David's 3rd Birthday Bash

David's 3rd birthday had a cowboy theme. You may remember that he was a cowboy for Halloween and he still loves them. 

So, David wore his entire cowboy costume along with a special personalized birthday shirt. And, yes, even Rachael had on her cowgirl shirt and outfit complete with cutoff shorts and pigtails. 

With Aunt Nicole's permission, we borrowed Clip-Clop to help decorate AND give the kids something to play on. 

 

We served a couple appetizers and dinner. Each party food was labeled. We had goodies like- "Getalong Little Doggies" [pigs in a blanket], Chuckwagon Chicken [BBQ chicken], Pancho's Potato Salad, Saddle Up Slaw, and Happy Trail Mix. Ma made these cute little signs for each:

 

Each table's centerpiece was decorated with various cowboy related items like horseshoes, cowboy figurines, bandannas, and whips all contributed by both of our families. 

As you know, I like to make my children's birthday cakes from scratch and relate it to the theme, of course. This year was no exception. Because David doesn't love cake [I have NO idea where he gets that from!], I decided to make a double layer cookie cake with a homemade butter cream filling and frosting in the shape of a cowboy boot. 

I was very proud of it and David loved it. Ma helped me a great deal. It sure wouldn't look this good without her expertise. 

The cake table was decorated with a few other cowboy items and two pictures- one of David as a newborn in Ryan's cowboy hat and one of David dressed up as a cowboy back in October. 

It was time to open presents! David impressed many in the room while he opened his presents. He started with the card each time. He'd open it then ask his Daddy to tell him who it was from. He would then find that person in the room, look directly at them, and say "Thank you!" before opening the present. He did this for each and every gift he received without any prompting from Ryan or me. I didn't even realize that this was not your normal 3 year old behavior until it was pointed out to me. It's just what he's been taught and what's expected. I'm very proud of him for being so gracious.

 Silly boy

Rachael liked helping David open and test out each gift.

She also kept a close eye on Parker, making sure Aunt Nicole was taking care of him. 

Next we ate some cowboy food

Then it was finally time for CAKE!

But, first David wanted to say a blessing. This is the blessing he says everyday at school before snack time and we say as a family at dinner time. 

That's one happy boy. And sweet GranGran looking on at two of her great-grand babies.

Rachael helped David blow out his candles.

Happy Birthday:

Had to get a picture of David and Rachael with their Great-Grandparents before they left!

AND look at this! A rarity- a picture of all four of us!!

Happy 3rd birthday to our special little boy! As Big Daddy reminded us, as he said a special birthday blessing before our dinner on David's birthday- David is the child that at one point we weren't sure we would ever get to meet. What an amazing gift God gave Ryan and me the day David was born. 

We love you more than you will ever know, David. You make everyday so fun. You keep us on our toes and always entertained. You are our special little boy.