Up All Night

They grow up so fast. It was hard to believe we were already celebrating little Amy's "First Birthday" on tonight's episode. Where did the time go?

While it was Amy's big day, I felt pretty special as well after being treated to such an entertaining half hour. Reagan and Chris acted out the age old problem many couples struggle with, that being the type casting of Good Cop and Bad Cop. Chris admitted he needed Reagan's strong will power after his inability to say no landed them in the joint birthday bonanza with Gene and Terry.

It was not until later, though, that Reagan was able to explain to him why his self assumed role as the "get along guy" was unfair to her.

Great twist having Reagan assume the persona of a "good time Charlie," which exposed Chris as the "hilarious uptight guy." Likening herself to a reactor that has kept the heat off Chris all these years was spot on. 

Ava was at her best, lovingly showering Amy with praise while keeping a critical eye on the "off brand" guests, the best of which were no doubt "Fluff and Fold," "Old Man Foot Cheese" and "Bedroom Bathroom Guy." I laughed especially hard, though, at the guy who was watching TV at the party because my dad used to do the same thing at every family gathering, I'm also pretty sure he had a denim shirt with a Looney Tunes character on it. 

Keeping this from being a near perfect episode was the Nancy and Ned storyline. The content was funny, I just thought it was out of place and possibly deserved a more foal role in another episode. What really got to me, however, was Chris's disdain for and hurtful comments about sheet cake. I love sheet cake like Scott Pilgrim likes garlic bread. Sheet cake is one of my favorite all-time foods. I could eat it for every meal. Or just constantly without stopping. 

Other than that, I had a great time at the party. As did Ava... excuse me, Special Auntie Ava. Anyone else catch the face she made as she slipped backward out of the bouncy castle? Oh Maya, you slay me. That portrait of Amy was the creepiest painting I've seen since the one of Vigo the Carpathian in Ghostbusters II. 

If I had a wish to make tonight, before blowing out the candles, it would have been for more episodes like tonight's in the future. Until next time, don't be afraid to let out your inner Birthday Chicken.