birthday?" he asked Chloe, looking over at her in her high chair.

Once in her high chair Chloe looked down at the food and smashed it with her hands. Giggling at the feeling she scooped up some of the mash potatoes and threw them. Clapping her hands she giggled and picked up more. This time sticking them in her mouth. Her green eyes turning to daddy as he talked. "Da da, oook" she lifted her hands and babbled showing him the potatoes in between her fingers.

Minerva sat down after sitting the presents down. Smiling at Gunnar as he started eating, but jumped feeling something hit her. "Chloe, no, no we don't throw food." Her daughters giggles making her smile even though she knew she shouldn't. She'd pay for it later when Chloe through again expecting her to smile. Focusing back on Ethan she grinned before taking a bite. "Our day was good. We went to lunch with Gram and Pap pap, they treated Chloe to a very spoiled lunch and play area. Then I bought the last of the decorations for her party this weekend." She was doing a princess themed party, so she had needed a few more things.

Looking back at Chloe as she tried to talk to Ethan she couldn't help but laugh, "Now if we could only get more food in her mouth, that would be nice." More seemed to get on the floor and walls then in her mouth recently. "Such a picky eater." Though she knew it was just a stage and she would get out of it. "Your mom said if we wanted to go out for a few hours we could bring the kids over, but I wasn't sure how you would feel after work. So I told her I'd leave it up to you." She didn't want to not go out and celebrate her husbands big day, but she didn't want to not celebrate her daughter's either.

Gunnar continued to shovel mashed potatoes into his mouth, followed by a few small pieces of meat. Looking up as Chloe was making all kinds of noise, he watched for a moment as he kept eating then started laughing. "No, Kowee," he repeated Mommy with a grin, then picked up a handful of mashed potatoes and held out his hand, watching the food drop to the floor and laughing as Oggie hurried over to clean it up.

Ethan couldn't help but to chuckle as Chloe seemed so proud to show him her potato-covered hands. "Yes, I see," he grinned at his daughter. "Are your potatoes yummy?" And little boy giggles caused him to turn his head to see Gunnar watching their dog eat from the floor. "Gunnar, Oggie has his own food," he said, trying to hold back a laugh. It certainly was entertaining at home. "This is for Gunnar to eat," he added, pointing at the boy's food. But it did make him think that the decision to get a dog was a pretty good one. It certainly helped with any food messes that came with having a couple toddlers.

Continuing to eat from his own plate, he turned his green eyes on Minerva as she spoke of their day, sort of wishing he had been able to join them, but at least they were celebrating now and would be over the weekend. "Sounds like a great day," he grinned at Chloe, knowing she must have had a good first birthday so far. Then he glanced at Min as she mentioned his mother's offer. "I think I'd rather just stay in, if you don't mind. Then we'll have the party this weekend and maybe we can go out, just us, for Valentine's Day." That was a special day for them and it was coming up close. And he did want to see his kids, especially his daughter on their shared birthday.

"mmmmmm" Why was mommy saying no? It was fun! Chloe smacked her lips showing the her potatoes were good then went back to smashing her hands into the mash potatoes. Looking at the small pieces of meat mommy put on her tray she turned her nose up. It didn't look yummy like the tatoes or mac n cheese was.

Hearing her brother she looked up and giggled, throwing potatoes at him. Giggling she picked up more and tossed them. They flung far when she flicked her hands back and forth really fast.


Minerva sighed as she saw more food hit the floor. Getting up she scooped up Oggie and headed for the living room. "I think it's safer for you in here right now." The dog certainly didn't need that much people food. So she gated the living room and came to sit back down. "Guys can we please try to keep the food on the trays. Mamma is tired of cleaning it up." she chuckled though, because her kids were cute even if they were messy.

Smiling at Ethan as she took a bite, she listened to him talk to Gunnar about his food as she chewed. "Oh it was nice. Wish you could have been with us." Not that he could help it. Work was important and all. "That sounds like a good plan. We can have dinner and I made a cake for you two. Then we could do a few presents and just relax the rest of the night." They could have some alone time once the kids went to bed too, yes she liked that plan.

