Birthday Week

Nico's Birthday was Monday, and we celebrated lots of days with lots of family! Guy's parents came into town on Friday and we were able to see them often. We had a party on Sunday for Nico at our place and it was so much fun! Nico had fun with his cousins and he definitely knew he was the center of attention. We had an activity for the kids - dipping foam shapes into water and sticking them to the window to fill in the words "Nico is 3" that I had written on the window beforehand. They also had fun playing with the toys after they were opened. Nico got his heart's desire in trucks and cars.

 Nico enjoyed being sung to.

The whole Russell crew.

On Monday we went to the zoo in the morning with the Grandparents Russell and G.G. We got Nico's yearly picture in the jeep. It was a nice cool morning and very enjoyable. We let Nico lead the way, and he spent quite a bit of time in the zoo sand box, covering and uncovering dinosaur bones. He stayed in Grandpa Russell's arms most of the rest of the time. Grandpa kept him safe from the large, growling dinosaurs sprinkled throughout the zoo.

While at the zoo I ran into an old high school friend who was visiting from Florida. She was able to come over Wednesday morning so that we could catch up. Nico enjoyed showing her daughter Elizabeth all his toys. Elizabeth is 13 months old.

This morning we went to visit Allicia and Evie, and the newest addition to their clan: 2 week old baby boy Avery. You forget so quickly how small newborn babies are! Nico was a little put off while I was holding Avery and asked me to give him back to Allicia. After I did, Nico crawled up into my lap and curled into my arms just like Avery had been doing.

Nico and I then took Evie with us. We packed up our lunches and went to Old Park. We ate in the shade of a tree and then played on the playground until it was time to take Evie back home. Evie cracked up at Nico saying "Uh-oh" and several other funny things Nico was doing, like slapping his face with his hand and pretending his hand hurt. Evie just thought this was hilarious, and Nico knew it and was having so much fun making Evie laugh. He reminded me so much of Guy, enjoying making others laugh.

Kicking up bark at the park.

Eventually I will post another video!