Party Time!

Once all the prep work was complete, it was time to party!  We held Owen's 3rd birthday party at the lake house in NC.  The lake is close to both sides of our family.  It was so great to see most of Cha'd family and many of my cousins and their kids.  It is always watching the cousins play together.  There are just so many boys....so, giving them the lake kept them busy and happy and kept them well entertained for hours.  Swimming, sliding, tubing and riding jet skis!  Fun, fun, fun!  

The cabin was the perfect spot for the food! 

I didn't make any of the dinner food..too much time on the sweet treats.  We had BBQ and mac-n-cheese from a local restaurant and chips, veggies and fruit.  It was perfect!

Fun in the water!

Owen is showing Aunt Moe how he can slide...he loves it!

Dock party...with Mickey!

All of our family congregated around the cabin and attempted to keep cool!

One birthday cake that Mommy didn't make.  We enjoyed cake and homemade ice cream - my favorite!

Make a wish sweet boy!

LOVE that he is surrounded by all his cousins!  Cousins are the best!

Owen was especially excited about his presents.  He got some great things...espeically lots of new sporting equipment!

A new bat!

My Batman lunch box!

A Pan-fers football!

Owen got a new pair of "Michael Jordan" shorts.  He immediately stripped out of his clothes and changed into his new shorts. 

Owen's last present was a big package...what could it beeeee?

A Bee Box for Owen!  Yipee!  One excited little boy to have his own bee box.  Now Grandpa, Payton and Owen are saving the world one honey bee at a time...and making tasty honey in the process.  I hope Owen enjoys being a junior beekeeper as much as Payton.  Although the bee boxes live 4 hours away and Grandpa is the primary caregiver, Payton and Owen love their bees and honey!

Grandpa and his Junior Bee Keepers!

After food and gifts, the kids were back in the water!

Owen, Moses and Carson

I have learned that birthday parties, especially those that include our entire family, are lots of work and a wee bit exhausting...but, to be able to see our entire family together, watch the kids play together, enjoy laughs and make memories together, and end the day surround by such a beautiful place...it is all worth it and I am constantly reminded how blessed we are to have such a supportive, involved family and beautiful places to call home, both here and in NC.

Happy 3rd birthday sweet baby Owen...the time has gone by far too fast.  You are such a blessing and I can't imagine our life without you...you bring joy and smile to every minute of our day!!