Reese Turns 3!

With Thanksgiving passed, most people's minds turn toward Christmas.  However, we have one more important stop before we can fully get into Christmas mode.  And that stop is Reese's birthday.

This year Reese turned three, and this means she got to pick out her own cake design.  She went to the store with Callie and Sarah, and after some careful influence she saw the light and chose a ladybug cake over a Barbie one.  The final result, pictured to the left, looks wonderful.  You would never guess that its creation witnessed several potential breaking points where Sarah felt she may have bitten off more than she could chew.  It probably doesn't help that the cake is usually decorated the night before when stress levels are high.  However, the smile on Reese's face makes all the pain worthwhile.

Speaking of smiles, as well as general excitement, Reese was very happy that it was her birthday and that she got presents.  Indeed, she found it very difficult to contain herself, even when it came to reading the cards that came with the presents.  Turning three was such a wonderful thing for her, and for the rest of us as well.  Callie wanted to show Reese how to open her presents, but Reese showed that she had already mastered that skill.

One of the gifts that Reese got was a personalized Diego storybook, that not only focused on zebras but also had pictures of her inside.  It was almost too good to be true.  She had to show Sharon and Chris, who were duly impressed.  The evening was wonderful, and in what has become a birthday tradition for the girls, included a meal with the Chrismans.

It is hard to believe that Reese is three years old.  Life has been a whirlwind since she entered our lives, but she has made a name for herself in this family, that's for sure.  She is a joyful force to be reckoned with, and we are so lucky to be her parents.

Who knows what this year will bring for her.  All we know is that she is going to meet it all head on, with a big smile on her face.  Except for when she is throwing a fit, and then all smiles are out the window.