Three

See our dancing boy?? That's Sammy rockin' it out at his birthday celebration yesterday! More on that soon!

We can hardly believe that Sammy is three years old (TODAY!!), but it's safe to say that he has a lot to show for it. In the last year, he has grown quite a bit (he's now 41" tall and 41 pounds--up 5" and 5 pounds from last year!!); he's learned A TON; and he's sweeter than ever!!

Sammy's big party kicked off with the kiddos filling bubble gum containers with dry beans to make noise makers...

What else gets you in the party mood? Beads!! Our kind neighbor (and long-time New Orleans resident) Tom brought over beads for all of the kids. They were a huge hit!

Noise makers? Check! Beads? Check! But what really makes a party?? Music!! We invited Sammy's preschool music teacher Ms. Hinda (who also happens to be our neighbor!) to come and play music with the kids. Everyone enjoyed playing with the different instruments and singing (and dancing) along! [Check out a video of the jam session at the end of this post.]

Everyone had a great time, though Panda was a little unsure of the living room concert (= cacophony?).

Sammy's classmate Olivia, her mommy and her baby brother Ian

Abby, her mom Danielle and the birthday boy!

A rousing rendition of "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes!"

Jane and Kennedi enjoying a good snuggle

"I'm having fun, Mom!"

Sammy and his (birthday week) buddy Sanai

And what was the icing on the cake (literally) of Sammy's 3rd birthday?? Animal cupcakes that Tony and I had a blast decorating!

Did you spot our butterfly, sheep, cat and dog cupcakes??

Sammy (and buddy Owen) was really eager to dig in!

"Now THAT is a good cupcake!"

So that was Sammy's wonderful birthday party. It's safe to say that we all had a blast!

Are you wondering, "Did Sammy get some fun presents?" "Why, yes, he did!" Here's a big fav: a Thomas the Train tent from Cousin Lucas!

And no birthday weekend would be complete without some good cuddle time...

and more presents!

Brie engaged in a post-party text-off with Auntie B!

"You checkin' your e-mail, Mom?"

More texting?!

Here are two quick videos from yesterday's celebration. Enjoy!

We all had a great time yesterday and we loved spending the whole weekend celebrating Sammy! How fun to turn three!!

That was fun! Let's do it again next December, Sammy!



"I'm beat!"