The Birthday Party

If you were to ask Addie right now how old she is, she would say, "Free!"  (Translation: three!)  She turned 3 on February 24 while we were at Busch Gardens with Daddy and Grandma, but we celebrated with our loved ones the following Saturday.

My cousin Belinda came up from Ft. Lauderdale to spend a wonderful four day weekend with us.  I really enjoy her visits and she fits with us so well.  And Addie loves having "A-linda" around.  In fact when Belinda came out of her car upon arrival, Addie ran across the yard to her yelling, "A-linda!"

Saturday, we had Grandma and Grandpa (Brian's parents), Grandma and Grandpa "Noodle" (what Addie calls my mom-in-law's mother and her husband), Titi Elsie and Uncle Johnny (he never cooperates when the camera comes out- hence no photo of him), Jim and Faye, and Belinda.  My dad had come down with the flu two days before and didn't want to "spread the love".

After a meal of Shepherd's Pie, we gathered in the livingroom where Miss Addie opened her gifts.

Then we had cake and a time of just being together as one big family.  It is so funny to think that one small little person (with a big personality) can bring two completely different and distinct famillies together in such a way that we did nothing but share laughter and stories for the rest of the evening. 

My baby is now 3!  (And sometimes she tries to pass herself off as three and a half.  Not happening, my dear!)