"Valentine's Day, yes that would be a great night to go out. I need to make up for last Valentine's Day." She grinned and took another bite. She knew it wasn't her fault she forgot. With the car accident and emergency delivery of their daughter, but she still didn't like forgetting special days.

Blue eyes snapped up from watching the dog eat his offered potatoes from the floor as he heard his sister laughing. He gave her a big open-mouthed grin as she flung some potatoes at him and he gave her a few giggles back as he picked up some of his own potatoes. He laughed as he flung some more at her, then his attention was diverted by Mommy... what was she doing? He twisted his body to lean over his high chair tray, watching her put Oggie in the other room. "Bye-bye, Oggie.." He gave the dog an up and down wave with his potato-covered hand, then went back to eating a few more bites of his dinner. Until he heard Mommy talk again. "Cake." His eyes snapped to hers. "Cake." That's what he wanted.. he was done with dinner now.

Ethan tried hard not to laugh in defeat as the kids continued their food fight. "It's like an all-out war now," he chuckled. "Alright.. that's enough you two." But he'd save cleaning up for later, just in case there was more mess. And maybe putting the dog away would deter at least Gunnar from trying to deliberately put it on the floor.

He continued to eat his dinner as he conversed with his wife. He hated to miss some of the moments like today but that really couldn't be helped. "That sounds like a great birthday, actually," he said with a smile. Relaxing at home with his little family and cake and presents. And his green eyes snapped up to Gunnar, laughing at the boy's repeated word. "I guess someone else thinks so too." At least he had eaten most of dinner. Ethan laughed a little as she mentioned last Valentine's Day. It had been a pretty hectic month. "Oh sweetness, you don't have anything to make up," he chuckled. "But I think it will be a nice night to go out."

The food was hitting her in the face before Chloe could know what was really going on and she blinked and her lip wibbled. Then she realized what had hit her and she giggled. Picking up more and tossing it possibly hitting daddy on the way towards her brother. Her green eyes moved to mommy as she was being told no. Lip wibbles again, mommy saying no wasn't something she liked. She lifted her hands to show how proud she was of her mess. "Ah ook" See it was fun mommy! When daddy said enough she blinked and whimpered. Daddy was telling her no too, but she liked throwing food. "UGH" she tossed the food directly at him. Though did he say something about cake? "ake" she'd have cake!


Oh these two! Minerva just shook her head and was happy when Ethan spoke up as well. They didn't seem to listen to her when it came to their food fights. Sighing she pulled her wand and started to clean up the mess. Relaxing was seeming more and more pleasant as the kids kept up. Walking over to the counter she picked up the cake and brought it over sitting it in front of Ethan. "Gunnar are you going to help me sing?" She grinned to her son and started singing hoping he'd join in. [b] "Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you....."


Once finished she looked at Chloe, "You want some cake? E do you want to cut it?" She could do it, but figure he'd might want to. "I know I don't, but I'd like to. It's a very special day for me. I committed to someone that day that really changed my life in so many ways and ended up giving me a life I could have only dreamed of and two beautiful children." She leaned over kissing his cheek. "I love you."

Gunnar blinked at Chloe as he watched more food fly from his hands, but he was too preoccupied with getting dessert to reciprocate. He turned his attention back to Mommy who he figured was his best bet. "Cake.." Blue eyes followed her as she walked to the counter. "Want cake," he repeated, watching as she brought the cake back to the table. And when she started singing, he did his best to join in, babbling something that remotely sounded like 'Happy Birthday.'

Ethan was glad he was a patient person with a decent sense of humor as he wiped off a clump of mashed potatoes from his face, courtesy of his one year old daughter. But it appeared that cake would be their saving grace as both of the kids immediately perked up at the mention and all thoughts of food fight disappeared from their minds. He smiled as Minerva and Gunnar sang to him and Chloe, then stood up, reaching for the knife. "Sure, I can cut it.. one big piece for the birthday girl coming up first." He pulled the cake closer to him and cut a big square, placing it on Chloe's high chair tray.

