celebrating

This weekend we celebrated Seth's 5th and Olivia's 3rd birthdays.  I still cannot believe they're as old as they are!  When did this happen???  I remember when I first had Seth that many people told me to cherish each moment because it goes by way too fast, and boy were they right!  I know my kids are still babies, but these last five years have flown by!  Seth is now in school every day, learning to read and teaching me things, reminding me of the promises of God and amazing us with his creativity and sharpness.  Olivia is now capable of doing almost everything on her own - from brushing her teeth to putting on clothes - and is able to sing every word of the Doc McStuffins opener song, as well as almost any other song.  She fills our house with comedy.  Such a sweet girl. I can't wait to see where they're going to be next year!  ... Except that I want them to stay babies forever.  I tell them that on occasion and they each reply, "Mom you'd have to talk to Jesus about that." ;)

Here are some highlights from our family celebration.  They had a great time with their cousins, aunts, uncle and grandparents (and Rudy!).  It was such a fantastic time together.  The kids had a blast and were overwhelmingly blessed.

Starting the party out right: party hat, super hero mask, pizza and (per his request) star-shaped watermelon!

Super Olivia!

Presents!

Papa and Auntie Carlee bringing out Olivia's dollhouse 

Olivia seeing the dollhouse for the first time.  She was mesmerized!

Seth got the Super Mario Maker Wii game he's been wanting.  He was so excited!

Olivia already playing with her GIGANTIC dollhouse.

Each year, I let the kids pick what kind of cake they want.  This year, Seth's chose: blue velvet cake with blue frosting, sprinkles and balloon candles.

Olivia's choice: strawberry cake, pink frosting, pink wafer cookies and a pink "3" candle.  It was SO HOT on party day that Seth's frosting was dripping and Olivia's cake crater-ed and all the wafers split open, creating this rather awesome flower-looking effect.

It took Olivia quite a few tries, but she finally got the candle blown out.

Blew out all the candles!

The kids decided they wanted a piñata this year.  Olivia was a rather dainty hitter, but she got a few good smacks in.

Seth nailed it quite a few times too!  Ultimately, their cousin, Naya, whacked it open.  (All of their piñata candy is conveniently hidden away already.)

Bounce house time with Naya, Bella and Seth.