Soon after we wrapped up Christmas, Alyssa started talking about her upcoming 3rd birthday. In her darling little voice, she would say, "I gonna have a birdday and a party and I want Cwara (Clara), Tessa, Kitty (Katie), Alexa and Keely to come to my party." It was so adorable that she had a vision of what she wanted her special day to look like. So the planning began!
We had a little friends' party from 3:00-4:30 pm with Landon, Katie and Clara. I gave each of my children an activity to be in charge of: Jaxson let the kids in coloring, Taylor taught them a dance, Jaxson had them do a dress-up relay and I was in charge of the cute little game called "Don't Eat Pete!" Presents were opened and cupcakes were all over by 4:30.
At 6:00, Grandma Barbie and Poppie came over to eat a spaghetti dinner with our family. From 7:00-8:00, we invited the neighbors and family over for coconut lime cake and cupcakes with ice cream. Alyssa was the center of attention, either acting bashful or basking in the lime light! She was adorable.
Time to dance!
The girls loved to dance with Taylor. Too cute!
Landon wasn't so thrilled with the girly stuff, but played Star Wars with Austin. :)
Yay! Presents from my friends!
One little note here: This is the point where my own children took me over the edge: Please note the next few pictures of the Jaxson and Austin and one will get the drift....
Birthday cake for the Birthday Girl! Dave was so funny and cheesy about Alyssa's birthday. He is still so whipped over this little baby girl. His giddy side blazes through at such events....
Singing Happy Birthday!
Alyssa knew exactly what to do!
Presents from the family!
Cousin Brittney and Little Miss Lou
Here is where Alyssa sees her gift for the first time...
Alyssa couldn't wipe the smile off her face! She loved her new wheels!
Alyssa and her daddy have always had the most special bond. She and mommy are best friends but she's definitely a daddy's girl too.
Tradition: a family picture taken on each person's birthday.
I can hardly wrap my emotions around the joy and fulfillment the past three years have brought to my heart and mind. Alyssa is the caboose in our family and it was hard to get her here. She arrived in the early afternoon of February 2nd, all 9 lbs 3 oz of her. After she had been bathed in the nursery, I remember Dave coming in and whispering to me, "Jode- she is so beautiful. She has chunky cheeks and she even has back fat."
As we brought Alyssa out and about, people always commented on how beautiful she was and those cheeks....they stole the show every time! I recall being on vacation in Vegas and walking into a casino. Within our first minute there, I heard 6 different comments like this: "Look at that baby with those cheeks! Adorable!" Later, at Disneyland, a hispanic lady came up to me and asked if her mother could touch Alyssa's cheeks. When she did, she got all teary and kept saying, "Que Linda!" It was precious.
Everybody in our family loves their "baby" so much. Even at three, the kids still haul all 43 pounds of her on their hips for Alyssa knows how to manipulate her role. She is like a warm fire to gather around.
Alyssa has an infectious laugh, sparkling eyes and is really funny. She gets us all laughing so easily and fast. She loves to give hugs and kisses to her family.
Turing 1! 2010
Fun with Aunt Cheri at Chucky-Cheese!
Clearly expressing her jealousy when I held my little niece, Zoe.
Hottest body at Bear Lake!
Having fun with big brother Austin
Alyssa turns 2: 2011!
Fun in the sun eventually wears out the little one.....
Adored by the ones who love her most!
A smile to die for!
Alyssa, we can't imagine our lives without you! Thanks for choosing to be in our family.
