School party

Because just one party is not enough, Luke had another celebration at school.

Luke was crowned the birthday boy by his teachers and felt special all day.

He took a chocolate chip cookie cake to share with his classmates.

Birthday Party

Luke wanted a dog themed party this year.  In fact, he had talked about his dog party since February, so I couldn't disappoint.  We had a chocolate cake with a dog on it, dog plates and balloon, and doggie party favors.  Instead of doing the party at the house, we had it at BounceU, an indoor facility filled with inflatables.  The kids all seemed to have a great time, as did the parents. It was a wonderful place to have Luke's party - the BounceU staff ensured it was a stress-free experience for me :)  I'm hoping we can do it there again next year!

Birthday Morning

When Luke woke up on his birthday, we wanted to surprise him with his big gift.

He had said a number of times "We need a wagon" and "Aunt Kristin has a wagon, but we don't". Problem solved!

Don't peek!  It's a surprise!

Yay!  I have a wagon!

Take me for a ride

Opening a few more presents

3 YEARS OLD

 September 10th was Luke's third birthday!

It's so hard to believe how fast the last 3 years have passed.

Luke is such a sweet, fun, smart, and handsome little boy.

Here are pictures since his first September.

I love seeing how he's grown.

3 years old - September 2011

2 years old - September 2010

12 months old - September 2009

4 days old - September 2008

First Day of Pre-School

This year Luke started preschool.  He didn't make the September 1st cut-off, so he is in an older 2 year-old class.  All of his classmates have birthdays between September 1 and December 31.  Luke goes to school on Tuesday and Thursday from  9-1.  He is really enjoying it so far.  I was a little concerned how he would do the first couple of days - how silly of me.  When I picked him up the first day, Luke proudly told me "I didn't cry!"  In fact, he never cries.  But I did get the full report every afternoon of who did cry for several weeks. Luke is having fun doing crafts, singing songs, and learning Bible stories and verses. 

Can George and BaBa come?

The Vacation Day We Relaxed

Our third day we enjoyed our resort - spending the morning in the pool area.  

After naptime, we headed to Downtown Disney to do a little shopping.

Is it me?

With Cinderella

Lego Creation

More Toy Story - Lego Woody

Along with some Ghiradelli chocolate, Luke enjoys dancing to the music

Hollywood Studios and Epcot

Hollywood Studios was our next destination.  Much of our experience here was focused around Toy Story.  We started the day with the Toy Story ride.  It was by far the longest wait we had the entire vacation.  It was a really neat ride: a 3D interactive carnival shooting gallery.  Then, Damien rode Star Tours 4 times!  Luke and I passed, but did several other things, one of which was watching the Beauty and the Beast performance.

Wearing the 3D glasses for Toy Story ride

Making friends with the aliens

Meeting Buzz and Woody

Smile!

Family photo

Riding the Speeder Bike

Wizard of Oz scene from Great Movie Ride

HOT!

After a rest at the hotel, we went to Epcot for a few hours.

Being eaten by the shark!

Trying on a fez in Morocco

So tired!

Magic Kingdom

I thought it would be fun to take a family vacation the week before Luke started preschool.  So we packed the car and headed to Florida.  All 3 of us had a great time at Disney World.  It was definitely a different experience with a toddler; it had been 7 years since Damien and I last went.  We spent one day at the Magic Kingdom, and then ½ day at Hollywood Studios and ½ day at Epcot.  The 3rd day we spent at the hotel pool relaxing.  

Eager - Riding monorail into the Magic Kingdom the 1st day

We're here!

Dumbo takes us for a ride

Taking a spin at the Mad Hatter's Tea Party

Jungle Cruise

 

 

 

 

 

Luke's favorite part: the train ride  (He also loved the Country Bear Jamboree)

Fascinated by the Indian

Getting tired

Luke is always asking if he can drive yet - finally got his chance at Grand Prix

 

Wow - Luke's a good driver (with both hands on the wheel!)

I wanted to race too!