Being Three

When I think back to my son turning three, my memory is pretty terrible.  I know it was a big deal, him being an official big kid, but the little details fail me.  He's probably the biggest reason I have fallen in love with photography and am documenting our life like crazy: pictures remember the little details that I know I will forget so easily.  The funny looks and important pieces of that stage of life that get swept away with all the other stuff of life, all gets remembered and held on to through photos.

And so I am remembering the magic of our days better now.  Little details like how much I love sleepy birthday mornings, beloved character wrapping paper or singing birthday balloons.  I'll recall the feel of a relaxed house before guests arrive, a special present to start your morning, and a sweet treat to show you how much you're loved.

And three is a big deal.  Three means you can have big kid toys, for ages 3 and up!  And a big kid bed because you aren't a baby anymore, much to the disbelief of your family.  And you can climb in and out of your new bed all by yourself, which is pretty exciting!

Birthdays mean wearing a new outfit, and turning 3 means embracing your dramatic side - by breaking into Frozen show tunes.

Being three also means running and dancing into your new bed, because you CAN - you're a big girl!!

After all that hard work, you have to take a little break.  A new-to-you Lego set that was waiting in the wings seems like just the ticket, especially when it comes pre-assembled!

After a break, it was finally time for the long awaited birthday trip.  Once in the car, we went to find a special doll.

And of course, a special doll requires a special store - one that is near and dear to my heart: Disney.  With so many choices, there was a lot of back and forth!



But, with our newest Ariel addiction, a new Ariel baby doll seemed to fit the bill.  True to Disney's wonderful guest service, our cast member helped us to get the doll out of the box right then and there so we could walk out of the door holding her.  So fantastic!

And when our cast member found out it was Emma's birthday, Emma even got a special birthday button with her name on it!  What a treat!

Then it was off to share a rice lunch with Daddy (because he will do so much for that little girl), some helping with her big brother (who will do equally big things for her), followed by one more go at running & dancing.

 Finally, it was off to home to get in a nap in the big girl bed before the party started!

Once dinner was done, it was time for presents and cake.  It was fun to hide the gifts inside her new tee-pee (thank you clearance area!) and watch her explore each new-to-her thing .

 Gifts from family were so much fun to open, especially when they involve your favorite characters! And hugs are the perfect way to say thank you when you're 3!

Finally, it was time to sing and blow out the candle to our still sometimes shy big girl.  I can hardly believe it - we officially have a 3 year old.  Where does time go?

Thanks for spending some time to see what Being Three is all about!
Until next time,