Max Turns 3

He's only 3? That has been our thought today. Maximilian seems so much older that we keep forgetting he is just turning 3 today. As his second year of life comes to an end, he continues to be a wonderful challenge. He is stubborn and difficult beyond words, but I wouldn't change him for anything. I tell myself that he keeps me on my toes, pushing the boundaries and challenging me to become a more patient and understanding mother.

What a cool birthday to have! It is always going to be a day of celebration! The parties he is going to have years down the road makes me shudder in anticipation, wanting to lock him up in 13/14 years from now!

We enjoyed a wonderful family day today. Max opened gifts upon waking up and enjoyed them all. For lunch we went to Burger King. Kind of sounds weak, but a play place was there and for him it was perfect. Noelle and Violette had a grand ol' time too. It's the simple things at their age they love. A trip to Lowe's followed, again, this was great fun for the children. It probably shouldn't be noteworthy, but for a little boy all the tools, vacuums (seriously, this child LOVES them), appliances to open, and aisles to let loose in, make it just the place for a family trip.

We decided to try something new this evening. A family movie. The coffee table was pushed aside, blankets layed out, and pillow pets snuggled. They loved it! Despicable Me was the chosen movie, as it was something Tom and I enjoyed watching as well. The kids did not sit there for even half the movie, but were able to go play and come back as they wanted. This is something we will start to do more often.
About 1/3 of the way through the movie we took a break for cake. I had baked a Big Top Cupcake earlier in the day, as it was requested by the Birthday Boy. We sang and ate then returned downstairs to finish the movie and run off the sugar high.
All in all, it was a nice way to celebrate our headstrong, challenging, perfect, Big Guy's third Birthday!