NOW you're three

Dear Ruby,

Now you are finally three.
You've been with us for three whole years!!
My how you've grown.
Thanks for always being honest and keeping me on my toes.

Love,
Mom oxox

We had a wonderful time celebrating Ruby's third birthday with friends and family on Sunday.   Here are some pics..... 

The Birthday Girl.

We let the balloons lose in the room and everyone had so much fun playing with them.  I figured if they were tied up in a corner as a decoration it would just cause trouble.  Actually, it was Ryan's idea and it was a good one.  Good job Daddy.

Waiting for the guests to arrive.  

Thankfully, the gift we got her was well liked.  :)  Phew.  

She received a lot of fantastic gifts.  Ironically, opening presents is often a stressful time for kids (and parents).  I've seen kids cry at their own party.  Kids just want to play with their new toys as they open them but the party rules dictate we must open everything from everyone, say 'thank you' and move along to the cake.  Would it be rude to just let the kid play with the first gift they opened for as long as they want and send a thank you card for the rest?  Hm.  Food for thought.  Maybe we should change the party protocol.

Elliott, Kate, Fern, (Jason) Ruby, Leo, (Grandma).  

(Not sure why the adults are in brackets.)

Smiling so sweetly.

Sunny and Kathryn. 

So, the party's over.  Everything but the 'happy birthday' sign is put away.  Ruby's three.  We missed Aimee at the party this year, but her mom, Sherri was here with Kate and Elliott.  As you see in the pictures, some new friends brought life to the party - Kathryn, Jason, Fern and Sunshine.  Thanks for coming everyone!  See you all next year!

I wonder how Four is going to be?

-L