Clara's 3rd birthday party was huge success despite some of our plans being foiled by the weather. Chloe, Zachary, Anissa, Mariella, Eamon, Kate, Rory, and baby Liam all came to celebrate with us. Noah was nowhere to be found - methinks he must have a baby brother by now! Although she was the guest of honor, Clara was also the brains behind the operation. She decided who was to be invited, what they'd do, what they'd eat and most importantly, the flavor of birthday cake they'd scarf down (although, it appears toddlers are more into the icing than the cake itself). The first order of the morning was face painting or "paint facing" as the birthday girl puts it. Everyone had a chance to get decorated; we had kitties, butterflies, rainbows, mice, hearts and some sort of war paint going on. Everyone looked great, even Margaret with a tasteful heart on her cheek at the request of Kate :)

Clara getting a red heart on her cheek while Chloe waits her turn.


Here we are, a happy family with Clara's best friend Chloe looking on. Before the cake came out we feasted on hotdogs, carrots and hummus - a three year olds fantasy lunch apparently!


Clara even decorated the cake this year, she really enjoyed her new artistic medium and I have to say the result was super! In case you're wondering, she choose chocolate cake... the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.


By the time we got to gifts things were getting pretty crazy - in a good way of course! As you may be able to see, the toys we ALL out and kids and adults alike were parked on the floor wherever they could find space. Mariella and Daniel entertained us with some acrobatics and the day was over before we knew it.

Thanks to everyone for making our day so special, I know Clara will be talking about it for weeks, probably even months knowing her memory.