It rained and rained all week, but the Saturday of the party, the rain dried up, the sky opened and the warm sun poured down on all the party people.
Fire Trucks galore, ready and yummy.
All week, Elijah asked, “Birdy party? Bir-day party?”
Today was the day!
This is one of Finley’s best friends, Marley. They were hugging and being cute, so then I ruined the picture by asking them to smile. Always a mistake, but still kinda cute.
Cute party girls ready for fun as people arrived!
This boy was feeling very special
Lunch time
A time for real smiles. Everyone gathered around, and sang him happy birthday. He would look up at people, and give a shy smile, then look back down at his cake, smiling bashful, and peek up at us again.
“You only turn three once!”
Daddies and kiddos check out the chickens
Finley got a special present from grandparents at the very end… here he is waiting patiently 
He gave all the kids at the party a ride, shifting from reverse to forward, maneuvering turns.
We didn’t open the presents while people were here. We are careful about presents with our kids and desire for their hearts to learn gratitude more than to have presents, to enjoy what they have, without always thinking about more, quantity. To not make presents an expectation, but a true gift, an exciting, appreciated part of life. To be so grateful for what they have, they aren’t thinking about ‘more.’
We have all the wrapped presents stored and will pull out one every month or so, and in the meantime, he delights in the few gifts he has received.
Grandma gave him a toy tow truck, “Finley, do you want to open a present from Auntie and Uncle.”
He looked at us quizzically, holding his tow truck, “But mama, I already have my present!” as he played with it for hours.
It made us happy to hear his contentment with what he has, not feeling like ‘needed’ more. It’s been good for the other kids to see him like and share what he has, too and not feeling left out.
Our gifts are the people who came and poured love on our sweet little boy, who is now THREE!
Thanks for bringing your good time party attitude and breaking hot dogs with us!
We love you!
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Squeeeeee! So freakin’ cute! Thanks for taking so many pictures. I just adore your kids, and the parents too!
Such a great idea about the gifts!!! My daughter (now grown) would have a major meltdown every Christmas and birthday with the present overload. It makes sense on every level to spread out the joy, appreciation, expectation …. Good job (again), Mom.
And P.S.: SUCH a cool back yard!
happy birthday, sweet Finley!
I so, so enjoy following your family’s story from OH. what a beautiful family!