Elliot's the Big 3!

Our little 11 pound baby just turned 3 on Saturday! It seems like only yesterday that Kate woke me up to very calmly tell me "I think it's time to go to the hospital".

We had a birthday party for her on Sunday. All the Arizona family came by to have some fun, as did Marya from Globe with her kids Jackson and Bianca, and neighbor Nicole with her kids Brianna and Avery.

The kids ran around for a couple of hours while everybody visited and hung out. It was a perfect day, weather-wise, with clear blue skies and a high of about 76.

We got out the parachute and played for a little while, played "Pin the flower on Dora's bracelet", and kids took turns on the Plasmacar (as did Uncle Jeff and Uncle Ted) and just generally ran around like crazy little kids. Jack befriended Bianca and Jackson, Kelsey ran the show like usual, and Marley was just her sweet, little self and participated wherever she saw an opportunity. Elliot just took it all in and had one heck of a time.

Kate did her typical hard work in preparing for the party. We had the regular snacks out and ready to go. Raspberry chipotle on cream cheese, fresh fruit, cheese puffs, etc... When it came time to eat we had turkey burgers, a chicken caesar pasta salad and watermelon. Then, of course we had the birthday cake, a chocolate number with an awesome Cool Whip-chocolate pudding frosting. Way better than regular frosting if you ask me.

The main event, like always, was the unwrapping of gifts, and Elliot made out like a bandit. She's very fortunate to have a kind and loving family and friends. She got a Barbie phone that actually says her name AND names of her friends, and even "knows" her favorite foods and colors. She got a "Bug" tent to hang out in, a little golf set, some awesome clothes, a Strawberry Shortcake doll, a mini-trampoline like they have at babysitter Diane's, a Big Sister Dora, a jewelry box, a new computer game, a necklace. Grandma Mary even got her a personal Bounce House for when she's over at her house!

Well, it was a wonderful day and we thank everyone that came out for their well-wishes and gifts and good company.

Thanks for reading and check back soon!!!