Happy Birthday - Part 2

On Valentine's Day, we celebrated Bradyn's birthday again, with Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Dallas and Aunt Ita. (Bradyn was very confused on Sunday when there were no more presents for her.)

Our budding artist started off the day painting a picture of a Heffalump standing under a rainbow. (?? I'm just telling you what the artist says it is.)

She was entranced by her Wizard of Oz book from Grandma & Grandpa - a special book just for Grandpa to read to her.

I just love how she is so serious when opening cards and presents.

The birthday cake. Bradyn gave specific instructions that it had to be white, with blue icing. Thanks to our local dollar store, we were able to make it princess themed - castle candle and all.

"Happy Birthday Bradybug"

Sharing a piece of cake with her birthday buddy.

"Cheese"

Happy 3rd Birthday Bradybug

3

WOW

Yet again, I can't believe how fast Bradyn is growing up. Good-bye Terrible Two's, Hello Trying Threes. (Please God, don't let me find out everyone's been keeping some horrible secret from me about the Fours - I don't think I have it in me to survive much more.)

Bradyn woke up in a pleasantly cheerful mood this morning, but not long after, she settled back into her 'normal' morning self. Once we were able to convince her she should go downstairs (and not have breakfast served to her in her room like the Princess she is), she lit up like a Christmas tree upon seeing her new easel.

Little did she know there was a whole pile of loot waiting for her after supper tonight. (I'm sorry, but wasn't Christmas in December? I know I did, but Mom and Sherri - you spoiled her!)

The traditional Thornton birthday dinner is Chinese, but we went for Japanese.

That's right Brady, just stab it.

We just had a wee cupcake tonight - her specially ordered cake comes tomorrow when we celebrate her birthday with Grandpa's.

First we start by licking all the icing off...

... and then savour the first bite.

Look at me - I'm a birthday ballerina.

Opening presents is very serious business.

All kinds of painting supplies to go with her new easel.

"Ooo - so pretty"

Getting lost in the sea of paper.

I wish you could have heard her opening the gifts. "It's beautiful", "So cool", "It's awesome".

I hope you had a good day baby girl.

The Ornament

I know this is Bradyn's blog, but I'm going to take advantage of my massive group of regular readers (I know, I'm laughing too) to see if we can find another one of THE ORMAMENT.

I'm sure that every family has that one special ornament that hung on the tree when you were a kid, that has some special meaning for you. For our family, it's The Skater-Boy. I have no idea where or who the ormanent came from, but he has turned into a very significant guy for us. He is the last ormanent to go on the tree, front and centre. Sherri and I used to hold the hook together, and place him in his spot of honour. Now that I live in BC, Sherri hangs him on the tree the years that I'm here for Christmas, and I hang him on the tree when I'm there. I'm serious.... mom decorates the tree, but she leaves this one last ornament on the top of the entertainment unit until Sherri or I arrives to do the honours.

Now, no one wants to think about getting older, but one day there is going to be a will that has to include explicit instructions about The Skater-Boy. To help avoid a future family rift between Sherri and I, we thought we better start now, and work on hunting down another one (two would be ideal). The Original version will have to have a very special box, hand carved by Jason, that can withstand being shipped across the country every year. The others, would serve as back-up copies for the years we don't have The Original gracing it's presence on our trees.

I know you're dying to see the photo, so here he is.... our Skater-Boy.

By Hallmark Card Incorporated, and the writing on the ice says "Merry Christmas 1978". If any of you come across this ormanent in your travels, please buy him for us. I'm willing to pay big bucks for this item that could one day save our family (ok, I'm laughing again too). But seriously, if you do come across one, please let Sherri, mom or I know. We'd really like to get a back-up or two.