"Arr!! Ahoy Matey!" Captain Riley's Third Birthday Recap

We celebrated Riley's Third Birthday this past weekend, with a pirate-themed party at our house with a few friends and family. We had fun eating hot dogs and various snacks, opening presents, and getting some outdoor play....despite the 110 degree heat. Please enjoy Riley's Third Birthday in pictures!

I chose decorations that would be easy to put up, and then remove. We had light food, and fruit punch to drink...

Riley really enjoyed hanging out with his cousins: Caroline and Campbell...

He had a blast opening his presents! I think he's officially a pirate now...

Finally, it was time to blow out the candles on his birthday cake...which was delicious, and tasted like oreos. (Riley's favorite)

Riley got to open one last BIG present that his Grandpa Jeff and Great-Grandma Pat got him...

That's right folks...three years old, and he got his first car...or jeep, rather. He and cousin Caroline had a blast riding around the backyard in it, and we pretty much couldn't keep Riley away from it for the rest of the weekend. :)

He drove his new car to the park...just so he could swing. Precious boy. I love him, and I cannot believe he is already three!

A Letter To Our Soon-To-Be Three-Year-Old

Riley Blaine,

It seems like just yesterday I was holding you in my arms for the first time. You were such a sweet baby...you loved to just look around and be close to your mommy and daddy. I realize now how precious this time in your life was. It's always nice to look at pictures of you as a baby and remember just how little you used to be.

We've celebrated two years of having you in our lives, and could not imagine our lives without you. You make us smile, and you know how to get what you want.

You're becoming such a smart little boy. Your dad and I are amazed at how much you learn each day. We cannot believe you will be starting Preschool in a year!

Your favorite foods are chicken nuggets, pizza and corn. Your favorite activities involve playing with toy cars, outdoor play and watching your favorite show: Calliou. You also had several "firsts" this past year: First plane ride, first circus and first time to use the potty.

We are so blessed to have you in our lives. You make each day brighter and more fulfilling. We love you so much!! Happy Birthday to our sweet Riley Blaine.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Mr. Fix It

Summer has brought all kinds of new little projects around the house for Jon (Mr. Fix It). Once we had our new floors installed, it was time to start upgrading a few other things around our house, starting with our broken microwave. We bought an over the range microwave back in 2009, when we moved into the house, and paid someone to install it for us. Well...it broke three years later. Jon and I finally bought a replacement, but it sat around our house for a few weeks until Jon's boss could assist him in installing it. It may seem easy, but it's NOT. Let's just say that after a tough installation, the microwave looked awful and mismatched with our other appliances. So, down came that microwave and it was back to the store for a different model. Add another week, and we finally have a working microwave...and Jon is an expert microwave installer.

The next project was much easier! Jon installed three new ceiling lights to hang in our hallway and laundry room. They were a quick project that really made an impact.

We look forward to more opportunities to improve our home, and are having lots of fun learning how to do home projects on our own.

Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street?

I realized I forgot to post the pictures from March, when I took Riley to see Sesame Street Live in Tulsa. He absolutely loved seeing all of his favorite characters, and we will definitely be back next year! So here, in pictures, is Riley's Sesame Street Live Adventure...