Happy Birthday Dear Arden

This is the part where I say that I can't believe I have a 3 year old. It really is crazy to me. Arden is quite the little boy and all boy at that. He is spunky, sweet, energetic, hilarious, friendly, kind, loving, enthusiastic, passionate, intelligent, and more. Not a day goes by that he doesn't surprise me with something that he knows, remembers or understands. He is learning so much about the world around him and how to interact in it and it is so fun seeing him make connections and understand things. Anyway, more on things he is doing these days later, I have to talk about his actual birthday! As if his monster truck bash wasn't enough, we did some more celebrating on his actual birthday with family. He woke up that morning to presents from us. We got a sweet deal on Craigslist for a Cozy Coupe car, a bike with pedals, and a scooter all for $35, so we went big and got it all! William cleaned up the bike "real nice" and made it look practically new, and the other two were already in really good shape, so we were pleased. Arden was SUPER excited about all three, but he was ready to try out his new bike first thing! Daddy took him out thinking he would have to help him out a bit to get the hang of it, but after holding on for maybe 10 seconds, giving a little push, and sending him off, Arden was riding his bike like a pro...a bike with NO training wheels, mind you! With the help of his balance bike and his tricycle, he already had all the skills, he just needed to put them together, and he did so seamlessly! We were quite amazed that our 3 year old could ride a bike! I was definitely expecting to break out some of his new Cars bandaids that he had gotten as part of another present!

Daddy enjoyed the new toys too!

Like a pro!

After a little riding around on all three new vehicles, we came inside and had cinnamon rolls for breakfast. We put a candle in Arden's and sang Happy Birthday to him so that he could blow out the candle - one of his favorite things to do no matter what day it is (he makes me light a match, sing to him, and then he blows it out)!

After breakfast, we got on Skype so that we could talk to Missy, Pop, Aunta, and Stevie so that they could see him open the presents that they had all sent him. There were so many presents that it was like Christmas morning! (and it didn't hurt that the only wrapping paper we had had  candy canes on it, ha!) We talked for a long time with the family and Arden enjoyed all of his new toys, especially his new train set and Thomas the Tank Engine!

Pretty excited about that Thomas shirt!

"Hey Brother, what's it say?!"

After we were done Skyping, Aunt Chelle came over with Mr. Count (her BF) to go to lunch with us. Of course, she couldn't come without presents! So he got to open even more stuff! They got him a fun monster truck ramp and an erector set that were both pretty exciting! After showing Aunt Chelle his new bike and playing around for a bit, we went to lunch at the Natural Cafe and then got Arden Yogurtland. After that he was pooped and ready for a nap! 

As if that wasn't enough celebrating....after naps, our neighbor, Sophia, came by to with Arden a Happy Birthday. They brought over some cupcakes and a present for him. They were out of town for his party, so they wanted to come celebrate with him. We sang Happy Birthday again and both kids got to blow out a candle. They got him some more train stuff, and he was very excited! The kids played for a little while before they had to head home, but Arden was glad to see Sophia and show her all his new toys!

Porter was pretty excited about the birthday too!

It was a fun day together celebrating Arden and we are so thankful that God has given us a wonderful 3 years with him. We look forward to many, many more birthdays with this kid and hope that he continues to know just how much we love him and that his heavenly Father loves him even more! 

The official family birthday pic....

a birthday miracle - everyone is looking and smiling!