Maria is Three

Today, my baby is 3.  No more 2 year olds in the house.  I'm relieved and yet sad.  The baby years are quickly speeding away.  The years of having 3 under 3 and 4 under 5 are becoming a memory.  My reality now is still as hard, but different.  There are no diapers, but homework to help with.  No sippy cups, but school-age drama to guide them through.  But, there is also family bike rides to the pool and family games of 'Hyper-Dash' and 'Uno'.  Family dinner conversation includes them instead of just being about them.  They can read and understand sarcasm and humor.  They can help set the table and clean up after themselves (although this area could use a little work).  They are becoming more independent and it's like a little breath of fresh air.

This past weekend we celebrated Maria's birthday with her rainbow themed family party.  You can see the inspiration for the rainbow theme on my Pinterest board HERE.

The rainbow arch on the patio

Rainbow kabobs

Rainbow cake baked in mason jars - pre-whipped cream.

Maria's happy face

Maria's surprised face

Maria's silly face

Rainbow slushie

Maria and BFF Holly

Little Great Grandma reading her new book

Modeling her new chef's hat from Uncle Ben and Aunt Janelle

Today on her actual birthday we went out for lunch at then to Fairmount Park to watch the horse races.  The place goes crazy every 20 minutes and for about a minute and a half there is a race to watch.  All the other minutes we were there were spent people watching, getting 75 cent sodas and picking which horse was going to win the next race. *it should be noted that Tim got all the kids caffeinated soda...Maria has not had caffeine before...she was hyper...and hilarious*

My view when I woke up this morning.  Sweet snuggles from the bday girl!

Fairmount Park

We stopped to see Big Great Grandma on the way home.  These two share a birthday!

It was a great day of being together and celebrating Maria.  She is a joy!