Girls, girls, girls...

At Layla's birthday party (yes, more partying!) we got the girls together for a picture, almost one year later to the day...

Not much has changed :) 

The moms and I were talking and we still see our girls as the babies in the top picture… how did they get so big?!

When we are at home you'd think they couldn't wait to get away from one another - as much as they fight over toys, seats, cups, everything!  But then we get out and the two stick together and actually take care of each other.  It almost makes me tear up sometimes to see their bond.  I'm so happy they have each other.  

Rudy and Avery found just the right spot for their snacks at the party.

And I couldn't leave you without a picture (or two!) of this cute boy...

Birthday Party, Round…?? I Can't Keep Track.

Next up was Gran and Papa's turn for a party!  Uncle Kurt was able to join us and we had a fun little pizza party!  (And I ordered from my favorite pizza place.  I mean I did birth a child three years prior - it's sorta like my birth day, too right??)

Rudy opened his long anticipated blue shoes!  Leading up to his birthday we would ask him what he wanted and the answer was always the same, "blue basketball shoes.  Two of them."  We did some online shopping and would show Rudy options - he would quickly turn them all down, nothing was quite the right shade of blue, I guess.  Until we found these… "Yea! Yea! Yea! I need two, Mom.  See.  Two feet." -- I had never noticed, but online shopping tends to just show the one shoe.  Rudy wanted to make sure he wasn't just getting that one… smart kid :)  

And more blue cake (decorated by Rudy and Avery - just a few sprinkles) and blue ice cream for dessert!

Our attempt at getting a picture with me and the kids...

Clearly I need to learn how to use photoshop asap because we'll never get a good one without it!

But, really, we are all together and that's what matters :)

It rained alllll day on Rudy's birthday - it rained the day he was born, too.  Remember me saying once I like when it rains?  Rain seems to come with all the good things in John and I's life.

But the rain didn't stop Rudy from getting outside to hit some balls.  Papa pitched and at one point they had a 5-hit streak going!

Avery was cheering Rudy on!  
I love when kids' arms are so little they just reach above their head, too cute.

Ben will be able to jump right in one of these days!

And I couldn't help but notice that my yellow rose bush bloomed three blooms that day… 

A perfect way to cap off our week of celebrating 

Our Day Date with Rudy

John had to work on Rudy's actual birthday, so we pretended his birthday was the day before.  LeeAnn was nice enough to watch Avery and Ben so we could take Rudy out for a special morning, just the three of us.  

We took Rudy to his first in-theater movie, Planes: Fire and Rescue.

Rudy had no idea what he was in for.  We explained the show would be as big as a wall and he was pretty hyped up… but the candy (and being allowed to get some!), big popcorn, and soda were by far the highlight!

showing off his tickets

It was so nice to have some time with just the three of us, but we missed Avery and Ben.  Even Rudy said, "Avery and Ben go wif us??"  

We only lasted about 1 hour - which was only about 30 minutes of actual movie.  Rudy asked to go and we weren't going to force it.  He wasn't crazy about the movie and one hour is a long time for a just-turned (kind of) 3 year old to sit through!

Afterwards we headed to the toy store.  He got a duplicate at his party, so he was able to pick out a new one.  Then back home to tell Avery and Ben all about it!  

That evening he opened his presents from us - a new book bag for preschool just around the corner and soccer goals for practicing at home 

Avery opened a little something, too.  She was so happy to have her own toy :)

And no birthday celebration is complete without cake…so more cake!  This time we served up Rudy's requested blue cake… anything for my Ru.

Messy eaters!

Hope you didn't think we were done partying?? ...

"Play Ball!"

To say Rudy is obsessed with baseball is an understatement.  So we planned the perfect party for him (well within reason):  bringing all his friends out a baseball game where he was able to throw out the first pitch and announce the "Play ball!" call!  Doesn't get much better than that! 

We got to the field early to get situated and find out what the plan was for taking the field, etc.  Rudy and John sat back and watched practice and checked it all out.  Rudy was fascinated.

Then I took him to the players dugout and Rudy was able to get lots of autographs

Posing :)  
Could Avery have a cuter outfit?!  I certainly don't think so.  Gran and her handiwork - like no other!

Scoping it out, waiting for his cue to take the mound

We got out to the field, and Rudy was so anxious to throw a pitch.  We had to wait for a few seconds and Rudy kept pointing, "Mom, that way.  That way, Mom."

John and I were allowed to go with, but Rudy didn't need us!  He ran away as soon as he could - he knew right where to go

Here's a little video - Rudy loves the part when "the boys" all chant "Rudy, Rudy, Rudy"

The Sliders' photographer captured some keepers for us :)

Then we had to step back for the National Anthem before Rudy's next big job...

Rudy was such a natural.  He loved being out there and loved the crowd's attention.  

Waiting for the signal...

And another short video:

Showing off his game ball (the catcher was nice enough to give Rudy back the ball and let him keep it)

A few of Rudy's biggest fans!

We all took a little break from the game for cookies and presents - and some "happy"

I'm really disappointed in myself for the lack of pictures I took.  Kate and I took lots of time to package and wrap personalized baseball cookies for each guest, and I had fun theme-appropriate party treats of Cracker Jacks, Sunflower Seeds, and Big League Chew… not a picture of any!  And there are several guests that aren't pictured, either.  Ugh. 

Peach enjoying her cookie

and lots of great new toys!

Some of our favorite party-people 

These two are so hard to take pictures of, let alone together

Speedy!

And their favorite and still talked about, "Hockey Guy"

Well, we tried.

After the game, the kids were allowed to run around the bases.  John took out Avery and Rudy and Josh went out with his girls (the only kids still standing after 9 innings).  John and Rudy ran around the bases over and over and over and over… Rudy was loving every minute.  

Never too early to teach them the importance of Thank You notes...