Celebrating 3 Years of Life

Madilyn turned 3 today and we celebrated by going to the lake and playing on the beach. In other words, Madilyn's heaven on earth.

It is a little surreal that we are parents to a 3-year-old already. Seriously, where does the time go? It feels like yesterday that I had just had Madilyn and they whisked her away from me to help her breathe.
It is cute to hear Madilyn tell the story. She says "mom, those people took me away from you and I didn't want to go...I wanted to stay with you....and I was blue" it always brings a tear to my eye, as it was an out of body experience for me, and such a miracle at the same time.

We feel so blessed to have spent the last 3 years with her in our lives.

Today,

She couldn't wait to get up to the water.

Paul's parents came with us, and we had so much fun.
I just have to say it again (and I probably will say it many more times) that I have the best in laws that anyone could ever hope for.
They came over last night and watched the kids while Paul and I went to see our favorite band Dave Matthews.
They even slept on an incredibly uncomfortable blow-up bed in our living room!
Then after having breakfast, building a sandbox, and getting everything ready we were off to the lake....

and it was perfect weather, perfect company, and a perfect way to celebrate Madilyn.

the kiddos love the beach/water more than anything.
Cowen had so much fun playing in the water with Grandpa Larry

and playing in the sand

This little man gorilla walked all over the beach :)
he is almost walking and does a few steps before falling. It won't be long now....

this kid had sand from head-t0-toe and face planted in it several times, but the only time he complained was when we had to leave for the day.

Just had to document his blondy curly locks. I love them and want to remember this cute baby hair :)

playing in the sand never gets old for this little lady. She ran around happy as a little clam all afternoon

Grandma Joan and Madilyn ran up and down the beach countless times (Grandma Joan, you are the best) Madilyn is really into "racing" these days.

I wish I had her energy

Grandpa Larry decided to make a huge sandcastle. It was awesome and so much fun to make. The kids loved when we put water in the "moat"

our creation

While running up and down the beach, Madilyn met a little girl named Madison that was her age and they played and played together.

If you squint hard enough, you can see Madilyn in this pic ;)

Little miss birthday girl.

Happy 3rd birthday Madilyn Sage!

We love you so much and can't wait for your Yo Gabba Gabba party on Saturday!