A Big, Big Third Birthday

We're not going to lie.  With Kathleen as sick as she'd been the week leading up to her birthday, Mama and Daddy seriously considered skipping the birthday.  Not skipping it forever, of course, but just not mentioning it until we all got home and everyone could handle some excitement.  We were afraid that Kathleen would be overwhelmed by gifts and excited cousins.  And since we couldn't get her to eat much of anything, cake didn't seem like it would hold much appeal for her.  As if all that weren't enough, we were also hoping that we'd be able to travel from Kewanee to Dwight that day, giving us a chance to visit the Stewarts and reduce our travel time the next day, when we'd fly home.  A big day, lots of excitement?  We were more than a little wary.  But just when we were about to call off the celebration, Kathleen rallied.  She wasn't completely better, but she was well enough that we thought we'd give it a try.

The day started off with presents and pancakes -- enjoyed in pajamas, no less!  Before we knew it, the cousins had to head out for basketball games and other obligations.  We did manage a birthday snapshot before we scattered, though.

After we'd gotten dressed and mostly packed, Grandma and Grandpa Golby dropped by, and Kathleen opened yet another present...

And then we were the ones who had to run.  The roads weren't great, so our trip to Dwight took a little longer than normal.  By the time we arrived, the birthday girl was a little, shall we say, borderline?  A little snuggling helped us hold it together for a bit...

And then somehow Kathleen hung on for even more celebration, complete with cousins, presents, and a make-your-own birthday pizza. 

(The pizza may have been a little more consistently smiley than Kathleen...)

And her very own birthday cake.  The cake and candles and crown could make almost any child grin!

And with a little help, Kathleen blew out her candles.

After the cake and presents and such a big, big day, Kathleen was done. And we mean done.  There was simply no more she could handle.  But after some snuggling, a reading of Angelina's Birthday, some singing, a great deal of blanket rearranging, and lots and lots of luck, Kathleen eventually ended her day. What a big third birthday! 

Kathleen, we love you even more today than when we first met you three years ago, something that simply didn't seem possible at the time.  We are constantly amazed by the way you grow and learn, and by the intelligent, articulate, sweet, and determined little girl you are becoming.  You bring us joy, sweetheart, and we can't wait to see the adventures that the next year will bring.  Happy Birthday, little one!