Brees Is Three!

At the beginning of the year, Shawn and I made a commitment to simplify the holidays this year, birthdays included.  Instead of big parties, we would go on adventures as a family, making memories instead of hosting big shindigs as we always have in the past.  The kids were completely on board from the beginning, loving the idea of picking their favorite destinations and activities all in the name of celebrating their big day.

This weekend, Brees was able to have her own special 3rd birthday adventure. She requested a "pink cake with purple stuff on top".  On Friday afternoon, while Belle was at school and River and Shawn napped, I made her a strawberry cake with purple cream cheese frosting. It came out horribly ugly (as all of my baking projects do) but really, really delicious.  She played at my feet the whole time I baked, helping me stir and licking the bowl clean.  It meant the world to me to have that one on one time with her on her special day, just the two of us in the kitchen.

After Belle came home from school, we dug out the party box (a box filled with banners and leftover decorations and streamers and party favors) and sent Brees to her room to "hide her eyes". Belle and I decorated the kitchen and dining room with a hodge podge of colors and sparkly things as a few of the cousins came in to help us celebrate.  We called Brees downstairs as we all sang "Happy Birthday", her little face all lit up as she took everyone in.  I made homemade pizza and we went through the entire cake as Brees opened up her presents: a Sofia doll from Belle and a balance bike from Mommy and Daddy.  She was so happy to have her pink cake, a new doll, and her favorite people all together.

The fun continued on Saturday when Brees woke up to her room filled with balloons!  She woke me up and said, "My room!  Balloons everywhere, Mom!".  We set out for a fun day, just the five of us, that included a trip to the bookstore, lunch at Brees' favorite burger joint, frozen yogurt, and an afternoon at the children's museum.  Every time we got into the car and made our way to the next destination, Belle would say, "This is your day, Brees!  It's all about you today!".  And Brees just smiled and laughed in her easy going, sweet Brees way.  It was such a special birthday weekend, so simple but full of quality time that I know we will remember always.We had the best time playing and laughing with our now 3 year old.
Doesn't get much better than that.