What a Grand Birthday!

December 18 brought Eli's third birthday, and what a birthday it was! Sadly, his special day fell on a week day because he still had to spend the day at the babysitters, however, he loves her, got to take cupcakes, and spent the day playing with his friends. It really ended up being a wonderful birthday with more festivities and celebrations today.

His big day began by getting to open one present before going to Mary's house for the day. He was beyond ecstatic when he opened his new Mater! Somehow during the day, he and the other boys at Mary's hid them - a typical occurrence for said boys and their cars. Mater is either still at Mary's or got mixed in with another child's cars, somehow Eli ended up with two blue The King cars. I can guarantee he should only have one. So unless he has some magical powers that allow him to morph cars, this one isn't his.

I adore the excitement that he now has for his birthday. He kept repeating "I'm three now, Mommy!" and "Daddy, I'm three!" It is so cute. Watching his excitement when he saw his presents from us, talk about adorable! First is the intent focus of getting through the wrapping paper to the actual gift. Then once he realizes what it is, the smiling doesn't cease. He is giddy and thrilled and can't wait to get it out and really check it out.

Look at that focus and determination!

He calls this tent "Eli's clubhouse." And just to clarify, we asked who could go in it, his reply "E-eye's and boys and girls." (He says his own name "E-eye" still no ls, but cute none the less!)

Cars. Can you tell? These just happened to all be firetrucks and assorted related fire rescue vehicles. What are the odds he would be in his firetruck shirt the same day? LOL

In the evening we took him to Red Robin for dinner. We met Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Daryl there (he flew in to town for the holidays the night before). We had fun catching up and after dinner, a flock of waitresses came and sang to our wide-eyed, uncertain little boy. He wasn't too sure what was going on, but he was FOCUSED on them and their singing. I'm still not sure if he blinked at all while they were there. At any rate, he loved his ice cream sundae, at least the whipped cream on top, and the rest of us passed it around after he had his 5 bites. He's not a big ice cream fan, not really much of a dessert person in general.

Grandma took a picture of us Winkeys. It's not often that we get pictures that include all three of us. Another great treat to add to his birthday!

We were getting Eli ready for bed (late!) when one of our neighbors popped by to borrow some cookie cutters. When she was headed back home, she mentioned there was something going on over at the apartments and that we might want to take Eli over to see what was going on. I had heard about a fire engine that gets adorned with Christmas lights and slowly drives through the neighborhood passing out candy canes with Santa Claus on board. We decided to leave the front door open for a few minutes to see if it would be coming to our neighborhood. We saw another neighbor whose son works for the fire department and she said the would be in our neighborhood shortly.

We threw Eli's jacket and shoes and ran out to meet the fire truck and Santa. He really didn't want a lot to do with anyone in particular, but he enjoyed watching. Afterall, it was over an hour past his normal bedtime!

Here comes Santa Claus!

It's not very often that I take pictures in the dark. I'm not quite sure how to take them to still give the nighttime aura and have pictures turn out right. I still like these pictures. Someone from the Maple Valley Reporter was there and said there would be more pictures on their website shortly! We'll keep watching for that! :)

Today brings his actual birthday party, so there will be more pictures coming soon!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELI!!!!