Party Central!!!

It doesn't seem possible that another year has passed and it is time to celebrate. What is even more shocking is that our little baby is 3! We celebrated with the help of family, friends, neighbors and loved ones...and Lexie couldn't have been more excited if she tried! I have to admit I was a bit nervous and SO very thankful that the weather held out! I don't know where we would have put everyone--but we aren't complaining--you made this party the 'best party I've ever had' (according to Lexie).

Thanks to our wonderful neighbors, the decorations were spot on, yet again!
While Aunt Allie helped Lexie to bed for her nap, Nini helped me get the house transformed into party central!

Aunt Allie and Gg pose for a picture before the party starts

This year, was a toss up as to "what was going to be on the cake". Anytime we would ask Lexie, the answer would either be: "Dora", "Mickey Mouse", or "the Backyardigans"...needless to say, you can see which was the lucky winner!

After waking up the guest of honor, she promptly pronounced "I need to get my dress on, my party's 'bout to start!!!" She was on a mission!


The party is in full swing...(I know-I know--pun intended!)
After firing up the grill, it was time for some fun...PINATAS!!! Instead of beating them to death, we opted for the 'pull string method'. All of the kids that wanted in on the action pulled a string...and, well...it didn't really work so well..


We resorted to pulling the back side of the pinatas open and shaking out the goods! (Just as effective...and no one got a bat to the shin/private parts!)
Some of the pint sized party goers gathering their loot!
Next on the party agenda--presents!! I think Lexie really wanted to dive into her cake first, but some of the other kids REALLY wanted her to open her presents!!!

Getting a little bit of help from daddy reading the card...oh, and this one has stickers!

After she was done opening her gifts, Lexie promptly said "Thanks everyone for my birfday gifts!"


Time to blow out the candles! I can't even begin to describe to those of you that were not there...the look on her face when we started to sing! It was priceless...she was beaming from EAR TO EAR! She truly enjoyed every second of it! It literally brought a tear to my eyes!
And this was before she had any sugar...oh, how excited she is to dive into that cake!

Gpa and Gg sharing some cake

Family photo! Thanks Mrs. Tobin--we need to have you around more often!

Posing for a picture with my good friend Bethany...we were so happy she and the Tobins(and baby B) were able to help us celebrate!
There was one more present for Lexie to 'open'. We decided to wait for the crowd thin out a bit before we unveiled Grandpa's gift. As Lexie turned the corner of the garage and saw her new car...she ran right to it, jumped in and asked to go for a ride. What was just as cute, Olivia ran over too--as to not miss out!

Grandpa giving Olivia a hand into the 'new ride'--this thing has EVERYTHING! (He even went so far as to cut out custom floor mats from left over carpet we had from the house!)

The birthday girl is ready to roll!!! Look out everyone---she has a car and wants to drive!
Hitting the open road...err, field!
With one hand holding on for dear life and the other adjusting the radio (yes, it really works!) Olivia is enjoying her first ride, while I try to keep up in the background!

With the party (and daylight) coming to an end, it was time for a bonfire! Luckily, the Houchins crew arrived just in time for Uncle Brad to help Russ and the neighbors get the fire pit ready!
Lexie was excited to see and share a mask with Molly!

Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU to all that came out to help celebrate Lexie's birthday! She had such a great time and we are all so blessed by your love and generosity!