the big shebang

It all started more than a week in advance with several grocery shopping trips, picking up tables and chairs from the church, 10+ hours of cake making, and of course the usual beater licking. The morning of David's birthday was beautiful and God was even so gracious to provide slightly cooler temperatures and partially overcast skies for half of it. We loaded up and headed to the pool for his big birthday party (which he had been talking about for weeks). E did really well until the end of pool time. D loved the water and shooting water guns at fellow birthday celebrators. Chow time! There was some down time (due to a hiccup with running out of propane in the midst of grilling). The kids filled it well with car time, playset time, and running around. Then came chow time for the big kids too! Michael was the grill master and grilled hot dogs to perfection! Guests munched on chips at each table and watermelon, grapes and oranges. A few kids even enjoyed the not-so-frozen-anymore ice pops. Cake time! All the kiddos even agreed that the cross-eyed Thomas was recognizable. It must have tasted good too! Gift time! All the kids enjoyed helping David open his presents. ...and play with them! Thanks everyone for coming!!!

Then, David had a few more presents to open from us. He enjoyed the truck and train books. And even more his new set of 50+ Thomas trains and track etc... This now resides in his bedroom and has made him quite cheerful about taking a nap. He also really enjoyed his Radio Flyer trike from Aunt Sarah and Uncle Rich. Thanks to everyone who made this a special birthday for our big 3 year old!