Mason on his 3rd

How to describe Mason on his third birthday? So cute. Tiny. Chipmunk voice. Very strong personality. Perfectionist. His way or the highway (I must add here that he throws an amazing temper tantrum and has embarrassed me in public more times than I'd ever hoped for). Very sweet. Helpful. Brave. Competetive. Did I say brave? Super fun and comical facial expressions. And really just adorable in every way! We love Mae-mae! Happy Birthday!

Birthday happenings:
I decorated the living room, wrapped presents and made a gumball machine cake the night before. I got up 3 times in the night to hang fallen streamers that just wouldn't stick to the wall. And I got up 2 more times with Isaac and his fever. And then we were all up at 6:30am singing Happy Birthday to the sleepy-eyed, 3 year old Mason.

After opening presents from Mommy and Daddy consisting of a Tech Deck and a few skate park pieces, and a collection of 3 "shinger" guys (sword wielding knights) from Isaac and a stunt trick motorcycle from Ethan, the kids enjoyed a piece of pink birthday cake for breakfast. Eating a piece of birthday cake for breakfast has somehow become a family tradition.

I called Isaac and Ethan's school and excused them for the day because...

We got dressed and headed out for a fun yet educational day at the Denver Museum of Nature and History! I figured Isaac and Ethan would learn more at the museum than they would sitting in school all day. And they did. And they made sure Mason got special treatment at the museum because it was his birthday. Speaking of which, I'd like to thank the museum for recognizing and honoring Mason's birthday today and making it a Free Day to the public. Score.

Dave (in MO) called Mason and wished him a happy birthday while we were at the museum. Mason loves his Daddy.

We spent all morning and into the afternoon at the museum. The kids loved it. Ethan didn't want to leave even after 4 hours there. The boys favorite area was the space exhibit. There were so many cool hands on things for them to do! We also saw animals of N. America, the mummies, the dinosaurs, a really neat body health exhibit and some gems and insects. We didn't even make it to the main Genghis Khan exhibit. Hopefully they have another free day soon!

On the way home we stopped for 3 kids meals at Wendy's. A birthday treat.

After a couple hours back at home we decided we'd head to the library. From the library we picked up a couple pizzas and headed back home in time for grandma and grandpa to join the birthday boy for his birthday dinner and more cake. They also surprised Mason with a real gumball machine that has a spiral chute where the gumballs slide down as they are dispensed. Cool! They replaced the gumballs with marbles. Even better! It was a hit and all 3 boys played with that the rest of the night!

When grandma asked Mason what his favorite part of the day was he replied, "eating my boofday cake." Simple pleasures.

Dave and I sure enjoy our little Mason. I know Isaac and Ethan do too because on more than one occassion they have turned to Mae-mae with this adoring look on their faces and said sincerely, "Oh Mason, you are so cute." He is such a bundle of joy and we are very happy to have him in our family!