5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Blast Off!

So, I wanted to get these pictures together beforing sharing Sunday's birthday bash for Taylor. It was the perfect ending to our busy birthday weekend for our little 3 year old. Of course, everything was decorated in Disney Little Einsteins. Everything! From the banners, to the favors, we were officially on Einstein overload. Even the cake had its very own Rocket!

I guess that is what happens when the kids start to get opinions of their own. Just as long as they don't ask for Barney or Winnie the Pooh! I would cry!

We decided to have the party in the morning-wow-so glad we did! The timing worked out well for the little ones and it allowed the adults to still plan a full day thereafter. I would definitely recommend it! The weather turned out to be so nice that the kids were even able to play outside! I was so grateful it wasn't rainy or cold as the prior parties. What a fantastic day!

Thank you to everyone for making the day so special!

Taylor's 3rd Birthday

Last Friday (September 26th) was Taylor's 3rd Birthday. I still can't believe that my little girl is 3! It is remarkable how the time has flown by these last three years, so bittersweet. We continued our tradition of Chad staying home from work to help celebrate the big day and of course it started at breakfast. Taylor decided she wanted pancakes for her birthday breakfast, and while not a big fan, I chose to have some as well.

Next stop: the "round-n-round slide." AKA Cascade View Elementary's Kindergarten play area. We spend a lot of time here. Instead of the bark at all of the other playgrounds, this has a great rubber pad so no slivers! Plus, is completely fenced off. There is a corkscrew style slide there (which is Tay's favorite) hence the nickname. She loves this park. She asks to go every day and has yet to understand that we can't always go because school is in session.

Where to next? Chuck-E-Cheese's! Chad and I had a ton of errands to run to get ready for the party on Sunday, so once in Lynnwood, we headed to CEC. I have only been once, and I was a kid, but this was Chad's first trip. Both Taylor and Jack were hysterical! I don't know who had more fun. Jack loved to hop on the rides, but had a blast playing the arcade games. I think his favorite was the water gun race (where he beat Taylor by a landslide). Sadly, we hadn't plan to go there and didn't bring the camera. Bummer. I would imagine we will hit the Bellevue location soon for a bad weather outing.

Nothing exciting on Saturday, just more prepping for the party. The kids were so pooped out from the day prior we figured we should let them rest.

Watermelon, watermelon!

So, I have recently learned Taylor LOVES watermelon. While she used to just like it earlier in life, she now can plow through several large slices. This was her 3rd slice of melon before school today.

Sweet Dreams...

Last night we had dinner with our friends the Merritts. After a fantastic evening with their family, it was time to put our munchkins to bed (circa 11pm). Jack fell asleep on the car ride home (which is only a five minute drive) while Taylor talked about the fun she had with her friends Charlie, Avery and 'baby Sadie' (and no, it isn't Sadie, it is 'baby' Sadie).

Jack transfers seamlessly, and Taylor gets into her pjs without a question. As Chad and I are changing in our bathroom, Taylor starts blowing kisses to us. In her case, blowing kisses means she kisses *pwah* her hand than says "AH" as she throws it our way, instead of the traditional blow. It has always made us laugh, this time was no different. We "ah'd" our kisses back and then off to bed.

Considering how tired she was (maybe delirious) we thought she would crash right out. Door shut and all tucked in and a kiss goodnight. Not the case, she decided to start a rendition of ..."I love my daddy, I love my mommy-I love them SOOO much and they love me." We nearly died standing at the door. It made the two of us want to jump right in bed with her. We listened for more, but alas she fell asleep.

Love her.

First Day of School

It is official! Taylor started preschool today! I still can't believe how quickly the last three years have gone by. Chad came home to join the first day of school fun as well. The teacher warned us that some children have anxiety or cry when the first day rolls around, and to anticipate it. Well, sadly for Chad and I, Taylor couldn't WAIT to get in and play with her friends. She is so fortunate to have class with her two good buddies, Ava and Delaney.

As we were getting ready to leave, we asked for kisses...which Ava kindly shared, but our daughter, well, she had better things to do! Definitely a harder day for mom and dad!