Birthdays!

How do I have a 3 and 5 year old? It's just so hard to believe! The birthdays came at lightening speed this year, and we did our best to celebrate the occasions and make them special.

At 5 years of age, Colby is energetic, curious, fun loving, sweet, funny, outgoing, smart, and mischievous. He loves to have a good time and is often the last to leave a party (hope this doesn't come back to bite me one day). He's tall and lean, but he has a big appetite and will try just about anything. After a bumpy road getting there, he is a loving big brother and loves to have fun with his sister (whew!) He loves to swim and is almost ready for the swim team, but he's not quite old enough. This Fall, he'll be playing soccer, taking swim lessons, and maybe playing tennis (not sure yet). He would probably do fine in Kindergarten this year, but with a July birthday, we feel confident that giving him one more year of preschool is the best thing for him.

Colby is a true Super Hero fanatic, and this was one of his big gifts this year. New Batman sheets and a Bat light for his bedroom.


His party was at a local bounce place, and it was a Green Lantern theme.


Me and my favorite boy.


Miller was thrilled that her best friend Charlie was able to tag along with his older brother to the party.


Colby and his friends...and boy, are they 5.


This is the face of a very happy birthday boy.


At 3 years of age, Miller is a joy to be around. She is hilarious, smart, shy around new people, strong, independent, and a little bit sassy. She loves playing with her toy kitchen and baking cookies, cakes, and cupcakes. She swims like a fish, going under water for long lengths of time, and she loves to ride her scooter. She'll be taking ballet and swim lessons this Fall. She has known all of her letters and numbers since she was 2 years old.

In the days leading up to Miller's birthday, she often flashed her unique number 3 sign when talking about her big day to come.


One of Miller's favorite gifts this year was one that Colby gave her- a cupcake baking set.


I didn't even ask him to do this.


Miller helped her daddy get ready for the big party.


And of course, her one and only Charlie was there. The cuteness is too much. (don't be fooled by the height difference- he's an older man)




We kept the group small- just Charlie and his brother Jonathan came over.


Me and my sweet birthday girl.


She needed a little help blowing out the candles this year, and I was happy to oblige.


UPDATE: How did I forget to add that we decided to potty train Miller on her birthday? We've always told her "When you turn 3, no more diapers", so she was expecting it. She did fabulous! No issues at all peeing or pooping on the potty, and it helped that she earned a piece of candy each time she went. She loved wearing her Dora "pantalettes", which she calls because of the "Princess and the Potty" book that she and her daddy like to read. She is now in "pantalettes" full time, and although she's had a few accidents, we are well on our way to a diaper free house! (at least during the day time)

Height and weight

So much to catch up on, but no time! I am headed to our old neighborhood with the kids this weekend to visit old friends. We've celebrated 2 birthdays, and I have many pictures to post.

Until I find the time, here's the statistics from their check-ups.

At 5 years old, Colby is 49 pounds and 45 inches tall, which puts him in the 90th percentile for both.

At 3 years old, Miller is 42 pounds and 40 1/4 inches tall, which puts her greater than the 95th percentile. Basically, she is off the chart.

No surprises there!

Life in pictures

Wow, I can't seem to keep up with the blog. No naps here, lots of pool time, and then I realize 3 weeks have gone by.
Here's a very brief summary, in pictures.

WOW. I cannot believe this boy will turn 5 in just 2 days. How do I have a 5 year old?


He truly thinks that the neighbors think that Batman lives here.


Colby had his first sleepover. His friend Megan came to visit, and they had a blast together. Here they are winding down with a movie....


and then attempting to sleep. Which didn't happen until Colby moved up to his own bed.


Colby and Miller got to ride in a train for the local 4th of July Parade....


and it was right in front of George Allen on horseback. They had a blast throwing candy and waving to friends.


We headed to the mountains for 4th of July weekend. Nan, Pop, Chip and Jen, Cooper, Zach, Braden, Uncle Alfred, Aunt Anne, and Aunt Lynn and Ralph were all there.

It was all a little too much for Miller at first.


She sat like this for about 2 hours. Of course, I loved it, since she is normally too busy to snuggle.


Everyone hung out on the porch...



The boys rode down to the fireworks in the back of the pickup truck. Does that make us hillbillies?


Miller is beginning to give let go of the fake camera smile....love this one of me and my girl!


She really loosened up....here she is with Uncle Alfred, heading to the concert and fireworks.


Colby stopped to pose for a picture with Braden, but he was off running around the rest of the night.


Miller was in rare form....having a great time.


Dancing the night away.


Lee ran to the car with Miller before the fireworks began because she doesn't like loud noises. Colby and I sat and watched together. He loved it.


Afterwards, Colby and I went down to the stage and listened from the side before heading to bed.


The next day, we headed to the pool.


Colby in action.


Miller has become a little fish...


She loves to swim under water, do "rocket hands", and freestyle.


Lastly, we had a huge surprise put in the yard this week....


Ta-dah!


The kids are loving it.


Thanks goodness for the rubber mulch; we've already gotten our money's worth on that.


My next posts will be all about the birthday boy and girl. Time is going too fast......make it stop!!!