Her birthday day began when she came running down the stairs (well as much as her fresh 3 year old legs can run down stairs), with Maria calling behind her that it was too early to wake up. It was 6a.m.
Early, yes. But, oh, that super excited little face. She knew… it was her day.
Her eyes sparkled when she greeted the kitchen, all decorated for her - balloons, a new birthday dress and birthday crown, presents… She expectantly touched each present, waiting for others to wake so she could open them, dreaming of what might be inside.
After presents (oh how this girl of mine loves toys and, in her words, stuff), there were birthday pancakes with pink strawberry icing and hot pink sprinkles, and candles (to include the singing birthday candle)!
I love when their birthdays fall on Saturdays and special birthday breakfast isn't rushed and/or actually happens. They do so look forward to it.
Although a small party was planned for the next day, birthday spirit was in the air. When Camilly requested birthday games, her big sister disappeared and returned with a homemade 'pin the bow on Minnie' game.' Complete with tape for the back of the bows. It was genuinely too precious for words. And a lot of fun!
I just had to point out Maria's little hands in this pic, covering Camilly's eyes so she didn't peek.
Her birthday fell on a rainy Saturday, so we changed plans (apple picking) and headed to the Virginia Beach Aquarium. It was the perfect rainy day activity.
And it was the perfect place to go for a 3rd birthday. The first birthday trip we ever took was for Maria's 3rd birthday…to the Virginia Beach Aquarium! As an Army family, we move around quite a bit. It can be lots of fun making new memories and always having new places to travel for birthdays. However, it's also quite special when we're able to return to 'familiar' places, sparking little mini-traditions…and sweet memories.
Being an Army family also means we're generally far from extended family, making birthdays and holidays different from those that I knew growing up. Nana and Pa were able to join us for our celebration, making it all the more special.
It was so fun to mark the similarities and differences between the last time we were here. While we stood in amazement over the fish displays, 3 year old Maria did not pause to 'spy' fish and read their names from the available cards. However, since it was her big sister showing her around, 3 year old Camilly was happy to play along with this game.
Same as 3 years ago for Maria, it was all about the touch and feel exhibits. This time it was the sting rays. We spent forever here… most of that time was spent bargaining about leaving!
And we happened to be there for a craft day! The girls are still sporting their 'angler fish' hats, but I'm glad that the sea slug goop has disappeared.
Oh yeah, and the day ended with a fabulously spontaneous dance party. One that required all the furniture pushed out of the way…the best kind. Camille's current favorite song is, "Bennie and the Jets."
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