Happy Birthday, Caleb!

Well, Caleb is now a whopping 3 years old! His birthday was on Sunday, the 14th, though I think we celebrated all weekend!
On Saturday morning, we spent time with Dave’s parents via skype (talking on the phone through the internet, with webcams so both parties can see each other). They had sent a care package that arrived the day before, so they got to watch Caleb open the gifts they’d sent. We were able to do the same with my (Gracy’s) parents on Sunday, and with my aunt and uncle on Tuesday, so Caleb was more than happy with all of his new treasures. Though it was difficult not to have our families here with us, it was very special that they could share in the celebration in spite of the distance.
Saturday afternoon was the big birthday bash.









We rented a party room at an indoor playplace and invited everyone we knew—Caleb’s preschool classmates and teachers, Dave’s classmates, teacher, tutor and friends, and my tutor and friends.


The turnout was fantastic--we had about 42 adults and 17 kids there, so it was alot of fun!

First we had snacks in the party room, and to my delight, I was able to order a huge cake from a bakery here and decorate it with little cars, which Caleb of course loved.

After singing, blowing out candles, eating, and playing with balloons, the party moved next door to the play place, where the kids had a blast burning off all the sugar they’d just eaten!

A paper mache piñata made by some friends topped off the fun and replenished the sugar high.

We made our way home after having dinner at one of our favorite Western restaurants, and Caleb crawled into bed—a happy but exhausted little boy...

But a good night's sleep does wonders, and the birthday boy awoke bright and early Sunday morning, ready to continue the celebration. We had a fun day together, and that evening, we enjoyed a special pancake dinner followed by a gift opening extravaganza.

He now has nearly more toys than he has time to play with them…a welcome problem for a 3 year old!

And so, it was a very special weekend for a very special boy. I can’t believe he’s growing up so quickly. Seems like yesterday I was holding a 7 lb. 4 oz. black-haired little bundle. My, how time flies…