Noah's 3rd Birthday

On May 22nd, we celebrated Noah's 3rd birthday. He officially turned 3 yesterday, but after some internal debate, we decided he would much more enjoy the entire day if his best buddies were with him.. and so that's what we did - cousins, Aunts and Uncles and Grandma's gathered in the front yard for some old fashioned racing fun...

... Like sack races. It really is harder than it looks - and that's what was so great about it. Ava won the toddler round, and Uncle Masaud left smoke behind - taking a giant leap right into first place....





Continuing with the race theme, we filled race car "eggs" and hid them in the yard - then watched the kids zoom in search of sweet treats... and our littlest driver parked her coupe to inspect the treasures more carefully.





And then it was pinata time... there's always a pinata at our parties! After swatting and sweating - the kids grew restless at the thought of this red paper mache holding their candy hostage...



We had to take matters into serious hands...



But before the kids could stomach too much candy, it was lunch time. While I'm a fan of home-cooked meals - occasions as special as this one calls for back up - i.e. catering from the local Italian restaurant. We set up a separate table for the children - with personalized chalk boards and games (a fun way to keep the kids "zooming" while the adults refueled too)...





"Goody-bags" - One of Noah's 3 things he requested for his birthday party - was filled with all things cars (die-cast cars from Disney/Pixar, Hot Wheels, car keys), candy and thank you trophies. Our littlest guest Sophia, got a dalmatian dog- to carry while wearing her fireman hat! Adults received racing bags too - with car cleaning necessities, tire pressure gauges, car fresheners and chocolates...



Aaron and I baked Noah's birthday cake this year. And while we have yet to master the skill of this fine art - we were just as pleased with its outcome - after seeing the look on Noah's face when his candles lit up and we sang Happy Birthday to him...

This was a very special moment for us all. He made it to 3. And while that may sound ridiculous to say - it actually is the honest truth. Never would I have ever given a second-thought to that phrase... but two and half weeks ago, Noah nearly drowned in our pool. I don't think I'll ever forget that day. Seeing him here - in this moment - is one that I did not think I would have - after pulling him out of the pool. But we did... and we do... continue to have precious moments - just being and embracing all that life has to teach us... and how fleeting time with our loved ones are...







With more sugar, it was time to head outdoors again. But this time, to cool off...

You made it to 3, my sweet boy. Life continues to zoom - and you are enjoying all of it - while we are blessed to enjoy you. Your laugh and the twinkling thoughts that race through your body - questioning everything... You and Ava are all that I have hoped for, and so much more. And I pray, that everyday, you smile as big - as you did today. I love you.