He grinned at Min's words and at the kiss on his cheek, then put his arm around her, pulling her closer. "It's a very special day for me too for those reasons also." He leaned down and kissed her. "I love you too." Picking up the knife again, he cut some more of the cake. "Cake for everyone?" He knew Gunnar wanted some, so he cut a piece to put on his tray, then cut two more for his wife and for himself.

CAAAAAAKKKKKEEEEEEEEEE

Daddy was giving her cake and she was clapping her little hands excitedly. "AKE... .AKE.." Did her brother see it, there was cake. Hearing singing she tried to sing to, but it came out as babbles and giggles. Now her focus was the cake she put her two small hands in it and smashed it into her face. Getting some of it in her mouth and the rest all over her lips, cheeks, and clothes. "ummmm" It was so good. Lifting her hands she wanted to know if daddy wanted to try, "dada" He could eat off her hands too if he wanted.

How could she be so lucky, Minerva stood watched the scene before her. Her children happy and messy, her husband making all of them happy. She just couldn't see herself anymore happy then she was at that very moment. "We have it great, don't we." She said to his words of thinking Valentine's Day was special for the same reasons she did.

Watching Chloe shove the cake in her mouth she laughed, "Chloe your outfit." Though she probably could get it out. Laughing more as she lifted her hands to share with her father. "Aww how sweet sharing with daddy." Leaning down and kissing the top of her head before sitting down to her own cake. She looked back up to Gunnar, "Do you like it?" He was growing up so fast, she wondered if they should start thinking about some preschools for him. Though she did want to bring up the possible muggle early education to Ethan again. It had been a long time since she had first said she wanted to do that for them to have a good mixture of both worlds.

"Cake!" he demanded louder. Chloe was getting cake and his blue eyes watched as her piece was placed on her tray and she began eating. Where was his? Oh there it was. Gunnar grinned widely as Daddy brought him cake and he didn't waste any time diving in and shoveling it into his mouth. No forks, Daddy, no thank you. He didn't pay attention to much else, not until Mommy said something to him. "Ike cake," he said with a grin, his face covered with frosting.

Once Gunnar was placated with his piece of cake, Ethan started eating his own, watching Chloe as she got more on herself than in her mouth. He couldn't help but to laugh at her enjoyment and the sheer mess of it all. "Do you like cake?" It certainly appeared that she did. He was glad that she was having a good first birthday. "Daddy has some too, see?" He picked up a bite with his fork to show her before putting it in his mouth.

Glancing over at Gunnar, he chuckled at how fast the boy was devouring his cake. "Why don't you try using your fork, Gunnar?" Though he supposed he wasn't too surprised that he didn't even bother to pick it up. Smiling at Minerva as she sat back down next to him, he reached over and squeezed her hand a moment. "Yeah, I think we really do.." He really thought they had a pretty great life together, even if some thought they were young to have two kids already, but he couldn't imagine life without them. And it was a pretty great birthday.

The oggie was running quickly and she couldn't keep up, though her little legs were going as fast as they could. She ran and ran until her feet tangled together and she fell on her face. Looking around wondering if anyone saw it. It hurt, but if someone was watching she'd cry and make it look like it hurt even more so she could get cuddles. Did anyone see?

Not seeing anyone she got back up and took off again giggling after oggie. Finally grabbing his tale she pulled and fell backwards as he nipped at her. "WAAAA WAAAAA" Oggie bit her, or well maybe just scared her, but it was still not nice. []b "NO... NO"[/b] She pointed her little finger towards him and continued to cry getting up off her bottom to run towards him again.

Gunnar may or may not have been supposed to be napping right then but he wasn't tired and crawled out of his little toddler bed after being there for about 20 minutes. He wandered into the living room, his blue eyes quickly locking onto Chloe and Oggie. Ohh, were they playing? He toddled quickly towards them, stopping suddenly as Oggie snapped at his little sister and she started crying. "No, Oggie! Bad."

But Chloe and Oggie were off again, so Gunnar took off after them too, laughing as he chased them. Oggie was funny and the thoughts about his earlier nipping were forgotten. He reached for the dog as he ran after him, laughing louder as Oggie started barking playfully as he turned back towards the kids and took off again.

