Leif's Birthday

Leif growls in a doggy mask from Aunt Amy.

Technically this was taken the day after his birthday, when he was having fun with the mask and the mirror, but oh well.

Leif's birthday was very simple this year - no train rides this time - but we had a very enjoyable day. Leif had been looking forward to his birthday for a long time. He remembered past birthdays: the train ride we took last year, and even his first birthday in Miami, when Aunt Katie made him a birthday hat out of paper bags and rubberbands!

This year, it was quiet, but full of anticipation, since he now knows what fun birthdays can be!

The day started with a nice big breakfast of pumpkin pancakes, a family favorite that we haven't made in years! It was the perfect fall breakfast. Leif also found a new love - apple cider. He's been obsessed with it since Daddy brought it home!

Daddy went to work and Mommy made two pies, pumpkin bread, dinner, and got the house ready while Leify played, read books, and put together puzzles.

Unfortunately the pies did not turn out right (if you know chocolate angel pie and you see the pictures below, you'll see what I mean). They were still really good (I mean, when it meringue, chocolate and cream NOT good?). If you don't believe me, scroll down to the photo of Willie below!

Before dinner, Leif had a chance to open his cards in front of Grandmom, Granddad, and Grandma Mil via webcam, which was nice.

We had a lovely dinner (Penne Sausage Supper from Cooks) and afterwards Caryn, Shawn, Sarah, Katy, Izzy, and Willie all came over for dessert and presents!

Leif loved having his cousins over - I think that was the highlight of his birthday! Uncle Shawn chased the kids round and round the house - they were all screaming and having fun. In fact, he was so sad when it came time for them to go, that he got all teary-eyed and was clinging sadly to his Daddy. His face was all trembly as waved goodbye. It was sad and adorable all at the same time.

The best part of the whole day, though, was...you guessed it - the FULL MOON!

Leif had been looking forward to his Full Moon birthday for so long, and finally, there it was, shining big and bright over the water into our bedrooms. It was the best present of all!

While I didn't get around to the things I wanted to do for his birthday (hats, banners, etc), I realized it didn't matter. He had a wonderful birthday (he's still talking about it!), loves all of his new books and puzzles, and got to fall asleep with the light of the full moon shining on his face.

What more could a Three Year Old Boy ask for?

:)

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