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Jack held his 3rd birthday party at Gymboree, one of Austen’s favorite hang-outs. Most of Austen’s friends were in attendance, making it even more enjoyable for the ‘rents to watch them run around with each other.

More pics.

The swingset was installed and waiting for us to return home. Mama and Dada told Austen about a big surprise waiting for her as we approached the house. Austen’s animated guesses included a big lollipop and a “videor” but she wasn’t expecting what she saw as she exclaimed, “a tree house!?” Within 10 minutes, Austen had climbed, swang, scaled and played with almost all of the features.

Dada still needs to add sand for the sandbox and the cushioned surface – mulch, wood-chips or pea-gravel…TBD but doesn’t see what all the big deal is with installing one of these sets.

Abby, Daisy and Auntie Janet joined Grandpa Earl and Dolly for our little crab fest. A bushel of small crabs goes a long way.

Following the food and play, we went for a quick dip in Uncle James’ pool since you can never get enough pool time.

Obligatory cow picture.

Everyone enjoyed Kristine’s slamin’ 30th birthday pool party at her parents home. Lots of food, fun in the pool, swingset, kitties, toys and all the kids. It’s amazing how practically all the farm kids are great swimmers, diving in and swimming under the water.

This is what Austen considers a finished peach, sometimes followed by a request for another one.

Vacation photos.

Austen’s good friend Timmy & Ryan jointly celebrated their 3rd birthday during a backyard bash, including fun in the pool.

Austen had a great time at Katie’s 3rd birthday party. In addition to playing with all her friends, Austen got to make her own pizza!

Austen always makes an impression when attending birthday parties:

Birthday party #1: Austen is handed a piece of cake and screams (for all the hear), “No! I want a big piece!” (She doesn’t even manage to finish her “small” piece.)

#2: Austen sees the birthday boy sitting with his piece of cake and tries to get into his chair, yelling, “No, that’s my birthday cake!”

#3: Austen sees an unwrapped present she likes, grabs it, and tussles with birthday girl over it. Both fall down, knocking over a pile of presents. Everyone gasps loudly! Mama is mortified: “Naptime! Time to say ‘Bye bye.'”

For the most party, Austen is fun, playful, social and enthusiastic at birthday parties (she loves to sing “Happy Birthday” and say “Happy Birthday!” and hand her gift to the birthday child) but she never gets through a whole party without at least one “incident” that makes Mama blush. Mama was such a shy, reserved child who never made a splash. Austen, on the other hand, never goes unnoticed.

Austen & Dada went on a spontaneous bowling outing. With very little direction, Austen was on her way pushing the ball down the lane. With a little help from Dada, Austen scored 48 and despite help from Austen, Dada scored 155.

After about the 7th frame, Austen decided she had enough and moved onto to the arcade machines.