Ryan's Party!

We had a party for Ryan's 3rd birthday last Saturday. Family from 3 states (MI, IL, WI) gathered to celebrate our little man. We all had a lot of fun! 

The Train Cake 

I called it the Mama Project. I think it turned out pretty good, considering I'm no Betty Crocker.

Notice it went from a "3" candle to 3 individual candles... The 3 was too heavy and fell off. Happy was the first one to spot the fallen candle and proceeded to chew on it. So, the "3" went in the trash. Good thing I had regular candles on hand. Maybe Happy was upset that we weren't acknowledging HIS birthday, since Happy's actual 12th birthday was the day of this party (a fact, I am ashamed to admit, I had completely forgotten until my brother pointed it out to me).

The Party Guests

From L to R: Pete, Becky, Steve, Evan Burke, Ryan, Christine, Joey, my mom (holding Jordyn), my dad, Kristen, Tim, and Carol (holding Happy)

The Gifts

Ryan immediately had to read the book sent by Burke's Aunt Sue.  

Evan rocking the stethoscope from a doctor kit, a gift from Joey and Christine. 

Slide

from Grandma & Grandpa Ponka

Train Tracks

from Uncle Steve

Sand and Water Table

from Uncle Joey & Aunt Christine

Burke and I need to develop a strategy and coping mechanisms for the mess, as we are both a little obsessive about being neat/tidy/clean. That said, I really wanted the boys to have this toy. Once we figure out a system and the weather is warmer, it'll be a lot of fun...for Burke and me. It's already a hit with the boys, which is most important.

Thank you to all our family & friends, near and far, who helped honor Ryan on his special day. 

Ryan, you are cherished!!

Ryan is 3!!

We woke up to snow this morning on Ryan's April 18 birthday. That was odd! Thankfully, it melted by the evening.

Ryan had a few gifts waiting for him in the morning, including this magnifying glass. 

Nana & Lolo sent this table to us. It's looks great and will be so useful.

Enjoying an afternoon snack at the new table. 

Cupcakes after dinner! 

He sang "Happy Birthday" to himself and promptly, efficiently blew out the candle. 

Evan proceeded to make a big mess. Surprise. At first, he likes to avoid getting his hands too messy...

 ...but in the end, he realizes that he needs hands to eat the deliciousness.

The birthday boy is a little neater with his cupcake!

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY, RYAN!!

Assistant

Burke prepares for an orchestra rehearsal. 

Evan is his assistant conductor. 

p.s. We all just woke up from a lazy, rainy Saturday afternoon nap, hence Burke's hair. 

Chinese & Japanese Buffet

Before we headed home from our mini trip to Grand Rapids, we had lunch with Allyson and her boys at a Chinese & Japanese buffet. It was quite delicious (though not Weight Watchers friendly).

Hotel

Ryan LOVES hotels. He points them out when we are driving and frequently asks to go to them. He likes the elevators, pools, continental breakfasts, luggage carts, etc. I think Evan's starting to enjoy them too. So, they were both pretty excited to stay overnight in Grand Rapids last week.

We took a trip to the pool before we checked out in the morning.

Evan was slightly skeptical of the pool, but didn't cry or complain...just kind of tolerated/experienced it. You could tell he was not in his comfort zone. When he'd had enough of the water, he just stood for the longest time watching all the people jump, play, and splash.

Peekaboo, boys!

Ryan stood on his own, holding the side, in the shallow end. It was the first time he did this. I was so excited for him and he was proud and excited too. Gettin' big.

He'd walk along the edge and then go up the stairs, all by himself. Look how pleased he is!

.

Meijer Gardens

During spring break, we took an overnight trip to Grand Rapids for a little getaway. My college friend, Allyson, and her family took us to Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. It's a Grand Rapids jewel! It is a very family friendly place and so beautiful. Allyson says it's even better in the summer, so we'll have to plan another trip to check it out again. It was a little rainy and dreary the day we went, but it was still so much fun!

Me & Allyson and all our boys...

"Look, Ben..." 

When we first got there, Ryan, in his excitement, wanted to show Ben everything! I heard him say "Look, Ben..." about 25 times in the cactus room.

Evan wanted "da" (down) the whole time - did not want to be in the stroller, wanted to be walking with the big boys.

Evan & Ryan

One of the great attractions is the butterfly house. Burke took a few pictures of those beautiful butterflies. 

Evan just stared and watched the butterflies flit around above him. He has always been my little outdoorsy-type baby.

One of the many sculptures in the park, The American Horse (Leonardo da Vinci's Horse), was quite a sight to see!

Burke and Evan sit on his hoof. 

Ryan was not thrilled with the horse, too large for his liking. 

Rest assured, though, he enjoyed every other aspect of the 

Meijer Gardens adventure.