Many Happy Returns of Adele's Birthday!

Adele turned two, of course, on the 20th of November. But it was a working day, so it went largely uncelebrated until the next week. Don't worry; we made up for it! 

Adele got to start the day with a trip to the Strong Museum of Play! A gift from Grandpa Jim. 

As usual, the kids can't believe their good luck. 

I've blogged about the Strong before, but I can't help myself. I have to do a sequel. We spent the whole day, this time, you see. Skipped her nap altogether. Birthday treat. 

First country on the museum's map: Sesame Street!

I approve this picture. 

In Big Bird's nest

Big shot of the central atrium

We lingered long in the Reading Adventureland Section.

Miles makes a bridge.

Adele loves on Mother Goose...

...And Peter Rabbit

One can control this giant with levers, and you talk into a box to magnify your voice into a giant's enormity. SUCH fun. 

Tai-Tai plants carrots, frolics generally.

Adele climbed the beanstalk twice! She'd like to thank fast-food playplaces for the practice. 

All Hail Princess Abby!

....And King Miles!

One, two princes who adore you. 

#Reigning

Once a King or Queen of the Strong Museum, Always a King or Queen of the Strong Museum

Miles "scales a building like Spiderman." Adele didn't really get it. :-)

Adele also didn't really get this digital game of dodgeball, but that didn't stop her from loving it!

In the Barbie section of the Toy Museum, we lingered at the dollhouse. 

Just a sample of the miles of vintage dolls

...and other vintage toys of every description

Love to hate the title of this game from the 50s.

One of MANY dollhouses on display. 

It was glorious good fun, exhausting and satisfying. We left all played out and tingling with tired. The kids napped in the car.

The city is so dreamy in the snow. 

That evening, we rudely woke Adele up for her birthday party. Miss Agnus (Grandpa Jim's friend) and  her daughter, Mercedes were in attendence, as were the Nickoloffs. (Later, even Tita came to stay the night!)

She was not too sure about this custom of a whole roomful of people singing at her. But she accepted it and recognized what she was supposed to do with this:

Once again, happy, happy birthday baby.