Happy 3rd Birthday, Caleb!!!

What a whirlwind of a week! We've been celebrating the big 3 year old since his birthday. We have had lots of family fun, a birthday dinner and two parties since Wednesday and, while we are all pretty worn out from the busy-ness, I wouldn't change it for the world! It's been so much fun watching Caleb get excited through the week and enjoy each moment. 

On Wednesday morning, Caleb woke up to a room full of birthday balloons! Both boys had so much fun playing first thing in the morning, we had trouble making our way downstairs! I think we have a new birthday tradition : ) 

Super sweet brothers

Even Aaron was excited! 

The birthday boy! 

 We finally made it downstairs and Caleb had some presents to open from Mommy, Daddy and Aaron. 

He opened two play outfits (a doctor and a chef) as well as a Train ABC puzzle.

Doctor Caleb

The good doctor needed his chef hat too! 

 That evening we went to dinner at Cracker Barrel to celebrate properly. Grandma Mal joined us, but I didn't manage to get her in a picture...sorry Grandma!

"Cheese!" 

Silly Brother

Mommy and the birthday boy! 

Caleb got one present from Grandma at dinner...a new monster truck! 

We had our usual school day on Thursday and then got ready for Caleb's friends to come over on Friday for birthday party #1. This was the first year we had done a "friends" birthday party. A few weeks ago I asked Caleb to name five friends that he would like to come to our house to play. He named six, so I agreed and invited those friends along with siblings to come play. It worked out great having his party on Friday morning, it was almost all kids his age and younger so we didn't have to worry about older kids in the bounce house! We rented one and had a company come set it up on Friday morning...such a great way to party!

The morning of his party we went out to test out the bounce house before any friends arrived...we had to make sure it was bouncy enough : )

So fun! 

At first Aaron would only play if I was laying there....he got more confidant through the weekend though

 After a while, friends started to arrive and we had a fun time playing and having pizza.

Bouncing with friends

Hanging out on the deck

We took a break inside for presents, it was a little warm outside! 

Being shy during happy birthday

Mommy had to help

 We went back outside for cake, ice cream and a little more jumping before everyone left.

Yummy cupcakes

We had a few older friends come as well. A friend of all all the moms at the party went into labor the evening before and a friend was watching their three kids...so they joined us as well! It worked out nicely to have some older kids helping the younger ones play. 

Jonathan was home not feeling well, but he came out to take pictures and steal a few moments with the boys

 After everyone left we spent most of the hot part of the day inside playing with new toys. Caleb has loved his new puzzles, art/coloring supplies, movies, monster truck and Diego underwear!

Happy Birthday Boy! 

The sneaky little one decided to snack on the ice chest while I was cleaning up! Look at that little smirk! 

Playing with his new puzzles

I couldn't get a smile...but he agreed to stick out his tongue for me

 After party #1 on Friday, we turned around and had party #2 on Saturday! On Saturday we had a casual family party completely with homemade meatball subs, football on the tv and lots of outside fun. It was the perfect kickoff for fall!

Caleb and Aaron playing with Hannah Joy

The two babies are starting to interact more! 

Cousins

We couldn't just let the two boys enjoy the bounce house...so a few more of us joined in the fun! 

Uncle Thomas had fun tossing the boys around.

Even the littlest boy : )

Katy, Kristen and I joined in too!

The other generations aren't as fun as we are! 

 As a side note, I will add that there is a video somewhere of this momma doing a cartwheel in the bounce house. I've been told it could be used as blackmail, but I think it's something to be rather proud of. If anyone sends me the video, I will post it here!

Opening presents on the deck (the weather had turned beautiful by then...it was a gorgeous evening!)

A fishing pole from Grandma and Pops

I asked Derrill and Mom to take a picture...this was take one...

...take two...

...and take three! Finally a good one : )

Caleb and his new bike from Aunt Katy! 

Caleb "fishing" off the deck as we sat around a little while longer

Caleb was given a LeapFrog, a bike, a personalized plate and cape (yes, like superhero...very cute!), a fishing pole, some Lego books, some fall clothes and a movie. All wonderful gifts and most were played with already today! 

After a busy birthday week, we spent our day after church playing with all of Caleb's new things. Today was our first day that truly felt like fall and we made the most of it. We had fun playing in the bounce house and beginning to teach Caleb how to ride his new bike. 

Thanks to everyone that helped us celebrate Caleb's birthday this week! I know he's not likely to remember his third birthday, but I know I will remember the joy and excitement I watched in him through the week and all the fun we had with friends and family. Happy Birthday to my sweet, wonderful, silly boy! I can't believe how big you are already!