Happy Birthday June! (thus marking the end of the Wiley Birthday Season)

June turned 3 on March 21. We made the mistake of telling her about 2 weeks early that her birthday was coming up, so by the time it came around she had big ideas that had been described at length to anyone who would listen about what her birthday celebration would entail. I had sort of hoped we could get away with playing it down this year, but alas that was not to be.

We started with a friends party on Saturday. This was a very last-minute thrown-together party so we were grateful to have 3 friends able to make it. We played 3 games -- costume dance party in her room, baseball in the entry hall, and balloons in the basement.

We had cake and opened presents. The kids were all good sports and June had a great time. I felt bad there was no theme or coordinated goodie bags or decorations. I know if I tried I could put together a really first-rate 3-year-old birthday party. This wasn't that. But it was just fine.

Later Saturday night we went to Chuck E. Cheese's -- just as June had planned. Christine, Grandma & Grandpa met us there for mediocre pizza and tears over lost tokens and not enough tickets (doesn't that sound fun?!). June wanted to wear her princess dress & black cape and we let her, because, afterall, who are we really trying to impress at Chuck E. Cheese's.

The next day was her actual birthday on Sunday. She opened a few presents in the morning, and then insisted on wearing her cape to church, so we made sure she also wore the "It's My Birthday" pin prominently, as if that would give us a pass on the church fashion faux pas. After church she opened the rest of her presents which led to more costume changes.

One of her favorite gifts this year was her very own authentic karate uniform from Grandma & Grandpa Wiley & Brett. As soon as she opened it she put it on and started practicing her moves.

She's gotten really into team sports and all they entail -- in particular the equipment and the cheering. Soon her new pom-poms were added to the ensemble (Oliver is trying out her new bike)

but the pom poms were quickly traded for butterfly wings and wand when that gift was opened.

When the bubbles set was opened, the party moved to the back porch, which called for the donning of the black cape and an "Amazing Karate" show.

Grandma & Grandpa & Christine came over for Sunday dinner and more cake.
And at last the celebration came to a close. (That is, except for the fact that she doesn't get the concept of time at all, so keeps wondering almost every day if her birthday has come back again yet.)

But the biggest gift of all was one June gave to me -- she is now completely potty-trained. She was reluctantly accepting of the whole activity, and it only really took her about 2 days in-the-nude and one motherly-breakdown for her to get it -- including at night. She didn't want any fanfare or accolades. She was happy with a few treats but not insistent.

Coloring Ni Hao Kai-lan printouts and watching episodes of Dora on my phone kept her occupied. What a champ she's been. What a relief.

Happy Birthday to my sweet and spunky girl. You make me laugh every day with your crazy ideas and uninhibited performances. You talk my ear off, and surprise me constantly, and bring such life into our home. I love you June Bug.