Anna is three!

Anna turned three today.  This post is going to be short and sweet because we sent "two" out with a bang and wow do I need to go to bed.  

The boys got us up bright and early this morning.  Not sure if they were anticipating the onslaught of presents or just wanted to make sure we started the day off with a bang.  

Anna chose her pink and green dress that Grandma and Zeke brought her from France.  She's been choosing it every day since it arrived but I've been telling her it was a birthday dress, not an every day dress. She remembered!  She added a red sweatshirt because that's how Anna rolls. 

After breakfast of pink pancakes (her request, delivered on by her father and some red food coloring) we tackled the substantial pile of presents.

I captured a few of the early openings.  Some barrettes and a t-shirt from Uncle Nat and Danise, big hit. (All six barrettes went straight in and stayed in all day.)

Coloring books and pens from GG and GPapa

 Eli, watching the scene intently.

BIG favorite - a Unicornio and fairy picked out just for her by Sarah Jane.  SJ knew just what her sis would love and boy did she love this one.

Anna's birthday was somewhat princess/fairy themed.  Princess stickers, princess paper dolls, princess fairy, a "Ba-Bi-Di-Bo" (magic wand) from  Aunt Ellie, a princess castle and princess puzzle from Mom and Dad and the crowing princess gift below from Aunt Whitney.  Hugely enjoyed by all the ladies in the house.

 Here's some pictures of the big unveiling of the princess castle.  Big hit.

After this, no pictures.  Too much birthday set in and Dave and I had our hands full.  So did Grandma, Zeke, Aunt Whitney and Aunt Ellie.  We had beach time with a picnic, birthday cake at the beach, more beach time, attempted (unsuccessful on all four - five including me - counts) nap time, melt down time, trip to the store with dad then dinner and epic bedtime.  I took pictures of the better part of the day.  Unfortunately that part ended at 10am.  For the record, Anna was equally responsible with her siblings for the full hands, although Sarah Jane might actually get more credit.  It is apparently very hard to be almost five, three days away from your birthday and have to watch someone open a large number of presents many of which are identical to ones with your name on them, even if the birthday girl is an amazingly good sharer.  Something Sarah Jane will need to deal with for the rest of her life.  Didn't make today any easier for the rest of us though.

Despite the difficult ending, we had a lovely day with Anna.  She is a dear sweet little girl, a fantastic sister and most of the time a total riot.  We've loved knowing her this year and we're looking forward to Anna at Three!