Sarah Avery is 3!

The last couple of weeks have been full of birthday fun as we have celebrated our little three year old.  We had a family party of her actual birthday and then, last Saturday we had a little petting zoo set up in our back yard.    The weather has been beautiful and we made memories I know we will treasure forever!   Here are the pictures.....

The day before the big birthday, the girls and I made cupcakes.   While part of me is SO READY for school to start, the other part of me wants to grab them in a big hug and never let go.    Spending this summer with them has been such a joy.   

Birthday breakfast........a strawberry cupcake!

The girls spent part of their day finishing a puzzle we had been working on.   

Until this crazy guy came home from work.   

After her favorite dinner of hot dogs and mac and cheese, it was time for cupcakes and singing.  

She seemed to grow up over night and loved every single minute of the birthday attention.   

Mimi and Poppy called right as we were opening presents, so they got to "be there" when SA opened her gift from them.   It was ballerina pjs that she wears every night.  

Susannah gave her sister the sweetest card.

These two have become such good friends this summer.   They fight of course, but they love each other and play together so much more often than they fight.   It makes my heart so happy to watch.   

After presents were opened, they immediately got to work on the new puzzles grammy sent. 

And SA made some important phone calls on her new toy phone.  

Although our house guest, Honey is still her favorite toy.  

Before we knew it, Saturday had arrived and it was time for the birthday party to start.   We were worried the weather would be super hot, so we started at 9:30.   

It turned out to be a picture perfect day though, blue skies and cool temps. 

The backyard was all ready for the guests to arrive.....both human and animal.  ;)

SA was so pumped.  

And so was big sis.....

The petting zoo arrived a few minutes after the kiddos.  

They brought baby chicks,

bunnies,

A crazy-haired mama chicken,

and baby ducks.  

This is Sarah Avery's friend Lexi.   She lives next door and these two played with the baby animals the entire party.   

Susannah said they baby ducks were her favorite, even though one pooped on her.   

After one last snuggle with the animals, it was time for cake!

And presents!

Her little guests were so sweet and made little cards for her.    We all had such an amazing morning and spent the rest of the weekend relaxing and playing with all the new toys.   

This week, Susannah has been spending her mornings at soccer camp.   She was a little nervous her first morning.  But as usual, she was super brave and had a great time.  

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We've also been working on her summer reading project this week.   She is doing her project on "Little House on the Prairie."

She looks so grown up with her running shorts and new running shoes.   I'm so proud of her, but my heart aches when I realize how fast time is flying.  

And this little one is growing like crazy too.    She is so proud of her new back to school haircut. 

And has gotten really into the dress up clothes this week too.   

Sarah Avery, you bring so much light to our lives.   Daddy, Susannah and I are so proud of the way you have learned and grown this past year.   Your vocabulary has exploded and you are killing it with your pottying!   Your love for animals is so sweet to behold.   You love playing babies, working puzzles, and playing anything with your big sister.   You give the best and tightest hugs and you love to run with Honey and Susannah in the backyard.   And your laugh will brighten the day of anybody lucky enough to hear it.  Thank you for completing our family.   Our hearts and lives are full because of you!   We love you to the moon and back one million trillion times.   Happy 3rd birthday!!