The Human Fly

Matt went to a birthday party today at one of those inflatable party palaces. For those without small children, these are large cavernous buildings full of bouncy houses and other games, geared at making children as wild as possible before you feed them super sugary birthday cake and send them home to their parents. The newest one here in town is outstanding - besides the bounce house, there are two inflatable obstacle courses, air hockey, an arcade, a ball pit and a Wii bowling lane. Matt enjoyed all of this very much, but his favorite thing was the Velcro Wall. That's right, the Velcro Wall. In classic David Letterman fashion, you don a huge Velcro suit and fling yourself onto the Velcro wall, where will you then, in theory, stick. And hang there. Pure awesome.

Matt was more than willing to give this a try, but as the suit weighed more than he does, we required some assistance. Our friend Winston, father of the birthday boy, was more than happy to oblige and stuck Matt securely to the wall.



Where he dangled...


while giggling wildly...


until he thrust himself forward enough to fall off the wall onto the padding below. He was one of only three kids to try this out, the only boy, and by far the youngest one. He's made of tough stuff, my son. Tough, or slightly crazy. Possibly both.

He also, after an initial reluctance, participated in some karaoke. Not a lot of singing, but he liked the microphone and being on stage.



I was very proud of how brave he was trying new activities today. The Party Palace was a blast, and I imagine we'll be there again soon. Matt wants his next birthday there, and I have to say, I think that's a fine idea. I mean, come on - what's more fun than a Velcro Wall? Not much, I say.

Not much.


And, just 'cause it's cute, one last picture of my sweet boy.