Molly Clare - Birthday Girl Extraordinare

Molly is officially a 3-year-old!  We went to the Brookfield Zoo yesterday to begin the festivities.  Molly's favorite exhibit was the giraffes (big surprise), followed closely by the dolphin show (also Amelya's favorite) and the seasonal butterfly exhibit (Momma's favorite).  It was a perfect day to be at the zoo - a nice surprise given that it's August and usually quite warm and humid.  After the zoo visit, we found a great little Italian restaurant where Uncle Mark treated us to pizza.  We ate out on the patio and enjoyed ice cream and cannoli for dessert.  They sang Happy Birthday to Sweet Molly.

This morning, we opened Molly's presents from Momma & Daddy, as well as several cards that had come in during the week.  She enjoyed playing with her MagNeatos set (Molly loves puzzles, blocks, legos, bristle blocks, etc) and a giant floor puzzle of a barn and animals.  She also received a horn and basket for the front of her new bike.  

After naps, we took a quick trip over to My Party Palace in downtown Plainfield (this is where Amelya is going to have her 6th birthday party - don't we plan ahead!).  The store was celebrating it's 1st birthday, so we joined them.  Jasmine and Sleeping Beauty were there and they did Amelya and Molly's hair, nails and make-up.  After a royal crowning and pictures, it was time to return home to frost the birthday cake, which, as you'll see, we enjoyed after a dinner of  meatball subs and peas (Molly's choice).

We have had a wonderful couple of days celebrating; we are so proud of Molly and all she has accomplished this year.  She can count to 20, recite her ABCs, recognize all uppercase letters out of order and recite the months of the year.  She knows her shapes and colors and can write her name (with a little help on the "y.").  She took her first dance class and performed in her first dance recital.  She continues to amaze us and make us laugh - her facial expressions and the way she uses her eyes can be hysterical.    Needless to say, we can't wait to watch what she does next!!