Chase's Friend Party at The Magic House

This year, Phil and I decided that it was time for Chase to have a "friends" party. We booked a birthday party at The Magic House and decided on a construction theme. The party began with all of the children getting to decorate their very own construction hat. Chase decided to make his an AlphaPig hat (for those of you familiar with the Super Why television show on PBS). He decorated it with many letters and construction vehicles stickers.

Next, all of the guests had the opportunity to paint with construction vehicles. This was a really neat idea, except for the fact that they provided wind up vehicles which inturn sprayed paint all over the children and parents. It certainly gave us a laugh!

This is a picture of Chase's Charter School buddies, Isabelle and Keegan. Isabelle really misses Chase a lot. She (with her mom's assistance) wrote Chase a little love letter in his card, it was so adorable. She also followed Chase around The Magic House and wanted to spend every moment with him. Of course when Keegan and Chase got together, it was business as usual (i.e. playing, wrestling, etc.) He really misses his buddies this year. We will definitely have to schedule some play dates.

This is a picture of Chase with his cousins, Mia, Miranda and Alyse. It is so wonderful to have great family that is around Chase's age. Afterall, he keeps asking when he is going to have a baby brother like Keegan. Interaction with his cousins definitely helps take the focus and pressure off of mommy!

I thought that this was such a neat picture. Phil snapped this photo from above. It is a picture of Chase putting the tennis ball in the maze. I just love his adorable little face! Thank you to all of our wonderful friends and family for a fantastic day! I know that Chase enjoyed seeing all of his friends and it is a day that he will never forget!

Chase's Family Birthday Party

Before all of Chase's guests arrived, he wanted to make sure that he got some snuggle time with his new cousin Blake. He is just like Phil in the fact that once he has the opportunity to hold one of the twins, he does not want to give them up!

Uncle Brian and Aunt Jeni gave Chase a Cars sleeping bag and tent for his birthday. This picture captures him "trying" it out!

Mama and Papa gave Chase a microwave and McDonald's food. He really enjoys "taking orders." (Food orders that is!)

This a picture of Chase's birthday cake from MacArthurs! Gotta love that bakery! Chase had an absolutely wonderful time at his family party. Thank you to everyone for your generosity!

Chase's Three Year Pictures

Phil and I were discussing places to get Chase's three year pictures taken. I told him that the ladies that I work with recommended a place called Portrait Innovations in Brentwood. I went to their website and discovered that they offer a variety of options for a very affordable price, so we decided to give them a try. I am thrilled with the results! Chase was a bit grouchy at the beginning of the session, but by the end he was "hamming" it up like always. There were so many good pictures to choose from. Phil and I actually ended up choosing nine different poses. I would highly recommend this portrait studio. The photographer was amazing and very patient with Chase. She got him to smile very well! I am amazed at how "big" he looks in these pictures and the fact that he is actually turning three! Where does the time go???

The Washington Town and Country Fair

Today Chase and I went to Washington, Missouri to meet my friend Jessica and her two boys Jack and Charlie. We headed to the fairgrounds and began our day at AgriLand which featured baby pigs, cows, sheep and chickens. Chase was a bit fearful of petting the animals, but really enjoyed the huge "grain (corn)" box.

Chase scooping away in the cornbox.

Chase, Jocelyn, and Jack ridingthe minature cars. Chase always loves to be the driver! In fact, he told me that when he grows up he wants to drive really fast, because boys don't get tickets. Boy is he in for a rude awakening!

Chase showing his "cheesy" smile while riding the caboose.

Well, my son has officially learned his first "sign" from a friend. Jack and Chase were riding the doggies and when they turned the corner Jack was giving the peace sign. I asked Jessica where Jack learned that from and she said that she had no idea. Then, as the boys were passing us again, Chase gave the peace sign and continued to do so on the rest of the rides. I guess there could be worse things to learn.

A Day With the Girls!

Today, Amy, Alyse, Megan and Miranda came to visit Chase. They always have so much fun together. The picture above shows the kiddos having a "splashing" good time!

The three amigos love to jump and splash. This picture captures them getting ready to count to three and then jump. Doesn't Chase remind you of Chris Farley? "I live in a van down by the river!"

Another get ready, get set, go moment. Don't you just love Alyse's hair flying up in the air?

Alyse, Chase and Miranda all love to read. I thought this picture of Chase and Miranda was adorable. They are listening to a Dora story on the Story Reader. However, I didn't capture the prolonged kiss from Chase to Miranda that occurred after this pic. I guess I definitely need to have a conversation about "kissing cousins!"

We thought it would be funny to pile in Katie's bed, especially since she despises anyone being on, around, or near her bed!

One Child + One Bucket = FUN!

Well, after a long day of playing with Miranda and a long nap, Chase decided he wanted to play in the water again! Gosh, don't you just love summer? Anyway, he started his play time by watering the flowers. Then, he decided that he would paint the sidewalk, porch and front door. Pretty soon, he was bored with all of that and decided that he just needed to get inside the bucket. I do believe that there is a picture of Phil floating around in a similiar predicament! :)

Our Playdate with Miranda! :)

Today Chase and I took a road trip to No Co to visit Miranda and Megan. Chase and Miranda get along so well (just like their mommys)! They both absolutely love water, so I decided to bring Chase's water table. Needless to say (from the pictures below), the water table went to the wayside and the pool became the hot attraction!

Similiar to the Family Picnic, Chase and Miranda got into yet another water fight. Thank goodness the two of them are easygoing, because water was poured over the head, in the face and up the nose!
This snapshot shows Chase after he jumped in the pool from the outside (Megan and I were surprised he didn't hurt himself) and Miranda carefully entering the pool and then jumping (the more sensible way to do it).

Miranda: "Come on Chase, jump in!"

Chase: "Okay, one, two, free!"

This is a picture of Chase shortly after he realized that there was a spider in the pool. Megan and I even commented that Miranda and Chase's voices were at a level that only dogs could hear.