Allie turned 3!

Allie turned three in June. Due to our moving date and the fact that it kept changing, we didn't have an official party, but we did celebrate a few times.

The first celebration was with Maria, Jon, and their kids at Eskimo Joe's. We actually went just because Maria hadn't ever gone and we were about to leave Stillwater, but we did tell the waiter that both Allie and Jared had birthdays. They each enjoyed some yummy ice cream, and we all enjoyed each other's company.

While waiting for seats, we took advantage of the photo opp with the

cut-out with Eskimo Joe and Buffy (the dog).

Allie loving her ice cream. She ate the whole thing by herself!

A funny one. Breya is the best at making crazy faces

for the camera. We love her!

The kids played around outside after eating. Bella, who is 8 years old, loves to hold Rachel. It makes us giggle because Bella is so small. But she does great with her, and Rachel loves her, too.

Allie monkeying around



Allie, Breya, and Taylyn dancing and posing. (Allie looks

a little sleepy-eyed.)

Bella still keeping a watch on Rachel.

Nathen (14), Bella (8), Taylyn (5), and Breya (5)

Because we wanted to pack our kitchen and baking supplies, we made some cupcakes for Allie a few days early. She loves birthdays and cupcakes. So she was thrilled that we had some for her. She was a little excited to blow out the candle, so she made her wish after.

On her actual birthday, we gave her a little gift and sang to her again. When we had gone to the Museum of Osteology, she found a little crocodile stuffed animal. "It's my favorite!!" she exclaimed when she found it. She kept looking at others but kept coming back to the crocodile. We told her we couldn't get it, but since it was only $5 (which we didn't think was too bad for a stuffed animal from a touristy place), we got it without her knowing so that we could give it to her on her birthday. She was pretty happy with it.





Allie has asked several times if we can have her birthday again. We're trying to help her understand that she only has it once a year.

Jared also had a birthday and turned 28. I made him a cheesecake, that we all really enjoyed. I somehow didn't get any pictures. It probably had something to do with packing and getting ready to move. I felt bad we didn't get to do more for their birthdays, but I think they both felt loved.