The Big Three

Sunday was a big day at our house. Luke celebrated his third birthday! He had been so excited thinking about it all week, even leaning out the front door one afternoon and yelling to the girl next door, "Remember Janie, my birthday's coming up!" Well, it finally came and he got to decorate the house with special flowers and new candles for the occasion, feeling very special knowing all the hubbub was over him. My parents, sister Michele, and family friend Galen all came on Saturday, saying overnight and through Sunday's birthday lunch, cake and presents. My Mamaw, Uncle Harmon, and Aunt Beverly joined us on Sunday for the festivities. We remembered our time in Italy, eating Luke's favorite: lasagna bolognese. And for his big surprise, he had a snowman birthday cake, thanks to lots of help from Michele and Galen. He was so excited when he saw it he yelled, "It's Snowy the Frostman!"

Luke happily received birthday cards, calls from all of Ben's family and many of our friends, and lots of gifts to open then and all this week as they arrived in the mail after the MLK holiday. In the lead up to this big birthday, we experienced some of the real changes of what it means to be three. Within one week, Luke started using the potty pretty reliably and sleeping in his big-boy bed! It's a trifecta of milestones, and he couldn't be prouder of himself. If he keeps going at this rate, he'll be growing a mustache, dating, and driving a real car by the summer!

Out with the Globetrotters

We kicked Luke's birthday weekend off in a big way, going out to see the Harlem Globetrotters downtown Friday night. Luke had a good week already since we recently joined the new YMCA near our house and he'd been swimming several nights with Ben after work. Now the cherry on top.....courtside seats to see America's team play their "four quarters" and lots of pranks with the crowd. The highlight for Luke was getting wet during one of Hi-Lite's water gags; I figured it would be confetti in the cup, but it was really water----at least it wasn't Gatorade!

Luke got a indoor basketball hoop from Santa this year, so he's been practicing up his shooting skills. After watching the Globetrotters, he'll be dunking in his room and trying to spin balls on his fingers. It was a great way to start his 3rd birthday weekend. Enjoy the other photos in the slideshow on the left.

Home from the Holidays

We're back home in TN from a wonderful holiday with family and friends, spending time with both sides of our family in NC and GA. We drove over to my parents' home in NC on the 24th, enjoying the Christmas music on the radio and the final build up to the big day. Christmas Eve was celebrated with the Allen side of the family at my Aunt Lydia's, complete with a home-cooked dinner from Grandma Allen and a big warm fire to open presents beside. Luke loved playing with his two little cousins, Delaney (5) and Morgan (soon to be 2). They were all so excited for Santa to come that night and for the fun of the morning to come.

No one had to tell Luke what day it was when we awoke on the 25th. He sat straight up in bed, looked clearly ahead, and said breathlessly, "It's CHRISTMAS!" He raced down the hall to find presents galore and really savored opening each one this year. He's finally more interested in the gift than the wrap, but he took his time playing with nearly every toy before moving on to the next item. We celebrated on Christmas Day and evening with my mother's side of the family, the O'Dells, and had a nice time visiting, eating, and opening more gifts by the fire. All in all, a wonderful and very blessed Christmas indeed......but then there was more ahead!

On the 26th, we drove down to GA to see Ben's family who had gathered at the home in LaGrange. Lauren and her boyfriend Matt were there with Luke's Nonna and Bacca, all ready to make merry and prolong the Christmas season as long as possible. More good dinners, time to visit, and lovely gifts were exchanged. It was nice to all be in one place and to revisit favorites spots in town together, like the obligatory pilgrimage to Charlie Joseph's for "The World's Best Hot Dog." Many old friends and neighbors came by for a little party on Sunday night and it was great to see everyone and for them to see how Luke has grown. He loved all the excitement and having lots of eager playmates 'round the clock.

From GA, we went back to Murphy for New Year's Eve and my father's birthday. We all rang in a new year together and for all its upheaval and transition, we were none to sad to bid 2009 farewell. Here's to a better year for each of us and our country in 2010! We pray there is health, happiness, and renewed purpose ahead for us all.