Jay's 3rd Birthday

Scrolling through the blog tonight, I noticed a terrible oversight. I haven't posted pictures from Jay's 3rd birthday party!

We had a small party with friends from preschool and gymboree in the backyard. When I first asked him who he wanted to invite, he listed all of Cole's friends and classmates. It's no wonder he considers them his best friends, he's been around them his entire life--tagging along on playdates, going to all the birthday parties, running around the preschool courtyard after class. He's spent his entire life keeping up with the big boys. No wonder he thinks the 2 and 3 year olds are boring.

The kids spent the first part of the party playing in the backyard on the swingset, in the jumpcastle, and with all the toys. Then we went inside for pizza and cupcakes (the ubiquitous birthday party menu). Because it was a small group, we opened presents after eating. All in all, it was a nice, simple party--perfect for a new three-year old!

Catching Bubbles

Playing on the deck

Yummy! Frosting!

Update to "Puppy Was a Rolling Stone"

Puppy number 2 has been found in the play kitchen--in the oven of all places!

I think I'll go back online and purchase puppy numbers 3 and 4 just in case.

Puppy Was a Rolling Stone

I've been touched by the concern and sympathy of family and friends in regards to Puppy. Your kind thoughts are greatly appreciated in our time of grief, especially now...

...because we have TWO puppies missing!!

Yes, you read that right. Two puppies.

Jay began asking for Puppy last week, so I got online and slogged through Beanie Baby websites until I discovered that Puppy's alias is "Fletch, the Golden Retriever, version 2.0" (not to be confused with version 1, which is missing the lightning bolt logo from his rump). I ordered the replacement and eagerly awaited his arrival from "Africa."

He came while I was in South Dakota at my cousin's wedding, so Rob got the honor of welcoming the prodigal puppy. Jay was ecstatic! Once again, Puppy got his own plate at dinner (with real food, of course); accompanied Jay everywhere; and snuggled next to Jay at night with his head on the pillow and blanket tucked under his chin.

The reunion was short lived, however, since the next day, Puppy II also disappeared. Apparently we can't tame the Beanie Baby wanderlust.