Ian is 3!

It has been a big week in our house with birthday celebrations galore of our new 3 year old! Ian turned 3 on Monday, but because the weekend before was the end of spring break, we decided to have his party this weekend. Because of that, it has seemed like a week long birthday as Ian waited in anticipation for his party!

Ever since Emma's birthday in February, Ian has been asking for a car cake for his birthday. So, When we got Ian up on Monday with our rendition of "Happy Birthday" over course he immediately asked where his car cake was!  Unfortunately, Mommy was not planning on making the cake on his actual birthday, but for his party! I had to quickly come up with a plan to keep the birthday boy happy, while still not overwhelming the house with one too many car cakes!

Here is what we came up with:


A car cookie complete with candles! He was happy with it, thank goodness!

On Ian's actual birthday, we ran errands at Target and Ian had his 3 year doctor's appointment. At Target, I let Ian pick out a "Buzz" and "Woody" action figure that each say about 10 different things when you move their arm . Woody accompanied us to the doctor's appointment. When the nurse walked us into our exam room Ian raised Woody's arm which resulted in Woody exclaiming "Time to round us up an escape plan!" Could there be any better timing for that phrase! We all got a good laugh. Ian did great at the appointment (no shots this year!) and we headed out to lunch as a special treat.


Emma, Ian, and the very eloquent Woody


With Buzz, too!


Ian's favorite phrase is "To Infinity...and Beyond!!!"


Ian attempting to blow out his candles

Over the week, Ian also got a brand new big boy bed and we soon will be transitioning into that. We went with bunk beds, so now when we have guests, Emma will have a place to sleep (besides her cot and sleeping bags, which she loves)

On Saturday, it was finally party day. Ian was a little upset that we had to go to a soccer game first, but he forgave us when he saw his official car cake....


Ian's favorite part of the Cars movie is when Mater and Lightening go tractor tipping and get chased by Frank the Combine.  He cracks up every time he sees this! So when I saw this cake idea online, I knew I had to do it!

The words "Wow, thats amazing Mom" Actually came out of his mouth and he had to immediately show all his friends that cake when they came in. I am so glad I could make his birthday with come true  (for this year at least!)

At the party, we had many car type activities. One of the favorites was "Box" car racing.

The box cars were a team effort between Dan, Emma, and I

We raced up and down the sidewalk at least 6 times

The fun probably would have continued...

Except it was a 90 degree day

so we headed back inside to cool off!

We had pizza and wings and fruit for lunch. For birthdays, I always stock up on dollar store table clothes. The kids eat picnic style outside while we enjoyed a quiet lunch inside. (Also our back yard is about 15 degrees cooler than the front, so the kids were not roasting out there)

We also had another pinata this year (Ian holding his bag for the candy)

Pulling ribbons
And then it was time for cake...

Ian was really excited to have everyone singing to him

This must be his really excited face!

and we all enjoyed cake!

We ended the party with Ian Serenading everyone with one of his favorite new toys!

Thank you to everyone far and near who helped to make Ian's day (or week) very special! He loved all his cards, gifts, and birthday wishes!

Easter 2012

We had a pretty relaxing Easter weekend at home this year.  On Saturday we were invited to a neighborhood Easter egg hunt and brunch where Emma got to play with a lot of her classmates. We then headed over to our church organized Easter egg hunt at a local park where we were joined by more good friends and classmates.

On Sunday, we went to Church and then had friends over for lunch (and had another small easter egg hunt in our back yard)

Here are a few pictures of us in our Easter best:




Excited Ian while Emma just wants to get these pictures over with!

All the kids together


Family Shot