Easter 2013, part 1

Easter seemed early this year! My brother was in town for the weekend, but had to leave on Sunday, so we went to my parents' house for an Easter meal on Saturday instead.


The kids now sit on stools at the big kitchen island. Their very own kids' table!

 After lunch, the kids rode their balance bikes up and down the sidewalks. We were impressed with how far they went, although we still ended up carrying bikes home by the end.

A little sidewalk chalk. It's windy in Crozet!

 A little music time with Uncle Peter's new banjo.

Actual Birthday Morning

The morning of the trio's actual birthday, I had to go to a work meeting. And Jason had to go out of town for 24 hours.  :( Monday is not one of my usual work days but I had to be there. So, Grandma Di got to spend some time with the kids on her own.

They did crafts...

And during quiet time, Grandma Di made pancakes in the shape of letters and spelled their names.

Later, the girls sat in their camp chairs to watch a movie:

It was a pretty low-key day since there was still snow on the ground.But with Care Bears to cuddle they didn't mind!

Birthday Afternoon

After the party, there was still lots to do. Some friends of ours were in town visiting, so we went to see them and their kids for a little playdate in the afternoon.

There were more kids here, but we couldn't get them all in the picture at the same time.

Just before we left, it started snowing! By the time we got home there were a few inches of snow on the ground.  Jason and the kids and Grandma Di went out to play. I stayed inside where it was warm and took pictures through the window. :)

Comparing snowsuits, or lack thereof.

Abby stayed inside for awhile too, but eventually decided she wanted to play a little.

 


We couldn't believe we had snow on their birthday weekend, especially after we had gotten them so many outdoor toys! They had fun playing in the snow this winter, but I think next year I need to get them real snowsuits that fit and waterproof mittens - they kept getting frustrated that their fleece mittens got wet. They made a cute snowman, though!

Thrilled to be Three!

We had the kids' birthday party on Sunday morning, the day before their birthday. Meme and Hat-Dad came over, and Grandma Di was still here.

Please note my amazing decorations. I did not even remember to buy balloons. Sigh. At least the streamers and sign have "sentimental" value since I've used them each year for their birthday.

We started the party with an egg casserole - gotta have protein to make it through a party! Then we opened presents. which was a bit chaotic:

Care Bears! 

gotta open presents even during a potty break

So many presents!

 Our very own gardening tools!

a full view of the chaos

a really cool block set

bean bag toss

 They loved the basketball hoop.

 

They also loved getting their very own portable camp chairs. They immediately settled in.

During some down time Hat-Dad and Lucas really enjoyed building a village with the blocks.

After all the presents, it was time to take a break for cake! The kids actually agreed to wear the birthday crowns that I had made for them last year. Notice the girls had changed into their new nightgowns for the occasion.

 They each wanted their own set of three candles.

 But what was really cute was that when I asked if they wanted separate cakes, they said they wanted to share one big cake. Grandma Di made the puppy, bunny, and baby toppings.

They did a great job of blowing out the candles!

 And finally, we managed to get our yearly birthday family photo. Nobody was screaming this year!

 

Phew! It was a busy morning. I'm glad we just had a small family party rather than a party with other kids. We were exhausted!

We can't believe it's been three years since they were born. They are becoming such amazing little people. :)