A 3 year old princess

We just got home from a very special birthday party. Abby is turning three on Tuesday, but as far as she knows she turned 3 today. (and we're not telling her any different.) We had a great time and I think Abby did too. We arrived on Saturday afternoon and I just must say, that arriving at Abby's house is so wonderful, because she gets so excited and just runs into our arms.

Now the tradition that Leon has with Abby, is that whenever we have a visit, either her to our house or us to her house, Papaw has a present in his pocket for her. Just a little knick knack or toy that she gets to reach into his pocket for. Grandma usually gets to pick out the toys, so this time it was a little play flashlight ( it did light up) and on the other side of this pants, he had another pocket with a toy for Kyle. So they both had flashlights to play with.

Carrie and Matt had a great taco dinner for us. With the traditional taco shell recipe from me. This recipe has turned out to be a family favorite. I will share it with you in a later post. Here are all the people there to celebrate Miss Abby. All four grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa D from Chattanooga, TN, Grandma and Papaw B. from Columbus OH, Aunt Lissy and Uncle Chad from Columbus, Aunt Becky and little cousin Kyle from Chattanooga.

We played Bocce Ball (don't know how it is spelled, but this seems right for some reason) in the evening and the little ones were hilarious. They stood right in line with us and patiently waited for their turn. We threw the bocce balls and they threw their balls. You can see how cute they are.

The next morning we all got up and went to church (well, ALMOST all of us). I can't remember who, but somebody couldn't get up!?!?!? But Abby got up and wore her new dress and new hair ornaments. The birthday girl is "pretty as a princess". Well, okay she really is a princess.

When we got home, we all pitched in and the cookout was great. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, deviled eggs, salsa, fruit bowl. Brandon, Kristy and little Grant came over to help celebrate. That is three toddlers - Oh my goodness, what fun they had!! Chasing bubbles, playing in the sandbox, swinging.

Abby had many presents to open and she certainly had no hesitation in doing so. This is not a child too shy to for the "grip and rip" method.

Abby blowing out the candles - almost got "too" close

Here is Abby licking off the princess from the cake.

It was a wonderful day and I am sure that Abby will sleep well tonight and so will Grandma and Papaw. By the way, I am sure that Abby loved all of her presents and she did get many... volleyball.... Aqua doodle... Baby doll .... Adorable dresses ...... Bubble gun.. animal hospital toy.... and baby stroller. What a lucky girl. I can't imagine which one she might like best. Hey it's my blog!!!!

I am off all week on vacation and intend to just take it easy. I also hope to do a post a day. See you tomorrow!!! Oh yeah, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABBY - I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!