Carly is Three

I know it's cliche, but I just can't believe how fast time flies! Our baby girl turned three this past week. It seems that I waited for most of my life to become a wife and mommy, and now I just can't believe we're moving past the "baby havin'" stage and into the "child raising"one. On SO many levels I am glad we are into the next stage, just wish it would slow down a bit.

Anyway, onto the spunky, strong(willed), affectionate, funny little three year old, known around these parts as "Car-Car". She chose a toaster streudel written on by Sarah for her birthday breakfast and was happy to accept the birthday greetings and hugs from her siblings first thing in the morning.Carly and I spent the morning just the two of us, hanging out doing puzzles, reading books etc. and a good friend stopped by with a Starbucks for me and a little present for the birthday girl. And we went out to celebrate as a family that night. The birthday child always gets to choose what is for dinner and what activity we will do (usually this is swimming, ChuckECheese, etc.) but we had wanted to get her a Build A Bear for her present, and it thankfully (as the budget is tight) doubled as her birthday activity!

We went to Red Robin for dinner and then headed to the Build A Bear store.

Loved the "Shortcake" present from her sisters and brother!

Thrilled with the ice cream and singing of happy birthday to her in the restaurant!She choose a bunny who she named "Sprinkles" and chose a cute dress, shoes and a purse to dress her in. It was super fun to watch her make her own choices and be so happy with the result!And the very happy birthday girl in the van with her bunny on the ride home. We had such a great time as a family celebrating our youngest member!

We love you Carly Makenna!

Gumball machine party post to come!