I'm Free!

Our little big girl had her 3rd birthday back on the 19th of last month (I'm playing catch-up again), and has been proudly telling everyone that she's "Free years old now, so I can do everything by myself! And soon I'll be four!" She's still such a good girl, but for a while there, after Ashley was born, she did everything short of issuing a written declaration of independence to demonstrate that she was no longer going to suffer under the tyrannical rule of her Mom and Dad. It was actually pretty comical most of the time, but I'm glad she's starting to grasp the concept that she can get a lot further using her smile and a gentle voice, than she can with clenched fists and war cries.

On the day of her birthday we made a family trip to the Zoo and the weather cooperated beautifully. Tammy and Emma also snuck in a trip to Calaway Park that week with the Masons for Amber's birthday. Emma's actual birthday party wasn't until the 28th at the Panorama Hills splash park, and again the weather cooperated beautifully. It's a great place to get wet, but they also have a pretty decent playground, a nice size sandbox, a beach volleyball court, some basketball nets, and plenty of green space for running or just sitting around. We spent a good bunch of hours there, and then went across the street to the Panorama chapel for pizza, yumcakes, and presents.

We had a great time, and it's always fun for Emma to be with all of her cousins. Thanks to everyone who came, helped out, brought gifts, and made the day an extra special one for our goofy little she-hobbit.