Thurs. Feb. 9, 2012 - Riley's 3rd birthday!!!

Micaela is 10 weeks old!

Cutie

Mommy made a lot of duck cupcakes; regular sized for our 24 guests at Sulphur Creek and another 16 for her preschool party

Riley woke up to birthday balloons

Daddy helped her put together a Dr. Seuss puzzle

Caden watches as Riley adjusts her stethoscope

Selina, Riley and Dean check out the tanks of reptiles before the birthday program began

The kids paid close attention as the ranger brought out Chuck the duck

The birthday girl was the first to pet Chuck

Selina fed the duck a waxworm

Perhaps Micaela was dreaming about the animals?

Claire enjoyed petting Dustin the chinchilla

As a special treat for the birthday girl, Riley got to feed the chinchilla a raisin

The 3rd animal the kids got to pet was a snake (Chad chose this one)

Working hard on coloring their bird airplanes

Then we all headed outside to make the birds fly (it was a gorgeous day)

They fly!

The kids ran off a little energy before lunch

Riley got to choose 1 animal to hold for a picture and she chose the chinchilla

"Happy Birthday to you!"

Yummy cupcakes

Riley got a birthday lift from Henry

Micaela relaxing in Jessica's arms

The birthday celebration continued on Monday at preschool. As soon as I walked into Riley's classroom Miss Vanessa lost the kids' attention

The kids said a special prayer for the birthday girl

Miss Corrine showing her how to hold up 3 fingers

Riley had a lot of help making her birthday crown

The kids enjoyed the grapes, carrots and mini cupcakes for Riley's special snack

Miss Vanessa and some helpers putting stickers in everyone's cubbies (Riley lost interest)

Riley had an amazing 3rd birthday. She loves balloons so we greeted her with a balloon bouquet first thing in the morning. After opening a present and eating blueberry muffins for breakfast, we headed to the Sulphur Creek Nature Center for her birthday party. Sulphur Creek rehabilitates injured animals and either releases them back into nature or, if that's not possible, takes care of them life. 10 of her little friends and their parents joined us for a great party. We chose 3 animals for a special presentation. Ranger Nicole really captured the kids' attention, describing the animals and walking around so each child could pet and feed them. After meeting a duck, a chincilla and a California King snake, the kids decorated bird airplanes. It was a gorgeous day so we took them outside to fly them, then ran around the center grounds. Lunch was chili and mac and cheese followed by the duck cupcakes. Everyone had a really great time and Riley absolutely loved her party. It was the best feeling, to see her so happy.

After her big party, Henry and Jessica came over and we watched the Superbowl. It was nice to relax and watch the game, a good reward for the parents of the birthday girl.

On Monday Micaela and I went to Riley's preschool class during snacktime to bring a special treat of grapes, carrots and mini cupcakes (the teachers appreciated the smaller cupcakes, the last thing they need is a bunch of sugared-up 3-year-olds). It was such a treat for me to get to spend some time with her school friends. We hear all about the kids and it was good to put names with faces. I helped with the Halloween party but missed Thanksgiving and Christmas parties, so it was nice to see them all again. The kids are just hilarious, each with her own funny little personality. There are 3 teachers in Riley's class and they keep really busy.

I can't believe how fast these 3 years have gone. We are so very proud of Riley. She is learning so much, its just amazing that just 3 years ago she was a little baby like Micaela. Riley is a sweet, curious and headstrong little girl that brings us joy every single day.