The night before James’ birthday, we let Annabel stay up late to help us blow up balloons. He’s now officially old enough to wake up to balloons on the floor, and Annabel is old enough to help us make it happen. Pretty cool!
Birthday presents proved to be a little overwhelming at first. He didn’t like the idea of ripping the paper.
Luckily for James, he has a sister who was MORE than willing to help him out, and he quickly recovered.
After a morning of playing with presents, we took the birthday boy to his favorite place on earth, Chuck E. Cheese. When we pulled into the parking lot he gasped, “Oh! Chuck E. Cheese! YAY!” I have to say, I was dreading going to CEC, but it actually wasn’t bad. It helped that we got there right when it opened and I think since most sane people spend Memorial Day outside, it wasn’t crowded.
Our extended family met us there, so they got to witness the kids in their element:
We had a bazillion tokens, so we all had fun playing the games—even the adults!
Mike and I had a competition going on the basketball and football toss games. I don’t want to make Mike feel bad or anything but I totally demolished him. Shorty’s got game!
After we traded in over 1,000 tickets for 6 foam balls (seriously, that was the prize, wtf), we went back to our house for presents from the family and cake. James was soooo ready for ice cream cake, but he had to endure some affection from his parents.
He’s like, “Mom, quit kissin’ and start cuttin’.”
And we maaaaay have even had a giant cupcake for him to eat later in the day, because I’m all about giving my kids as much sugar and artificial coloring as possible. We also made his dreams come true by relighting his birthday candle five times.
In all, it was a great birthday for my little three-year-old. I can’t believe how quickly it’s gone! This morning when James woke up he said, “More presents?” Sorry buddy, no more presents…until next weekend, when we have his Star Wars birthday party with friends. And of course, more cake!
Debbie A-H says:
Happy Birthday, James! So glad you and your freckles are three years old!
Lisa says:
Happy Birthday sweet Boy!
Kathy says:
I love Annie in the Skee Ball picture! Thanks for sharing these adorable pictures of the birthday boy!
Julie C says:
Laughing so hard at the crying boy not wanting to rip the paper! That is SO 3 year-old!!!! HBD James!
Glenda says:
Fun! Can’t wait to see the Star Wars party pictures
Alison says:
I think it’s so nice how Maddie and James (sometimes) both have birthdays on days that celebrate American heroes
Melissa says:
Happy 3rd Birthday James!! My James just turned 1 two weeks ago… I agree, it goes entirely too fast! I can’t wait to see pictures of the party!!
Rita A. says:
Now that’s a way to celebrate a birthday! Cake, cake & more cake!! Happy 3rd Birthday James
Laura says:
I love the idea of waking up to a room full of balloons. You two are such fun, creative parents!
Steph says:
Glad James had a great birthday! He and Annie are so adorable. Also, I appreciate that you post pictures of typical toddler behavior (crying over paper); otherwise, people would wonder why their toddler (teenager etc) wasn’t always smiling:)
Jerilynn says:
Happy Birthday, sweet and adorable James! Time flies! Heather, I can’t wait to see what you’ve cooked up for the Star Wars party. By the way, are you going to bring back Fiesta Friday soon (shameless plug right here-lol).
amourningmom says:
Happy belated birthday to James (& his parents)! ?????