Chloe was running and giggling after Oggie when she heard her brother's voice. "bubby" She smiled at him and ran away as she saw him start running, though he had longer legs and caught up to her quickly. Tripping over her little feet she fell on the floor again. Getting herself back up she saw him chasing Oggie and giggled. "Oggie" She took off after both of them.

Noticing a movement she looked up at the book shelf seeing Elise. Stopping she turned towards her and took off. "Meow" She pointed looking at Gunnar, did he see the kitty? She wanted to touch the meow. Grabbing onto the shelves of the book case she started to try and climb up.

"Meow... meow"

Gunnar continued running, laughing louder as Oggie barked playfully at them and ran away. The 2 1/2 year old of course took this as a sign the dog wanted to play. He was aware of Chloe joining in on the fun but didn't notice when she fell. He did hear her voice, noticing that she was on to something else now.

Oh, the cat. Gunnar turned and looked up as he saw her on top of the bookshelf. "Lise!" He pointed at the cat. "Lise go up." Gunnar turned and looked at Chloe. What was she doing? Was she going to get the kitty? He watched her for a moment before deciding that he wanted to climb up too. Moving forward, he grabbed onto the shelf and started to pull himself up.

What was going on? Ethan was sure he heard some sort of commotion while he was organizing the closet in the bedroom. The dog was barking and would likely wake the kids up from their naps. He headed out towards the living room, first not seeing anything, and stood there for a minute wondering where Oggie was or what was going on.

It wasn't long till he heard a sound and his eyes snapped to the small children at the bookshelf along on end of the room. "And just what do you two think you're doing?" he said, rushing over before one of them fell or something. "I thought I just put you down for a nap," he said to Gunnar as he scooped up Chloe from the shelf. "Those aren't for climbing on..."

"Meow Meow" She wanted the kitty, but it wasn't coming to her. So Chloe started to climb the bookshelf. Her legs weren't reaching though and she whimpered frustrated. Seeing Gunnar come over she got mad, "mine" and tried to climb again. She wanted the kitty. Why wasn't she getting up there though, knocking a book off the shelf she giggled. This could be fun too, but no kitty.

She was pulling herself up when she heard daddy. "Meow" See what she was doing, she was getting meow, but then she was up.. up and "Daddy" She giggled and put her hands to his face. Pointing and reaching for kitty, could she have the kitty now. "Meow.. meow" It's tail looked so fun to pull, please.

"Cwoe go up" She was up closer to Elise now and it was fun.

Ethan smiled at Chloe as she put her hands on his face, then turned his green eyes upwards to see Elise at the top of the bookshelf looking down at them all. So that's what had gotten their attention. He adjusted his daughter a bit to lift her a little higher so she could touch the cat. "Give Elise nice pets," he said, demonstrating how to pet the cat nicely. He knew she sometimes needed work on that, but how else would she learn? Giving her a minute to pet the cat a few times, he moved her back down and away from the shelf. "Kitty wants to be alone now, she'll come play later." They had to let the cat get a break from the kids once in a while which was probably why she was all the way at the top of the bookshelf in the first place.

Widened eyes snapped up to Daddy as Gunnar heard his voice. Oh, were they in trouble now? He froze on the bottom shelf, watching to see what would happen next. Wait... Daddy was letting Chloe see Elise, he wanted to see Elise too! "Cat.." He looked from Elise to Chloe and Daddy. "Gunna see cat." And now they were done, did that mean it was Gunnar's turn? The boy reached towards Daddy, making whining noises.

Daddy was letting her pet the kitty!! YAAAAY! As he lifted her she reached up towards the cat "Meow" She greeted with hand stretched and grabbed Elise's tail, but then daddy said nice touches and she giggled as she patted open hand the cat until daddy started taking her down and saying the cat wanted to be alone. She didn't like being alone so no one else did either, but once Elise was out of sight her thoughts went to daddy's face and she reached up pinching it. Giggling she cuddled into him and yawned a bit.

Hearing her brother she gave a sharp whining squeal, her daddy, he didn't need up. She swatted at his hand and made grumpy noises. Cuddling back in her daddy's shoulder she played with her ear and gripped his shirt. All the running had made her tired. Chasing the pets was hard work.

