Three Already?

My baby boy turned 3 today! I really want to make a slideshow but time isn't allowing it right now. Maybe in a few days. Words really can't express my feelings for this little guy. Tyler is such a compassionate, tender, quiet (most of the time) soul and I treasure my time with him. He's so loving to everyone. He's grown up right before my eyes. As the middle child, I think I forget how old he really is. He is such a blessing to me...

This year I asked Tyler if he wanted a party and he shook his head no. I asked if he just wanted family and he said yes, that would be ok. So we had just a family affair at Chuck E. Cheese. (Come on dad, you KNOW you were DYING to go there...) We had a great time yelling over all of the other guests, trying to find the games that did work when you put the coin in, ate pretty good pizza and indulged in an awesome mint chip ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins. Tyler requested the "green ice cream with chocolate chips" so I had to make that wish come true. However, he only took a few bites and then wanted to play again. At the price of this puppy, I couldn't just let the piece go to waste so I had a double helping of ice cream cake (I sacrificed for my son. =) ) It was oh, so good!! Here he is beside his favorite game of the night, "Whack a Shark." Yes, he definitely is a little boy, contrary to all of those people out there who have witnessed his dress up in princess stuff and requests for the movie "12 Dancing Princesses." Just to let you know, his favorite movie is Cars and his favorite toy are cars of any kind, especially those that make noise. That keeps me from getting worried.

Cousin Cheryl imitating Lynnea's normal look. She was fascinated with all of the lights.

Daddy and the birthday boy.

The Blue Screen. Ethan, Mikayla and Tyler had fun with this attraction. You stood in front of the blue screen and you could see yourself on the big screen. Of course, my "wanna be a star" daughter loved seeing herself on screen but grew tired of it quickly. My nephew, Ethan, amazed me with his endurance. This was, by far, his favorite thing of the night and he actually got a few dance moves out-so cute! Future boy bander, Cara!

The "blue screen magic."
Here's the whole gang, minus the photographer.

Ethan, enjoying his "spicy" drink.

And, here's my dad, my sister and me. I was sad that my mom couldn't make it due to sickness but my dad came to wish Tyler a happy birthday. Lynnea attached herself to him (she's liked him ever since he gave her foot rubs at a month old. Who wouldn't want to get that kind of treatment-she's no fool). My parents are amazing...that's just all there is to it.

Thank you all for celebrating with us. It's amazing how time flies, huh? Pretty soon, our kids won't be kids any more. We might be happy with the fact that, when that day comes, Chuck E Cheese will no longer be attractive to them. I must hand it to Chuck. He knows how to entertain the children!! Thank you all for wishing my boy a happy birthday today! He may look shy but he loves the acknowledgement.