Happy Happy Birthday, Baby!

Wow. 3 years of my life have flown by at the speed of light. Little Laura Kate is quite the big girl now. Once again, yesterday was a reminder of just how good God is to us and how immensely he's blessed us. We certainly don't deserve it, but He never fails to give.

To use Laura Kate's words "I can't believe today was my birthday! It was a beautiful day." I couldn't agree more. We had a small party for her, no little friends, just family. The menu consisted of pizza, cupcakes, and chocolate chip cookies. In the mind of a child, you can't beat a spread like that. Heck, in my mind you can't beat that! It was really nice to visit and share the joy of a well and cheerful Laura Kate with those closest to her (who could make it).

I preface the pictures with this: In most instances, Laura Kate is completely incapable of looking at a camera. Anything you say to her in regard to that goes right over the top of her head. To top it all off, our camera flashes twice, so even if she were looking, by the time the picture is taken she's already moved on. This being the case, we didn't get many postable pictures :) Here is what we did get:

This is Tinker Bell. She speaks birthday well wishes. The girls are in love with her. I'm not sure if this was a very wise purchase, but it's too late for second guesses :)

We sing "Happy Birthday" as Laura Kate stare intently at her cupcake. Maybe she's making a wish.

Anna is staring intently at Laura Kate's cupcake. Maybe she's thinking "Three more seconds and I'm going to blow that candle out!"

My little niece, Sara, lives by the mantra that if you can't wear the icing, what's the point in eating a cupcake?

Her First LeapPad from Maw Maw and Paw Paw. Gotta love educational toys. My kids are more tech savvy than I.


Contemplating what it means to get big girl panties from Nana on her birthday. Yes, she is completely potty trained and no, you can't have too many panties.

This is the Princess Jasmine puzzle Laura Kate picked out and we purchased. She was excited when she opened it, as though she'd never seen it. I asked who that was from. She replied, "It's from HEB!" That triggered a roar of laughter. Out of the mouths of babes...

The best gift is a thoughtfully chosen one. Here, Laura Kate is holding popcorn. Popcorn has to be one of the girls "most favoritest" snacks of all. Mrs. Nancy knew that, and she included it in a gift bag with lots of other very fun items. For all of the money we spend on them, they seem to love the most simple things.

Do you remember those big balloon with rubber bands attached that you could punch, kind of like a punching bag? Well, I hadn't seem one in 15 years, probably, until last night. Mrs. Nancy got one for each girl. They are enamored. Here, Daddy is teaching Laura Kate how not to use it (as in, beating someone with it). Below, Anna tires to take a big enough breath to blow it up in one try.

One of Anna's very favorite things to is to make a funny face when you take her picture.

Laura Kate and Maw Maw Katy

Laura Kate and Uncle Matt

Laura Kate and Mrs. Nancy

Paw Paw David, Laura Kate, and Mr. Melvin

The family

As the evening came to a close and everyone had cleared out, Paw Paw David read birthday cards to Laura Kate. Our birthday girls was pretty well worn out at this point. A fun, yet bittersweet, day drew to a end. Kids are such blessing, but soon they have to grow up. It all happens entirely too fast. Reminds us how important it is to revel in the here and now.