It was definitely nap time. Ethan could tell that Chloe was tired, especially from the yawn, and he gave the top of her head a kiss as she cuddled into him. And Gunnar, even though he had already tried putting him down for a nap, had to be tired too. Maybe he should try again. Though he should have figured Gunnar would want to pet Elise too if he lifted Chloe up there to do it.

He looked down at his son right before hearing Chloe's cry of protest. "Alright," he chuckled. "Be nice.. there's enough Daddy for everyone." Still holding onto his daughter, he crouched down and lifted up Gunnar with his other arm. "I think it's nap time for both of you.." He glanced at Elise as she jumped down from the bookshelf and ran away. "Even Elise is going to take a nap.. we can play with her later." With a child in each arm, he started back towards his bedroom. Maybe if he laid down with both of them, they'd stay asleep this time.


Gunnar whined louder when Chloe swatted at him and he reached more urgently for Daddy. He was his Daddy and he wanted to see the kitty! And then Daddy was getting him so he happily grabbed onto his shirt as he was lifted up. But he sure didn't like what Daddy was saying. "Nooo," he whined loudly. "No nap Daddy." But he was tired, even if he wouldn't admit it. Gunnar rested his head on Daddy's shoulder as they were carried back to their parents' bedroom, his heavy eyes watching Elise as she jumped down from the bookshelf and ran off.

"NOOOOOO" She swatted again at her brother. Her daddy, he didn't need up too. She started to whine and tug at his shirt sticking her two fingers in her mouth sucking on them. Why was daddy still letting Gunnar up, she swung her little hand smacking him as she whined. "Dada" Her Dada! Green eyes moved up to see Elise jump down and she pointed with her head on daddy's shoulder.

Hearing Gunnar protest about something she lifted her little head and looked at them both. "No" She repeated after her brother through finger sucks. Pulling her free hand to her ear she started rubbing it and laid her head back down on daddy's shoulder. Watching as they walked towards the big room, she grinned knowing the bouncy bed was there. Was she going to get to bounce on the big bed?

"Come on, Chloe, be nice," Ethan said a bit more firmly as his daughter swung at Gunnar again. He probably would have taken her hand in his at that point, but as he now currently had both of his arms full with children, that was not happening. No.. of course no. He shouldn't be surprised that no one wanted a nap and he let out a little chuckle as he headed into his bedroom.

"How about we all take a nap?" he said, mustering up some enthusiasm to maybe make them think it was a great idea. Setting them down on the bed, he pulled down the blanket and got in, pulling them down next to him on either side. "Everybody sleeps, even Daddy." Maybe he really could use a nap, that sounded pretty good right about now.

Gunnar made an angry whiny noise at Chloe as she swatted at him and he kicked his leg at her as he turned back away from her into Daddy's shoulder. He was getting crankier and just wanted Daddy. He twisted his fingers tighter into his shirt as they were being carried into the big bedroom.

Lying down was boring though and he fidgeted around once Daddy set him down. But he was soon pulled down, and he tossed and turned in Daddy's arm not wanting to lie down at all even if he was tired.

Daddy's voice made her stop and look at him. Her lipped wibbled, did daddy just yell at her. She needed hugs for that and she wrapped her arms around his neck and cried into his shoulder. She didn't like when daddy got mad at her, she didn't do anything, Gunnar was the one that shouldn't be on her daddy.

Once in the big bed she stuck her fingers in her mouth and looked around. Laying on the pillow as daddy tucked them all in. Grinning at him for only seconds before sitting up. "Weee" The big bed was comfy, but also bouncy and she bounced on her bottom and giggled. Crawling out of the blankets she stood up and tried to walk on the bed, falling and laughing a few times. Finally getting up again she did little jumps giggling.

She couldn't believe it. How was it possible, nope there was no way it was time already. She looked around to check to make sure she had the cute pink ballerina decorations up and ready. Her baby was two years old and her party was in an hour. An hour and then everyone would be here to celebrate Chloe's birthday and she was going to be two. Though she was already starting to be an overactive two year old. Goodness was she a handful compared to Gunnar.

