Erin's Little Birthday Party

It's official, Erin is 3 whole years old. She is really getting so big and grown up. She's not my little baby anymore, even though I'll always treat her like she is.

Since Tom had to be on travel for her birthday we decided to go along with him. Luckily he was only an hour or so away so we were able to drive up Wednesday afternoon - after gymnastics and Dr.'s visits.

Thursday morning while Tom was working, Erin, Jeffrey and I headed into the historic part of town where we were staying. We decided it would be fun to take a trolley ride -- although if you ask Erin she'll tell you we rode a rollercoaster. It was a little long for the kids but Erin liked seeing the river and water. Mommy liked the old homes and plantations we drove by. Jeffrey liked - well Jeffrey liked fussing as he had gotten shots the day before and was a little grumpy. Anyway, we all survived the ride and Erin used her little camera to "take a camera" of the trolley after the tour.

After that we found a McD's with a Playplace for lunch. One wouldn't think so, but Erin eats better at the ones with a Playplace because after each trip down the slide I make her stop and eat a chicken McNugget before climbing back up again. By the end of lunch she was stopping at the table for her chicken of her own accord. Jeffrey just liked sitting in the high chair watching al the action.

We stopped on the way back to the hotel to pick up a cake (chocolate with balloons), some lemonade and a balloon at the store. Erin picked the cake and candle - Dora the explorer, out all by herself. We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the hotel until Tom got back to the room.

Then we had our little party - with Dora the Explorer hats and all. Erin made sure everyone got a hat. Although we didn't have matches for the candle we sung her happy birthday and had her "blow" them out anyway. After that came the presents which didn't take too long to open. 2 games, 2 outfits, 3 books, 1 swimsuit and a Little People Minivan later we headed out to dinner at . . . Friendly's.

Erin was allowed to order whatever she wanted (a hamburger for the first time ever). Then the crew came with a sundae and balloons (Yay more balloons) and sang her Happyn Birthday. She LOVED all the attention. It was great to see her being so grown up choosing what she wated for dinner and sitting in the booth next to Tom while Jeffrey had the high chair.

Back at the hotel I got Jeffrey to sleep and laid him in the Pack & Play (hooray for Pack & Plays). Erin snuggled next to me in the bed and fell fast asleep. I looked over and her and thought about how we were doing the exact same thing - snuggling in bed - 3 years ago. But now she was independent enough that she didn't want my arms around her and certainly couldn't sleep on my chest anymore. A few tears came to my eyes as ai realized how amazingly far we all have come in the last 3 years.