Wow, how the time flies.
In some ways
this seems like it was yesterday, and at the same time it seems like a really long time ago.
Age three seems so grown up. She's taller, smarter, and so imaginative.
The birthday planning this year started months ago.
Her first request was a princess cake.
I was planning on using ice cream cones and an online tutorial, until a friend insisted I borrow her castle kit.
I'm glad I did, and I'm glad my Dad likes projects like these.
Leah waited patiently to add the final touches, and to eat the leftover frosting.
Here is a pre-party picture with her dog Sophie.
Grandma Stathis brought her cake decorating tips to add the finishing touches to the cake. It turned out very cool.
Even though it was a princess party, all but one of the guests were boys.
We played a few games. The favorite was using a sheet as a parachute and giving each of the kids a ride.
Notice the women -- half of which were pregnant -- giving the rides.
The men finished giving the babies a ride when they arrived with the pizza.
I love Leah's face in this one. This is what she looked like all day.
After the games we ate pizza, fruit salad, and green salad.
We played with balloons after lunch.
All the kids wanted another parachute ride this time with balloons.
The men were here to give them so they went quite a bit higher.
Sarah couldn't get enough.
She held on to the sheet to help throw the other kids up and cried when she had to let others have a turn.
All the kids helped open the presents, and Leah was quick to share.
The final gift was a pink bike! Another request that started months ago.
She was really happy about it, and so were we.
We found it on Craigslist for $25, and it's almost new.
She finished her day with a trip to the movies with Aunt Lisa and her friends.
They saw Beauty and the Beast in 3D, and Leah was spoiled. Large popcorn, candy, and a drink.
Lisa said she watched it all so intently and even starting dancing to "Be Our Guest."
