the big o-three

Phoenix turned three yesterday and I was constantly reminded of just how precious these fleeting moments of his childhood are. He's not a baby anymore; he's a little boy. Dang, that was fast. Too fast. I nearly cried several times today, but I'll try not to get all mushy on you.

I decided not to bake a birthday cake for him this year. With all the other stuff we had going on I felt it was justified. Instead, I put colored sprinkles on the tops of pan-cakes as they cooked, doused them in maple syrup, and topped the stack off with three star shaped candles. We sang happy birthday, and it was a great start to our day.

Pre-pancake making, I realized we were out of maple syrup. I ran over to the grocery store to get some and nabbed the monkey balloon while I was at it. It's about the same size as he is (Awesome, right?), and everywhere he went this morning, the balloon went too. 

Presents were opened and played with. 

My dad and step-mom have a penchant for buying my children ridiculously loud and/or obnoxious sounding toys. I consider it an act of well deserved retribution.

On my way back home from the above mentioned maple syrup run, I crossed paths with our neighbors. I mentioned that it was Phoenix's birthday and 20 minutes later they were at our doorstep making a personal delivery; a gift bag filled with an automatic bubble blower and three big boxes of candy. Isn't that just the nicest thing?

This photo only tells half the story. After the bubbles came the hose war with Logan. Both Phoenix and Isaiah were both soaked from head to toe, with smiles from ear to ear. After having them dry off and change their clothes I tried to get Phoenix to take a nap. That was a definite no-go, so we just headed over to the beach as planned.

We went to Doheny which is a great location for a number of reasons, numero uno being that it parallels the rail road. I don't know any three year old boys who aren't completely fascinated with trains. 

Logan built a fire that made the children from the neighboring campsite flock to us like we were Egyptian gods descending from the heavens. I think it was the popping of the seaweed pods in the fire that piqued their curiosity. Nothing like a little snap, crackle, and pop. Fortunately, they quickly made friends with our children and they had a great time together.

We made s'mores and had ourselves a little picnic. That's two things I can tick off our summer to-do list. Woot!

However, Phoenix didn't want to have anything to do with the s'more I made him. Apparently, blackened marshmallows are not his style. He pointed a condemning finger to the scorched mallow and declared, "I don't want to eat this mommy, it's disgusting." Um... okay. So I made separate piles of grahams, un-toasted mallows, and chocolate which he ate happily.

It's all you little man. Happy birthday.

Comments

[Emily]

Happy Birthday not-so-little-anymore Phoenix! Looks like a brilliant day.. and oh boy would I get into that fire too!

[elizabeth of course]

That sounds like a perfect day. Three seems like such a big step, from baby to boy. I'm not sure I'm ready for it myself, and my guy was three in may...

[Charlotte]

Oh! I love that Phoenix had a special day just like his mom and dad always do! You two come up with such fun and memorable times. HUGS!

[Mechelle Tully]

What a perfect day, I feel like I must have seen you at the store, or perhaps had a bit of those pancakes, or maybe I was one of the children who was drawn to you on the beach... In short - you took me there with you. Bless you.

And the happiest of birthdays to your {getting bigger} baby boy. Your love for him shines, so brightly through.

[Rachel]

S'mores! : )

[Megan]

Happy Birthday! What a wonderful day - not too stressful for you, full of fun stuff for Phoenix. Congrats!

[Joyful]

A lovely birthday. Great photos too!