Happy Birthday Gianna!

This past Sunday on Pentecost (when we celebrated the birth of the church) we celebrated Gianna's 3rd Birthday!!!  We headed to one of her favorite places, the park, for a little family birthday party.  We grilled out, opened presents, ate cupcakes, went to the park zoo and the playground.  I think the whole birthday concept is now a sticking memory for her, and all in all, I think she had a great time:)

 "Happy 3rd Birthday Gianna"

 The birthday girl all ready for her party!

 We were glad to have Mike and Maria's good friends, the Beavers, join us for the celebration as well:)  They came from Texas for a visit. We get to keep up with them through their blog, and it was really nice to see them in person this time;)

I can hardly believe my first born child is already three years old!  It truly seems like it was only yesterday that I was completely caught off guard when my water broke early one Thursday morning... it is this little girl who first taught me the JOY of motherhood<3

 The highly anticipated Princess bike!

Make a wish and blow!

 Finally, those cupcakes they were staring at all afternoon could be eaten!

Gianna at 3 years old:

- Continues to be a blonde haired, blue eyed, long and lean little girl

- Entering the "why" stage

- Still working on potty training (it's been a very on again, off again process)

- Seems to be entering a little bit of a shy stage.  She can be very quiet until she warms up

- Has a pretty loud scream and likes to use it sometimes to let you know when she's not happy

- Has a lot of energy and loves to play outside (what 3 year old doesn't:)

- Likes to watch sing along videos

- Her favorite movie is Mary Poppins

- Is still very much a girly girl-- loves anything princess

- Likes to pick out her own outfits-- likes to dress up in dresses and tappy shoes, but also likes to dress down in a T-shirt and her "fast running shoes."

- Likes to color, play grocery store, play dress up, do puzzles, and play with her kitchen set in the toy room

- Likes to go for walks and take her babies for walks too

- Will play quietly by herself during rest time when it's an option, but any other time, she has to be right by someone's side and prefers to play with others.

- Is starting to get the idea of a compromise

- Is usually pretty good at sharing, but does have her moments

- Loves her baby sister and likes to hold her and help change her diaper

 -Likes to run and jump, but not always the most graceful when doing so

- Has a little bit of a dramatic side- whether she's happy or sad, crabby or excited you can usually tell pretty easily

 -Has a precious smile and laugh

We love you Gianna Marie!