back to basics

if you know me, you know that i typically like to throw a good birthday party. you know, with a theme and the briefly appreciated decor. this year, along with some other items up on the chopping block, joe and i made a decision to not have any of "those" kinds of parties. we've transitioned to a more organic way of celebrating. thing is, the only person who might have noticed is me. isaak didn't seem to mind a bit, especially not with 3 parties under his belt.

first up, oma and opa came to town bearing plenty of gifts and treating us all to lunch. the only glitch was that their plans couldn't sustain enough time for these boys to be completely satisfied. they devour their oma and opa each and every time they see them and can't seem to ever get their fill.

then came the party with the locals. the only requirements besides cousins and family: pasta, cake and balloons. some felt the need to spoil him with gifts, which he didn't reject.

then of course, the actual birthday- he was gifted his big boy bike so he could keep up with his big brother and we spent the day at the tempe beach park. returning home for yet another birthday dinner and cake with just the four of us.

basically, i'd say this 3 year old made out just fine.