We had, in Maia’s words, “all my friends” over: Ava, David, Zoe, Ben, Kellen, and Grant plus the mommies, little sisters, little brothers and special guest Kathleen (who makes cakes). It turned into one of the most fun filled mornings. All the kids had a great time and I think the moms got along fine too. The little ones were entertaining as well as entertained and the toddlers did what those charmong creatures do best: wreak havoic and play until they are fit to burst.

We again this year set up the backyard as a water play station. We had a lovely wading pool, the water table and the sand box out and ready. The day was overcast–we’re having a very mild June this year–and I was worried we wouldn’t be able to play in the water at all. John solved this delima by letting me know how to fill the pool with warm water, straight from the hot water heater. He hooked it up and soon the pool was bathtub warm for the kids. Of course, they didn’t really care about the temperature but it kept them from turning blue too soon.

John came home on his lunch hour to BBQ up sausages and hot dogs for everyone and we feasted on meat and potato salad.

Kathleen brought Maia the most beautiful birthday cake…Maia’s jaw just about hit the floor when she saw it. It was three tiers of bright orange goodness touched with pure white decorations and “Happy Birthday Maia” right on the front. Lovely. Maia loved it so much, she even bent over to take a bite right out of the side. And that is the picture I’ve been waiting for all these long years: my daughter actually eating her birthday cake. I could have cried.

It was an afternoon filled with the celebration of everything three (!) and a fitting celebration for our big little girl.

Love you Miss Maia.

(Yes, I realize it’s just a few months away from her 3rd B-day.  But, I’m trying to make good on my promise … just happening more slowly than planned. There’s also been some influx, so, I’m barely treading water here with a current backlog of 1059)

Some highlights:

This year, we even got a smile for candles — much different than last year: