Annie Turned 3

So I haven't written much on here lately. Life has been full of the blessings of family, the freedom of summer, trying to avoid the heat, and the uncertainty and roller-coaster nature of Jeremy going back to school and trying to find a job. I admit I've lost my writer's voice a bit, but I don't want to let this blog go, even if it just is here to document our life through pictures when I can't think of what to write.

This summer, Annie turned 3. She wanted her friends Claire and Bethany to come to her party, but since they live in Flagstaff and we live in CA, we filled her party up with family instead. My sister came up from San Diego and my cousin and her husband and daughter came down all the way from Yucca Valley, CA. We spent the day at Irvine park where there is a small zoo, a lake, pony rides, and a railroad. It was a sweet day and a fun party and we were pleased with what a good hostess Annie was.

Starting off the day with the zoo and grooming the bored animals.

This kid reminds me of a goat, I'm not sure why.  Especially his hard little kicks when we play soccer in the backyard!

After worrying about seeing a mountain lion or a bear in Flagstaff and yet never really seeing one, we got up close to some at the zoo.  Man, they are bigger than I imagined.  They kind of gave me the chills!

Aunt Kendra...who started Annie's love for Hello Kitty by bringing her souvenirs from Japan with Hello Kitty on them.  Now Hello Kitty is all trendy but whatevs, we liked her first.

My cousin Jenny, Jon, and Mikaela.

Friends? Yes.

Hunting for Easter eggs...no it was not close to Easter but my kids love hunting for Easter eggs, so we did it.  My dad has at least two hidden on his person.

Favors and sack lunches for everybody!

Annie had lots of help opening her presents

Riding the train...I'm not sure why Jeremy ended up being the escorting adult, but at least it was a full-sized bench and not something miniature!

Her first pony ride! Her pony was named Lacey.

She perfected the beauty-queen wave

We love you precious Pumpkin Pie, Sugar Lips, Annie Bananie, Annie Lou, Stinker Bean, Annie Bean, Sissy, and the Biting Baby who chases the big kids at the park while chomping your teeth in the cutest and slightly-scariest way!  You are friendly and sweet and spunky and cute and we are so glad we have you to keep us on our toes and to take care of us when we are hurt.  Now we just need you to sleep in a little bit and to stop messing up your bubbies' Lego set-ups! You can ride a Razor scooter like a pro and we think you could swim on your own if you weren't so stubborn about trying. We love to watch you sing and dance and we think you are going to enjoy running and sports when you grow up, and maybe acting, too.  You are so good at playing whatever part your brothers ask you to play when they are doing dress-ups or shows at the Children's Museum.  I don't know what your favorite toy is except that whatever you are playing with, you make them be your faaamily and they talk to each other and tell each other not to cry.  I think your favorite thing at Grandma's house is playing with her little stuffed bears on the stairs.  You love to help Grandma in the garden or help me set the table. We can't wait to see what you learn this year!

Aunt Riah sent her a homemade butterfly blanket with a sweet note about how privileged she was to be present at Annie's birth and that the butterflies reminded her of that experience.  Yes, I cried a little.