3

Sis has been looking forward to 3 for some time. Practicing the change in fingers, and contemplating all of the new and different big kid things she'll be able to do once the number changes.

I like making the day feel different from any other, but at the same time, not so over the top that they build a huge expectation year after year. Traditionally we wake them up singing happy birthday, dump a bunch of balloons, and then let them run in and out of their car wash for the day. Max has always loved this, and was sure that we set everything up the same way for Alexis. But as every kid is different, so is every reaction. Sis was a little overwhelmed this year with all of the noise and started off the day pretty bugged. Which when you think about it, who wouldn't be a little bugged if they were surrounded by noise and things dumped on them? It took her awhile to warm up to the idea that she'd finally made it to her big 3, but once things clicked, she was pretty thrilled and renamed the car wash her "princess car wash."

When asked what she wanted for her birthday, her requests were specific:

1-Sing happy birthday (she'd been practicing the song for a couple of weeks prior)
2-Have a rainbow princess cake

If only all of her bday requests could be so simple.

Checked off the bday song pretty early, but since it wasn't too successful, we were sure we did it again later on. Made a tie-dye cake on the inside, and she put on the princess crowns and rings herself. I'm always surprised at how girlie she is with some things. Accessories and detail are definitely something that she thinks about and instead of throwing them onto the cake, she spent some time deciding the exact placement.

Max was big enough this year to take in a little more of the process. He'd done a bunch of extra chores and had earned enough $ to pick up a gift for Sis. We happened to be at a consignment store and ran across a game that he really wanted to get her. Perfectly the right amount to spend and even better that it was so much less $ used. Took it home and he pulled out the sanitizing wipes, and there we are with a new game, completely earned, found and bought by her brother. While the process took more time then just picking up something quick, I'm glad it worked out. Watching his excitement about the whole game was just as fun as seeing her happy to open it.
And, a big thanks to everyone who remembered her big day! We feel so grateful to have such support from family - even when it's far!