Continuing the Celebration...

Why celebrate Elliott's 3rd birthday all on one day when you can spread out the fun and laughter? We have realized, with family in different states and friends from many times and places in our lives that we enjoy spreading out the fun of special occasions. That means celebrating Thanksgiving at least twice in the month of November and spreading out birthday joy for at least a week!

On the Monday after his birthday, Elliott had his official celebration at daycare. All the kids LOVE birthday celebrations! Elliott loved wearing his "Happy Birthday" hat. Alina luckily has a job that is flexible and allows her to be present for these special times. Elliott expertly blew out the three candles on his cupcake.


Rosemary is seated right behind Elliott in this picture. Even though she is wearing "boy clothes" handed down from her brother, you can recognize her by her beloved pink blankie.

Paulina is helping the kids with the wrappers on the cupcakes.

Elliott received two boxes of gifts from his grandparents prior to his birthday. He knew the boxes contained his gifts. Oh, the excitement! We kept the boxes in the upstairs hall until the day after his party, then opened the first big box from Mee Mee and Paw Paw.

Elliott has enjoyed watching Bob the Builder videos from the library lately. One of his gifts included a little digger named Scoop. Elliott has slept with Scoop, dined with Scoop, carried Scoop in his pockets, brought Scoop for rides in the car and shared Scoop (reluctantly) with Rosemary. Here is Scoop enjoying lunch with Elliott. Elliott carefully balanced Scoop on the plate so that he could "watch" while Elliott ate his lunch. With Alina's permission, of course, since we do try to stick to a rule of no toys at the table!

The following weekend, Nana visited Chicago for a business trip and was able to spend two quick nights and days with us in Naperville. We kept Nana's box of gifts waiting in the upstairs hall until she arrived. Combined with a few other special boxes from different friends who express their love for Elliott by sending a little something, Elliott had another round of gift-opening and exclaiming over gifts. Our special 3-year-old is truly blessed!

There goes Elliott, scrunching up his eyes again. And Rosemary was not quite in the mood for a group shot. Good enough!