Sam's Third Birthday!

As usual, we're months behind here, but we're going to try to catch up.  

We're going to start with SAM'S THIRD BIRTHDAY, an occasion which has stretched out over most of the month of July!

The festivities began two days before his birthday, when we let him open his presents early (since his real birthday was on a school day).  There wasn't anything big Sam wanted, so he got lots of little presents, which he had soooo much fun opening.  For months (literally), Sam has been pointing out things at toy stores, Target, basically anywhere we go, and asking "Can I put this on my birthday list?"  We had to remind him he couldn't get ALL of those things, but he was so excited to open up some of the things from his list!

Lots of little cars and trucks and trains were opened that morning...

 Caroline was very helpful with the gift-opening, but looked a little bored in this shot :)

He stopped and played with every present before he moved on to the next, which was so cute.  It took almost all morning to open them all.  One of his favorites was finger paint and paint sponges (what on Earth were we thinking?!?!  So fun, but messy messy!)

The next day we went out to Chip and Phy's house to celebrate with them, with Mere-Mere and Scott, and with Aunt Sue, Uncle Ted, and Logan.  The highlight -- Cars-shaped cupcakes!

After a third celebration at school on his actual birthday (I sent cupcakes for snack time, and Mrs. Huggins made him a birthday crown which he got to decorate and then wear all day), his FOURTH celebration was a joint beach birthday party last weekend with his buddy Liza.  Liza and Sam were born a week apart and have been in the same class since they were 3 months old.  This is their second joint birthday party, and it didn't disappoint.  They both loved it!  Here are a few favorite shots...

Obviously those cupcakes were good!  Sam had so much fun at the party.  He played his heart out and was so, so happy to have so many friends there.  

All those celebrations left us one tired birthday boy when they were all over.  As soon as everyone left, we sat Sam and Liza down in front of a movie while the parents all started cleaning up.  He was out in five minutes and slept for 3 hours!  That's one happy kiddo.  

 I can't believe it's been 3 years since Sam was born, but these have been 3 of the very happiest years of my life.  This little boy - a little man, really - has such a sweet heart.  He amazes me every day in so many ways, but the most amazing thing about him is the way he likes to take care of people - especially his baby sister, but really everyone around him.  I love him more than words can say.  Happy 3rd birthday, Sam!