Birthday fun for the whole family!

Their 3 year old birthday was all I had wanted it to be!  

I slept with the girls that night so that we could wake up together on their birthday.  The first thing Lily asked..."Can we watch Mary Poppins now?!"  (I had told her we would watch it on her birthday.)  We gave them a little pony present to start off the day.  Then Phil and I loaded them up and drove to Montevallo to spend some of Grammie and Grandpa's birthday money on a horseback riding lesson.  They were so happy.  They were smiling in every picture I took.  It was a big horse named Spot that was 25 years old.  They showed no fear at all and loved it!  

Afterwards we went for Chinese food.  We then tried a nap that worked for 10 mins until they came out of their rooms asking for their presents.  So Phil entertained them while I wrapped their 75 piece talking Dora playhouse that I picked up at a consignment sale.  I wrapped it into about 25 presents and displayed it in the living room on a new play table.  When we yelled "Happy Birthday!" and opened their door, they came running down the hall with all the shock and awe two parents could hope for.  They had a blast opening all the little pieces and playing with the house.  

Afterwards, we had dinner and made chocolate chip cookies.  Then the big finale...Mary Poppins!  We had been reading the book for about 2 weeks to build momentum.  They were thrilled!  

It was a magical day.  It was the first big celebration that they actually "got" the concept that all of this was special and just for them.  It was one of my favorite family days yet.  I am continually amazed at how wonderful it makes me feel to see them so happy.

This Friday we are having a Mickey and Minnie Pumpkin Patch Party.  I can't wait!  Neither can they...they are, unprompted, praying for it every night before they go to bed.  

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com