  maybe a good way to use the kids' close birthdays is to get them both a larger, slightly more costly gift together. Sort of an infrastructure-building opportunity. Of course you have to know why I'm thinking this. I could build a climbing wall in their room and make it their collective birthday present! I've spent the last little bit online looking into it, and it wouldn't be that expensive. Depending on which brand I pick, and the number of handholds I want, urlLink REI offers some nice packages . One wall of the kids' room is drywall-covered shiplap, so it would be easy to anchor them. I could do it in the corner, and include urlLink this cute climbing bar from Ikea that might be more appropriate for Ellie's skill level these days. Ikea even offers cute kiddie crash pads for the floor. I wonder if urlLink this air-filled one is safer than urlLink this foam filled mat ? 
