trick or treat

Since the Aussies don't share quite the same enthusiasm for Halloween as we do in America, we weren't really planning on trick or treating with Guns.  I didn't even plan a costume.  But in quick preparations for his party, we did run across some at a craft store, so we bought one on a whim.  Captain America, what else?  Turns out Gunnar was terrified of it, we couldn't even get it near him without him screaming.  No big deal, since I didn't think he'd be in need of it anyways.

But it turned out that Patrick was in Brisbane for work the week before Halloween, and the koala sanctuary there (for which we have a year long membership) was having a Halloween event for kids.  Perfection!  Pat went and did his work thing, and I drove down with Gunnar on Friday and met him there.  We spent Saturday with the animals, on a trick or treat treasure hunt.  Gunnar did not wear the Captain America costume (surprise surprise).  It was too hot anyways (we're on the verge of summer over here), so we went with a soccer player.  He has an official Liverpool uniform that Mimi brought back from her trip to London last year.  He wears it at home, so it was easy to get him into it.  And really, as soon as we mentioned the word "candy" he didn't really care, he just wanted to get there and get some.

We opted to do the touristy thing and take a cruise down the river to the sanctuary from the city.  It was informative, relaxing, and fun.  All in all it was a good day.  I mean, how can it be a bad day when you get to pet a kangaroo?

Guns loves boats

 The Bush Thick-Knee... Gunnar's new favorite bird.  They chased each other back and forth along the cage for a while, giggling away.

 trick or treating at the platypus exhibit

 loving on some kangaroos

 we even got to love on a dingo!

 back on the boat enjoying his 'canny'

 napping on a catamaran cruise... tough life.

terrible twos

So I joked that Gunnar hit the terrible twos the day after he turned one.  That joke came back to bite me in the butt, because I was wrong.  Way wrong.  We are experiencing toddler temper tantrums on a daily basis, like it's no body's business.  If it was Gunnar's job to throw a tantrum, his college would be paid in full by now.  Probably even grad school too.

As 'terrible' as he might be at certain times every day, he has the sweetest moments that totally make up for it.  Like when he runs up to me and hugs me for no reason saying "love you mommy".  And when he decides that to stop kissing me would be the worst thing in the world.  And when I make him lunch and sit it at his little table, he grabs my hand and pulls me back to it, pats the seat next to him and says "sit here".  I love that little goober.

He did take a break from terrorizing the local village long enough for us to throw him a little party (finally).  It was very last minute (I had a total of about 45 hours to plan), so I did the best I could making all the ideas in my head turn into reality.  It was great, every one had fun I think, and Guns made a new friend... his age AND size (something hard to come by for such a giant).

In case you can't tell in the following photos, it was a Despicable Me themed party.  If you haven't seen the movie, you won't get any of my little jokes.  But if you have seen it, enjoy.

 He was so excited to see his homemade 'guys' banner when he woke up from his nap

 shrunken moon cake pops

 my first attempt at a layered cake... not too bad if I do say so myself.

 cookie robots!

 chasing me down yelling "cake! cake!"

 he got shy and hid his eyes when everyone started singing

 "he punched my shark!" piñata

 "pipe down fish!"

 Guns and his new friend peeking out the window

 probably thinking "I got to hit this thing and now candy is pouring out of it? best day ever!"

We had lots of presents left for Gunnar to open the next day, and he thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them...

remote control Chevy Silverado, complete with trailer and (also remote control) dune buggy

who do you think picked that one out?

 5-in-1 easel!

 a new Octonauts DVD!

 a blanket from Mimi, hand made with love

 I think he likes it

 sharing the softness

 his very own Gup-A!

 last but not least - his first bike!

And so ends the birthday that lasted a whole month.  We love you little man, happy second year.  Now, let's move on from the terrible twos as quick as we can, ok?!