Birthday weekend

The last weekend in April could only have been better if E, E, H, and V had been in St. Peter for the fun birthday celebration for Ethan and Owen. Okay, a little less coughing by Paco/Dad/Larry and me, would have helped, too, but that's beside the point.

On Friday, the Owatonnans (Owatonnites?) came in time for supper. Miles had a sleepover with Grandpappy and me (of course Rosie stayed, too) while the rest of his family camped out at Grandma Doreen/Grandpa Dave's house. Miles brought a matching game to play, which he is an expert at, so he was the victor whenever we played.

 

On Saturday morning after breakfast, Annie, Westy, Miles, and I went to the public library to see the cool fish tank and to look around a bit. When we got back home, Miles swept up the "oatmeal" seeds that are all over everything in our yard, on the driveway and sidewalks, and in the garage. He and Rosie rested up in kiddie lawn chairs when Miles was finished working. For an old and well-loved dog, Rosie is very photogenic, don't you think?

Next came lunch, naps, and party prep. Ethan and Owen's celebration of their advancement into the Tremendous Threes began promptly at 3:33 this afternoon. Look who was waiting in the doorway to greet us!

At the very moment we arrived at the party palace, Hannah and Vivi sent this picture to show their celebration solidarity. Very chic, chicas!

Within a few minutes of Grandpa Dean's arrival, he was swarmed by little boys wanting to get in on the latest iPad action. It was toss up as to whether technology or Dean's skill in talking like Donald Duck had the most lure, but he clearly had the charm!

The kids had lots of fun playing, whether downstairs in the "basketball room" or upstairs engaged in Ring-Around-the Rosie. Notice Westy. He was never more than six inches away from the bigger boys.

The birthday boys sat at their special table with their cousins. Personal pizzas, fresh fruit, and crunchy vegetables made the perfect birthday supper.

What's a birthday without cupcakes these days? Owen and Ethan helped their mommy bake and decorate the cupcakes, and they added candles with Daddy's help.

Two three-year-olds, smiling while everyone sings "Happy Birthday."

Same three-year-olds, posing for pictures while cameras click away.

Sweet Ethan (the older brother), and ...

... sweet Owen, the younger brother.

Blowing out candles.

Next, of course, came present opening. Miles took this picture. Thanks, Miles! Westy sure loves to be right in the middle of the action. What happened to his shirt??

New bike helmets!

 After all the presents were opened, Uncle Tanner and 

Ethan enjoyed some Magna-Doodling together.

Westy tested out Owen's Magna-Doodle.

And then came a rousing game of Candy Land.

I don't have a picture of the boys waving good-bye at the door when we all left for home this evening, which is probably a good thing because E and O were nudie and ready to jump in the bathtub. So, I'll close with a photo from May 16, 2009, when they were tiny munchkins. Happy Birthday #3, little boys. We love you.