Jacob is THREE!

Last week was full of birthday celebrations for our sweet Jacob Thomas! He has been waiting so patiently for his birthday, and it finally arrived! On Tuesday morning, his actual birthday, I decorated his door with streamers and sang "Happy Birthday" to him as I got him up! He was so excited and told me it was Monkey's birthday, too.

For breakfast, I made raspberry muffins, which were perfect for holding a candle! Of course Monkey had to join in!

We spent the day playing outside and getting ready for Jacob's family party that evening. Meme, Grandma, Grandaddy, and GiGi came to celebrate with us!

The next morning we went to the library for story time, and they had a special guest. Ranger Matt, (who Jacob referred to as "Stranger Matt") from Chimney Rock State Park, came to talk about falcons. Jacob was enchanted by the bird!

His exact words were, "WOW! A BALD EAGLE!!!"

While the crowd of toddlers and preschoolers grew restless during Ranger Matt's incredibly long, boring falcon book, Lydia was the perfect student! She attentively listened the whole time!

On Thursday, Jacob received a special birthday package in the mail from Uncle Craig and Aunt Lori! Our mail lady, Mrs. Dee, gave him a sucker! He said it as "de-wish-us"!

We had Jacob's big birthday party on Saturday. He adores "Little Einsteins" right now, so we had a Rocket Cake and music cookies! He was so excited about both!

We had beautiful weather! Everyone seemed to enjoy eating and playing outside.

The kids were so excited to eat cake! Jacob had a little taste of the "3" candle, and Kason licked the side a few times!

Jacob received so many thoughtful, generous gifts! He had so much fun opening them. His expressions and exclamations were so cute!

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We were so excited for the Houston family to join us! They came all the way from Kernersville. Maddox and Lydia were a bit done by the end of the party!

We really wanted a picture of all four kids. While the Littles were less than cooperative, especially the Birthday Boy, we made it happen. Afterall, memories don't make themselves!

It was so special to have Ava at the party. Lydia enjoyed some quality time with her cousin!

Look at these carefree ladies, who aren't chasing after toddlers or carrying babies! ;) Karen and I daydream about getting to hang out one day kid-free!

Grandma, Granddaddy, and GiGi were such huge "behind the scenes" helpers! From picking up the cake & cookies to making peanut butter sandwiches - they did anything that needed to be done! We're so lucky to have all three of them! I also need to thank my mom! She helped with the food prep and made sure Lydia was diapered, fed, and napped throughout the day! Raising children takes a village, and so does throwing their birthday parties! ;)

Papa drove all the way from Alabama to celebrate with us! Jacob loved getting to take a ride around the neighborhood in his truck. Papa hung out with us the rest of the day and evening. Jacob told him, "Today's been a really beautiful day!" And it was! Happy 3rd Birthday to Jacob!!!