Jack's Birthday Party...Babies, Monsters, Transportation, Books and Love

In honor of Jack's third birthday we had a party with a few friends and family. It was such a gorgeous day...cool, sunny, the beginning of fall. I love autumn in Western New York but I digress. It really is hard for me to believe our son is three. We have been blessed with two beautiful, healthy children. As the t-shirt states (you all know I'm a fanatic), "Life is Good." The only thing that would have made this day better is if the rest of our families could have been here. We were able to skype with Toni and Dave (and get to see them next week) but you all are in our hearts.


Jack's monster cake. I was disappointed in the final result but he loved it so I guess that's the real measure of success.

Nicole and her little chap (this hat used to be Jack's)

Colin was all smiles (must be he loves parties)

Later on that day...Lily and Colin having a chat

Grandpa and Colin. I bet if I dug long enough I could find a picture of my dad with Kevin at this age. No doubt there is a strong resemblance!

C'mon dad, serve faster!

Lily was tuckered out between the party and the food. Looks like Rosie was too.

Aunt Geryle and Uncle Tim

I kidded these guys that they could have been in a gap ad with their matching navy hues

Jules is a natural

Megan and Lily

I adore this picture. There's just something about it that makes me smile. Those babies are beautiful and so are their moms.

Did I mention these two guys were born a day apart? If Kevin and Nicole ever move to Buffalo (hint, hint...C130 base in Niagara Falls) Colin and Sam could play against one another in football...or be on the same team! (We'd have to throw Pete's little guy in there too)

The birthday boy singing his little heart out

Jack taking a break from gifts to read (no doubt happy that Megan is nearby)

In reference to blog title...Jack was really a lucky guy and received some awesome gifts including many trains, automobiles and books. He also scored a HUGE stuffed dog (named Gerken), some awesome arts and crafts, a mail box set and even his own Indian costume (which I can't wait to get a picture of). Our living room looks like Christmas morning!

Lily wanted in on the action

Colin thought it was pretty funny how everyone was snapping photos

Aunt Geryle, Taryn and Colin. I'm so happy they were able to come. I have to soak up all the "tarbear" I can in the next year before she becomes a London resident. I'm in denial.

Lily was also singing at the party

Isn't this photo the sweetest?

Jack and Aunt Nicole playing a fishing game that Grandma Toni and Grandpa Dave sent.
I should have gotten my dad a striped monster shirt!
My sis-in law and I with the babies

Nicole made this shirt for Jack. I think she has started a tradition!

Thank you all for the lovely gifts, for your constant support and your love. Hillary was right. It does take a village. We have a fantastic village. Happy Birthday Jack (and Kate...she's now 25 and from what I understand she had a pretty amazing birthday too).

My friend Maureen is such a gifted writer. She wrote the following on her blog this week and I wanted to share it (thanks Moe) because our boys are kindred spirits and I couldn't write it better myself:

"I am very lucky to have a kid who is so curious, passionate, adventurous, persistant, and imaginative, and I hope those traits never get smothered by other people's expectations. I am really proud to be the parent of a kid who, if nothing else, definitely marches to the beat of his own drummer. A really, really, rambunctious, energetic drummer."

Well said. We love you Jack!