Julia's 3rd Birthday

My 3-year-old!

Julia had a great birthday! She woke up to find her new dollhouse waiting for her, and then after breakfast we headed to Rocks Riverside Park for her party. Since we are always hearing so much about her little pre-school friends, we decided to invite her whole class this year. It was so fun to see all the littlies running around together, and I enjoyed getting to know some of the parents better. Of course, we also had a great turnout from the extended family and friends as well, and with fantastic weather, lots of food, and lots of space to play, we had a fabulous day! Here are some of the pictures (in no real order):

"Yesterday, I was this many"

"But now I'm this many"

Uncle Michael, Auntie Di & Cousin Scott


All eyes on Julia as she prepared to blow out her candles

Julia took too long to blow them out, so Elana stepped in and helped her

"Hip hip hooray!"

Close-up on the cake:
Julia chose a butterfly and was very particular about the colors as I iced the cake

Liam did his part to help the men with the tent

Then he tried to make off with someone's bike...
Hard to steal a bike when your feet don't reach the pedals!

Relaxed and contemplative.
I think Simon's blowing bubbles.
(Note: all the children were actually distracted elsewhere so this was purely for his own amusement)

Shyly opening her many wonderful presents


These next two pictures are my favorites:

Dirt-smeared and tuckered out

More presents

Cousins Melia and Cooper

Biker dude

Liam waited till he thought no one was watching then made of with one of the presents

Liam & Julia's friend, Indiana took off across the park...we found them in these bushes playing hide-n-seek -- very cute!

Kickin' back with seconds of cake

Cousins Connor, Maverick, Quinn, & Drew playing footy

School friends Emily & Monica

Cousin Tracey & son Cooper with Aunt Julia

Unwrapping her butterfly cupcake (round one of cakes)