Speaking of she looked into the living room to check on them both. "Be careful you two. Don't be making a mess. We will have the party soon." Turning back to the kitchen she pulled out the second cake of the day. Sitting it next to the pink one, she began icing it Heidelberg colors. This cake was special as well. This cake was for Ethan. She loved that the two of them shared a birthday.

Hearing the door she set down the icing and went to the living room. Who could be there so early? Opening the door her grandparents were smiling happily. "Hello" She should have known they'd be early. Clearly gram would want to help.

She was dressed all pretty and it was because it was her special day! Chloe twirled around the room and giggled as her dressed moved around her. "Weee, unnar look" She did it again to show him. Did he think it was as fun as she did? Moving around looking at all the pretty dancing girls, she tired to pretend to be them. Trying to get on her tip toes and falling she still giggled until she heard mommy's voice. Looking back she just smiled. "clean" She wouldn't get messy she promised. Hearing the door she watched as mommy went to get it. "PAP PAP, GAMMY" She went running towards the door.

Look at all the pretties! Gunnar knew that they were having a party for Chloe and Daddy, and really him too as far as his three year old mind comprehended it. And he was excited as he walked around the room trying to touch all the decorations. He got a hold of one of the pink balloons and started carrying it around before Chloe got his attention.

She was spinning and it looked like fun, so he grinned as he watched her a moment, then started spinning around too. Laughing, Gunnar started to get really dizzy the more he spun, soon falling on his bum and letting go of the balloon in the process. "Fun!" he laughed, then lay back on the floor, watching the ceiling spin around and around.

He struggled to sit up as he heard his mother's voice, soon propping himself up on his elbow, then standing. "Okay, Mommy," he said before his blue eyes snapped to the door as he heard the knock. Who was there? Oh, yay!! "Pap Pap! Grammy!" He yelled after Chloe did, bouncing where he stood before he ran over to the door. "HI! Its party!"

Knowing that Minerva would be doing the decorations and getting the food ready, Ethan volunteered to wrap Chloe's presents. He was in the bedroom doing just that after he had gotten himself ready for the party and he could hear what some might consider a little commotion from the living room. But having two toddlers in the house, it normally sounded that way and he often tuned it out, unless it sounded like something serious which it didn't. Just normal little kid playing noises. Until it got really loud.

"I guess the party's getting started," he chuckled as he headed into the living room carrying his daughter's birthday presents. The kids were awfully excited to see their great-grandparents as usual. "Hello, come on in," he greeted them with a smile from his spot in the room before finding a place on the coffee table for the presents. Unless Min wanted them somewhere else? She'd probably tell him if she did.

Giving her grandparents hugs she let them in. Laughing as the kids came running and both her grandparents knelt for hugs. “Let them get in the door you two.” Turning and smiling at Ethan as he came over, she headed into the living room more taking their coats. “Want anything to drink? The party doesn’t start for awhile, so if you want to just sit with the kids I could get you something.” She wanted to finish icing Ethan’s cake before anyone else showed up.

Looking to the kids back playing she chuckled, “I think they are ready to party, what do you think?” Though she noticed a few toys scattered and bent down to pick them up. No need to have anyone tripping over things. “Birthday boy do you want anything to drink?” She looked at her husband and smiled. It was funny how things worked out with Chloe born on his birthday, though at the time two years ago it wasn’t funny at all. She remembered the scary moments of that day and was very thankful everyone came out of it safe and fine.


“There’s my favorite granddaughter.” Howards smiled hugging Minerva. She was his only granddaughter, but she could be his favorite. He didn’t get to hug for long when two little ones were at his legs. “There are my other two favorite grandbabies” He leaned down giving all the hugs and kisses along with his wife. “Hello Ethan” He gave his grandson a smile and a hug as well. “Look at all these decorations. You’ve out done yourself again.” He knew Min liked to plan things though, she was always one trying to do parties as a child. “Water would be fine for me, thanks.” Taking a seat He watched the kids playing. “So how’s work Ethan.”



