Aarrhh...A Happy Birthday Matey

Andrew turned 3 on September 1st! Can you believe that my handsome little Andrew man is 3? Wow, that takes my breath away. I remember the first moment I saw him so crystal clear and it sure doesn't feel like that was 3 years ago. He was such a beautiful baby and he has grown to be so melt-my-heart cute, so big, so smart, so funny, so wild, so silly, so friendly, so sweet and so fast and also so loving and sometimes sensitive and shy. I LOVE my little Andrew more than words could ever say. He gives the best hugs, has a contagious giggle, tells great stories and jokes, notices and picks up on everything, is very polite (to adults), is a charmer, and is an incredible negotiator! He has a happy little spirit and smile, big bright eyes, extra extra long eyelashes and a sweet (and sometime loud) little voice and I love everything about him. He is a great big brother and a fun friend, except that sharing is still pretty hard. He is constantly trying to teach me to be more patient and understanding. He asks me the first letter of different words all throught the day, 'What does cat start with?', 'What does water start with', etc, etc. His favorite games are: Tag Your It, and Duck Duck Goose. His favorite books are: all books, he loves every book, and he loves made up stories about 'Fireman Andrew' to the rescue. His favorite food: Grapefruit. His favorite TV show is Curious George. Andrew's favorite things are pirates, tools, being chased, riding bikes, playing tag, reading books, being tickled, trains, wrestling, being wild, jumping off things, playing basketball and soccer, taking tubbies, play kitchens, coloring, playing in water, playgrounds, working hard with daddy, potty talk, his blankies (Franklin the Blanklin), going for walks and adventures, and being hugged. His least favorite things are eating foods he doesn't want, getting his hair combed and fingernails trimmed, and long drives in the car.

We had a super fun Pirate Birthday party for Andrew just with family. Andrew was in heaven running around with his cousins all night, eating cake and candy, and opening presents - it just doesn't get any better.Andrew sure loves Pirates lately. He loves to say funny pirate things like 'Ahoy Matey' and 'Yo Ho Yo Ho a Pirates life for me'. Can you guess what he's going to be for Halloween? How about what he wants to be when he grows up? Dave took him to the U Football game and Andrew told me that after a touch down, the Pirates shoot the cannon, which was (of course) his favorite part. Here is my pirate treasure chest cake. It turned out really cute, if I do say so myself.

No pirate party is complete without a bearded lady

Here's the cousins and a few adults. Notice my brother Shawn's double eyepatches, nice.
Andrew loves the Happy Birthday song, and especially when it is being sung to him!Andrew got great presents. He got a scooter and helmet, a pirate boat and pirate guys, tools, art supplies, and a pirate book. It's hard to know which he likes best because he has played with each present so much already.
Outside to see the first scooter rideHe loves it!! But, I'm pretty sure he loves all his cousins most!Happy Birthday Andrew, we are so proud of you! We love you!!!!

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Andrew's birthday signals that summer is nearing an end. That is pretty heartbreaking for me, I dread winter. We have been busy this summer filling our days with activities and friends. The past 2 weeks were extra fun filled with lots of playdates, parkdates, swimdates and fun outside. We even got to spend last weekend at the Rowland's cabin in Bear Lake with LOTS of friends and great fun on the boat and beach - Thanks Rowlands!!! (Sadly I don't have a single picture to show for it). Hooray for a wonderful summer, I wish it would never end!