Micah's Third Birthday

Micah's birthday was Friday, September 23rd, so the boys and I decided to do some of Micah's favorite things during the day. We started out by going to the zoo, and Micah got to choose which animals we went to see. He also really wanted to "ride the alligator." Okay, it wasn't an alligator we rode. Here's Micah's description, and I'll see if you can figure out what "alligator" means:

"First we pushed the button, then we go inside and push the number '2,' and then we ride it and go out."

Then we went to Target to get a "blue," otherwise known as an Icee. Micah is forever asking to get one whenever we go there, but it's a rare treat. And I let him eat the whole thing himself. Of course, I paid for that when he couldn't fall asleep at naptime, but hey, a kid only turns three once in his life. :)

We went home for naps and I finished up some cleaning before Josh's parents, sister, and brother-in-law arrived around 5 p.m. Micah had a great time playing outside with all of them. Playing outside is one of his favorite things to do, especially on the swingset.

On Saturday, we all went downtown to the Farmer's Market and the parks down there. We started out on the slides, which both Micah and Eli loved!

I thought the Farmer's Market was pretty cool, although I'm not sure Micah was as excited about it. I tried to get him to pick out a balloon animal, but he was too scared. Eli got one though, and loved it. Micah really wanted an apple, so that's what he got.

Then we headed home to eat Chinese food for lunch. My mom and dad joined us, and the guys went golfing while the ladies relaxed at home during the boys' naps.

Then it was party time! We grilled burgers and hot dogs, and Micah had his first taste of Jell-o, which he called "jealoust." Then it was present time.

Micah did better at opening presents than ever before. When he turned 1, he didn't know how to open them. When he was 2, he would open one present and then he lost all interest in continuing because he wanted to play with the thing he'd just opened. But this year, he would open one, look at it briefly (and excitedly), and then move right on to the next one.

He got some puzzles, a Lightning McQueen pillow, a Penguin Pillow Pet, clothes, sidewalk chalk, and an awesome Hot Wheels track that mounts on the wall. So cool. Oh, and a couple of things for his room, including a personalized pillow sham.

Grandma Brown couldn't resist buying a couple things for Eli, too. He got a stuffed Angry Bird and a cute little t-shirt. Here he is with the bird up his shirt and a bow bustle (he's unfortunate to have the relatives he has, ha ha!).

Grandpa Brown was a party animal. :)

Then it was cake time. Let me tell you, Micah has no idea how to (and no desire to) pose for a picture. In this lucky shot, he was just imitating the face I was making to try to get him to laugh.

Micah wanted a puzzle cake. Did I mention he's into puzzles? I had fun making it.

We had a good time. Eli and Travis were pretty tuckered out by the time it was all done. I think this picture is hilarious!

Sunday morning, I tried to take a good 3-year-old picture of Micah, but he basically ran in circles on the driveway for 15 minutes. Then Eli came out and joined in the fun. After a while, they both sat down on the driveway for a rest. Cuties.

Here's the best picture I got of my big guy. What a blessing he is!

Happy Birthday, big guy! We love you and can't imagine life without you!