the party: party side

My baby girl turned 3 on Mother's Day. She's not looking so much like my baby anymore and it hurts. It really does. She gets her own breakfast many mornings. And she's taken it upon herself to potty train Shiloh. This keeps Steven and I laughing {and cleaning}. She loves to burp Keller for me and attempts to do most everything herself. How thankful I am for her and the joy she brings to our lives.

Her party was fun and crazy with about 20 kids running around and just as many adults.

We grilled out: hamburgers, hot dogs, and steaks.{Shiloh keeps an eye on things.}
We ate...
We trampolined....{Emma Claire was so happy to play with her aunts.}
We talked...
We badmintoned...
...played volleyball...
...water ballooned...{My sisters: Anne, Chloe, and Rachel}
We opened sweet gifts from family and friends.{Thank you everyone for not only your generosity, but giving her airport-friendly activities. You're the best!}
We sang to the birthday girl...
Who was just a little embarrassed...
...and then she blew out the candles all by herself!
{Does not follow in her mamma's footsteps - thankfully.}
{And the cake was baked by me, assembled and decorated by the hubs. Isn't he so awesome?!}Apparently, it was some good eatin' according to Caleb. :-)
Oreo Cupcakes: recipe from This Hungry Mama Bakes.
And the smile on her face made it all worth it!
.............

{Thank you, Jenny, for taking lots of these photos!}