NATCHEZ &045;&045; Adam Phillips celebrated his third birthday in children’s heaven Sunday, bouncing and jumping with a half-dozen other toddlers on the spring floor and tumble track at Natchez Gymnastics.

And the physical fun wasn’t just for the kids.

&uot;Everybody gets a workout here,&uot; one perspiring pop said with a grin after helping other parents who hoisted a huge parachute and ran in circles, twirling the delighted youngsters who sat in the middle.

&uot;I think the grown-ups are having more fun than the kids,&uot; said Adam’s grandmother, Patricia McKenzie.

Maybe so, but these kids were thoroughly enjoying themselves, clamoring under the parachute to tag each other’s feet in a game called &uot;A lligator&uot; and giggling with delight as moms and dads fanned air waves through the giant cloth around them.

Adam’s parents, Richard and Amy Phillips of Natchez, said this birthday party was definitely the most exciting for Adam yet.

&uot;We had his first birthday party at Dairy Queen. He just kind of sat there, then. But he’s having fun today,&uot; Richard said.

Amy said Adam has been looking forward to this year’s celebration.

&uot;He’s been all pumped up about the party. He loves Power Rangers, and we gave him a Power Ranger motorcycle. His birthday cake is decorated with Power Rangers, too,&uot; Amy said.

Adam and his friends took a few minutes from their play to gather around the cake, where the group sang &uot;Happy Birthday&uot; before Adam blew out the candles.

Natchez Gymnastics, a non-profit organization, has provided competitive gymnastics and cheerleader training at its gymnasium in the rear of the Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center on Homochitto Street for over 30 years.

&uot;We more recently started hosting parties for kids. You just call us and reserve it.

We love having the children here,&uot; said Christy Delaney, one of four teachers at Natchez Gymnastics.

The group also provides recreational gymnastic events for children.