Happy 3rd Birthday Big Guy!!!

In true family tradition, Hank began his third year with a multi-day extravaganza. With the official big day on Sunday, Hank got to kick off the birthday weekend with his friend JD; who coincidentally has the same birthday.

Here all the kids gather for pizza!

A little intensity with dinner!

After a brief interlude during which the adults enjoyed a delicious pulled pork, it was time to get down to birthday business. What else would one expect for a cake for these two Cars enthusiasts? A quick grab for the cake from little brother, luckily Ms. Alice had the quick save.

After everyone had their shot of sugar, it was time to open a couple of presents in advance of the official day. Hank was the recipient of a superhero coloring book from his little brother and a fire truck set from JD. Hank gave JD a hot-wheels car set which he immediately wished he had kept for himself!

Sunday morning came quick, especially considering daylight savings time. Hank was up at 5 (DST) and relaxed with his sister and their morning cartoons. Mom whipped up some cinnamon rolls for breakfast and everyone was dressed and loaded up for Hank's choice of outing. He selected the Museum of Nature and Science, complete with a new dinosaur exhibit (which he was actually afraid of...)

Here we had a brief pose in front of the green screen...you wouldn't guess that Ella had no idea what the backdrop was going to be.

As the birthday boy and his brother took a snooze on the way back to the ranch, everyone else settled in for a quiet afternoon. It did not last all that long and once everyone was back awake it was off for a stroll to the Plum Valley park. As we still have some standing snow in the back yard and the forecast for Monday afternoon is for more, we wanted to make good use of the nice weather.

Hank has mastered the ladder and the vast majority of the climbing equipment at our little neighborhood park.

Occasionally he just shows off.

Not to be outdone, Ella shows her little brother how the spiderweb is done.

The little guy is quite satisfied with loops on the tube slide.

A short bike ride home with the promise of more presents and...why not start with the biggest one first...(a rescue helicopter!)

Hide and seek in the dining room leads to a new tool bench! Now Dad can have even more help with jobs around the house!

Aforementioned rescue helicopter and the obligatory rescue boats!

The old man makes himself useful building the new hot-wheels track...

Hank was served up his favorite dinner, white chicken chili and got to choose an evening movie (enter pirates now...). Then it was round two for birthday cake. After running the sugar out it was time to clean up all the new toys...at least until morning. The rescue helicopter has a search light, so as we go to bed I imagine that is going to accompany our big 3 year old.