The BIG SURPRISE!

After Griffin's nap today, we told him his big birthday surprise was coming up! So, we got in the car and asked him for guesses as to what he might get. His guesses included a dinosaur and an elephant. Alas, it was neither but a new bike instead! (He was pretty excited!)

We went to Revolution Cycles (http://www.friendlybike.com/). It's a bike shop that own friend, Watts, owns. he's the best in town. All new (and old) cyclists should go visit him. Watts help make G's birthday extra special (maybe that's because he has a four year old too...G's buddy, Miles).

Riding around the shop...it was love at first sight between G and the big boy bike.

Paying Watts the big bucks. The cash register was *almost* as exciting as the new bike. Thankfully, not.
Safety first...helmets are a MUST!

First try on the bike. G got right on and rode immediately so we knew this was "the one!"

birthday season

We woke up with a new FOUR YEAR OLD in our house today! He's adorable, funny, adorable, fresh, funny and adorable.

Right before nap, I put him to work...making his own birthday cake. Is that wrong?

After breakfast, we went to play with some old co-op friends. This is Jennifer, Griffin's very first teacher ever. We ADORE Jennifer!!!!!
And this is Griffin and some of his friends!! What a fun day (and it was a spontaneous event). When we walked up to the house, they were singing happy birthday to Griffin!
We started the day at Griffin's favorite restaurant (coincidentally, Grandpa Joe's fave as well)...WAFFLE HOUSE!!

A great start to the day...the COUNTER (where only kids four and over can sit) at Waffle House!

last day at co-op

Three years ago we started going to College Hill Childcare Cooperative. When we started, Griffin was 13 months old. he didn't walk, didn't talk, barely crawled. He cried and clung and made it hard to leave. But, overtime, we all came to love co-op. We love all the families we've met and shared the past three years with. So, it was with heavy hearts that we had our last day at co-op this week.

this is Griffin's latest teacher, Carly. She's wonderful! She made the kids treasure hunt maps this week. There were even gold coins at the end!

Griffin's last day was also the day before his birthday! So, we got together and sang! Upon my arrival, Griffin promptly asked, "Where did you buy the cupcakes?" What made him think I *bought* them?!?!
Good-bye, Co-op! We LOVE YOU!

Last night of being 3!

I started this blog exactly one year ago as I was putting my two year old to bed for the last time. Here I am a year later, putting my three year old to bed for the last time. Where did the year go???

and the Fourth keeps on comin'

nothing says "Independence" like...

the confidence (or naievite) to dance by yourself in front of a live band!

that's my boy!!! Mad, crazy dancin' skills!

the judged say a "Perfect 10!"

shake it to the right...
a look of determination that says, "I'm coming to get *you* to dance with me!"

4th of July

We had lots of fun on the fourth. First, we rented a row boat and rowed around the lake. Then, we went downtown to a local festival where Griffin loved the live music and had a great time dancing!!

Getting the gear ready...

a little tired from fun in the sun (clearly, this should be at the end)

there's no such thing as a free ride around here...everybody rows!

next time, we'll bring some fishing rods!