Giving hugs and kisses to both Grammy and Pap pap Chloe quickly moved back to the middle of the floor. Why was mommy picking up the toys though, she moved towards her, “Mine” and reached for the doll. Don’t take that, it was hers. Her lip pouted as it seemed mommy wasn’t listening and talked to the other adults. Stomping her foot she yelled “MINE” reaching on her tiptoes trying to get the doll. Looking at her daddy maybe he’d get it for her. Mommy was being a mean mommy putting her toys away.

After giving Grammy and Pap pap hugs, Gunnar followed everyone back to the middle of the living room but he kept his eyes on his grandparents. He loved when they came to visit him! They always liked to play and sometimes they brought presents. Knowing this was a party, the three year old looked especially for a present. Maybe they brought some with them. Blue eyes locked onto Chloe for a minute as she got real mad about something then he wandered over to the toy box and pulled out a toddler game. He carried it over and put it on Pap pap's lap. "Play game."

Ethan smiled and chuckled at the kids as they gave their grandparents hugs and kisses, then gave them both hugs in greeting himself. "Hello, how are you?" He followed everyone into the living room and took a seat in the chair, letting the others take the couch. He looked up and smiled at his wife, shaking his head at her question. "No, I'm good, thanks." She was already doing enough and he was fine on refreshments for now.

"Oh, work's been fine." He turned his focus away from his children for a moment to talk to Minerva's grandparents. "How's everything been going for you both lately?" Ethan chuckled as Gunnar pulled the game over, insisting to play, then his eyes snapped up at Chloe as she yelled about her doll, watching her a moment. "Come on, Chloe," he called towards her, hoping for redirection to stop the beginnings of what could be a temper tantrum. "Why don't you show Grammy your pretty dress?"

~~~~~~~~~~~

While Jorge got Regina into her party dress, Mariel got herself ready and wrapped the presents they had gotten for Ethan and Chloe. Though their family lived a little further away, she had their floo hooked up to her sister's house. Of course it was another floo from there to Ethan's house, but it wasn't that inconvenient and they could just all go over together. "Are you ready, honey?" she smiled towards her husband and their daughter, then picked up the diaper bag along with the presents. once they were all ready to go, she stepped into the fireplace to floo to her sister's house.

Minerva just looked at Chloe as she was had her episode. "Chloe, I want to pick up the toys. You have gifts to open and will have new toys." So no need to cry over the doll. Without giving her another look, she made her way into the kitchen and sat the doll on the counter. She'd get over it and if she didn't well then Min would just give her the doll back. Since it didn't seem like anyone needed drinks she decided to finish the cake.

"DOLL, I Doll!!" Chloe continued to reach and stomp her feet. Even swung at mommy's leg trying to get to her doll, but nothing seemed to work. Her mommy just kept walking and went to the kitchen. Lip wibbling she turned to daddy. "No game" she yelled at Gunnar and ran to daddy jumping at his lap. She wanted her daddy. Resting her head on his shoulder she heard him ask about her dress. "Dress" She pointed towards her dress and got down.

Spinning around she showed Gram and Pap pap how it moved when she spun. Giggling and doing it again. The doll was soon forgotten and she was happy again.


Howard sat watching the kids as Ethan talked, "Oh things are going well. Jane's therapy from the stroke seems to have helped a lot. She is almost fully recovered I would say. " He glanced over to her and smiled as she was listening to Gunnar about the game. That's when he noticed Chloe yelling about her doll and not being nice to Gunnar. "Little Birthday Girls shouldn't get upset." He cooed at her as she got on her daddy's lap. "You two don't have a dull moment here do you?" He laughed shaking his head. He never knew how crazy it was with multiple children since they had only had one, but getting to see his great grandchildren together just made his heart swell.

"Think you'll have more or are you two done with these two?" He said just as he looked at Gunnar, "What game do you want to play buddy?" Eyes turning to Chloe as she started to spin around. "That looks fun Chloe." He was going to need a nap after this party.

Jorge was at the changing table playing with Regina's feet after he had just changed her. Loving to hear is daughter's giggle. "Does that tickle?" he laughed as Regina giggled again. Finally slipping her cute shoes on her feet he picked her up just as he heard his wife's question. All ready looking over Regina one last time, Yep she seemed ready for her cousins party.