Let's Party!

I'm over a month behind on posting this, but in June, Claire turned three years old! This feels like such a huge milestone. She moved up to the big kid's room at the gym and at church. And now, whenever she takes swim lessons or gymnastics, she'll be on her own - no more "mommy and me" classes. She is feeling very grown-up these days and I'm just trying to figure out how it's already been three years since we welcomed this precious little girl into our arms.

Now, to avoid getting teary-eyed and writing an essay on the fleeting nature of childhood, I'm going to simply post some party pictures. This was her first birthday party with friends (in the past, it's been just family) and she absolutely loved it.

We had a bug-themed party at a local park, so there was plenty of room for the kids to run and play on the playground.

But it was June, and hot outside, so we had some activities in the shade of the pavilion as well. The kids decorated foam visors with their names and favorite bug stickers.

We also had a bug hunt! We spread a bunch of plastic bugs under some shade trees. Then we let the kids pick out a bug hunt kit (part of the party favors) and search for their favorite creepy crawlies in the grass. So much fun!

And we walked around giving the kids bug stamps on their hands. We also had a small bubble machine set up, which had nothing to do with the bug theme at all, but well, three year olds love bubbles!

Then it was time for the cake and ice cream! We had bug-themed cake and cupcakes, of course. Then we cooled off with vanilla ice cream and "ants" (chocolate sprinkles). Yum!

We sent everyone home with a bug hunt kit, a goodie bag with various bug-themed surprises, and these really cute bug suckers we found online.

We had such a blast with all our friends and family and Claire still tells me on occasion that "I had a great birthday, Mommy!" If she's happy, I'm happy!