Party On!

JT had a fabulous birthday. We kicked off his birthday a little early by giving him his new bike and helmet the Monday before so he could enjoy it with Jim before the work week began. We took the pedals off so he could ride it like a scoot bike until he gets used to balancing. Unfortunately, that didn’t impress JT. 🙂

After “riding” it with Jim, he decided he wanted the pedals back off. So off they came. And then he went for a little test ride.

Then the real deal – his birthday began with the traditional birthday song at wake-up time. I mentioned awhile ago that JT sleeps like a hiberating bear, and wakes up just as grumpy if it’s not spring yet. This is a great example… this is the kid who sleeps in on Christmas!

Once he woke up all the way, things moved right along. He got to open presents before breakfast because Jim had to rush off to work.

After lunch, he got to Skype and open presents with Grandma and Grandpa Keene. He loves his new backpack (and knew how to put it on all by himself). He practically came out of the chair with excitement when he opened his new Mack from Cars!

After nap, he Skyped with Aunt Gena, Preston, Madi, and Ali. Then for dinner, Grandpa and Grandma Cole came over. JT got to open more presents: lots of cars and trucks! JT commented to me later, “I like things with trailers.” 🙂

During dinner, JT got a special phone call from his friend Asher wishing him a happy birthday. He was so excited. (Aunt Jennifer called too!)

Haley had fun rolling JT’s new ball with Grandpa Cole.

We had yummy ice cream sundaes for dessert. What a wonderful birthday!

Elisa and Gracelyn

World Cup-style kicking!

Swing, batter girl!

The Kraft family working on model airplanes

Dad and JT making their airplane

JT trying out his plane

So fun!

We went back to our house for a birthday lunch. Haley was happy to get some food!

We were supposed to eat at the park, but the rain had other plans. So we had a pizza picnic on the floor instead.

When I told JT about the kids singing him happy birthday, he said, “And will they be wearing hats?” 🙂 Yes, of course. Haley didn’t mind wearing her hat at all.

The kids got to each pick a cupcake with a Hot Wheels car on top. JT got to pick first!

Yum!

After the party, JT opened a few presents from friends. He got some cool police gear (check out the giant revolver in his pocket).

After dinner, he opened a couple more from friends… a new construction set, a Cars 2 jet launcher, and a remote control Mater. He played with one thing at a time until bed time.

Pajama play time with Mater

I think part of what made his birthday(s) so fun and relaxing is that nothing was overwhelming for him. He got to play with everything he opened for a while before it was time to open something else. We had a great time watching JT turn three. The best part of all was at bedtime after his party, when I asked JT what he wanted to be thankful for in his prayer. I expected him to say one of his new toys or his party, but he said he was most thankful for Grandma and Grandpa Keene – who weren’t even here. What a sweetheart. 🙂