Third birthday wrap-up

And so, another year of birthday celebrations come to an end.

I'm still fairly new to this being-the-mum-of-a-birthday-girl thing, but I'm learning that every year it's a little emotional for me. I end up reflecting over the last year, and then I look at her baby photos, tearing up with pride at my amazing little girl.

This year was an interesting birthday.

The day itself was a bit of an anticlimax for us all. Steve took the day off and we intended to have a lovely family day - me baking in preparation for the party, him putting together her birthday present, and her playing happily.

But this was her present:

Which did not go well with the rain and hail that was bestowed upon us. She ventured outside with her Dad during breaks in the bad weather, to build and then have a little jump on her new present, but spent most of the day inside staring longingly at it. 

She also kept asking about her party. Where was it? And where were all her friends? In her mind, birthday equals party, and as her party was held the day after she was a little lost on the day.

But then the party day arrived and we had one VERY happy girl.

A big favourite here in the hills is Puffing Billy, an old steam train that meanders through the hills - everyone loves it. The barbeque at the park was the victim of more bad weather, but no one seemed to mind too much - the adults huddled in the shelter and the kids braved it (as kids do) and kept playing.

My little girl donned a beautiful party dress, chosen by her, and ran and twirled and laughed and played. She sat in the window of the train with the big kids - and her party was just as much fun as she had imagined.

Most of all, she revelled in the fact that all the people she loves most were there to celebrate her special day. Thank you to everyone who helped make it the wonderful day it was.