What joy when we saw Abbey’s face as she began her third year! She is {mostly} such a happy, thoughtful, caring, considerate, and FUNNY little girl. Watching her transition from baby to toddler to now a mini-little girl has been a fascinating journey to follow.

Not sure about birthday celebrations in your family but our celebrations typically last about a week and this birthday is no different. The celebrations began on the Thursday before her birthday when George and I met at Abbey’s school to celebrate with her preschool classmates. Daddy showed up with donut holes, which are THE most popular item to bring into a classroom of three-year-olds. The teachers encourage it and the kiddos go bonkers for it but of course they have it RIGHT before they leave. Coincidence? I think not! Abbey was wearing the birthday hat and all her friends at school sang their special birthday song and made Ab her very own special birthday “cake” during the song. She was glowing and smiling ear-to-ear! It was great to also get to see her in action with her friends at school. Celebration #1

On her actual birthday, Ab woke up in a great mood and was quickly greeted by baby brother for some snuggle time in mommy and daddy’s bed, which they both love. She was of course so excited to see Jack and actually sang him the “Happy Birthday” song! Daddy missed some of the snuggles but he had an important job, picking up the birthday donuts for the birthday girl to have at breakfast and for her to share at soccer. Again, donut holes are the best treat to share with little ones. When daddy got home there was some morning present opening to be had and of course a brand new pink soccer ball and Doc McStuffin water bottle were a big hit. Balloons were just icing on the cake. After she opened these little gifts she was so happy and thanked us right away for her “best birthday presents ever.” Thinking back, George and I could have stopped there but of course we had more treats up our sleeve…when will we learn that a cardboard box is just as much fun as the $50 toys you buy at the store? Celebration #2

Off to soccer we go! Ab was REALLY excited to put her new pink soccer ball to use and also to share it with her other little soccer friends. We immediately went on to the field to talk to Coach Nicole (great coach at Wall2Wall in Mason) and then started kicking the ball and sharing with a little boy whom we have never met, but hey! Then Grandma and Grandpa Bird (Herron) showed up. Then Uncle Matt, Aunt Jami and Bubby showed up. Then Neighbor (Sandy) showed up. Then Grandma and Grandpa Weazel (Wenstrup) showed up, what a crowd! Uncle Matt came onto the field RIGHT away and took over as Ab’s buddy, no surprises here! Aunt Jami made an appearance on the field and really gave George and I a break this time. After her “game” we hauled off to play and each at Chick-fil-a, our favorite Saturday post-game lunch. Uncle Matt, Aunt Jami and Bubby were all there to have a birthday lunch celebration… you guessed it, Celebration #3

Our FINAL celebration (Celebration #4) was with our friends and family back at the house, our spoiled little girl was excited to have everyone at the house for dinner, cake and ice cream and more presents. What a great way to ring in the third year of life…remember this kiddo when you ask for a sweet-16 birthday or even when you are 21 that a lunch date at Chick-fil-a and some donut holes were the favorite birthday treats back then. We love you Abbey Road, thank you for being such a sweet girl.