A brief update, as I�m not sure whether I�ll have a chance to write later. We�re heading to a birthday party for AJ�s friend Z later this morning. It should be entertaining for all concerned. It�s our very first party for someone other than a family member. It should be a relatively easy beginning, however, as AJ, Z and Z�s baby brother D will be the only children present. It�s largely an excuse for some of us grownups to get together.

AJ was very helpful in picking out Z�s present. We have assembled a box of dress up items, including everything from tiaras and a feather boa to a cowboy hat and cat ears (both AJ�s choices). He was surprisingly mature about the present-purchasing process and did not seem overly concerned that we weren�t buying presents for him, as we thought he might be. Just the same, we�ve been running over the present procedure so he doesn�t suddenly get to Zoe�s house, see all the presents and be shocked that they aren�t for him. And why wouldn�t he expect that? Between his grandma and his uncle, he gets presents on a near-weekly basis. I did hear AJ practicing singing �Happy Birthday� to Z. before I went to get him out of bed this morning.

I�m sure there will be much to report � AJ and Z are always wonderfully fun to watch in action. And I�m looking forward to seeing some friends I haven�t seen in a long time.

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