Sunday, February 15, 2009

It's Thrilling To Be 3!


Happy Birthday to Vivian!


No, it is not a St. Patrick's celebration, it's Vivi's birthday and she LOVES green. So we went all out.


Viv loves her dollys, so my Mom quilted and embroidered her a sweet little blanket. Don't you just love the homemade gifts you can cherish forever? Thanks Grammy.


And the gift we've all been waiting for. We thought about the pink and purple Barbie jeep, but why when you can have John Deere green?

I had the camera on my girl the entire party so unless you were next to her, you didn't make it in a picture. Here's a peek at my nephew Jadon trying to assemble the wagon on the tractor. Other party guests were Aunt Jessica, Aunt Mary, Grandma and Grandpa Carel.

Look at her go. We will have to pry her off this thing at the end of each day.

Yes, her eyes do look a little glassy here. I think she's all partied out and ready for a nap. But not before her scrumptious, green, dolly cake. I made this same cake for Sophie's 2nd birthday, but of course not in green. She was my pink girl.

We love you Vivian! Happy Birthday!


Vivian Ruth Carel,

Happy 3rd birthday my sweet. You would think after having gone through this two times before with your brother and sister that the newness would subside, but it doesn’t. Watching you grow day by day, week by week is a stunning and majestic reminder that despite the circumstances of the day, all is well. I have heard it said that having a child is like having a piece of your heart taken from you and put on the outside to run and play. I am warmed by your joy and your smile. Your vivacious spirit spreads colors like a prism to all who are near. It will probably be a year or two before you are able to understand these words I write to you, so I will tell you a secret. Your smile melts your father’s heart. Telling you no is formidable and nearly impossible at times. Your three years has brought happiness and wonderment to our family. Thank you. One of my favorite things to do with you is to sing before bedtime. Your favorite song, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”, will forever remind me of you. You, along with your brother, sister and mother are my bright Northern star which guide me through the perils of life. Happy Birthday.


Love, Dad

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy B-day VIV!! So glad you had driving lessons on Owens tractor first. You are a natural.

Anonymous said...

I cannot believe she is already three! Happy Birthday Vivian!

Kelly said...

Looks like you guys had a great day! Livie is blessed to have a friend like Vivie! Happy birthday girl!!

Mark said...

What a fun day for Vivian! My boys are gonna be jealous of that tractor! Claire looked tired when it was time to blow out her candles, too! Only she was turning 7!

Ginger said...

Great pics! I love the one of Jacob & Sophie showing her the tractor. So sweet!
Good job on the cake, Gretchen, it looks awesome!
The other day, I overheard the kids saying: "Mom said she would make dessert tonight. Maybe we'll have cake!" And then I heard: "Does Mom know how to make cake?" LOL
I've told them at every birthday: Aunt Jamie bakes cakes, I just cook.

Shipra Panosian said...

that John Deere rider is fabulous! What a special day it looks like she had. That is such a cool cake. I've never had the courage to make a homemade cake before. The closest I've ever come is cupcakes.

Ed...your tribute to Vivi is wonderful. She's a blessed little girl to be in your family.