The Prairie is going to be lit today. :)

Today is a special day as we celebrate the birthday of our chief dude of coolness. It's a time for Pizza Ranch, singing, unwrapping gifts, and making his day rebellious. It is also a time for reflection and a renewed spirit of unruly hope. 

Why Pizza Ranch?

Why Pizza Ranch, you ask? It's a tradition he started for his birthday and everyone else's. I think it is because he paired happy memories with their pizza. If you are in the Midwest, you know. 

The Virtual Campfire

As we gather around the virtual campfire tonight to sing happy birthday and unwrap gifts, he only has one request: a Baby BumbleBee movie. It may not be age-appropriate, which used to bother me, but that was a me problem, not a him problem.  It's easy to get caught up in what's considered "age appropriate" or "normal," but as a parent, do you know how cool it is to see your kids be happy?  The fact that he can express something he wants is fantastic, and how big of a jerk would I be if I let my hang-up get in the way of his birthday.

Introducing New Adventures

While we dig that he knows his favorites, we also try introducing new things he might enjoy. We may find something new that he likes; if not, it's no big deal. So here's to our chief dude of coolness, to his special day filled with pizza, joy, and the simple pleasure of unwrapping a favorite movie. Cheers to celebrating individuality and seeking new adventures, even if they are the same for 20 years. Keep trying, fighting and making you radicals, poets, and dreamers.