HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY LUKE!!!!

A few days before Luke's Birthday, Marc and I decided we needed to do Something for this special day. Unlike previous years, I hadn't given Luke's birthday much thought, other than I wanted to do something simple and small, because I went a little overboard for his first two birthdays.

After developing quite a high fever Thursday night, we didn't think we would be doing much of anything, other than I knew I was going to bake him a cake. Before the fever occurred, I had found what looked like would be a fun place to take the boys, in Richmond on Saturday morning. Luckily, Luke awakened fever free on Saturday morning, so off we headed to Monkey Joes!!

Monkey Joes is an indoor playground that is chock full of inflatables... basically, jumping castles as far as the eye can see. They have a designated Toddler Area, which is where the boys started out. They seemed to be intimidated at first, but quickly caught on to the concept of what they should be doing.

Grey LOVED the fact that he could fall and be pushed down and it not hurt. He was all about jumping and landing on his Butt.

Eventually, Luke ventured out to see what else was available. After a little coaxing from Daddy, he tackled the climbing wall and giant slide. He was quite good at it, and could climb it like a monkey by the time we left.

All in all, both boys really liked all the slides.

We were lucky enough to have some special visitors come see us there. Leslie Armstrong and her daughter Mckenzie came to wish Luke Happy Birthday. Mckenzie is 3 months older than Grey, and really wasn't into the whole jumping and bouncing scene. She was all about walking around with my purse. So Cute!!

After leaving Monkey Joes (before it got too crazy crowded with all the party goers), we headed to PF Changs for lunch. Not sure it's a favorite of the Birthday boy's, but it's Mommy and Daddy's favorite.

PF Changs is located in an outdoor shopping mall called Stony Point. Daddy decided after lunch, that Luke deserved some Ice Cream, since after all, it was his Birthday. The other cool thing about this shopping mall is the in-ground fountain it has, which cools off many a child during the hot months of summer. And as luck would have it, the Ice Cream Shop is right across from the fountain. Even though we had no swimsuits or towels, we decided to let the boys play in the water.

Luke was a little afraid at first, but Grey got right in there.

Since Luke wasn't the least bit interested in his Ice Cream Cone, Porkchop was kind enough to eat it before it melted.

But then, of course, that made Luke mad.

I think we were only at the fountain for about 30 minutes... long enough for two little boys to have an absolute blast.

After Stony Point, the boys slept all the way home. When we arrived in the 'hood, we went straight down to "The Point" to partake in our yearly tradition of Releasing Balloons to the Heavens... our little gift to our second son, Max... Luke's Twin. This year, Luke had the honor of being the one to let the balloons go.

Once back at the house, I got right to work finishing the Birthday Cake. I had baked the cake the day before, so all I had to do was decorate it. Chocolate cake, chocolate icing and M&M's... what more could a 3 year old ask for?

That morning, on our way to Richmond, I made a few calls to some of our friends to invite them over for dinner and cake. While we waited for them to arrive, and while Marc made the Roast Beef Po'Boys, Grey was busy channeling his inner Gangsta self.

Our guests included the Myers clan and the Usas', so after we all devoured the yummy Po'Boys, it was time to sing Happy Birthday. I guess Luke didn't like our singing.

After the candles were blown out, we posed for a great pic of Daddy, Mommy and the Birthday Boy. Linda Myers was trying to get Luke's attention by waving her arms in the air... so, Luke waved his arms in the air.

We ALL ENCOURAGED Luke to put his face in the cake. This was as close as he got.

Then it was time to open the presents:

Kids Digital Camera from Grandma and Grandpa Charles

"Cars" watch from his brother

Art Easel from Mommy and Daddy

He also go a Figurine and Car from the movie "Ironman II" from the Usas', and a really cool "Cars" pillow from the Myers'.

Then it was time to eat Cake... YUMMMM!!

The Myers' gift came with a huge lollipop. Grey immediately snatched it up and made it his own. He went right to town try to eat it... little does he know it still has it's wrapper on. Mmmmm, plastic!

After all the party guests left for the evening, Luke quietly played on the floor with his new little train set we got him. Note he's sporting his new watch, and (count them) 3 wrist sweatbands on his right leg that Bonnie Usas got him.

The following day, while Daddy was gone to his hunt camp, me and the boys stayed in our pajamas all day. Luke practiced using his new camera, and...

was all tuckered out from the previous day's activities.

Marc and I could not stop talking about how ABSOLUTELY PERFECT Saturday was. It was the most fun we have had as a family in a long time. I think the best part for me was that nothing was really planned... we just let it happen. Definitely way less stressful.

Today, Luke was finally well enough to go back to school, so I whipped up these cute and easy Birthday (though belated) treats for all his little classmates.

Happy Birthday Luke!!! Mommy, Daddy and Grey love you very much, and I'm sure Max is looking down and watching over you as he always does. I hope through these pictures, you will remember your Absolutely Perfect Third Birthday FOREVER!!!