Allen family adventure: Three

Three. Finally! Tristan has been looking forward to his third birthday for at least the past nine months! Ever since September, Tristan has been asking on an almost daily basis if it's his birthday. It's difficult to explain the concept of time to a two year old, so every day he's been disappointed when I tell him it's not his special day. I was so pleased when it finally came time to tell Tristan that his birthday would be the next day. He went to bed with a smile on his face, and woke up with an even larger smile when he realized that his room was full of balloons. He came running to my room that morning and said, "Mommy, Mommy, der is balloons in my woom!" The excitement didn't end there--we partied all day long, starting with pancakes and sprinkles and gifts at the breakfast table.

Aunt Katie came and met us for lunch that day. We took McDonalds to the park for a picnic and enjoyed the beautiful spring day so much. It was one of the first beautiful days of the spring. The kids loved being outside and enjoyed feeling the sun on their faces. Tristan loved running his car on the cement car park.

The kids especially loved the monkey bars. They spent a ton of time playing on them. Tristan needed assistance and Aunt Katie was happy to oblige. Maura, on the other hand, has vastly improved her monkey bar ability in the past few months. She was able to traverse the monkey bars all on her own.

What a crew! We had so much fun at the park, and we especially loved having the chance to give Bennett has first slide ride. LOVED it! First this...

Then this! Bennett wasn't sure about the slide, but he sure did look cute with his hair standing on end! We were done with our morning festivities, but there was more fun in store for Tristan. We had a family party planned for that evening. Tristan couldn't wait for Pappap, Aunt Katie, Uncle Micah, Lorie, and Alex to join us for a spaghetti dinner.

Dinner was eaten and Worms in Dirt were consumed. I wonder what he wished for? Presents, maybe? He had lots of help opening them!

Sweet baby boy--it will be your turn soon!

Below: Tristan was an excited little man. He got more and more excited with each gift.

Aunt Lorie and Uncle Micah picked a winner when they gave Tristan a Lightning McQueen sleeping bag...but then he got a Nerf Gun.

I loved snuggling my little man and watching him enjoy every moment of his birthday, but the best was yet to come. We got Tristan all set up and Daddy went out to bring in the last present...