three times the birthday party

Party A (Friday): Our big 3rd birthday weekend got off to a fantastic start at 6:15 Friday night when some friendly Nicor Gas workers unexpectedly deposited two backhoe loaders, one mini loader and several other impressive vehicles right in front of our house. Something about water in the gas main. Anyway, they dug giant holes in our next door neighbor's yard and in the street until about 1:00 a.m. It was fantastic. Thanks, Nicor!


Party B-1 (Saturday Morning): After breakfast Mom and Dad revealed the "special new table" they got for us (Zak's words). It holds all of our favorite train stuff, plus two new tunnels that we can't get enough of (Thank you Grandma Lipsey!).


Party B-2 (Later Saturday Morning): Four of our favorite friends and their parents came over to help us celebrate in style. We all played/ran around like maniacs for awhile...


Then we settled down for some pasta and pizza appetizers. Next came the main course...


A moment of silence, please.


Sam allowed Uncle Stephan to adjust his festive chapeau as he prepared mentally, physically and spiritually for birthday cake consumption.


Make that massive birthday cake consumption for Zak.


Mmmmmm...cake. More cake.




After cake, we headed back downstairs for a book exchange. We are so grateful to all our friends and family for helping us celebrate. A special shout-out goes to Grandma Betty, who was scheduled to attend but got sick instead. We missed you, Grandma, and we look forward to enjoying both your presence and your presents in two weeks!


Party B-3 (Saturday Night): One word: Russell's.


And two more words: french fries. Not quite as good as cake, but delicious nonetheless.


Party C-1 (Sunday): Our actual birthday arrives! Bring on the presents, people.


We opened the astronaut figures from Grandma Lipsey first. We loved them so much that we ignored the remaining stack of presents for a good 10 minutes. Well done, Grandma!


More astronaut stuff! How did you know?!?


Aunt Katherine sent us this fabulous microphone and these far-out John Deere walkie-talkie headsets. We found that using them all at once was the way to go. Thank you so much, KT!


Party C-2 (Later Sunday): Uh, thanks, Mom. Going to Lowe's on our birthday is just what we wanted. What's next, the gas station?


Party C-3 (Later Still Sunday): After nap we spent some quality time parking cars. We love, love, love our new garage. In fact, we loved, loved, loved everything about our birthday this year. Thank you to everyone who made it so special!